Standard Motor Products Inc . (NYSE: NYSE:SMP), an automotive parts manufacturer and distributor, reported an increase in net sales for the second quarter and first half of 2024.
The company also announced that it entered a definitive agreement to acquire European company Nissens its financial outcomes
For the quarter ending June 30, 2024, the company reported net sales of $389.8 million, a 10.4% increase compared to $353.1 million in the same period the previous year. Earnings from continuing operations stood at $18.0 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, slightly down from $18.4 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, in 2023's second quarter.
When adjusted for non-operational items, earnings were $21.7 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, up from $18.6 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, in the prior year.
For the first half of 2024, consolidated net sales rose to $721.2 million from $681.1 million in 2023, while earnings from continuing operations were $27.8 million, or $1.25 per diluted share, compared to $31.1 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, in the same period last year. Adjusted earnings for the six months were $31.7 million, or $1.42 per diluted share, compared to $31.9 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, in 2023.
The company's Temperature Control segment notably set a sales record, driven by high temperatures across the country, with a 28.2% increase over the previous year's second quarter.
The Engineered Solutions segment also saw a 6.1% rise in sales for the quarter due to strong demand and new business wins.
Standard Motor Products is progressing with a significant acquisition, having entered a definitive agreement to purchase Nissens for approximately $388 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.
The Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend payment of 29 cents per share, payable on September 3, 2024, to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2024. The company also bought back $7.8 million of common stock during the quarter.
Looking forward, Standard Motor Products anticipates low- to mid-single-digit sales growth for 2024, excluding the impact of the Nissens acquisition, and an adjusted EBITDA margin in the range of 9.0-9.5%.
InvestingPro Insights
As Standard Motor Products (NYSE:SMP) announces a robust second quarter and navigates a significant acquisition, real-time data and expert analysis from InvestingPro provide a deeper look into the company's financial health and future prospects.
The company's market capitalization stands at $713.99 million, reflecting its position within the automotive parts industry. Despite a slight decrease in revenue growth over the last twelve months, as indicated by a -1.12% change, Standard Motor Products has shown resilience with a gross profit margin of 28.43% for the same period. This margin underscores the company's ability to maintain profitability amidst market fluctuations.
Investors are also drawn to the company's commitment to shareholder returns, as evidenced by the InvestingPro Tip that Standard Motor Products has raised its dividend for three consecutive years and maintained dividend payments for 15 consecutive years. This track record of consistent dividend payments is an attractive feature for income-focused investors, particularly in an environment where reliable yields can be challenging to find.
Moreover, the company boasts a healthy liquidity position, with liquid assets surpassing short-term obligations, providing it with a solid foundation to manage upcoming financial commitments and invest in growth opportunities such as the Nissens acquisition.
For investors seeking further insights, InvestingPro offers additional tips on Standard Motor Products, including analyst forecasts and profitability predictions. These tips, which number over six on InvestingPro's platform, can be accessed by visiting the dedicated page for Standard Motor Products at InvestingPro.
With a fair value estimation by InvestingPro at $40.15, which is higher than the previous close price of $32.73, the company appears to be undervalued, suggesting potential for price appreciation. This valuation, coupled with a strong return over the last month of 21.04%, paints a promising picture for SMP in the near term.
As Standard Motor Products continues to make strategic moves and deliver shareholder value, these InvestingPro insights offer a valuable perspective for investors monitoring the company's performance.
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