CALHOUN, Ga., Aug. 5, /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MHK) today announced 2010 second quarter net earnings of $68 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.99 which included non-recurring tax benefits, charges for redemption premiums on bonds and restructuring activities. Excluding these unusual items, net earnings and EPS would have been $53 million and $0.77 per share.  In the second quarter of 2009, the net earnings were $46 million and EPS was $0.67. Excluding the 2009 unusual items, net earnings and EPS would have been $54 million and $0.79 per share. Net sales for the second quarter of 2010 were $1.4 billion which was flat versus 2009 net sales. Our operating margin has improved to 6.4% (6.8% adjusted) and is the highest we have achieved in two years. We have a strong financial position with free cash flow of $111 million in the quarter, cash of $343 million and an improving net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.1.

For the first six months of 2010, our net earnings were $89 million or an EPS of $1.29. Excluding the unusual items noted above, net earnings would have been $77 million and EPS would have been $1.12. In the first six months of 2009, our net loss was $60 million and loss per share was $0.87. Excluding the 2009 year-to-date unusual items, net earnings and EPS would have been $64 million and $0.93 per share. Net sales for the first six months of 2010 were $2.7 billion representing a 5% increase from 2009. On a local exchange rate, constant days and excluding 2009 sales adjustments net sales decreased 2.5% during this period.

In commenting on the second quarter results, