The used car trend in the United States isn't ending anytime soon, which is why I'm reiterating my buy rating for auto parts giant O'Reilly Automotive Inc. (ORLY), first recommended on May 18, 2009 at a price of $37.02.

One argument holds that frugal consumers in U.S. will delay getting maintenance done on their used vehicles, due to tight budgets. But that delay can only occur for so long: critical maintenance must be performed, eventually. Further, the U.S. auto fleet's increasing age provides another tailwind for ORLY's sales. The First Call FY2009/FY2010 EPS estimates for ORLY are $2.24 to $2.59.

Auto parts company O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORLY- option chain) is one of the newest additions to the S&P 500 Index (SPX). Standard & Poor's announced late Thursday that ORLY will join the venerable index after the close of trading on March 26, where it will replace Noble Corp. (NYSE: NE).

The news caps off a pretty good week for ORLY; on Wednesday, Robert W. Baird initiated coverage of the stock with an "outperform" rating, and the equity tagged a new 52-week high of $36.17 in Thursday's session.

Leo Fasciocco is a technician focused on "breakout" stocks; in his Ticker Tape Digest, two recent such breakout ideas were both from the out-of-favor auto parts sector: O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY) and Autozone (NYSE: AZO).

Noting the recent strength in these auto parts stocks -- both have recently rose to new 52-week highs despite the market's sharp declines -- the advisor explains, "Auto parts stocks may see strong product demand as more people keep their car and not buy a new one."

"O'Reilly Automotive is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and accessories in the U.S, with annual revenues of $3.1 billion.

Father's Day is a special occasion for many of us, a day to show our daddies how much we love them. We give dad some extra attention that day and usually also a present that could make him happy. Kiplinger.com has an interesting idea -- one that I really like -- for a Father's Day present you may want to consider: Find a good stock that could bring him a lot of money.

Let's look at some of the companies Kiplinger's Anne Kates Smith believes would be good options this year:

• O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY) is an auto parts retailer that is facing weak demand as a result of soaring crude oil prices. However, analysts believe the company's strategy to buy CSK Auto will bring a lot of national success. ORLY is expected to show earnings of $1.76 per share this year and $2.02 next year.
• Stanley Works (NYSE: SWK), headquartered in New Britain, Conn., has the advantage of being one of only two companies offering a complete line of hand tools for consumers. The company focuses its performance on both its industrial tool division and a security business. Analysts forecast a profit of $4.18 this year, and $4.63 a share for next year.