Net sales for the quarter increased 28 percent to $1.39 billion from $1.08 billion in 2003. This increase was primarily the result of strong organic growth of both Mohawk and Dal-Tile products and the Lees Carpet acquisition. Additionally, the company's fiscal calendar for 2004 when compared to 2003, increased by four days in the first quarter and decreased by four days in the fourth quarter which added approximately 7 percent to sales in the first quarter of 2004.
The Mohawk segment net sales of $1.03 billion in the first quarter of 2004 were up 28 percent from $808.11 million primarily due to improving sales across all product categories and the Lees acquisition. The Dal-Tile segment net sales of $359.28 million in the first quarter of 2004 grew 30 percent from $276.60 million primarily from organic growth in the tile and stone businesses.
"All of our businesses turned in outstanding results this quarter with each product category experiencing organic revenue growth as well as increased operating earnings" said Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, Mohawk president and CEO. "The operating profits in the first quarter were surprisingly good given the unanticipated rise in natural gas, oil and commodity prices along with the resulting increase in carpet material, energy and distribution costs.
"The soft-surface products all rebounded from the economically depressed first quarter of 2003," Lorberbaum added. "The hard-surface product growth continues to be strong as a result of a broader offering, improved service and greater customer support. The regional market meetings that were completed in the first quarter were very successful resulting in a more effective and timely roll out of new products and programs. New product placements were implemented earlier with strong support from our retailers.
"Our operating margin for the quarter increased to 8.6 percent of net sales in 2004 from 7.2 percent in 2003. This improvement results from increased sales, higher gross profit margins and lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales. We were able to accomplish this even with significant cost increases for raw materials, sourced product and energy. Our cash flow remains strong with an improving debt to capitalization ratio of 30 percent as we move into a much stronger economic environment," he added.
"The strong economy has fueled sales growth in the flooring industry," Lorberbaum continued. "We have experienced significant improvements in the residential sector with the commercial sector continuing its turnaround. The persistently high oil and natural gas costs are currently affecting the economy and our industry. Almost all of our materials in carpet have had substantial increases in price. Since December, we have announced three carpet price increases to our customers to offset our rising costs. These price increases will be fully implemented during the second quarter.
"The integration of our Lees Carpet acquisition has progressed rapidly with all information systems fully integrated including operational, administrative and financial systems. We have increased inventories in the first quarter to support the business and improve service levels. New products are being introduced to update the product line and grow sales in the future. In addition, a value line of carpet tile has been introduced under the Mohawk Commercial brand and will not compete with Lees value-added approach. Lees was accretive to our earnings in the first quarter.
"Mohawk and Dal-Tile hard-surface products continued their strong performance in the first quarter of 2004. Our new product introductions have been well received. Price increases have been implemented to offset higher costs and a weaker dollar."
The company believes strong economic growth will continue throughout the year. The industry could be affected either positively or negatively by future changes of oil, natural gas or material prices. After considering these factors, Mohawk forecasts second quarter 2004 earnings of $1.27 to $1.34 EPS.
