SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K

(X) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996

OR

( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________________ to ____________________

Commission file number 0-21318

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
              Missouri                             44-0618012
     --------------------------------------------------------------------
     (State or other jurisdiction    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
         of incorporation or
            organization)



233 South Patterson
Springfield, Missouri 65801

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

(417) 862-6708

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.01
par value

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

At February 28, 1997, an aggregate of 10,474,778 shares of the common stock of the registrant were outstanding. As of that date, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Company was approximately $181,118,849, based on the last sale price of the common stock reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market (National Market).

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

As provided herein, portions of the registrant's documents specified below are incorporated herein by reference:

             Document                               Part-Form 10-K
- ---------------------------------------   -------------------------------------

Portions of the Annual Shareholders'
Report for the Year Ended December 31,
1996                                       Parts I, II and IV

Proxy Statement for 1997 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders (to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days of
the end of registrant's most recently
completed fiscal year)                     Part III

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The information contained in this Form 10-K includes statements regarding matters which are not historical facts (including statements as to O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.'s (the "Company") plans, beliefs or expectations) which are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Because such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, the Company's actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed in the Sections captioned "Business" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (incorporated herein by reference) and those risk factors discussed in Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

PART I

ITEM 1 BUSINESS

General

O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. ("O'Reilly" or the "Company") is a specialty retailer and supplier of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories ("Automotive Products") to both "do-it-yourself" ("DIY") customers and professional mechanics or service technicians ("Professional Installers"). The Company, which was founded in 1957 by the O'Reilly family in Springfield, Missouri, operates 219 stores (at December 31, 1996) within the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma. See "Growth and Expansion Strategies." O'Reilly stores carry an extensive product line consisting of (i) new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, water pumps, and brake shoes and pads, (ii) maintenance items, such as oil, antifreeze, fluids, engine additives and appearance products, (iii) accessories, such as floor mats and seat covers, and
(iv) a complete line of autobody paint and related materials, automotive tools and professional service equipment. The Company offers machining services through its O'Reilly stores, but does not sell tires or perform automotive repairs or installations. Approximately 97% of the Company's 1996 product sales were generated through the O'Reilly store network, of which approximately one- half was derived from DIY customers and one-half from Professional Installers. The remaining 3% of the Company's product sales was generated by its wholly- owned subsidiary, Ozark Automotive Distributors, Inc. ("Ozark"), through wholesale sales to independently owned auto parts stores.

Background

O'Reilly was founded in 1957 by Charles F. O'Reilly and his son, Charles H. "Chub" O'Reilly, Sr. (a current director of the Company) and initially operated from a single store in Springfield, Missouri, with 12 employees selling primarily to the Professional Installer portion of the market. O'Reilly established Ozark in October 1960 to purchase Automotive Products directly from the manufacturer and to distribute such Automotive Products to O'Reilly.

The Company has experienced steady growth from its first year of operation. By 1980, each of Chub O'Reilly's children, Charles, Lawrence and David O'Reilly and Rosalie O'Reilly Wooten, had assumed leadership roles in the Company. Together with their father, they have managed the Company through a period of rapid growth and profitability.

The Company's goal is to continue its pattern of growth in sales and profitability by capitalizing on its role as a leading specialty retailer and supplier of Automotive Products throughout its markets. The key elements of the multifaceted business strategy developed by the Company to achieve this goal are discussed below.

Operating Strategies

Dual Market Strategy. The Company believes that because it aggressively pursues both the DIY and the Professional Installer portions of the automotive aftermarket through its O'Reilly store network, the Company can successfully compete not only in large metropolitan markets but also in less densely populated areas. In 1996, the Company derived approximately one-half of its O'Reilly

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store network sales by selling to the DIY market and approximately one-half of such sales by selling to the Professional Installer market. By serving both portions of the market, the Company believes that it is able to reach substantially all consumers of Automotive Products within its market areas. The increased demand generated by this expanded customer base permits the Company to
(i) stock (either in-store or at its distribution centers) a broader selection of stock keeping units ("SKU's"), and (ii) restock and fill special orders from its distribution centers on an overnight, or in some cases, a same-day basis. See "Inventory Management and Distribution Systems."

The Company also believes that its service to both the DIY and Professional Installer portions of the automotive aftermarket results in additional benefits not generally enjoyed by competitors serving only one portion of the market. Because the Company deals with the more technically-oriented Professional Installers, the Company's Professional Parts People are required to be more technically proficient, particularly with regard to hard parts. The Company has found that such technical proficiency is also valued by its DIY consumers, thereby enhancing the Company's ability to execute its customer service strategy. Further, the Company has found that the more progressive marketing concepts utilized in the DIY portion of its business can be applied to increase sales of Automotive Products to the Company's Professional Installer customers.

Inventory Management and Distribution Systems. The Company's inventory management and distribution systems, which electronically link each O'Reilly store to a distribution center, provide an efficient and sophisticated means of inventory control and management. The computer system at each O'Reilly store records each sale, makes a corresponding inventory adjustment and orders replacement inventory from the distribution center. The Company utilizes an industry ranking method, in addition to its own evaluation criteria, for each SKU carried at the distribution center which identifies and classifies each SKU by demand. Refinements to inventory levels to be carried in the stores are made continuously based in large part on the sales movement shown by the Company's computerized inventory control system and on management's assessment of the changes and trends in the marketplace. Under arrangements with most suppliers of Automotive Products, slow moving or obsolete merchandise is returned to the supplier for full credit. Accordingly, the Company experiences little obsolescence in its inventory.

The Company's distribution centers are equipped with highly automated conveyor systems which expedite the movement of Automotive Products to loading areas for shipment to individual stores on a nightly basis. The distribution centers utilize computer assisted technology to electronically receive orders from computers located in each O'Reilly store. The Company, which continually seeks to further enhance these systems, has installed a bar code system in its stores. In addition, the Company has established a satellite-based data interchange system between those O'Reilly stores in which high-speed data transmission technology is not readily available, the distribution center which services such stores and the O'Reilly corporate headquarters.

During 1996, the Company's three distribution centers experienced an annual inventory turn of approximately 5.8 times, and the O'Reilly store network had an average inventory turn of approximately 4.1 times. The Company believes that its warehouse distribution system enables it to maintain optimum inventory levels throughout the O'Reilly store network and, at the same time, provide its customers with an outstanding selection of SKUs at each O'Reilly store site. The Company further believes that its ability to provide its customers with access to over 105,000 SKUs (many of which are lower turnover items not typically stocked at other parts stores) on an overnight and, in some cases, a same day basis results in an important competitive advantage enjoyed by the Company in this key area of SKU selection and availability.

Superior Customer Service. The Company's number one priority is customer satisfaction. The Company seeks to attract new DIY and Professional Installer customers and to retain existing customers by conducting a variety of advertising and promotional programs and by offering (i) superior in-store service through highly-motivated, technically-proficient Professional Parts People using advanced point-of-sale systems, (ii) an extensive selection of SKUs stocked in each store, (iii) same day or overnight availability of over 105,000 SKUs made possible through the Company's rapid, on-line communication with its distribution centers, (iv) attractive stores in convenient locations, and (v) competitive pricing supported by the Company's Right Part, Right Price, Right Now(R) policy.

Each of O'Reilly's Professional Parts People is required to be technically proficient in the workings and application of Automotive Products. See "Store Operations--Store Personnel and Training." This degree of technical proficiency is essential because of the significant portion of the Company's business represented by the Professional Installer. The Company has found that

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the typical DIY customer often seeks assistance from sales persons, particularly in connection with the purchase of hard parts. The Company believes that the ability of its Professional Parts People to provide such assistance to the DIY consumer is valued by the DIY customer, and therefore is likely to result in repeat DIY business. To assist the Company's Professional Parts People in providing superior customer service, the Company has installed advanced point- of-sale information systems. These systems provide individual O'Reilly stores with access to the Company's database of manufacturer recommended parts (the "electronic catalog") and the ability to locate parts at other O'Reilly stores. These systems also significantly shorten the time period required to obtain credit card and personal check approvals.

The Company believes that the satisfaction of DIY and Professional Installer customers often is substantially dependent upon the Company's ability to offer the specific Automotive Product requested. Accordingly, each O'Reilly store carries a broad selection of Automotive Products designed to cover a broad range of vehicle specifications. To emphasize its commitment to providing its customers with the Automotive Products requested, the Company has instituted a Right Part, Right Price, Right Now(R) policy. Under this policy, if any of the 15,000 most commonly requested Automotive Products is not available in-store when the customer requests it, the Company will apply a 5% discount to the purchase price of the item and the part will usually be available within 24 hours from one of the Company's distribution centers.

The Company believes that O'Reilly stores are "destination stores" generating their own traffic rather than relying on traffic created by the presence of other stores in the immediate vicinity. Consequently, most O'Reilly stores are free-standing buildings situated on or near major traffic thoroughfares. O'Reilly stores offer ample parking and easy customer access.

The Company believes that a competitive pricing policy is essential within product categories in order to compete successfully. Product pricing is generally established to meet the pricing policies of competitors in the market area served by each store. Most Automotive Products sold by the Company are priced at discounts from the manufacturer suggested prices and additional savings are offered through volume discounts and special promotional pricing. Consistent with its Right Part, Right Price, Right Now(R) policy, each O'Reilly store will match any verifiable price on any in-stock product of the same or comparable quality offered by any of its competitors.

Growth and Expansion Strategies

Accelerated New Store Openings. The Company's ability to open new stores in both existing and new markets since the beginning of 1980 has been a significant factor in achieving its rapid growth in product sales and profitability. The Company operates 219 stores (at December 31, 1996) within the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma and for the five years ended December 31, 1996 has increased the number of O'Reilly stores at an average annual rate of approximately 14%. The Company has adopted certain strategic initiatives designed to accelerate its new store opening rate to approximately 19% by 1998. The Company intends to open 40 new stores in 1997 and 50 new stores in 1998, including stores to be opened in the new market areas of Iowa and Nebraska, and additional stores in the Company's current market areas. Management believes that the Company's ability to open new stores at this accelerated rate will continue to be a significant factor in achieving its growth objectives for the future, and that substantial opportunities exist for the opening of new stores to achieve greater penetration in existing markets and to expand into new contiguous markets.

Until 1986, the Company's expansion was targeted to markets with populations of less than 100,000. The Company entered into a more densely populated market in August 1986 with the opening of the first of its 29 stores which now serve the greater Kansas City, Missouri, marketing area. Of the 31 stores opened in 1996, 5 are located in the Wichita, Kansas market, and the remainder are located in other markets, primarily in Oklahoma and Kansas. While the Company has faced, and expects to continue to face, more aggressive competition in its more densely populated markets, the Company believes that it has competed effectively, and that it is well positioned to continue to compete effectively, in such markets and achieve its goal of continued sales and profit growth within these markets. The Company also believes that because of its Dual Market Strategy, the Company is better able to operate stores in less densely populated areas within its regional market which would not otherwise support a national or regional chain store selling to one portion of the market or the other. Consequently, the Company expects to continue to open new stores in less densely populated market areas.

