Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) announced sales and earnings for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2015.

Sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015, increased 1% to $3.94 billion compared to sales of $3.91 billion for the same period in 2014. Net income for the second quarter was $195.4 million compared to $197.7 million recorded for the same period in the previous year. Earnings per share on a diluted basis were $1.28, equal to the earnings per share for the second quarter last year. 

Tom Gallagher, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, “Our results reflect the moderation in our sales and earnings growth rates in the second quarter, primarily due to the ongoing choppiness in the economy.  This is especially the case for our Industrial business.  Overall, our 1% second quarter sales increase included underlying sales growth of 2.2% and a 1.3% contribution from acquisitions, offset by an expected currency headwind of 2.7%. 

“Sales for the Automotive Group were essentially flat with the prior year and consisted of core automotive growth of approximately 4% offset by the impact of currency. 

“Sales at Motion Industries, our Industrial Group, decreased by approximately 2%, which basically represents the underlying growth for this business, as a 1% contribution from acquisitions was offset by an equal currency headwind. 

“Sales at EIS, our Electrical/Electronic Group, increased by 3.5% and included approximately 6% growth from acquisitions, net of a 2% decrease in core sales and a 0.5% negative impact of copper pricing. 

“Sales for S. P. Richards, our Office Products Group, were up 14%, consisting of 9% underlying growth and approximately 5% from acquisitions.”

Sales for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $7.68 billion, up 2% compared to 2014. Net income for the six months was $356.4 million, basically unchanged from 2014, and earnings per share on a diluted basis were $2.33, up 1% compared to $2.30 in 2014.

Mr. Gallagher concluded, “In the midst of the challenging sales environment, two important highlights thus far in 2015 include the further strengthening of our balance sheet and improved cash flows, which position us well for future growth.”