These Two Profit From New Car Slowdown

Article Excerpt

Slowing sales of new cars is good news for Genuine Parts and Snap-On. Older cars need more replacement parts and maintenance services. Both companies are also doing a good job controlling costs, which will keep profits growing. GENUINE PARTS CO. $49 (New York symbol GPC; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 167.9 million; Market cap: $8.2 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) distributes automotive replacement parts to over 4,800 independent outlets in North America. The company also operates 1,100 stores under the NAPA banner. It also distributes industrial parts, office supplies and electrical equipment. The auto parts business supplies about half of the Genuine Parts’ revenue. However, most of the company’s recent growth has come from its industrial parts division, which accounts for 30% of total sales. In the three months ended September 30, 2007, sales of industrial parts rose 7%, while auto parts sales grew just 3%. Overall sales rose 3.7%, to $2.8 billion from $2.7 billion a year earlier. Earnings…