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To date, the Company has experienced no significant difficulties in locating suitable store sites for construction of new stores or identifying suitable acquisition candidates for conversion to O'Reilly stores. New stores are opened by the Company either (i) by constructing a new store at a site which is purchased or leased and stocking the new store with fixtures and inventory, or (ii) by acquiring an independently owned parts store, typically by the purchase of substantially all of the inventory and other assets (other than realty) of such store. The costs associated with the opening of a new O'Reilly store (including the cost of land acquisition, improvements, fixtures, inventory and computer equipment) are estimated to average approximately $800,000- $1,000,000; however, such costs may be significantly reduced where the Company leases, rather than purchases, the store site. Although the cost to acquire the business of an independently owned parts store varies, depending primarily upon the amount of inventory and the amount, if any, of real estate being acquired, the Company estimates that the average cost to acquire such a business and convert it to an O'Reilly store is approximately $400,000. Store sites are strategically located in clusters within geographic areas which complement the Company's distribution system in order to achieve economies of scale in management, advertising, and distribution costs. Other key factors considered by the Company in the site selection process include population density and growth patterns, age and per capita income, vehicle traffic counts, the number and type of existing automotive repair facilities, auto parts stores, and other competitors within a pre-determined radius, and the operational strength of such competitors. When entering new, more densely populated markets, the Company generally seeks to initially open several stores within a short span of time in order to maximize the effect of initial promotional programs and achieve further economies of scale.

Same store growth through increased sales and profitability is also an important part of the Company's growth strategy. To achieve improved sales and profitability at existing O'Reilly stores, the Company continually strives to improve upon the service provided to its customers. The Company believes that while competitive pricing is essential in the competitive environment of the automotive aftermarket business, it is customer satisfaction (whether of the DIY consumer or Professional Installer), resulting from superior customer service that generates increased sales and profitability.

Store Design and Location. The Company's current prototype store design, completed in 1994, features several enhancements designed to increase product sales, customer service and operating efficiencies, which generally includes greater square footage, higher ceilings, new fixtures, more convenient interior store layouts, brighter lighting, increased parking availability and dedicated counters to serve Professional Installers. The Company aggressively manages its store network through systematic renovation and relocation of existing O'Reilly stores which conform with the Company's prototype store design. In 1996, the Company renovated or relocated 32 stores.

Expansion of Distribution System. In order to facilitate its store expansion strategy, the Company utilizes a central warehouse distribution system to distribute Automotive Products to its O'Reilly store network. The Company, through its Ozark subsidiary, currently operates a 212,000 square foot warehouse distribution center (including 51,000 square feet of mezzanine space) located in Springfield, Missouri, a 113,000 square foot warehouse distribution center (including 36,000 square feet of mezzanine space) located in Kansas City, Missouri and a 123,000 square foot distribution center (including 33,000 square feet of mezzanine space) located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which opened in March, 1996 for receiving, storing and distributing Automotive Products. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The Company also operates a 36,000 square foot bulk merchandise warehouse in Springfield, Missouri for the distribution of bulk products such as motor oil, antifreeze, batteries, lubricants and other fast moving bulk products. The bulk warehouse facility is located adjacent to the main distribution center in Springfield. The Company believes that its distribution system results in lower inventory carrying costs, improved in-stock positions at the O'Reilly stores, and superior inventory control and management. Moreover, the Company believes that its expanding network of distribution centers allows it to efficiently service existing O'Reilly stores, as well as new stores planned for opening in contiguous market areas. The Company's distribution center expansion strategy also complements its new store opening strategy by supporting newly established clusters of stores located in the regions surrounding each distribution center.

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Store Operations

Store Layout. Although the Company has no present intention to open new Level 2 Stores, the O'Reilly store network is composed generally of three store formats consisting of the Level 2 Store, the Level 1 Store and the Master Inventory Store which, as of December 31, 1996, are categorized based on the number of in-stock SKUs as follows:

                                                  Approximate
                                   Number of        Range of         Number of
             Store Format           Stores       Square Footage    In-Stock SKUs
      ----------------------------  ------      ----------------  ---------------
Level 2 Stores                         31       3,000  -   5,000  12,000 - 16,000
Level 1 Stores (prototype)            164       4,000  -   8,000  16,001 - 25,000
Master Inventory Stores                24       6,000  -  12,000  25,001 - 44,000

The primary function of the Master Inventory Stores, like all other O'Reilly stores, is to sell Automotive Products to both portions of the marketplace. However, because Master Inventory Stores carry a greater selection of SKUs, including certain lower turnover hard parts not typically carried in the Level 1 or Level 2 Stores, a Master Inventory Store also provides the other O'Reilly stores within its area with access to a greater selection of SKUs on a same-day basis.

O'Reilly stores offer the DIY and the Professional Installer customer a wide selection of nationally recognized brand name and private label SKUs for domestic and imported automobiles, vans and trucks. New and remanufactured automotive hard parts, such as engine and transmission parts, alternators, starters, water pumps, and brake shoes and pads, have accounted for a majority of total sales. An O'Reilly store also carries an extensive selection of maintenance items, such as oil, antifreeze, fluids, engine additives, appearance products, and accessories, such as floor mats and seat covers, and a complete line of autobody paint and related materials, automotive tools and professional service equipment. Maintenance items and accessories have accounted for most of the remaining sales. The Company operates machine shops in 11 regional locations, 10 of which are located at an O'Reilly store. One machine shop, located in Springfield, Missouri, is free-standing. The O'Reilly machine shops perform engine machining services (such as block boring, head resurfacing, and crankshaft grinding) for DIY and Professional Installer consumers of such services. The Company believes that its performance of this service is valuable not only in maintaining its relationships with its DIY and Professional Installer customers but in attracting new customers, in each case resulting in increased sales of Automotive Products. Each O'Reilly machine shop is equipped with sophisticated equipment, and employs ASE certified machinists having an average of approximately ten years experience in machining.

Store exteriors generally feature a light tan facade highlighted by an attractive red, white and green stripe, with the name O'Reilly Auto Parts written in kelly green letters on a white background in a lighted sign. During 1994, a friendlier and more modern store format with an open architectural style was introduced. These new stores feature greater square footage, higher ceilings, brighter lighting, taller fixtures and a more attractive interior design. The Company utilizes a computer-assisted "plan-o-grammed" store layout system to provide uniform and consistent merchandise presentation; however some variation occurs in order to meet the specific needs of a particular market area. Merchandise is arranged to provide easy customer access and maximum selling space, keeping high-turnover products and accessories within view of the customer, and aisle displays are generally used to feature high-demand or seasonal merchandise, new items and advertised specials. All stores have a counter adjacent to the front display area where automotive replacement hard parts that do not lend themselves to display are available. Although store hours may vary by market area, O'Reilly stores are generally open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. O'Reilly stores accept cash, checks and major credit cards and extend short-term credit to those Professional Installers who satisfy the Company's credit requirements.

Store Automation. To enhance store level operations and customer service, the Company has installed advanced point-of-sale computer terminals which are generally located on the hard parts counters. These point-of-sale terminals are linked with the IBM AS/400 computers located in each of the Company's distribution centers and utilize bar code scanning technology to price merchandise in sales transactions. In addition, the point-of-sale terminals provide immediate access to the Company's electronic catalog to display parts and pricing information by make, model and year of vehicle. This system speeds transaction times, reduces

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register lines and provides enhanced customer service. Moreover, this system captures sales information which assists in store management, strategic planning, inventory control and distribution effectiveness.

Store Personnel and Training. The Company believes that technical proficiency on the part of each sales specialist is essential to meet the needs of its customers, particularly the Professional Installer, and that the technical proficiency of its Professional Parts People resulting from O'Reilly's extensive and ongoing training program provides the Company with a significant advantage over its competitors, particularly the smaller retail operators and the less specialized mass merchandisers.

The Company's training function is managed by a full time training director who, together with his staff, is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. There currently are regional trainers located in Springfield, Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Company screens prospective employees to identify highly-motivated individuals with either experience in automotive parts or repairs, or an aptitude for automotive knowledge. Each person who becomes an employee, or "team member," first participates in an intensive two- day orientation program designed to introduce the team member to the Company culture and specific job duties before being assigned specific job responsibilities. The successful completion of additional training is required before a team member is deemed qualified as a parts specialist and thus able to work at the parts counter at an O'Reilly store. All new counter people are required to successfully complete a six-month basic automotive systems training course and are then enrolled in a six-month advanced automotive systems course for ASE certification. In addition to extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of the store manager or assistant store manager, each team member completes a weekly training assignment and has available to him or her a number of training programs (videos, booklets, etc.) presented by the Company under the direction of the training director. For example, team members are given notice of and encouraged to attend seminars designed by the Company primarily for its Professional Installer customers. The seminars are generally conducted by the Company's technical trainer or by representatives of a manufacturer or supplier, and focus primarily on advanced automotive systems and parts knowledge.

Each O'Reilly store participates in the Company's sales specialist training program that is conducted by the operations training manager. Under this program, selected team members complete two days of extensive sales call training for business development, after which these team members will spend one day per week calling on existing and new Professional Installer customers. Additionally, each team member engaged in such sales activities will participate in quarterly advanced training programs for sales and business development.

Management training is also an important part of the Company's training program. Each O'Reilly store is staffed with a store manager and an assistant manager, in addition to the counter sales persons and support staff required to meet the specific needs of each store. There are currently 27 district managers, each of whom has general supervisory responsibility for an average of eight O'Reilly stores within such manager's district. Each district manager receives comprehensive training on a monthly basis at the Company's headquarters focusing on management techniques, new product announcements, advanced automotive systems and Company policies and procedures. In turn, the information covered at such monthly meetings is discussed in full by district managers at monthly meetings with their store managers. All assistant managers and manager trainees are required to successfully complete a six-month manager development program, which includes 85 hours of classroom and field training, as a prerequisite to becoming a store manager. This program covers operations extensively, as well as principles of successful management.

The Company provides financial incentives to its district managers, store managers, assistant managers and sales specialists through an incentive compensation program. Under the Company's incentive compensation program, the base salary of most team members engaged in the sale of Automotive Products, particularly district managers and store managers, is augmented by incentive compensation which is based upon the achievement of sales and profitability goals. Such sales and profitability goals are based upon the performance of an individual store or district in which the team member performs services. The Company believes that its incentive compensation program significantly increases the motivation and overall performance of its Professional Parts People and the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified management and other personnel. Most of the Company's current senior management, district managers and store managers were promoted to their positions from within the Company. Most members of senior management have at least 20 years experience with the Company, and district managers and store managers have an average length of service with the Company of approximately eight years and six years, respectively.

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Marketing and Products

Marketing to the Professional Installer. Throughout its history, the Company has been a seller of Automotive Products to the Professional Installer. The Company considers this portion of its business to be an integral part of its entire business strategy and devotes substantial time and energy to the development of its Professional Installer business. The Company's Director of Sales is primarily responsible for the development and maintenance of the Company's Professional Installer business. There are 36 full time O'Reilly sales representatives strategically located in the more densely populated market areas served by the Company dedicated solely to calling upon and selling to the Professional Installer. Moreover, each district manager and store manager participates in these activities by calling upon existing and potential new Professional Installers on a regular and periodic basis. Most of the O'Reilly stores operate one or more small trucks or vans in order to provide prompt delivery service to the Professional Installer. In addition, many O'Reilly stores provide a dedicated counter to serve Professional Installers. In order to promote the Professional Installer portion of its business, the Company provides various services of special interest to the Professional Installer. For example, the Company provides trade credit for qualified Professional Installers and sponsors seminars concerning topics of interest to Professional Installers, such as technical updates, safety and general business management.

