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

Sales for the second quarter increased 1 percent 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, GPC chairman and CEO, 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 percent second quarter sales increase included underlying sales growth of 2.2 percent and a 1.3 percent contribution from acquisitions, offset by an expected currency headwind of 2.7 percent.

“Sales for the Automotive Group were essentially flat with the prior year and consisted of core automotive growth of approximately 4 percent offset by the impact of currency,” Gallagher added. “Sales at Motion Industries, our Industrial Group, decreased by approximately 2 percent, which basically represents the underlying growth for this business, as a 1 percent contribution from acquisitions was offset by an equal currency headwind. Sales at EIS, our Electrical/Electronic Group, increased by 3.5 percent and included approximately 6 percent growth from acquisitions, net of a 2 percent decrease in core sales and a 0.5 percent negative impact of copper pricing. Sales for S. P. Richards, our Office Products Group, were up 14 percent, consisting of 9 percent underlying growth and approximately 5 percent from acquisitions.”

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

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. Our teams are very focused on driving improved results over the balance of the year. We believe the initiatives we have put in place should contribute to our growth in each of our four distribution businesses as we move ahead.”