Mohawk Industries, Inc. recently announced 2016 first quarter net earnings of $172 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.30. Excluding restructuring, acquisition and other charges, net earnings were $177 million and EPS was $2.38, a 40% increase over last year’s first quarter adjusted EPS. Net sales for the first quarter of 2016 were $2.2 billion, up 15.5% vs. the first quarter of 2015, or approximately 19% on a constant days and currency exchange rate basis.

“We entered 2016 with an optimistic outlook, and our results exceeded our projections with revenue growing across all segments,” said Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, chairman and CEO. “We delivered our eighth consecutive quarter with record year-over-year adjusted EPS, as well as the highest net sales for any quarter in the company’s history. For the period, our adjusted operating income margin rose to a first quarter record of 11.6%, an increase of 200 basis points over the prior year due to acquisitions, volume, productivity and input costs. All of these results were achieved with one less day in the period than last year.

“Our major capital projects initiated last year are progressing as expected, with the first production line in our Tennessee ceramic plant now operational, our U.S. LVT production accelerating, and the second phase of our European ceramic upgrade now complete. Each of our capital expansion projects creates significant long-term value, adding new revenues by increasing our product offerings and customer base. Typically, these projects take one to three years to achieve their full benefit. All of these investments should provide higher returns than our acquisitions, though start-up costs impact our immediate results.

“In 2016, we have identified more opportunities to grow our business and have already approved additional LVT production lines in the U.S. and Europe, the doubling of our central Mexico ceramic plant, the final phase of our European ceramic equipment upgrades, and the expansion of our U.S. and European premium laminate production with new technology. We anticipate investing more than $600 million in capital projects this year, and we are assessing further internal opportunities. 

“For the quarter, our Global Ceramic Segment sales were up approximately 8% as reported. On a constant days and currency basis, the segment grew 11% with the legacy business up approximately 9%. Adjusted operating income for the segment rose 18% on a constant currency basis over last year to an operating margin of 13%. In our North American ceramic business, which constitutes the majority of the segment, our service centers grew the fastest of all our channels during the period as we invested more in sales personnel, marketing and new product introductions. Our new floor and wall tile products are gaining additional placements in the home center channel as those retailers place greater emphasis on the category. To support our growth, our new plant in Tennessee initiated production on schedule, and the first line is running well. The plant’s remaining two lines will be operational between now and August. Our Mexican ceramic business is outpacing the market and is the fastest-growing part of the segment. We continue to increase our customer base in the Mexican market, adding new distributors, expanding home center placements and increasing our participation in new construction projects. Our European ceramic sales grew during the period, and we are increasing our investments in sales personnel, merchandising, retail training and brand advertising. Our KAI acquisition continues to progress as we enhance the product offering, organization and reporting systems while expanding sales to Western Europe and the U.S. Our Russian ceramic business continues to outperform the market, which remains challenging as the economy contracts and investments in real estate decline. 

“During the quarter, our Flooring North America Segment’s sales were up 7% as reported. On constant days basis, the segment grew approximately 9% with the legacy sales up 4%. Adjusted operating income for the segment rose 42% over last year to an operating margin of 9%. Last year, we began expanding our investments in sales personnel and marketing to broaden our distribution in carpet and hard surface products. Our profit margins have improved as a result of more differentiated products and more efficient operations. We continue to build on our strengths in premium residential carpet with innovative products that should enhance our mix as homeowners seek luxurious softness and improved performance. Our commercial margins improved with the success of our fashionable new product introductions and streamlined manufacturing processes. Our U.S. hard surface sales increased across all channels as we leverage our relationships with independent retailers, home centers and commercial customers. Our LVT sales are growing dramatically in both residential and commercial sectors as we ramp up production at our new U.S. plant. We have announced a hardwood price increase of 6-10% effective on May 15. Our manufacturing plants are improving process efficiencies and quality, as well as implementing equipment upgrades to extend our competitive advantages. 

“For the quarter, our Flooring Rest of the World segment’s sales were up 56% as reported. On a constant days and currency basis the segment increased 62% with legacy sales up 4%. Adjusted operating income for the segment rose 70% on a constant currency basis to an operating margin of 17%. Our laminate and wood business in Europe outpaced market trends due to our differentiated high-end products. Our deeply textured new laminate collections are driving growth in the category, and our engineered wood sales rose in both our Quick-Step brand and our direct distribution. We are planning to increase laminate capacity this year to support new product growth. Our sheet vinyl plants are fully utilized and our mix is improving. Our LVT sales are growing substantially as our new production expands, and we sourced products to grow even faster. Additional equipment will be installed in the third quarter to further increase our LVT capacity. Our insulation panel business grew significantly during the period, primarily through the acquisition of Xtratherm which was completed the end of last year. Our boards and roof panel businesses are delivering improved sales and margins as we upgrade the mix and equipment. 

“Mohawk delivered another strong performance during the first period with all of our segments enhancing their position in the marketplace. In the U.S., increased investments in marketing, products and distribution should increase our sales and margins across all product categories. Although growth in Europe is limited and Russia remains in a recession, we anticipate improving our market share and positioning ourselves for the future. We are investing in our businesses at the highest rate in our history to expand our product offerings, improve efficiency and increase capacity. Our recent acquisitions have been significantly integrated, and our financial leverage has been reduced, so we can pursue additional opportunities as they become available. Taking all of these factors into account, our guidance for the second quarter is $3.29-3.38, which would represent a 22-26% increase over 2015, excluding any restructuring charges. Our first quarter performance reflects the positive impact of the investments we have made in the business over the past three years. Our unique products, marketing and manufacturing position will enhance our operating results going forward.”

For more information, visit www.mohawkind.com.