Marketing to the Independently Owned Parts Store. Along with the operation of the distribution centers and the distribution of Automotive Products to the O'Reilly stores, Ozark also sells Automotive Products to independently owned parts stores whose retail stores are generally located in areas not serviced by an O'Reilly store. The Company generally does not compete with any independently owned parts store to which it sells Automotive Products, but has, on occasion, acquired the business assets of an independently owned parts store supplied by Ozark. Ozark operates its own separate marketing program to independently owned parts stores through a staff of five. Of the approximately 59 independently owned parts stores currently purchasing Automotive Products from Ozark, 51 participate in the Auto Value(R) program through Ozark. As a participant in this program, an independently owned parts store which meets certain minimum financial and operational standards is permitted to indicate its Auto Value(R) membership through the display of the Auto Value(R) logo, which is owned by Auto Value Associates, Inc. ("Auto Value Associates"), a non-profit buying group consisting of 50 members as of December 31, 1996, including the Company, engaged in the distribution or sale of Automotive Products. Additionally, the Company provides advertising and promotional assistance to Auto Value(R) stores purchasing Automotive Products from Ozark, as well as marketing and sales support. In return for a commitment to purchase Automotive Products from Ozark, the Company offers assistance to an Auto Value(R) independently owned parts store by providing loan guarantees and financing secured by inventory, furniture and fixtures, making available computer software for inventory control and performing certain accounting and bookkeeping functions.

Pricing. The Company believes that a competitive pricing strategy is essential within all product categories in order to compete successfully. The Company's pricing is established by senior management, with input from store management, in a manner designed to meet product prices charged by the Company's competitors in the market. To assure competitive pricing, the Company has established its Right Part, Right Price, Right Now(R) policy under which each O'Reilly store, at the request of a customer, will match any verifiable price on any in-stock product of the same or comparable quality. Most Automotive Products sold by the Company are priced at discounts from the manufacturer's suggested prices and additional savings are offered through volume discounts. Special promotions are also offered to attract customers, particularly the DIY customer, to the O'Reilly stores, which special promotions are often times supported through newspaper and electronic advertising and through the use of special flyers.

Advertising and Promotion. The Company aggressively promotes sales to consumers through an extensive advertising program which includes direct mail, newspaper and radio advertising and some television advertising in selected markets. The Company believes that its advertising and promotional activities have resulted in significant name recognition in each of its market areas. Newspaper advertisements are generally directed towards specific product and price promotions, frequently in connection with specific sale events and promotions. Total advertising expenses (excluding amounts received from suppliers as allowances), have decreased from approximately 1.4% in 1995 to approximately 1.2% of product sales in 1996.

Products and Purchasing. Aided by the Company's computerized inventory control and management system, the product selection and purchasing functions are managed centrally at the Company's executive offices. The Company's merchandise generally consists of nationally recognized, well advertised, name brand products such as A.C. Delco, Moog, Wagner, Gates Rubber, Federal Mogul, Monroe, Prestone, Quaker State, Pennzoil, Castrol, Valvoline, STP, Armor All and Turtle Wax. In

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addition to name brand products, O'Reilly stores carry a wide variety of high- quality private label products under its SuperStart(R), BrakeBest(R), Ultima(R) and Omnispark(R) proprietary name brands, and the Parts Master(R) name brand (which are provided through Auto Value Associates). Because most of such products are produced by nationally recognized manufacturers in accordance with the Company's specifications, the Company believes that the private label products are of equal or, in some cases, better quality than comparable name brand products, a characteristic which is important to the Company's Professional Installer clientele. The Company further believes that the private label products are packaged attractively to promote customer interest and are generally priced below comparable name brand products carried in the store.

Although the Company is not obligated to make purchases through Auto Value Associates, Auto Value Associates assists the Company in negotiating purchases of Automotive Products from a variety of vendors (including purchases of Parts Master(R) products). Because of its volume purchases of Automotive Products, the Company believes that its long-term ability to buy Automotive Products on favorable terms would not be materially adversely affected if the Company ceased to be a member of Auto Value Associates. The Company believes, however, that its membership in Auto Value Associates provides certain benefits, and does not currently intend to terminate its membership therein.

The Company purchases Automotive Products from approximately 350 vendors, the three largest of which accounted for approximately 15% of the Company's total purchases in fiscal 1996 and none of which accounted for more than 10% of such purchases. The Company has no long-term contractual commitments with any of its vendors. The Company has not experienced difficulty in obtaining satisfactory alternative sources of supply for Automotive Parts, and believes that adequate sources of supply exist at substantially similar costs, for substantially all Automotive Products sold by the Company. The Company considers its relationships with its suppliers to be good. Manufacturers of Automotive Products, particularly hard parts, typically provide repair and replacement warranties which are passed on by the Company to its customers. However, the Company does provide warranties on a few product lines. The Company's Automotive Product vendors generally permit the Company to return any slow moving or obsolete inventory for a full credit. It is the Company's policy to take advantage of early payment and seasonal purchasing discounts offered by its vendors, and to utilize extended dating terms available from vendors due to volume purchasing.

Competition

The Company believes that while the industry is still highly fragmented, the ability of national and regional specialty retail chains, such as the Company, to operate more efficiently than the smaller independent operator or mass merchandiser will result in industry consolidation. The Company believes that automotive specialty chains are able to operate more efficiently than small or less specialized competitors because of economies of scale and internal efficiencies, particularly in the areas of purchasing, distribution, inventory management and advertising. The Company also believes that staffing sales positions with technically proficient sales personnel is essential to meet the needs of purchasers of today's more sophisticated and complex automotive parts and that such staffing differentiates the specialty retailer from the less specialized mass merchandiser. The Company believes that specialty retail chains, such as the Company, which have the financial resources to provide for such internal efficiencies and the ongoing training required to ensure the staffing of technically proficient sales personnel, are well positioned to gain market share from the smaller independent operators and mass merchandisers.

The Company competes in both the DIY and Professional Installer portions of the automotive aftermarket business. Competitors in the DIY portion of its business within its current market areas (primarily in the more densely populated market areas) include automotive parts chains such as AutoZone, Western Auto and Pep Boys, independently owned parts stores (some of which are associated with national auto parts distributors or associations), automobile dealerships and mass or general merchandise, discount and convenience chains that carry Automotive Products. The Company's major competitors in the Professional Installer portion of its business include independent warehouse distributors and independently owned parts stores, automobile dealers and national warehouse distributors and associations, such as National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA), Carquest and Parts Plus. AutoZone entered into certain of the Company's Professional Installer markets in 1996. The Company competes on the basis of price, merchandise selection and availability, store location and customer service. The Company believes that its principal strengths are its ability to provide both the DIY and Professional Installers same day or overnight availability to more than 105,000 SKUs through its highly motivated and technically proficient Professional Parts People. However, some of the Company's current and potential competitors are larger than the Company and have greater financial resources than the Company.

-9-

Employees

As of December 31, 1996, the Company had 3,337 team members, of whom 2,484 were employed at the O'Reilly stores, 523 were employed at the distribution centers and 330 were employed at the corporate and administrative headquarters. The Company's team members are not subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The Company considers its relations with its team members to be excellent, and strives to promote good employee relations through various programs designed for such purposes.

Servicemarks and Trademarks

The Company has registered the servicemarks O'Reilly Automotive(R), O'Reilly Auto Parts(R), Right Part, Right Price, Right Now(R), Because It's Your Car We're Talking About(R) and Parts Payoff(R) and the trademarks SuperStart(R), BrakeBest(R), Ultima(R) and Omnispark(R). Further, the Company is licensed to use the registered trademarks and servicemarks Auto Value(R) and Parts Master(R) in connection with its marketing program, which marks are owned by Auto Value Associates. The Company believes that its business is not otherwise dependent upon any patent, trademark, servicemark or copyright.

Regulation

Although subject to various laws and governmental regulations relating to its business, including those related to the environment, the Company does not believe that compliance with such laws and regulations has a material adverse effect on its operations. Further, the Company is unaware of any failure to comply with any such laws and regulations which could have a material adverse effect on its operations. No assurance can be given, however, that significant expenses could not be incurred by the Company to comply with any such law or regulation in the future.

ITEM 2 PROPERTIES

The following table provides certain information with respect to the Company's headquarters and distribution centers:

                                                                 Square
    Location                 Principal Use(s)                    Footage       Interest
    --------                 ----------------                    -------       --------
Springfield, MO       Executive and Administrative Offices     256,000(a)(b)    Owned
                      and Distribution Center
Springfield, MO       Administrative Offices,                   25,000          Leased(c)
                      Training and Research
Springfield, MO       Bulk Merchandise Warehouse                36,000           Owned
Kansas City, MO       Distribution Center                      113,000(a)        Owned
Oklahoma City, OK     Distribution Center                      123,000(a)        Owned

- -----------------------

(a) Includes mezzanine space.

(b) Includes 212,000 square feet (including mezzanine space) utilized by the Company for its distribution center.

(c) Occupied under the terms of a lease expiring in 2014 with an unaffiliated party, subject to renewal for a term of 10 years at the option of the Company. To facilitate construction, the Company loaned to the owner of the facility an aggregate of approximately $1.6 million. The principal balance of such loan bears interest at a rate of six percent per annum, is payable in equal monthly installments through January 2005 and is secured by a first deed of trust.

Of the 219 stores operated by the Company at December 31, 1996, 81 stores were owned, 84 stores were leased from unaffiliated parties and 54 stores were leased from one of two real estate investment partnerships formed by the O'Reilly family. Leases with unaffiliated parties generally provide for payment of a fixed base rent, payment of certain tax, insurance and

-10-

maintenance expense, and an original term of ten years, subject to one or more renewals at the option of the Company. The original terms of 39 stores leased from unaffiliated parties expire prior to the end of 1998. The Company has entered into separate master lease agreements with each of the affiliated real estate investment partnerships for the occupancy of the stores covered thereby. Such master lease agreements expire on December 31, 1998, subject to renewal at the option of the Company for an additional period of up to six years.

The Company believes that its present facilities are in good condition, are adequately insured and together with those under construction, are suitable and adequate for the conduct of its current operations.

ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings, other than routine claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe that such claims and lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.

ITEM 4A EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

The following paragraphs set forth certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Company, who are not also directors:

Ted F. Wise, age 46, Executive Vice-President, has served in this capacity since February, 1997. Prior to his current position, Mr. Wise had served as Senior Vice-President from March, 1993 until February, 1997 and as Vice-President- Operations from June, 1984 until March, 1993.

James R. Batten, CPA, age 34, Chief Financial Officer, has served in this capacity since March, 1994. Mr. Batten previously held the position of Finance Manager of the Company from January, 1993 until being elected to his current position. From September, 1986 until joining the Company in January, 1993, Mr. Batten was employed by the accounting firm of Whitlock, Selim & Keehn where he attained the position of Audit Manager in 1991.

PART II

ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The material contained in the registrant's annual report to its shareholders (the "Annual Shareholders' Report") under the captions "Market Prices and Dividend Information" and "Number of Stockholders" included on page 27, is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The material contained in the Annual Shareholders' Report under the caption "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" included on page 10 and 11, is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

The material contained in the Annual Shareholders' Report under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included on page 12, is incorporated herein by this reference.

