Right Tail Capital Q3 2025 Investor Letter

Core Insights - O'Reilly Auto Parts (ORLY) has been a strong long-term investment for Right Tail Capital, demonstrating resilience and growth despite market challenges [3][4][12] - The company has a balanced customer mix of "Do It Yourself" (DIY) and "Do It For Me" (DIFM), which positions it well against competitors like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts [7][14] - O'Reilly's distribution advantages and strong company culture contribute to its competitive edge, allowing it to provide superior service that e-commerce platforms struggle to replicate [9][13] Historical Performance - In 2017, ORLY shares fell 30-50% due to fears of Amazon disrupting the auto parts retail market, but the company rebounded significantly, achieving a ~100x return from its IPO price [5][6] - During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, ORLY shares dropped 40-50%, but the company was able to leverage its proven track record to recover and grow [11] Competitive Positioning - O'Reilly has outperformed its peers by effectively navigating supply chain disruptions and maintaining strong relationships with professional mechanics [12][14] - The company's ability to grow its DIFM business faster than AutoZone, despite AutoZone's established presence, highlights O'Reilly's operational excellence [14] Future Outlook - The ongoing need for auto parts, driven by the increasing age and complexity of vehicles, positions O'Reilly for continued growth [15] - Key drivers of O'Reilly's success include a focus on necessary products, disciplined reinvestment, and a customer-first approach [15][16]