There are many factors behind the continued growth of AutoZone (AZO), an auto parts retailer, which shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Over the past year, the stock has returned 35.67% compared to 58.68% and 44.20% for Advance Auto Parts (AAP) and O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY), respectively. Clearly AutoZone is a lagging sector, however, below are some reasons to remain bullish on the stock. Thirtieth consecutive quarter of double-digit EPS growth In the fiscal second quarter ended Feb. 14, the Memphis, Tenn.-based auto parts retailer reported net sales of $2 billion, an increase of 7 percent. .3% compared to the same period of the previous year. As a result, domestic same-store sales increase 4.3% in the quarter. Net income for the quarter increased 9.4% - to $192.8 million - compared to the same period last year, while diluted earnings per share grew 18.8% to $5.63 per share, marking the thirtieth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings per share growth. These are impressive figures in any case and reflect the company's ability to sustain growth.http://nocache-phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=76792&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1905705&highlight=L' Average age of vehicles continues to vary Increase According to a recent study conducted by Polk, a global automotive market analysis firm, the average age of all light-duty vehicles on U.S. roads has reached an all-time high of 11.4 years. This compares with average ages of 8.4 and 9.6 years, respectively, in 1995 and 2002. Additionally, Polk expects the trend to continue through 2016 as Vehicle In Operation (VIO) prices decline providing customers a greater incentive to purchase used vehicles rather than 9.6 years. how new. The shift gives way to significant opportunities for certain sectors of the automotive aftermarket… in the middle of the paper… the fiscal second quarter. Year to date, the auto parts retailer has repurchased 1.082 million shares and had $727 million remaining under its current stock repurchase authorization. 2014 Outlook The company is expected to post year-over-year revenue growth of 5.78% to $2.33 billion in the quarter ended May 14, according to consensus analyst estimates on Reuters. Earnings per share are expected to grow 16.23% to $8.45 for the quarter. For full-year 2014, the company is expected to report revenues of $9.49 billion and earnings of $11.28 per share. In conclusion, AutoZone has performed exceptionally well in recent years, and industry trends indicate that the company will continue to perform well. Figuratively speaking, the company's rearview mirror shows tremendous past successes, while the windshield shows different opportunities along the way.