-11-

ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Company's consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto and the report of Ernst and Young LLP, independent auditors, appearing in the Annual Shareholders' Report under the captions "Consolidated Financial Statements", "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" and "Report of Independent Auditors" included on pages 16 through 26, are incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

PART III

ITEM 10 DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information regarding the directors of the Company contained in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders ("the Proxy Statement") under the caption "Election of Directors" is incorporated herein by this reference. The Proxy Statement is being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of the Company's most recent fiscal year end. The information regarding executive officers called for by item 401 of Regulation S-K is included in Part I as Item 4A, in accordance with General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, for the executive officers of the Company who are not also directors.

The information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 included in the Company's Proxy Statement under the caption "Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934" is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The material in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Executive Compensation" other than the material under the caption "Report of the Compensation Committee" is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The material in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners" is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The material in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Transactions with Insiders and Others" is incorporated herein by this reference.

-12-

PART IV

ITEM 14 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) 1. Financial Statements-O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries

The following consolidated financial statements of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in the Annual Shareholders' Report of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 1996, are incorporated herein by this reference in Part II, Item 8:

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

Report of Independent Auditors

(a) 2. Financial Statement Schedule-O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and subsidiaries is included in Item 14(d):

Schedule II-Valuation and qualifying accounts

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.

(a) 3. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index on pages 16 through 17 of this report.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of the year ended December 31, 1996.

-13-

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  COL. A                                     COL. B                        COL. C                     COL.D              COL. E
                                                                          ADDITIONS
DESCRIPTION                        Balance at Beginning          (1)                (2)         Deductions-Describe   Balance at End
                                         of period        Charged to Costs    Charged to Other                          of Period
                                                            and Expenses     Accounts-Describe

Year Ended December 31, 1996:
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts          $386                 $592               $0                  $534(1)             $444


Year Ended December 31, 1995:
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts          $293                 $467               $0                  $374(1)             $386


Year Ended December 31, 1994:
Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts          $240                 $307               $0                  $254(1)             $293

(1) Uncollectible accounts written off.

-14-

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
(Registrant)

Date:  March 27, 1997                  By /s/ David E. O'Reilly
                                          ---------------------------
                                       David E. O'Reilly
                                       President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature                                   Title                      Date

/s/ David E. O'Reilly          Director, President and Chief      March 27, 1997
- ----------------------------   Executive Officer (principal
David E. O'Reilly              executive officer)


/s/ James R. Batten            Chief Financial Officer            March 27, 1997
- ----------------------------   (principal financial and
James R. Batten                accounting officer)

/s/ Lawrence P. O'Reilly       Director                           March 27, 1997
- ----------------------------
Lawrence P. O'Reilly

/s/ Charles H. O'Reilly, Jr.   Director                           March 27, 1997
- ----------------------------
Charles H. O'Reilly, Jr.

/s/ Rosalie O'Reilly Wooten    Director                           March 27, 1997
- ----------------------------
Rosalie O'Reilly Wooten

- ----------------------------   Director                           March 27, 1997
Charles H. O'Reilly, Sr.

- ----------------------------   Director                           March 27, 1997
Paul Lederer

- ----------------------------   Director                           March 27, 1997
Joe C. Greene

-15-

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
  No.       Description
- -------
 2.1*       Plan of Reorganization Among the Registrant, Greene
            County Realty Co. ("Greene County Realty") and
            Certain Shareholders.

 3.1*       Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
            Registrant.

 3.2*       Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.

 4.1*       Form of Stock Certificate for Common Stock.

10.1*       Form of Employment Agreement between the
            Registrant and David E. O'Reilly, Lawrence P.
            O'Reilly, Charles H. O'Reilly, Jr. and Rosalie
            O'Reilly Wooten.

10.2*       Lease between the Registrant and O'Reilly
            Investment Company.

10.3*       Lease between the Registrant and O'Reilly Real
            Estate Company.

10.7 (a)    O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. Profit Sharing and
            Savings Plan, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
            Registration Statement of the Company on  Form
            S-8, File No. 33-73892, and incorporated herein by
            this reference.

10.8* (a)   O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan.

10.9* (a)   O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan.

10.10* (a)  O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. Director Stock Option
            Plan.

10.11*      Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Sale
            Contract between Westinghouse Electric Corporation
            and Registrant.

10.12*      Form of Assignment, Assumption and Indemnification
            Agreement between Greene County Realty and
            Shamrock Properties, Inc.

10.13       Loan commitment and construction loan agreement
            between the Company and Deck Enterprises, filed as
            Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Annual
            Shareholders' Report on Form 10-K for the year
            ended December 31,1993.

-16-

10.14      Lease between the Company and Deck Enterprises,
           filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual
           Shareholders' Report on Form 10-K for the year
           ended December 31, 1993.

10.15      Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement between
           the Registrant and Commerce Bank, N.A.
           (Springfield, Missouri) dated May 19, 1995, filed
           as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Quarterly Report
           on Form 10Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995.

10.16      Promissory Note between the Registrant and
           Boatmen's Bank of Southern Missouri dated June 1,
           1996, filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's
           Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended
           June 30, 1996.

10.17      Amended Employment Agreement between the
           Registrant and Charles H. O'Reilly, Jr., filed
           herewith.

10.18 (a)  O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. Performance Incentive
           Plan, filed herewith.

11.1       Computation of Earnings Per Share, filed herewith.

13.1       1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, filed
           herewith.  Portions not specifically incorporated
           by reference in this Report are not deemed "filed"
           for the purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of
           1934.

21.1       Subsidiaries of the Company, filed herewith.

23.1       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent
           auditors, filed herewith.

27.1       Financial Data Schedule, filed herewith.

99.1       Certain Risk Factors, filed herewith.


* Previously filed as Exhibit of same number to the Registration Statement of the Company on Form S-1, File No. 33-58948, and incorporated herein by this reference.

(a) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

-17-

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit 10.17 - Amended Form of Employment Agreement between Registrant and Charles H. O'Reilly, Jr.

AMENDMENT TO
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDMENT TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Amendment") is effective as of the 1st day of January, 1995 by and between O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC., a Missouri corporation (the "Company") and Charles H. O'Reilly, Jr., an individual currently residing in Springfield, Missouri (the "Executive"):

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive entered into an Executive Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 1995 (the "Employment Agreement");

WHEREAS, paragraph 3 of the Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary (the "Annual Base Salary") of Two Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($220,000), which Annual Base Salary is based upon the full-time employment of the Executive;

WHEREAS, at the request of the Executive, the Company and the Executive have agreed that effective January 1, 1995, the work week of the Executive be reduced from a five-day week to a four-day week, and that the Annual Base Salary of the Executive be reduced proportionately to reflect such reduced work week;

WHEREAS, consistent with such agreement, since January 1, 1995, the Executive has been performing services on behalf of the Company on a four- day week basis, and the Company has been paying to the Executive an Annual Base Salary of One Hundred Seventy-Six Thousand Dollars ($176,000); and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to set forth in writing their agreement with respect to the Executive's reduced work week and Annual Base Salary.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed that, effective as of January 1, 1995, the Employment Agreement shall be amended as follows:

1. The first sentence of paragraph 3 of the Executive Employment Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following substituted in lieu thereof:

"For all services rendered by the Executive, the Company shall pay to the Executive a base salary of One Hundred Seventy-Six Thousand Dollars ($176,000) payable in equal monthly installments in advance on the first of each month."

2. Paragraph 2 (a) (ii) of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following substituted in lieu thereof:

"(ii) In no event shall the Base Salary be less that One Hundred Seventy-Six Thousand Dollars ($176,000) per year."

1

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit 10.17 - Amended Form of Employment Agreement between Registrant and Charles H. O'Reilly, Jr. (continued)

3. A new sentence shall be added to paragraph 4 of the Employment Agreement, which new sentence shall constitute the last sentence of said paragraph 4, to read as follows:

"In no event shall the Executive be required to perform services hereunder for more that four days in any calendar week, and the Executive shall not be required to work more that the normal eight hour day during any such working day."

4. Except to the extent amended hereby, the Company and the Executive hereby ratify and confirm all of the provisions of the Executive Employment Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the day and date first above written.

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

By: /s/ David E. O'Reilly
   --------------------------
            "Company"



/s/ Charles H. O'Reilly, Jr.
-----------------------------
         "Executive"

2

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 10.18 - Performance Incentive Plan

PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN

I. Purpose.

The purpose of the O'Reilly Performance Incentive Plan is to provide additional incentive to the Participants to remain in the employ of the Company and to compensate them for their accomplishment of individual and departmental goals, and for their contribution to the financial performance of the Company.

II. Definitions.

"Award Date" means, with respect to any Target Award, the date on which such Target Award is granted by the committee.

"Award Year" means, with respect to any Target Award, the Year in which such Target Award is granted by the committee.

"Board" means the Board of Directors of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.

"Bonus" means the amount, expressed in dollars, to be earned by the Participant who receives a Target Award, subject to the achievement of the Criteria.

"Committee" means the Executive Committee of the Board.

"Common Stock" means the $.01 par value common stock of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.

"Company" means collectively, O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries, currently consisting of Ozark Automotive Distributors, Inc., Greene County Realty Co. and O'Reilly II Aviation, Inc.

"Criteria" means, with respect to each Participant, the specific goals and objectives required to be met by the Company, department and/or individual Participant in order to earn the Bonus which is the subject of the Target Award.

"Disability" means the total and permanent disability of a Participant, established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Committee.

"Escrow Agent" means the Boatmen's Trust Company.

"Escrow Agreement" means the agreement among the Company, the Escrow Agent and the Participant providing for the deposit of certificates representing Restricted Stock in escrow to be held by the Escrow Agent pending the expiration or earlier termination of the Forfeiture Period, which agreement shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

"Expiration Date" means, with respect to Restricted Stock (or portion(s) thereof), the date determined by the Committee upon which the forfeiture provisions of Section V.B. hereof shall lapse, and in absence of such determination, the dates prescribed in Section V.C. hereof.

"Fair Market Value" means, with respect to a share of Restricted Stock, the average of the highest and lowest sale prices of the Common Stock, as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System, for the day immediately preceding the Award Date.

1

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 10.18 - Performance Incentive Plan (continued)

"Forfeiture Period" means, with respect to Restricted Stock, that period commencing on the date of the issuance of such Restricted Stock to the Participant and ending on the first to occur of (i) the Expiration Date, or
(ii) the occurrence of a Qualifying Event.

"Participant" means an employee of the Company at the management level who is approved by the Committee to participate in the Plan.

"Plan" means the O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. Performance Incentive Plan.

"Qualifying Event" means those events specified in Section V.D. hereof.

"Restricted Stock" means shares of the Common Stock issued to Participants pursuant to the Plan, which shares shall be subject to the risk of forfeiture as provided in Section V.B. hereof during the Forfeiture Period.

"Target Award" means the award by the Committee to a Participant of the right to receive a Bonus, consisting of cash and Restricted Stock, subject to the achievement during the Award Year in question of the Criteria.

"Target Award Notice" means the written notice of the committee of the Target Award, specifying the amount of the Bonus, the Criteria to be met in order to earn the Bonus, the Forfeiture Period(s) applicable to the Restricted Stock (if different than as set forth in Section V.C. hereof) and such other matters deemed relevant by the Committee.

