Genuine Parts pany(GPC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total GPC sales for Q1 2025 were $5.9 billion, up 0.4% year-over-year, primarily driven by acquisitions and improving sales in the industrial business, partially offset by one less selling day impacting sales growth by 110 basis points [18] - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was$ 1.75, down 21% from the prior year, influenced by one less selling day, lower pension income, higher depreciation and interest expense, and foreign currency headwinds [36] - Gross margin increased by 120 basis points to 37.1% in Q1 2025, driven by acquisitions and favorable vendor rebates [38] Business Segment Performance Changes - Global industrial segment sales were approximately flat at $2.2 billion, with comparable sales decreasing less than 1%, negatively impacted by one less selling day [19] - Global automotive segment sales increased by 0.5%, with comparable sales decreasing by 0.8%, also affected by one less selling day [24] - In the automotive segment, total sales in the U.S. were up approximately 4%, while comparable sales declined approximately 3% [25] Market Performance Changes - In Canada, total sales increased approximately 5% in local currency, with comparable sales up approximately 4% [28] - European total sales increased approximately 3% in local currency, with comparable sales essentially flat [29] - Asia Pacific delivered double-digit growth in local currency, with total sales up approximately 12% and comparable sales growth of approximately 3% [30] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on enhancing customer service and executing strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency [12][15] - The rollout of the modernized e-commerce platform, Napa ProLink, is aimed at improving customer experience and driving sales growth [16] - The company continues to pursue acquisitions to strengthen its market position, with 44 stores acquired from independent owners and competitors [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a dynamic external environment influenced by tariffs, trade, inflation, and interest rates, which are creating a cautious demand backdrop [12][13] - The company maintains its outlook for 2025, expecting diluted EPS in the range of$ 6.95 to $7.45 and adjusted diluted EPS between$ 7.75 and $8.25 [45] - Management expressed cautious optimism about a potential recovery in the second half of 2025, despite current market softness [51] Other Important Information - The company incurred$ 69 million in pre-tax adjustments related to restructuring and acquisitions during Q1 2025 [35] - Cash from operations was down $41 million, and free cash flow decreased by approximately$ 160 million due to investments in inventory and capital expenditures [42][43] - The company returned approximately $135 million to shareholders through dividends during the quarter [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the inflation impact in Q1 for both motion and automotive businesses? - Inflation was slightly less than one point across both businesses, with SG&A costs increasing around 2% [65][66] Question: How is the performance in Europe Automotive relative to the market? - The company is seeing growth in Napa branded products, with market share in line or slightly better than the market [69][70] Question: Update on North American auto and independent store acquisitions? - The company added approximately 40-45 stores and will continue to focus on running great stores while moderating acquisition pace [74][76] Question: Is there a scenario that could improve the tariff situation? - If tariffs are resolved quickly, it could lead to a more robust second half, but currently, the company is in a wait-and-see mode [80][81] Question: What is the cost impact of current tariffs on goods? - The complexity of tariffs makes it difficult to quantify the exact cost impact, as it varies by product and country of origin [107][110] Question: How are independent owners navigating the current environment? - There has not been a significant rush to stock up on inventory due to tariffs, and the company is working with owners to ensure they are appropriately stocked [125][126]