Genuine Parts Company announced first quarter sales and earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

Sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 were $3.72 billion, compared to sales of $3.74 billion for the same period in 2015.  Net income for the first quarter was $158.0 million compared to $161.0 million recorded for the same period in the previous year. Earnings per share on a diluted basis were $1.05, equal to the earnings per share for the first quarter last year.  Currency negatively impacted total revenue growth by approximately 1.5% and earnings per share by an approximate $0.01 in the first quarter.

Tom Gallagher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to report that our first quarter performance was in-line with our expectations.  Our growth initiatives for the automotive business along with consistently strong industry fundamentals continue to drive our positive automotive performance.  Our non-automotive businesses continue to operate in a difficult economic environment."  

Total sales in the first quarter were down 0.5% from the prior year, inclusive of the 1.5% currency headwind, which was partially offset by acquisitions.  Sales for the Automotive Group were up 2%, consisting of an approximate 3.5% core sales increase, a 1% benefit from acquisitions, and a reduction of 2.5% from currency translation.  Sales at Motion Industries, our Industrial Group, were down 2.5%, including a 3% underlying sales decrease and a 1% currency headwind, offset by a 1.5% contribution from acquisitions.  Sales at EIS, our Electrical/Electronic Group, and S. P. Richards, our Office Products Group, were each down approximately 3%. 

Mr. Gallagher concluded, "Despite the fragile industrial economic conditions which continue to pressure our near term growth outlook, our teams remain focused on key sales and cost initiatives necessary to drive long term growth for the Company. We will continue to support our sales and earnings growth with a strong balance sheet, solid cash flows and effective capital allocation intended to maximize shareholder value."