Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP), a leading automotive parts manufacturer and distributor, reported its consolidated financial results for the three months and six months ending June 30.

Consolidated net sales for the second quarter of 2021 were $342.1 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $247.9 million during the comparable quarter in 2020. Earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2021 were $28.0 million —  or $1.23 per diluted share, compared to $11.8 million, or 52 cents per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2020. Excluding non-operational gains and losses identified on the attached reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures, earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2021 were $28.6 million, or $1.26 per diluted share, compared to $11.8 million, or 52 cents per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2020.

Consolidated net sales for the six months ending June 30 were $618.6 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $502.2 million during the comparable period in 2020. Earnings from continuing operations for the six months ending June 30 were $50.2 million, or $2.21 per diluted share, compared to $21.5 million, or 94 cents per diluted share, in the comparable period of 2020. Excluding non-operational gains and losses identified on the attached reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP measures, earnings from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were $50.7 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, and $21.6 million, or 95 cents per diluted share, respectively.

Mr. Eric Sills, Standard Motor Products’ Chief Executive Officer and President, said, “We are very pleased with our second quarter results, as the strong sales trends we have been experiencing for the last three quarters continued unabated. While our sales finished the quarter 38 percent ahead of 2020, last year’s second quarter was dramatically affected by the pandemic. Yet we were also 12 percent favorable to the comparable quarter in 2019.

“We set records in earnings, with non-GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations up 142 percent in the quarter, and up 37% vs. the second quarter of 2019.

“Our overall year-to-date performance was very strong, with sales and earnings up 23 percent and 135 percent, respectively, vs. last year. However, although market conditions remain robust, comparisons to 2020 will become more challenging. 2020 was a year of two halves – the first half was severely impacted by pandemic-related lockdowns, while the second half set records as the market surged. We believe that going forward a comparison to a more normalized 2019 is more appropriate.

“By division, Engine Management sales for the quarter were up 35 percent vs. last year despite the previously disclosed loss of a large account, and were up 7 percent vs. 2019. This strong performance reflects a combination of factors – successful customer initiatives, new business wins, contributions from acquisitions (discussed below), and generally robust demand.

“Temperature Control sales for the quarter were extremely strong, up 47 percent vs. last year and 26 percent vs. 2019. The first two months of any second quarter tend to be preseason orders, at which point the summer selling season begins. This year, it appears that customer sell-through began early, and replenishment demand remained high. Ongoing favorable weather trends bode well for a strong third quarter.

“Our gross margins held up nicely in the quarter, aided by favorable absorption in our plants from elevated production levels as we rebuilt our inventory. However, offsetting these benefits were rising costs across the board, including certain raw materials, labor, and transportation. Going forward, we anticipate margin pressures from more normalized production levels and inflationary headwinds, though we believe that the current environment permits a pass-through of these costs.

“Additionally, as we expand our sales to original equipment customers, this business tends to have lower gross margins. However, it also has lower SG&A expenses and thus generates comparable operating profit margins.

“We are excited with the progress that we have made expanding our presence in the original equipment market, with a focus on heavy duty and commercial vehicles. We announced two acquisitions in 2021, both geared towards pursuing this complementary channel.

“In March, we acquired the soot-sensor business from Stoneridge, Inc., a high-tech emissions control program for heavy duty vehicles that will be relocated to existing SMP facilities in the coming months. On May 31, we consummated the acquisition of Trombetta, a Wisconsin-based company selling various power management devices to a broad array of customers across multiple channels including construction, agricultural, heavy truck, lawn and garden, and power sports segments. Please see our Trombetta press release dated June 1 for more details.

“Combined, these acquisitions generate approximately $75 million in annualized revenue. But more importantly, when combined with our legacy business, this channel now represents approximately $250 million in sales on an annualized basis, which gives us the critical mass to be a significant supplier in this space. We are also pleased that many of the products we are pursuing in this adjacent channel are not powertrain-dependent, and thus are well-positioned for the eventual shift to electric vehicles.

“We also strongly believe that, while expansion into this market provides some important diversification from our core aftermarket business, it by no means dilutes our focus on it. We feel that it is highly complementary, as it grants access to product technologies suitable to the aftermarket, and provides more manufacturing and engineering capabilities to support our operating strategy of being a basic manufacturer.

“In closing, we are very pleased with our year thus far, posting record financial results and consummating two strategic acquisitions. The overall industry continues to perform well, our customers are enjoying very strong sell-through of our products, and we are working closely with them to ensure our mutual success. While the substantial volume swings we have been witnessing over the last 18 months make forecasting difficult, compounded by uncertainty from the ongoing pandemic, and though the balance of the year faces challenging 2020 comparisons, we believe we are well positioned for the future.

“Finally, the Board of Directors has approved payment of a quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share on the common stock outstanding. The dividend will be paid on September 1, 2021 to stockholders of record on August 16, 2021.”