ATLANTA -- Genuine Parts Co. reported record sales and earnings for the third quarter and nine months ending Sept. 30.

Tom Gallagher, chairman, president and CEO, announced that sales totaling $2.6 billion were up 9 percent compared to the third quarter of 2004. Net income was $110.9 million, an increase of 13 percent, compared to $97.9 million for the third quarter of 2004. On a per share diluted basis, net income was 63 cents, up 12.5 percent compared to 56 cents for the third quarter last year.

For the nine months ending Sept. 30, sales totaled $7.4 billion, up eight percent compared to the same period in 2004. Net income for the nine months was $328.4 million, an increase of 10 percent over $299.2 million recorded in the previous year. Earnings per share on a diluted basis were $1.87, up nine percent compared to $1.71 for the same period last year.

"The third quarter was our strongest quarter thus far in 2005, and it continues the positive growth pattern we have experienced in each of our business segments dating back to early 2004, said Gallagher. "Motion Industries, our industrial group, grew sales by 12 percent, the sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue increases for this group. S.P. Richards, our office products group, had an eight percent increase in sales, and this follows a six percent increase in the first quarter and an eight percent increase in the second quarter. We are encouraged by another period of steady growth for this group.

The automotive group produced its strongest quarter of the year, with sales up eight percent in the third quarter after reporting increases of four percent and 6 percent in the first and second quarters, respectively. EIS, our electrical group, also contributed to our growth this quarter, with sales up two percent. Excluding the impact of the sale of their circuit supply division earlier this year, the on-going operations at EIS improved 10 percent in the period."

Gallagher mentioned that the financial position strengthened through its earnings growth and working capital and its balance sheet continues to be in 'excellent condition.'

"As we look ahead to the fourth quarter, we continue to maintain a positive outlook on the growth opportunities for our businesses. Our initiatives in the automotive group are proving successful and the market conditions in the aftermarket remain favorable for us," said Gallagher.

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