VAN NUYS, Calif. – Superior Industries International has announced net income of $4.8 million, or 18 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2014. This compares with net income of $4.9 million, or 18 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2013.
 
Net sales for the 2014 first quarter decreased 11 percent to $183.4 million from $206.4 million in the comparable period a year ago. However, the company’s gross profit improved to $15.6 million for the 2014 first quarter from $13.5 million in 2013, while the 2014 first quarter gross profit margin improved to 8.5 percent of net sales from 6.5 percent last year.
 
The decline in net sales reflects an 8 percent decrease in unit sales for the 2014 first quarter to 2.8 million wheels and a 4 percent reduction in the average selling price due to a decline in the aluminum component of sales, which largely is passed through to customers. The company said the increase in gross profit and related margin reflects Superior’s generally lower cost structure, specifically in the areas of labor, maintenance and supplies, due in part to improved efficiencies and benefits derived from capital improvements implemented during the past year.