Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) announced today its results for the fourth quarter and 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2022.

“The GPC team capped off a record-setting year with a strong fourth quarter highlighted by double-digit sales and earnings growth and continued margin expansion. We are incredibly proud of our progress throughout the year and thankful to our teammates across the globe for their ongoing commitment to excellence,” said Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO of Genuine Parts Company. “Working together, we have been agile in navigating the dynamics of the macro-economy and continue to deliver market share gains and drive positive momentum in our top and bottom-line results.”

Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

Sales were $5.5 billion, a 15% increase compared to $4.8 billion in the same period of the prior year. The improvement is attributable to an 11.1% increase in comparable sales and an 8% benefit from acquisitions, partially offset by a 4.1% unfavorable impact of foreign currency and other.

Net income was $252 million, or a diluted EPS of $1.77. This compares to net income of $256 million, or $1.79 per diluted share in the prior year period.

Adjusted net income, which excludes an expense of $40 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, in non-recurring items primarily associated with a remeasurement of the company’s product liability reserve, costs related to the integration of Kaman Distribution Group (KDG) and a loss related to an investment in S.P. Richards, was $292 million, an increase of 13.8% compared to adjusted net income of $256 million for the same period of the prior year. On a per share diluted basis, adjusted net income was $2.05, an increase of 14.5% compared to $1.79 per diluted share in the prior year. Refer to the reconciliation of GAAP net income to adjusted net income for more information.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Segment Highlights

Automotive Parts Group 

Global Automotive sales were $3.4 billion in the fourth quarter, up 7.6% from the same period in 2021, consisting of an 8.2% increase in comparable sales and a 4.8% benefit from acquisitions, net of a 5.4% unfavorable impact of foreign currency and other. Segment profit of $295 million increased 11%, with profit margin of 8.6% up 30 basis points from the same period of the prior year.

Industrial Parts Group

Industrial sales were $2.1 billion, up 29.6% from the same period in 2021, and reflecting a 16.7% increase in comparable sales and a 14.3% contribution from the KDG acquisition, slightly offset by a 1.4% unfavorable impact of foreign currency. Segment profit of $230 million increased 49.8%, with profit margin of 11.0% up 150 basis points from the same period of the prior year.

“The strength in Automotive sales was broad-based, with double-digit total sales growth in local currency in each of our global operations,” said Will Stengel, president and chief operating officer. “In addition, Industrial generated its seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit sales comps and 10th consecutive quarter of margin expansion, while continuing to execute well and create value with the accelerated integration of KDG. Our strong fourth quarter and record financial performance in 2022 are testaments to our teams’ hard work and dedication to serve our customers.”

Full Year 2022 Results

Sales in 2022 were $22.1 billion, a 17.1% increase from $18.9 billion in 2021. Net income for the twelve months was $1.2 billion, or $8.31 per diluted share. Adjusted net income, which excludes an expense of $5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in non-recurring items as described above as well as transaction and other costs related to the acquisition of KDG and a gain on the sale of certain real estate recorded in the prior quarters of 2022, was $1.2 billion, or $8.34 per diluted share, an increase of 20.7% compared to $6.91 per diluted share in the prior year. Refer to the reconciliation of GAAP net income to adjusted net income for more information.

“We had an exceptional 2022 which included celebrating our 95th year of operations. We have quickly turned our attention to the year ahead and, while the macro-environment remains uncertain, we are confident in our strategic plans to drive sustained sales and earnings growth, continued margin expansion and strong cash flow. We believe our progress in these key areas, combined with a strong balance sheet, position GPC with the financial strength and flexibility to pursue strategic growth opportunities while also returning capital to shareholders,” Donahue concluded.