"Year" means any 12-month period beginning January 1 and ending at midnight on December 31 of each year.

III. Eligibility.

The Committee shall from time to time determine and designate Participants. The Committee shall decide within sixty days from the beginning of each Year whether to grant any Participant a Target Award under the Plan for that Year and the amount of the Bonus granted, subject to the achievement by the Participant and/or the Company of the Criteria. The Criteria shall be (i) established from time to time by the Committee, (ii) in writing, and (iii) provided to each Participant simultaneously with delivery to the Participant of the Target Award Notice. In adopting such Criteria, the Committee may take into account: (1) each Participant's individual performance, including the achievement of specified departmental goals; (2) the Company's performance, including specified financial goals; and (3) any other factors that the Committee may consider relevant. The Committee shall advise the Participant and the Company of each Target Award by delivery of a target Award Notice as soon as practicable following the grant of the Target Award. The Participant shall execute the Target Award Notice indicating his or her receipt thereof and agreement to be bound by the terms and provisions thereof and the Plan. Such execution shall also evidence and shall be deemed such Participant's execution of the Escrow Agreement, to be effective upon the issuance of shares of Restricted Stock.

IV. Method of Payment.

Bonuses, to the extent earned by a Participant under the terms of the Criteria, shall be paid to Participants only if such Participants are employed by the Company on December 31st of the Award Year. Two-thirds of such Bonus shall be payable in cash and one-third in shares of Restricted Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the one-third of the amount of the Bonus (subject to rounding, as provided below). Additionally:

A. Participants shall receive their Bonuses, subject to all applicable withholding for taxes and other items, within thirty (30) days of the completion of the annual audit of the financial statements of the Company for the Award Year.

2

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 10.18 - Performance Incentive Plan (continued)

B. Any fractional share of Restricted Stock resulting from the calculation of Fair Market Value of the Restricted Stock portion of the Bonus will be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and the Participant's cash portion of the Bonus will be increased by an amount equal to the value of the fractional remainder. No shares will be issued for fractional amounts of shares.

C. If a Participant becomes Disabled or dies during any Award Year, the Committee may elect to pay a pro rata portion of his or her Bonus, to the extent ultimately earned by achievement of the applicable Criteria, entirely in cash to the Participant or his or her estate. If a Participant resigns following the end of an Award Year but prior to the date Bonuses are to be paid for the Award Year, the Participant will be entitled to receive only the cash portion of any Bonus earned (e.g., two-thirds of the total Bonus).

V. Restrictions on Transferability; Forfeiture.

A. Upon payment of a Bonus, the shares of Restricted Stock shall be duly transferred to the Participant and a certificate or certificates for such shares shall be issued in the Participant's name. The Participant shall thereupon be a shareholder with respect to all of the shares represented by such certificate or certificates and shall have all of the rights other shareholders with respect to all such shares, including the right to vote such shares and to receive all the dividends and other distributions (subject to the provisions of Section VII hereof) paid with respect to such shares, provided, however, that such shares shall be subject to the restrictive and forfeiture provisions hereinafter set forth. Certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock shall be imprinted with a legend to the effect that the shares represented thereby may not be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of except in accordance with the terms of this Plan. The Participant, immediately upon receipt of such certificate(s), shall deposit such certificate(s) together with a stock power or other instrument of transfer, appropriately endorsed in blank, with the Escrow Agent to be held pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, with the expenses of such escrow to be borne by the Company.

B. During the Forfeiture Period, shares of Restricted Stock to which the Forfeiture Period applies shall be subject to the following:

1. None of such restricted Stock shall be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of; and

2. If, at any time during the Forfeiture Period, the employment of the Participant with the Company ceases for any reason other than the occurrence of a Qualifying Event, then all Restricted Stock awarded hereunder to a Participant then subject to a Forfeiture Period shall thereupon automatically, and without further action on the part of the Company, be forfeited by the Participant, and all such Restricted Stock shall thereupon be reconveyed, transferred and assigned to the Company.

C. The provisions of Section V.B. hereof with respect to the nontransferability and forfeiture of Restricted Stock shall lapse as to such Restricted Stock upon the expiration of the Forfeiture Period as to which such shares of Restricted Stock are subject, whereupon such provisions will be of no force and effect. The Committee, in its discretion, may determine on the Award Date the Forfeiture Period or Forfeiture Periods applicable to the Restricted Stock which are the subject of the Target Award. In absence of such determination by the Committee, the Expiration Dates for the Forfeiture Periods applicable to such Restricted Stock shall be as follows:

1. The Expiration Date applicable to one-third of the total number of shares of Restricted Stock issued pursuant to a Target Award, rounded up to the nearest whole share, shall be December 31st of the Year immediately following the Award Year of such Target Award;

2. The Expiration Date applicable to an additional one-third of the total number of such shares of Restricted Stock, rounded downward to the nearest whole share shall be December 31st of the second year following such Award Year; and

3

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 10.18 - Performance Incentive Plan (continued)

3. The Expiration Date applicable to the remaining shares of Restricted Stock shall be December 31st of the third year following such Award Year.

D. The following shall constitute a Qualifying Event:

1. the retirement of Participant with fifteen (15) or more years of service.

2. the retirement of a Participant at age sixty (60) or older; or

3. the death or Disability of a Participant.

VI. Shares Subject to Plan.

Subject to the provisions of Section VII, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under this Plan shall not exceed, in the aggregate, 100,000 shares. Such shares may be unissued shares, or issued shares that have been reacquired. If any shares of Restricted Stock are forfeited during the Forfeiture Period, such shares shall not be available again for grant under the Plan.

VII. Adjustment Upon Changes in Stock.

If any change is made in the Common Stock by reason of any merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, split-up, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure, or otherwise, the Committee shall make an appropriate adjustment to the kind and maximum number of shares subject to the Plan. Any additional shares, or rights to acquire shares, that result from such an adjustment shall be subject to the same restrictions that apply to the Participant's Restricted Stock previously received pursuant to the Plan and shall be deposited with the Escrow Agent to be held by the Escrow Agent pending the expiration or earlier termination of the Forfeiture Period applicable thereto. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued under the Plan on account of any such adjustment, and a Participant's interest in the shares resulting from such an adjustment shall always be limited to the lower number of whole shares that result from the adjustment.

VIII. Administration.

The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The day-to-day administrative responsibilities may be delegated to other officers or employees designated by the Committee. The decisions of the Committee as to the facts in any case arising relative to the Plan, and the meaning and intent of any provision of the Plan, or its application, shall be final and conclusive.

IX. Limitations.

No officer or employee of the Company shall at any time have any right to receive a Target Award hereunder, and neither the action of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. in establishing the Plan, nor any action taken by it or by the Board or the Committee under the Plan, nor any provision of the Plan, shall be construed as giving any officer or employee of the Company or any other person the right to be retained or employed by the Company.

X. Amendment; Termination.

At any time and from time to time, the Board may elect to alter, amend or modify this Plan, terminate the Plan, change the participation requirements for the Plan, or make other such changes to the Plan or the Escrow Agreement as the Board deems necessary and appropriate; provided, however, that no such alteration, amendment or modification shall adversely affect the rights of any Participant with respect to any Target Award then granted or shares of Restricted Stock then subject to the Escrow Agreement.

4

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 10.18 - Performance Incentive Plan (continued)

XI. Rules of Construction.

The terms of the Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri.

XII. Effective Date.

The Plan shall become effective as of January 1, 1995.

5

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit 11.1 - Computation of Earnings per Share

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,                              1996       1995       1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     (In thousands, except per share data)


Net income                                        $18,971    $14,091    $11,072
                                                  =============================

Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)     10,432      8,910      8,655
                                                  =============================

Net income per share                              $  1.82    $  1.58    $  1.28
                                                  =============================

(1) Common stock equivalents are insignificant for both primary and fully diluted earnings per share.

1

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,           1996      1995      1994      1993     1992      1991     1990     1989     1988
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
 DATA)

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  Product sales                 $259,243  $201,492  $167,057  $137,164  $110,147  $94,937  $82,372  $71,935  $59,728
  Cost of goods sold, including
   warehouse and distribution
   expenses                      150,772   116,768    97,758    82,102    65,066   56,255   50,027   44,930   36,246
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Gross profit                 108,471    84,724    69,299    55,062    45,081   38,682   32,345   27,005   23,482
  Operating, selling, general
   and administrative expenses    79,620    62,687    52,142    42,492    35,204   29,961   26,750   23,231   19,281
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Operating income              28,851    22,037    17,157    12,570     9,877    8,721    5,595    3,774    4,201
  Other income (expense), net      1,182       236       376       216       204     (104)    (566)    (367)    (245)
  Provision for income taxes      11,062     8,182     6,461     4,556     3,686    3,167    1,837    1,269    1,437
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Income from continuing
     operations before
     cumulative effects of
     changes in accounting
     principles                   18,971    14,091    11,072     8,230     6,395    5,450    3,192    2,138    2,519
  Cumulative effects of
   changes in accounting
   principles                          -         -         -         -      (163)       -        -        -        -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Income from continuing
   operations                     18,971    14,091    11,072     8,230     6,232    5,450    3,192    2,138    2,519
  Income (loss) from
   discontinued operations             -         -         -        48       129      (68)    (186)     (49)      22
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net income                   $18,971   $14,091   $11,072   $ 8,278   $ 6,361  $ 5,382  $ 3,006  $ 2,089  $ 2,541
====================================================================================================================
  Income per share from
   continuing operations
   before cumulative effects
   of changes in accounting
   principles                     $ 1.82    $ 1.58    $ 1.28     $1.00    $ 0.87   $ 0.74   $ 0.44   $ 0.29   $ 0.35
====================================================================================================================
  Income per share from
   continuing operations          $ 1.82    $ 1.58    $ 1.28    $ 1.00    $ 0.84   $ 0.74   $ 0.44   $ 0.29   $ 0.35
  Income (loss) per share from
   discontinued operations             -         -         -      0.01      0.02    (0.01)   (0.03)       -        -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net income per share          $ 1.82    $ 1.58    $ 1.28    $ 1.01    $ 0.86   $ 0.73   $ 0.41   $ 0.29   $ 0.35
====================================================================================================================
  Cash dividends per share        $    -    $    -    $    -    $    -   $0.0017  $0.0015  $0.0015  $0.0015  $0.0014
  Weighted average common
   shares outstanding             10,432     8,910     8,655     8,235     7,359    7,327    7,311    7,306    7,238

1

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Selected Consolidated Financial Data (continued)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,           1996      1995      1994      1993     1992      1991     1990     1989     1988
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SELECTED
 OPERATING DATA)

SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
  Number of stores at year
   end (a)                           219       188       165       145       127      116      112      106       98
  Total store square footage
   at year end (000's) (b)         1,155       923       785       671       571      511      480      427      386
  Weighted average product
   sales per store
   (000's) (b)                  $1,238.5  $1,101.2  $1,007.1    $948.9    $837.8   $759.1   $690.3   $637.2   $592.2
  Weighted average product
   sales per square foot (b)      $242.2    $227.3    $215.4    $208.7    $187.2   $174.4   $166.2   $160.0   $150.5
  Percentage increase in
   same-store product
   sales (c)                       14.4%      8.9%      8.9%     14.9%     11.4%     9.2%    11.2%     8.5%        *

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital               $ 74,403  $ 80,471  $ 41,416  $ 41,193  $ 15,251  $13,434  $11,634  $ 9,853  $ 9,378
  Total assets                   183,623   153,604    87,327    73,112    58,871   49,549   46,148   45,200   31,620
  Short-term debt                  3,154       231       311       495     3,462    1,298    2,281    3,897    3,341
  Long-term debt, less
   current portion                   237       358       461       732     2,668    3,326    5,082    5,684    5,475
  Long-term debt related
   to discontinued
   operations, less current
   portion                             -         -         -         -     9,873   10,316    9,901    9,961    1,967
  Stockholders' equity           155,782   133,870    70,224    57,805    29,281   22,881   17,480   14,471   12,346

* Because the Company was in the process of upgrading its accounting system, certain data required to provide comparable store product sales information for 1988 is not available.

