Genuine Parts Company Reports First Quarter 2009 Results

ATLANTA, April 16, 2009: Genuine Parts Company reported sales and earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. Thomas C. Gallagher, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, announced today that sales totaling $2.4 billion were down 11% compared to the first quarter of 2008. Net income for the quarter was $89.2 million, a decrease of 28% over $123.5 million recorded in the same period of the previous year. Earnings per share on a diluted basis were 56 cents, down 25% compared to 75 cents for the first quarter last year.

Mr. Gallagher stated, "It was a challenging quarter for us, as the effects of the slower economy impacted each of our four business segments. The Automotive Group and S. P. Richards, our Office Products Group, both reported a 7% sales decrease, while Motion Industries, our Industrial Group, reported a 16% sales decline in the quarter, and EIS, our Electrical Group, had a 25% decrease. Our Industrial and Electrical businesses sell to the manufacturing segment of the economy, which has experienced an overall slowdown in activity over the past several quarters."

Mr. Gallagher added, "While we are not pleased with our first quarter operating results, the balance sheet at March 31, 2009, remains in excellent condition and we continue to strengthen our financial position through working capital and asset management initiatives, as well as steady and strong cash flows. We believe the use of our cash in several key areas, such as the dividend, opportunistic share repurchases, the ongoing investment in each of our businesses and strategic complimentary types of acquisitions, serves to maximize the total return to shareholders."

Mr. Gallagher concluded, "The effects of the economic slowdown are likely to persist for several more quarters. Clearly, these are challenging times; however, our expectation is to show gradual improvement in our overall results as the year progresses. The management teams in each of our business segments are focused on the diligent execution of their respective growth and operating strategies, the prudent management of their cost structure and the continued emphasis on further strengthening our balance sheet."

Conference Call

Genuine Parts Company will hold a conference call today at 11:00 a.m. EDT to discuss the results of the quarter and the future outlook. Interested parties may listen to the call on the Company's website, GENPT, by clicking "Investor Services," or by dialing 877-316-2549, conference ID 85284172. A replay will also be available on the Company's website or at 800-642-1687, conference ID 85284172, two hours after the completion of the call until 12:00 a.m. Eastern time on May 1, 2009.