Motion, the industrial distribution arm of Genuine Parts Co., delivered solid third-quarter growth despite persistent headwinds from weak industrial production, tariffs, and muted spending across manufacturing sectors.
Industrial sales climbed to $2.3 billion, up 4.6% year over year, driven by a 3.7% increase in comparable sales and a 1.1% boost from acquisitions. Segment profit rose 6.6% to $285 million, representing 12.6% of sales.
“During the quarter, Motion’s performance exceeded overall market growth, even as industrial production and the PMI remained soft,” said William Stengel, president and chief executive officer of Genuine Parts, during the company’s third-quarter 2025 earnings call. “We saw growth in seven of our fourteen end markets, up from five in the second quarter, with strength in iron and steel, food products, and fabricated metals. Our data center initiative continues to gain traction as well.”
Stengel noted that Motion’s core maintenance, repair, and operations business—about 80% of its sales—rose mid-single digits, while capital-intensive project work was “up slightly.” The company’s large-dollar order backlog increased 20% from the start of the year, reflecting stronger customer sentiment and gradual recovery in industrial spending.
While tariffs and elevated costs remain challenges, Stengel said GPC’s teams have “adapted to working in dynamic environments and remain resilient and determined,” emphasizing the company’s reliance on strategic supplier partnerships to mitigate trade disruptions.
Across Genuine Parts, total company sales rose to $6.3 billion, a 4.9% increase from $6.0 billion in the same period last year. Comparable sales improved 2.3%, supported by 1.8% growth from acquisitions and a 0.8% benefit from foreign exchange.
For the first nine months of 2025, GPC reported $18.3 billion in total sales, up 3.2% year over year. Adjusted net income was $810 million, compared with $915 million a year earlier, reflecting restructuring expenses and higher interest costs.
Stengel said GPC’s results “reflect ongoing execution of growth and productivity initiatives,” even as customers across both automotive and industrial markets “remain cautious and looking for the best value.”
Chief financial officer Herbert Nappier noted. “We experienced a low single-digit benefit to sales growth from tariffs, and a low single-digit increase to cost of goods sold. The net impact of tariffs on the quarter was a slight benefit to our results.”
Genuine Parts raised its full-year 2025 sales outlook to 3%–4% growth, up from 1%–3%, reflecting steady performance in both Motion and its Automotive Parts Group. The company now expects industrial segment growth of 2%–3% and automotive growth of 4%–5% for the year.
Despite soft global conditions and lingering tariff uncertainty, Stengel said GPC remains optimistic about long-term industrial trends. “We’re bullish on Motion’s outlook,” he said. “Its size, scale, and customer value proposition are true differentiators as new opportunities like onshoring, and data center construction accelerate. We’re set up for the eventual rebound in industrial demand—and we’ll be ready when it comes.”
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