(a) The number of stores at year end 1991 and 1992 are net of the combination in each such year of two stores located within one mile of each other. No other stores were closed during the periods presented.

(b) Total square footage includes normal selling, office, stockroom and receiving space. Weighted average product sales per store and per square foot are weighted to consider the approximate dates of store openings or expansions.

(c) Same-store product sales data are calculated based on the change in product sales of only those O'Reilly stores open during both full periods being compared. Percentage increase in same-store product sales is calculated based on O'Reilly store sales results, which exclude sales of specialty machinery, sales by outside salesmen and sales to employees.

2

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

The information discussed below in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains statements regarding matters that are not historical facts (including statements as to beliefs or expectations of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. (the Company)) which are forward- looking statements. Because such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed in Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's 1996 Form 10-K, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed below.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of the Company's financial condition, results of operations and liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company, related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain income statement data of the Company as a percentage of product sales for the years included:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Year Ended December 31,                         1996           1995        1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Product sales                                  100.0%         100.0%      100.0%

Cost of goods sold, including warehouse
    and distribution expenses                   58.2%          58.0%       58.5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit                                    41.8%          42.0%       41.5%

Operating, selling, general and
    administrative expenses                     30.7%          31.1%       31.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Operating income                      11.1%          10.9%       10.3%

Other income                                     0.5%           0.1%        0.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                      11.6%          11.0%       10.5%

Provision for income taxes                       4.3%           4.0%        3.9%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                       7.3%           7.0%        6.6%
================================================================================

1996 COMPARED TO 1995
Product sales increased $57.8 million, or 28.7%, from $201.5 million in 1995 to $259.2 million in 1996 due to the opening of 31 new O'Reilly stores during 1996 and a $25.8 million, or 14.4% increase in same store product sales. Management believes that the consumer acceptance experienced by these new O'Reilly stores and the increased product sales achieved by the existing O'Reilly stores is the result of the continuation of media advertising by the Company during 1996 at levels comparable to 1995, an increase in the broad selection of SKU's available at the newer O'Reilly stores, the increase in inventory levels at most O'Reilly stores, and the increasing penetration of the general geographic markets in which the Company operates.

Gross profit increased 28.0% from $84.7 million (or 42.0% of product sales) in 1995 to $108.5 million (or 41.8% of product sales) in 1996. This decrease in gross profit margin was primarily attributable to the continued price competition among automotive parts retailers. The decrease was partially offset by lower product costs resulting from increased volume discounts obtained by the Company and other economies of scale achieved. Management believes that price competition among national and regional automotive parts retailers will continue to influence gross profit margins in 1997 and beyond.

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses ("OSG&A expenses") increased $16.9 million from $62.7 million (or 31.1%

3

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

of product sales) in 1995 to $79.6 million (or 30.7% of product sales) in 1996. The increased dollar amount of OSG&A expenses resulted primarily from the new store openings and additions to administrative staff and facilities which occurred during 1996 in order to support the increased level of the Company's operations. The decrease in OSG&A expenses as a percent of product sales in 1996 compared to 1995 was primarily due to economies of scale resulting from increased product sales.

The Company's provision for income taxes increased from 36.7% of income before income taxes in 1995 to 36.8% in 1996. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to more of the Company's sales occurring in states with higher income tax rates.

Principally as a result of the foregoing, net income in 1996 was $19.0 million or 7.3% of product sales, an increase of $4.9 million (or 34.6%) from net income in 1995 of $14.1 million, or 7.0% of product sales.

1995 COMPARED TO 1994
Product sales increased $34.4 million, or 20.6%, from $167.1 million in 1994 to $201.5 million in 1995 due to the opening of 23 new O'Reilly stores during 1995 and a $12.9 million, or 8.9% increase in same store product sales. Management believes that the consumer acceptance experienced by the new O'Reilly stores and the increased product sales achieved by the existing O'Reilly stores resulted in part from the increased use of media advertising by the Company during 1995. Management also believes that these increases resulted in part from the continued use of the new prototype store format which was introduced in 1994, adjustments to the in-store SKU mix to reflect changes in consumer demand, and the increase in inventory levels at most O'Reilly stores.

Gross profit increased 22.3% from $69.3 million (or 41.5% of product sales) in 1994 to $84.7 million (or 42.0% of product sales) in 1995. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily attributable to lower product costs resulting from increased volume discounts obtained by the Company and other economies of scale achieved. These increases were partially offset by the continued price competition among automotive parts retailers.

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $10.5 million from $52.1 million (or 31.2% of product sales) in 1994 to $62.7 million (or 31.1% of product sales) in 1995. The increased dollar amount of OSG&A expenses resulted primarily from the new store openings and additions to administrative staff which occurred during 1995 in order to support the increased level of the Company's operations.

The Company's provision for income taxes decreased from 36.9% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in 1994 to 36.7% in 1995. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to more of the Company's sales occurring in states with lower income tax rates.

Net income in 1995 was $14.1 million or 7.0% of product sales, an increase of $3.0 million (or 27.3%) from net income in 1994 of $11.1 million, or 6.6% of product sales.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash provided by operating activities was $8.4 million in 1994, $.9 million in 1995 and $4.9 million in 1996. The decrease in 1995 compared to 1994 is principally the result of increases in accounts receivable, inventory and other current assets partially offset by increases in net income and accounts payable. The increase in inventory is primarily attributable to the addition of 23 new stores, an increase in inventory levels at most O'Reilly stores and the expansion of the Kansas City distribution center. The increase in 1996 compared to 1995 is principally the result of increases in net income and accounts payable, partially offset by increases in inventory and accounts receivable. The increase in inventory is due to the addition of 31 new stores, an increase in inventory levels at most O'Reilly stores and the opening of the Oklahoma City distribution center.

Net cash used in investing activities was $8.3 million in 1994, $49.9 million in 1995 and $11.2 million in 1996. The increase in cash

4

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

used in 1995 was primarily the result of increased capital expenditures as well as net purchases of short-term investments with a portion of the proceeds from the Company's public offering of common stock which was completed in November, 1995. The decrease in cash used in 1996 was primarily due to an increase in the net proceeds from the sale of short-term investments, net of purchases, offset by increased capital expenditures.

Capital expenditures were $13.7 million in 1994, $28.6 million in 1995 and $34.5 million in 1996. These expenditures were primarily related to the opening of new O'Reilly stores and remodeling existing O'Reilly stores. The Company opened 20 new stores and remodeled or relocated 18 stores during 1994. During 1995, the Company opened 23 new stores and remodeled or relocated 21 stores. In 1996, the Company opened 31 new stores and remodeled or relocated 32 stores. Also, in 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company purchased real estate for new stores and store relocations totaling approximately $3.5 million, $6.0 million and $7.8 million, respectively. The Company purchased real estate for the Oklahoma City distribution center totaling $.8 million in 1995. Construction costs for the Oklahoma City distribution center, which was completed in March 1996, totaled approximately $3.1 million.

The Company's store expansion program requires significant capital expenditures and working capital principally for inventory requirements. The Company plans to finance this expansion through cash expected to be provided from operating activities and available short-term bank borrowings.

In November 1995, the Company sold 1,600,000 shares of Common Stock through a public offering. The net proceeds from that offering amounted to $47.7 million. A portion of the proceeds were used to repay the Company's outstanding indebtedness under its bank credit facilities and the remainder was used to fund the Company's expansion program during 1995 and 1996.

The Company has available an unsecured line of credit with The Boatmen's Bank of Southern Missouri. Under the terms thereof, the Company may borrow up to $17.0 million until June 1997. Borrowings outstanding under the line of credit bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.00% (6.53% as of December 31, 1996). At December 31, 1996, $2.5 million was outstanding under the line of credit.

The Company also has available an unsecured revolving credit facility with Commerce Bank, N.A. of Springfield, Missouri. Under terms of this agreement, the Company may borrow up to $15 million upon compliance with various minimum financial ratios. This credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.25% (6.78% at December 31, 1996) and matures in May 1997. At December 31, 1996, $.5 million was outstanding under this credit facility.

The Company has entered into discussions with each of the banks providing such credit facilities above to extend the terms and the amounts available under the facilities. Management believes it can obtain an extension of the terms and an increase in the maximum borrowings available under such credit facilities. However, no assurances can be made that terms satisfactory to the Company can be obtained.

Management believes that the Company's existing cash and short-term investments, cash expected to be provided by operating activities, current and future bank credit facilities available and trade credit will be sufficient to fund both the short and long term capital and liquidity needs of the Company for the foreseeable future.

INFLATION AND SEASONALITY
The Company has been successful, in many cases, in reducing the effects of merchandise cost increases principally by taking advantage of vendor incentive programs, economies of scale resulting from increased volume of purchases and selective forward buying. As a result, management does not believe its operations have been materially affected by inflation.

5

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

The Company's business is seasonal to some extent primarily as a result of the impact of weather conditions on store sales. Store sales and profits have historically been higher in the second and third quarters (April through September) of each year than in the first and fourth quarters.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In March 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," which requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount. SFAS No. 121 also addresses the accounting for long-lived assets that are expected to be disposed of. The effect of applying SFAS No. 121 was immaterial.

In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which encourages (but does not require) companies to adopt a fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans, in place of the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." If the fair value based method of accounting is not adopted, SFAS No. 123 requires companies to disclose pro forma calculations in the notes to their financial statements of net income and net income per share as if the fair value based method of accounting had been applied. The Company accounts for their stock-based compensation plan in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. The effect of applying the fair value method required by SFAS No. 123 to the Company's stock option awards results in net income and net income per share that are not materially different from amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income.

