Mohawk Reports Decline in Earnings for Q3 & First Nine Months

Calhoun, GA, October 25, 2019-Mohawk has announced year over year (YOY) net earnings decline of 31.5% for Q3 2019. Net sales for the quarter fell 1.0% YOY.

For Q3, global ceramic segment sales increased 3.5%, and the flooring North America segment’s sales decreased 4%, while its Flooring Rest of the World Segment’s sales declined 2%.

For the first nine months of the year, net earnings fell 24.2% YOY, and net sales were flat.

Commenting on Mohawk Industries’ third quarter performance, Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, Chairman and CEO, stated, "As anticipated, our U.S. businesses presented the greatest challenges during the period given soft retail demand, the impact of LVT, a stronger dollar and excess ceramic industry inventories. Trends in our other major markets weakened, creating a more competitive environment. We expect the present conditions to persist and will further adjust our strategies as needed.

When discussing the flooring North America business, Lorberbaum reports, “The segment has been reorganized by product category to enhance our sales, product and operational strategies and execution. Polyester carpets continue to gain share in a soft market, which has reduced our overall product mix. We have completed the expansion of recycled polyester fiber to support continued growth in the category. The realignment of our residential carpet manufacturing will be largely complete in the fourth quarter and will improve our cost, quality and service. We are closing higher cost extrusion and dyeing assets and consolidating yarn and tufting operations. We have increased automation and upgraded assets to reduce our backing and yarn costs. Our commercial business continues to outperform residential with carpet tile and LVT growing fastest. We are expanding our sales organization and increasing our carpet tile manufacturing. During the period, LVT sales outperformed the other categories, and our operations improved production volume, speeds and cost. In September, we set a record for rigid LVT production, and our flexible LVT line is running at speeds comparable to our European operations. Our manufactured sheet vinyl sales continue to grow as we broaden our position in the apartment and home center channels. We expanded our waterproof laminate offering, and our RevWood collection is growing with its superior scratch and dent resistance, state-of-the art visuals and greater value.”

And of the ceramic business, Lorberbaum says, “The U.S. ceramic market has been impacted by a decline in product mix, consumers shifting to LVT and excess inventories in the channel. Recently, the U.S. imposed 104% tariffs on Chinese imports, and further anti-dumping duties are anticipated. We expect the U.S. ceramic market to remain soft, and we are taking actions to improve our sales and costs.”