Mohawk Industries, Inc. recently announced 2016 second quarter record net earnings of $255 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.42, a 35% increase vs. the 2015 second quarter. Excluding restructuring, acquisition and other charges, net earnings were $259 million and EPS was $3.47, a 29% increase over last year’s second quarter adjusted EPS. Net sales for the second quarter of 2016 were $2.3 billion, up 13.2% vs. the prior year’s second quarter or an approximately 12.1% increase on a constant days and currency exchange rate basis.

“We delivered our highest sales for any quarter in the company’s history, and our earnings per share set an all-time record for the company, marking the ninth consecutive quarter that Mohawk has delivered a year-over-year record quarterly adjusted EPS,” said Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, chairman and CEO. “Our operating margin rose to a second quarter record of 15.2%, an increase of 270 basis points, or 15.4% on an adjusted basis, an increase of 160 basis points, as a result of productivity, sales volume, acquisitions and lower inputs, partially offset by investments in SG&A and unfavorable price-mix. 

“Our innovations in products and processes, investments in efficiencies and integration of our acquisitions enhanced our performance during the quarter and provide a foundation for long-term growth. Our recent acquisitions are progressing as we broaden their strategies, leverage their distribution and provide additional resources. Across the enterprise, we are investing in marketing to support our product introductions and expand our distribution and sales. 

“To optimize growth, we have initiated many capital projects that will enhance our performance this year and beyond by expanding our capacity and improving our efficiencies. We are in the final stages of the start-up of our new U.S. ceramic, LVT and outdoor rug operations, as well as our European LVT plant. We have begun additional expansion projects to support growth across our product categories: LVT and premium laminate in the U.S. and Europe; ceramic tile in Mexico, Europe and Russia; and Continuum polyester carpet, engineered wood and utility mats in the U.S. This year, we anticipate our capital expenditures will exceed $600 million and will lead to higher future sales and profits. 

“For the quarter, our Global Ceramic Segment sales were up 5% as reported; on a constant days and currency basis legacy sales were up 4%. Operating income for the segment rose approximately 16% to an operating margin of 17%, which benefited from higher volume, productivity and mix. Our North American ceramic business continued to grow as we increased sales personnel and distribution points. Our new Tennessee ceramic plant is ahead of schedule with the last line becoming operational in the third quarter. We are manufacturing higher value products at the facility, including 48-in. wood planks and color body porcelain tiles. We are focusing each of our North American plants on specific products to optimize productivity and increase their efficiency and quality. All of our Mexican ceramic capacity is being utilized, and we will double the capacity of our Salamanca plant by fall of next year. Our European ceramic sales continue to improve with expanded margins and improved mix. We have initiated the final phase of our Italian asset modernization, which will be completed during the first half of next year. We are enhancing our Bulgarian product offering, improving efficiencies and supplying product to Western European and U.S. markets. Despite the decline of the Russian economy and ceramic industry, our sales rose on a local currency basis with improvements in volume, price and mix.” 

For more information, visit http://mohawkind.com.