(Corrects 2015 revised sales forecast to $30.9-$32.6 billion
from $26.2-$27.5 billion in paragraph 8)
Aug 7 (Reuters) - Canadian auto parts maker Magna
International Inc MG.TO MGA.N reported higher-than-expected
quarterly sales as increased vehicle production in North America
offset the impact of a strong U.S. dollar.
Auto sales in the United States and Canada were robust in
the April-June period as cheaper gasoline and low interest rates
drove the shift toward sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.
However, the dollar .DXY surged about 20 percent against a
basket of major currencies in the past 12 months, making sales
denominated in other currencies less valuable in dollar terms.
On an adjusted basis, Magna earned $1.19 per share for the
second quarter, above analysts' average estimate of $1.18,
according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Magna's quarterly sales fell 8.7 percent to $8.13 billion.
Analysts on average had expected revenue of $8.09 billion.
The company said it expected 2015 operating margin to be
about 8 percent, higher than the high-7 percent range it
forecast in May.
Magna sold much of its vehicle interiors business, typically
a lower-margin segment, to Spain's Grupo Antolin in April.
The company said it now expects 2015 sales of $30.9-$32.6
billion, compared with its previous forecast of $30.8-$32.5
billion.
Magna had said in July it would buy privately owned German
car parts maker Getrag for 1.75 billion euros ($1.91 billion),
to expand its automotive transmission systems business.
ID:nL4N0ZW3MX
Net earnings per share attributable to Magna was $1.16, same
as a year earlier. The company said it restated its earnings per
share for the year-ago period due to a 2-for-1 stock split that
was completed in March. ID:nPn3btFyP
Up to Thursday's close of C$71.37, Magna shares gained about
22 percent in the past 12 months on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
($1 = 0.9152 euros)