Feb 18 (Reuters) - Automotive replacement parts

distributor Genuine Parts ( GPC ) on Tuesday reported a

better-than-expected fourth quarter profit, as store

acquisitions and an extra selling day in the U.S. boosted sales.

Genuine Parts ( GPC ) bought over 500 stores in the U.S. in 2024,

helping it take advantage of a strong dollar, while an

additional selling day in the country over the year-ago quarter

bumped global automotive sales by about 0.9%. Strong performance

in its Australasia market also lifted sales.

Adjusted profit per share for the quarter ended December 31

was $1.61, compared with analysts' average expectation of $1.55,

according to date compiled by LSEG.

The company reported fourth quarter revenue of $5.77

billion, compared with expectations of $5.72 billion.

In 2024, the company had cut costs, including through

reducing headcount, to offset a slower recovery in the European

automotive aftermarket business.

The Atlanta, Georgia-based Genuine Parts ( GPC ) said it intends to

expand the global restructuring efforts in 2025, and anticipates

around $150 million to $180 million of costs in the year.

"While the year presented challenges due to macroeconomic

conditions and softer end-market demand, we remained focused on

controlling what we could," Will Stengel, CEO, said in a

statement.

The company also expects 2025 total sales to grow between 2%

and 4%, compared with estimates of 2.92% growth.