MILAN, Italy—Pirelli & C. S.p.A. reported 4.2 percent better operating profit in the second quarter on 8.8 percent higher sales, as unit sales—especially premium tires and in emerging markets—rose a similar amount
Pirelli reported operating income of $257.5 million on sales of $2.04 billion. Net income fell 21.8 percent to $100 million.
Pirelli attributed the earnings improvement to a combination of higher volumes, better price/mix, higher productivity and a drop in raw materials costs.
On the sales side, Pirelli noted a 3 percent increase in replacement market sales, with above-average growth in premium tires and in South America, China and NAFTA.