6

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 1996 1995
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

ASSETS

Current assets:

   Cash                                                  $  1,207    $  2,833
   Short-term investments (Note 2)                          1,000      23,410
   Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
    accounts of $444 in 1996 and $386 in 1995              11,296       9,460
   Inventory                                               83,909      58,979
   Deferred income taxes (Note 8)                              --         530
   Refundable income taxes                                    172         736
   Other current assets                                     2,568       2,698
                                                        ----------------------
Total current assets                                      100,152      98,646
                                                        ----------------------


Property and equipment, at cost:
   Land                                                    19,954      12,400
   Buildings                                               35,379      22,893
   Leasehold improvements                                   8,082       6,194
   Furniture, fixtures and equipment                       29,311      21,281
   Vehicles                                                 8,494       5,623
                                                        ----------------------
                                                          101,220      68,391


   Accumulated depreciation                                21,435      16,440
                                                        ----------------------
                                                           79,785      51,951


Notes receivable                                            1,510       1,540
Other assets                                                2,176       1,467
                                                        ----------------------
Total assets                                             $183,623    $153,604
                                                        ======================

7

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

December 31, 1996 1995

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

Liabilities and stockholders' equity

Current liabilities:

   Notes payable to banks (Note 4)                        $  3,000      $     --

   Accounts payable                                         17,288        13,013

   Accrued expenses                                          3,953         3,123

   Accrued payroll                                           1,043         1,808

   Deferred income taxes (Note 8)                              311            --

   Current portion of long-term debt (Note 5)                  154           231
                                                      --------------------------
Total current liabilities                                   25,749        18,175



Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 5)                  237           358


Postretirement benefit obligation (Note 7)                     403           391


Deferred income taxes (Note 8)                               1,452           810


Stockholders' equity (Note 9):

   Preferred stock, $.01 par value:

      Authorized shares - 5,000,000

      Issued and outstanding shares - none                      --            --

   Common stock, $.01 par value:

      Authorized shares - 30,000,000

      Issued and outstanding shares - 10,468,507 in 1996
          and 10,362,170 in 1995                               105           104

   Additional paid-in capital                               73,964        71,024

   Retained earnings                                        81,713        62,742
                                                      --------------------------
Total stockholders' equity                                 155,782       133,870
                                                      --------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                $183,623      $153,604
                                                      --------------------------

See accompanying notes.

8

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Consolidated Statements of Income

  Year ended December 31,                                             1996                  1995                   1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

Product sales                                                       $259,243               $201,492               $167,057
Cost of goods sold, including warehouse and distribution
  expenses                                                           150,772                116,768                 97,758
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses
  (Note 3)                                                            79,620                 62,687                 52,142
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     230,392                179,455                149,900
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------
Operating income                                                      28,851                 22,037                 17,157


Other income (expense):

  Interest expense                                                       (37)                  (299)                   (85)
  Interest income                                                        676                    342                    245
  Other, net                                                             543                    193                    216
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       1,182                    236                    376
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes                                            30,033                 22,273                 17,533
Provision for income taxes (Note 8)                                   11,062                  8,182                  6,461
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                          $ 18,971               $ 14,091               $ 11,072
                                                                 =========================================================


Net income per share                                                $   1.82               $   1.58               $   1.28
                                                                 =========================================================
Weighted average common shares outstanding                            10,432                  8,910                  8,655
                                                                 =========================================================

See accompanying notes.

9

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

                                                                    Common Stock     Additional
                                                                -------------------    Paid-In    Retained
                                                                Shares   Par Value     Capital    Earnings   Total
                                                                -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                (In Thousands)

Balance at December 31, 1993                                     8,623        $ 86     $20,140     $37,579   $ 57,805
 Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans              40           1       1,069           -      1,070
 Issuance of common stock under stock option plans                  16           -         277           -        277
 Net income                                                          -           -           -      11,072     11,072
                                                                 -----        ----     -------     -------   --------
Balance at December 31, 1994                                     8,679          87      21,486      48,651     70,224
 Issuance of common stock through public offering                1,600          16      47,696           -     47,712
 Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans              46           1       1,191           -      1,192
 Issuance of common stock under stock option plans                  37           -         651           -        651
 Net income                                                          -           -           -      14,091     14,091
                                                                 -----        ----     -------     -------   --------
Balance at December 31, 1995                                    10,362         104      71,024      62,742    133,870
 Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans              47           -       1,509           -      1,509
 Issuance of common stock under stock option plans                  60           1       1,431           -      1,432
 Net income                                                          -           -           -      18,971     18,971
                                                                 -----        ----     -------     -------   --------
Balance at December 31, 1996                                    10,469        $105     $73,964     $81,713   $155,782
                                                                ======        ====     =======     =======   ========

See accompanying notes.

10

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Year ended December 31,                                                              1996               1995              1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income                                                                           $18,971           $14,091          $11,072

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   operating activities:

   Depreciation                                                                        6,105             4,038            3,246

   Provision for doubtful accounts                                                       592               467              307

   Gain on sale of property and equipment                                               (281)              (14)             (84)

   Deferred income taxes                                                               1,483               937               (6)

   Common stock contributed to employee benefit plans                                  1,028               867              762

   Postretirement benefits                                                                12                10               11

   Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      Accounts receivable                                                             (2,428)           (2,285)          (1,395)

      Inventory                                                                      (24,930)          (16,520)          (7,639)

      Refundable income taxes                                                            564              (736)              --

      Other current assets                                                               130            (2,078)             403

      Other assets                                                                      (709)             (321)            (275)

      Accounts payable                                                                 4,275             2,678             (135)

      Accrued expenses                                                                   830               449              831

      Accrued payroll                                                                   (765)              401              166

      Income taxes payable                                                                --            (1,104)           1,104
                                                               -------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                                              4,877               880            8,368

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of property and equipment                                                  (34,459)          (28,552)         (13,708)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                                             801               119              105

Purchases of short-term investments                                                  (12,494)          (32,410)          (1,100)

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments                                          34,904            11,075            7,749

Payments received on notes receivable                                                     51                47               10

Advances made on notes receivable                                                        (21)             (195)          (1,392)
                                                              -------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities                                                (11,218)          (49,916)          (8,336)

11

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

Year ended December 31,                        1996         1995       1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Financing activities

Borrowings on notes payable to banks         $3,000      $ 9,100     $   --
Payments on notes payable to banks               --       (9,100)        --
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt         --       15,776         --
Principal payments on long-term debt           (198)     (15,959)      (455)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock    1,913       48,688        585
                                             ------------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities     4,715       48,505        130
                                             ------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash              (1,626)        (531)       162
Cash at beginning of year                     2,833        3,364      3,202
                                             ------------------------------
Cash at end of year                          $1,207      $ 2,833     $3,364
                                             ==============================

See accompanying notes.

12

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NATURE OF BUSINESS
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. (the Company) is a specialty retailer and supplier of automotive after-market parts, tools, supplies and accessories to both the "Do- It-Yourself" consumer and the professional installer throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

INVENTORY
Inventory, which consists of automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and tools, is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost has been determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. If the first-in, first- out (FIFO) method of costing inventory had been used by the Company, inventory would have been $91,011,000 and $68,666,000 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided on straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109. The liability method provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

13

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

ADVERTISING COSTS
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense charged to operations amounted to $3,156,000, $2,797,000 and $2,119,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

PREOPENING COSTS
Costs associated with the opening of new stores, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs, are charged to operations as incurred.

NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Common stock equivalents outstanding during the periods are immaterial.

Supplementary income per share amounts for 1995, calculated to give effect to the reduction of interest expense and the increase in the weighted average number of shares outstanding sufficient to retire certain short and long-term indebtedness, as if the secondary public offering in 1995 had occurred at the beginning of the year, would not be materially different than reported per share amounts.

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The Company grants credit to certain customers who meet the Company's preestablished credit requirements. Generally, the Company does not require security when trade credit is granted to customers. Credit losses are provided for in the Company's consolidated financial statements and consistently have been within management's expectations.

Since 1994, the Company has provided long-term financing to a company, through a note receivable, for the construction of an office building which is leased by the Company (see Note 6). The note receivable, amounting to $1,495,000 and $1,519,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, bears interest at 6% and is due in January 2005.

Additionally, the Company maintains cash balances at various financial institutions. Cash balances uninsured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation totaled $783,000 and $3,552,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

14

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments, including cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt, as reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, approximates fair value.

NOTE 2. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
In 1994, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." The effect of adopting SFAS No. 115 was immaterial.

The Company's short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115 and are carried at cost, which approximates fair market value. At December 31, 1996, short-term investments consisted of preferred equity securities totaling $1,000,000. At December 31, 1995, short- term investments consisted of tax-exempt municipal bonds totaling $22,410,000 and preferred equity securities totaling $1,000,000.

NOTE 3. RELATED PARTIES
The Company leases certain land and buildings related to its O'Reilly Auto Parts stores, under six-year operating lease agreements from O'Reilly Investment Company and O'Reilly Real Estate Company, partnerships in which certain stockholders of the Company are partners. Generally, these lease agreements provide for renewal options for an additional six years at the option of the Company (see Note 6). Rent expense under these operating leases totaled $1,729,000 in 1996, $1,701,000 in 1995, and $1,682,000 in 1994.

NOTE 4. NOTES PAYABLE TO BANKS
The Company has available a short-term unsecured bank line of credit providing for maximum borrowings of $17 million under which $2,500,000 was outstanding at December 31, 1996. The line of credit, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.00% (6.53% at December 31, 1996), expires in June 1997.

The Company has available another unsecured revolving credit facility with a bank providing for maximum borrowings of $15 million, under which $500,000 was outstanding at December 31, 1996. This credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.25% (6.78% at December 31, 1996) and matures in May 1997. This agreement requires the Company to maintain various minimum financial ratios.

Indirect borrowings under letters of credit and guarantees of indebtedness of others totaled $636,000 and $1,526,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

15

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

NOTE 5. LONG-TERM DEBT

At December 31, 1996 and 1995, long-term debt consisted of unsecured notes payable to various individuals, amounting to $391,000 and $589,000, respectively. The unsecured notes payable bear interest at rates ranging from 6% to 9% and are due in monthly installments of $23,000 including interest. The notes mature in varying amounts between 1997 and 2000, and $155,000 of such notes are guaranteed by certain stockholders of the Company.

Principal maturities of long-term debt for each of the next four years are as follows (amounts in thousands):

Year ending
December 31,
------------
    1997                $154
    1998                  96
    1999                  98
    2000                  43

Cash paid by the Company for interest during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 amounted to $35,000, $581,000 and $77,000, respectively.

NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS

The Company leases certain office space, property and equipment under long-term, noncancelable operating leases. Future minimum rental payments, including commitments of $1,751,000 per year through 1998 and $555,000 in total thereafter in connection with the related-party leases described in Note 3, for each of the next five years ending December 31 and in the aggregate are as follows (amounts in thousands):

1997             $ 3,276
1998               3,063
1999               1,316
2000               1,002
2001                 785
Thereafter         3,375
                  ------
                 $12,817
                  ======

Rental expense amounted to $3,348,000, $3,316,000 and $3,007,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Construction commitments totaled approximately $3.1 million at December 31, 1996.

16

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company sponsors a contributory profit-sharing and savings plan that covers substantially all employees who are 21 years of age with at least six months of service. Employees may contribute up to 15% of their annual compensation subject to Internal Revenue Code maximum limitations. The Company has agreed to make matching contributions equal to 50% of the first 2% of each employee's contribution and 25% of the next 2% of each employee's contribution. Additional contributions to the plan may be made as determined annually by the Board of Directors. After three years of service, Company contributions and earnings thereon vest at the rate of 20% per year of service with the Company. Company contributions charged to operations amounted to $1,229,000 in 1996, $980,000 in 1995 and $887,000 in 1994. Company contributions, in the form of common stock, to the profit-sharing and savings plan to match employee contributions during the years ended December 31 were as follows:

                              Market
             Shares            Value
             -----------------------
1996          9,893         $344,000
1995         10,674          297,000
1994         10,198          273,000

Profit-sharing contributions accrued at December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993 were funded in the next year through issuance of shares of the Company's common stock as follows:

                                  Market
Year Funded      Shares            Value
----------------------------------------
    1996         19,826         $684,000
    1995         21,509          570,000
    1994         16,939          489,000

The Company also sponsors an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit health care plan which provides certain health benefits to retired employees. According to the terms of this plan, retirees' annual benefits will be limited to $1,000 per employee starting at age 66 for employees with 20 or more years of service. Postretirement benefit costs for each of the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $12,000, $10,000 and $11,000, respectively.

