EVANSVILLE, IN -- United Components, Inc. (UCI) announced results for the quarter ending March 31. Revenue increased to $263.7 million, 7.4 percent over the year-ago quarter, with increases in the retail, heavy-duty and original equipment sales channels and declines in the traditional and original equipment service channels. Net income for the quarter was $4.8 million, up from $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2005.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, as adjusted pursuant to the company's credit agreement for its senior credit facilities, was $29.5 million for the first quarter, an increase of 19.9 percent over EBITDA of $24.6 million for the year-ago quarter.

"We are extremely pleased with our strong start to 2006," said Bruce Zorich, chief executive officer of UCI. "We saw some very tangible results this quarter from the investment we've made throughout 2005, and continue to make, in revenue and profitability initiatives."

"Our new business development efforts were reflected in our first quarter revenue improvement, particularly in the retail channel," continued Zorich. "And our operational improvements helped to offset the continuing increases in raw material and energy costs."

UCI continues to work toward completing its acquisition of ASC Industries, which it expects to complete this month. UCI plans to fund the acquisition through an amendment to its existing senior credit facilities, including additional borrowings of approximately $115 million.

UCI generated $18.9 million of cash in the quarter, ending the quarter with $45.1 million in cash. As of March 31, the company's debt stood at $443 million, down from $581 million in June 2003 when the acquisition occurred.

To learn more about United Components, go to: www.ucinc.com .

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today's headlines.