| Affinia Group Inc. has announced first quarter financial results for 2006. For the quarter ending March 31, revenue was $548 million, representing a nine percent increase over the first quarter of 2005 revenue of $502 million. The company said this increase was primarily driven by increased volume, positive economic effects and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation.
Net loss for the quarter was $6 million compared to a loss of $17 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2005. This improvement is primarily attributable to improved gross margin of $19 million and the loss of $14 million (net of tax) on the sale of Beck/Arnley in the first quarter of 2005 offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $18 million, according to the company. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily related to the company's restructuring programs, expenses associated with establishing a corporate office, increased revenue and professional fees associated with the ongoing implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley.
Thomas Madden, Affinia's chief financial officer, stated, "We are pleased with our revenue growth in the first quarter and the opportunity to continue to support our customers with competitive quality products. Our restructuring program will insure our ability to meet customer expectations in the global marketplace."
As of March 31, Affinia had $61 million of cash. Total debt for the company as of March 31 was $617 million, with no borrowings outstanding under the company's receivables securitization program, reflecting a $66 million reduction in debt compared with March 31, 2005. As of March 31, Affinia said it was in compliance with all covenants in its senior credit agreement including the following financial covenants: a leverage ratio, cash interest expense ratio and a maximum annual capital expenditure.
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