17

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

The Company has a stock option plan under which incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options may be granted to officers and key employees. An aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock are reserved for future issuance under this plan. The exercise price of options granted shall not be less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and will expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. Options granted pursuant to the plan become exercisable no sooner than six months from the date of grant. In the case of a stockholder owning more than 10% of the outstanding stock of the Company, the exercise price of an incentive option may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant, and such options will expire no later than five years from the date of grant. Also, the aggregate fair market value of the stock with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by any individual in any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. A summary of outstanding stock options is as follows:

                                                              Number
                                        Price per Share      of Shares
                                        ------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1994         $17.50 -$33.75       302,775
 Granted                                  23.75 - 32.50       120,250
 Exercised                                17.50 - 26.00       (36,775)
 Canceled                                 17.50 - 32.25        (4,750)
                                        ------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995         $17.50 -$33.75       381,500
 Granted                                  28.75 - 40.00        25,750
 Exercised                                17.50 - 31.00       (60,150)
 Canceled                                 26.50 - 39.08       (17,750)
                                        ------------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996         $17.50 -$40.00       329,350
                                        ==============================

Options to purchase 318,850 shares were exercisable at December 31, 1996.

18

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

The Company accounts for stock options in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB No. 25). Under APB No. 25, no compensation expense is recognized because the exercise price of the Company's stock options equals or exceeds the market price of the stock on the date of grant. The effect of applying the fair value method required by SFAS No. 123 to the Company's stock option awards results in net income and net income per share that are not materially different from amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company also maintains a stock option plan for nonemployee directors of the Company under which 50,000 shares of common stock are reserved for future issuance. All director stock options are granted at fair market value on the date of grant and expire on the earlier of termination of service to the Company as a director or seven years. Options granted under this plan become exercisable six months from the date of grant. A summary of outstanding stock options is as follows:

                                                              Number
                                         Price per Share     of Shares
                                         -----------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1994         $17.50 - $26.25      10,000
 Granted                                       27.00           5,000
                                         -----------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995         $17.50 - $27.00      15,000
 Granted                                       36.38           5,000
                                         -----------------------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996         $17.50 - $36.38      20,000
                                         =============================

All options under this plan were exercisable at December 31, 1996.

Additionally, the Company has adopted a stock purchase plan covering an aggregate of 250,000 shares of common stock under which approximately 200,000 shares of common stock are reserved for future issuance. Under the plan, substantially all employees and nonemployee directors have the right to purchase shares of the Company's common stock monthly at a price equal to 85% of the fair market value of the stock. Under the plan, 16,468 shares were issued at an average price of $29.21 per share during 1996, 13,784 shares were issued at an average price of $23.54 per share during 1995 and 13,499 shares were issued at an average price of $22.81 per share during 1994.

The Company adopted a performance incentive plan for the Company's senior management under which 100,000 shares of restricted stock are reserved for future issuance. During 1996, 278 shares were issued under this plan. No shares were issued under this plan in 1995.

19

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows at December 31 (amounts in thousands):

                                                 1996          1995

                                              ---------------------
Deferred tax assets:
 Current:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts             $   168        $  147
  Vacation accrual                                481           439
  Other accruals                                  152           114
                                              ---------------------
                                                  801           700
Noncurrent:
 Postretirement benefit obligation                153           150
                                              ---------------------
Total deferred tax assets                         954           850
                                              ---------------------

Deferred tax liabilities:
 Current:
  Inventory carrying value                      1,112           170
                                              ---------------------
                                                1,112           170
 Noncurrent:
  Depreciation                                  1,605           960
                                              ---------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities                  2,717         1,130
                                              ---------------------
Net deferred tax liabilities                  $(1,763)       $ (280)
                                              =====================

20

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (amounts in thousands):

                                 Current   Deferred     Total
                                 -----------------------------
1996:
Federal                          $8,502     $1,316     $ 9,818
State                             1,077        167       1,244
                                 -----------------------------
                                 $9,579     $1,483     $11,062
                                 =============================
1995:
Federal                          $6,473     $  837     $ 7,310
State                               772        100         872
                                 -----------------------------
                                 $7,245     $  937     $ 8,182
                                 =============================
1994:
Federal                          $5,840     $   (5)    $ 5,835
State                               627         (1)        626
                                 -----------------------------
                                 $6,467     $   (6)    $ 6,461
                                 =============================

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amounts computed at the federal statutory rate is as follows (amounts in thousands):

                                                   1996       1995       1994
                                                 ------------------------------
Federal income taxes at statutory rate           $10,512     $7,796      $6,137
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit       809        567         407
Other items, net                                    (259)      (181)        (83)
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                 $11,062     $8,182      $6,461
                                                 ==============================

During the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, cash paid by the Company for income taxes amounted to $9,015,000, $9,085,000, and $5,395,000, respectively.

21

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

NOTE 9. PUBLIC OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK

On November 20, 1995, the Company completed a public offering of 2,600,000 shares of common stock. Pursuant to this offering, the Company issued 1,600,000 shares of common stock resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $47,712,000. A portion of the proceeds was used to repay the Company's outstanding indebtedness under its bank credit facilities. The remaining portion of the proceeds was used to fund the Company's expansion and for the purchase of short-term investments.

NOTE 10. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

                                           First      Second       Third      Fourth
                                         Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter
                                         -------------------------------------------
                                            (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Year ended December 31, 1996
Product sales                            $55,321     $68,782     $70,432     $64,708
Gross profit                              22,409      28,212      29,247      28,603
Operating income                           6,154       7,678       8,294       6,725
Net income                                 4,088       4,947       5,422       4,514
Net income per share:                        .39         .47         .52         .43

Year ended December 31, 1995
Product sales                            $42,766     $50,644     $57,181     $50,901
Gross profit                              17,556      20,549      23,686      22,933
Operating income                           4,562       5,444       6,677       5,354
Net income                                 2,913       3,447       4,139       3,592
Net income per share:                        .34         .39         .47         .38

The above quarterly financial data is unaudited, but in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the selected data for these interim periods presented have been included.

22

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                        ---------------------
                                                            Ernst & Young LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
February 14, 1997

23

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 13.1 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (continued)

NUMBER OF STOCKHOLDERS

As of December 31, 1996, O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. has approximately 5,500 stockholders based on the number of holders of record and an estimate of the number of individual participants represented by security position listings.

MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

The prices in the table below represent the high and low sales prices for O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market. The common stock began trading on April 22, 1993. No cash dividends have been declared since 1992, and the Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

                             1996                 1995
                       High        Low        High       Low
                      ----------------------------------------
First Quarter         35.500      28.750     28.125     23.000
Second Quarter        40.750      35.000     28.500     24.750
Third Quarter         38.250      34.250     31.000     28.000
Fourth Quarter        37.000      31.000     33.625     27.500
For The Year          40.750      28.750     33.625     23.000

24

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 21.1 - Subsidiaries of the Company

Subsidiary                                State of Incorporation
- ----------                                -----------------------

Ozark Automotive  Distributors, Inc.             Missouri
Greene County Realty Co.                         Missouri
O'Reilly II Aviation, Inc.                       Missouri

One hundred percent of the capital stock of each of the above listed subsidiaries is directly owned by O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.

1

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit 23.1 - Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries of our report dated February 14, 1997, included in the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.

Our Audits also included the financial statement schedule of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Subsidiaries listed in item 14(a). This schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-61632) pertaining to the O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan, Director Stock Option Plan, and Stock Purchase Plan and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-73892) pertaining to the O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. Profit Sharing and Savings Plan of our report dated February 14, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements incorporated herein by reference, and our report included in the preceding paragraph with respect to the financial statement schedule included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.

                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                       ------------------------------
                                       Ernst & Young LLP


Kansas City, Missouri
March 27, 1997

1

ARTICLE 5
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1996 and the Consolidated Statement of Income for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
MULTIPLIER: 1,000


PERIOD TYPE 12 MOS
FISCAL YEAR END DEC 31 1996
PERIOD START JAN 01 1996
PERIOD END DEC 31 1996
CASH 1,207
SECURITIES 1,000
RECEIVABLES 11,740
ALLOWANCES 444
INVENTORY 83,909
CURRENT ASSETS 2,740
PP&E 101,220
DEPRECIATION 21,435
TOTAL ASSETS 183,623
CURRENT LIABILITIES 25,749
BONDS 0
PREFERRED MANDATORY 0
PREFERRED 0
COMMON 105
OTHER SE 155,677
TOTAL LIABILITY AND EQUITY 183,623
SALES 259,243
TOTAL REVENUES 260,462
CGS 150,772
TOTAL COSTS 79,620
OTHER EXPENSES 0
LOSS PROVISION 672
INTEREST EXPENSE 37
INCOME PRETAX 30,033
INCOME TAX 11,062
INCOME CONTINUING 18,971
DISCONTINUED 0
EXTRAORDINARY 0
CHANGES 0
NET INCOME 18,971
EPS PRIMARY 1.82
EPS DILUTED 1.82

O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 99.1 - Certain Risk Factors

The following factors could affect the Company's actual results, including its revenues, expenses and net income, and could cause them to differ from any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.

Competition

The Company competes with a large number of retail and wholesale automotive aftermarket product suppliers. The distribution of automotive aftermarket products is a highly competitive industry, particularly in the more densely populated market areas served by the Company. Competitors include national and regional automotive parts chains, independently owned parts stores (some of which are associated with national auto parts distributors or associations), automobile dealerships, mass or general merchandise, discount and convenience chains that carry automotive products, independent warehouse distributors and parts stores and national warehouse distributors and associations. Some of the Company's competitors are larger than the Company and have greater financial resources than the Company.

No Assurance of Future Growth

Management believes that the Company's ability to open additional stores at an accelerated rate will be a significant factor in achieving its growth objectives for the future. The ability of the Company to accomplish its growth is dependent, in part, on matters beyond the Company's control, such as weather conditions, zoning and other issues related to new store site development, the availability of qualified management personnel and general business and economic conditions. No assurance can be given that the Company's current growth rate can be maintained.

Dependence Upon Key and Other Personnel

The success of the Company has been largely dependent on the efforts of certain key personnel of the Company, including David E. O'Reilly, Lawrence P. O'Reilly, Charles H. O'Reilly, Jr., Rosalie O'Reilly Wooten and Ted F. Wise. The loss of the services of one or more of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations. Additionally, in order to successfully implement and manage its growth strategy, the Company will be dependent upon its ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to attract such personnel

Concentration of Ownership by Management

The Company's executive officers and directors as a group beneficially own a substantial percentage of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock. These officers and directors have the ability to exercise effective voting control of the Company, including the election of all of the Company's directors, and to effectively determine the vote on any matter being voted on by the Company shareholders, including any merger, sale of assets or other change in control of the Company.

1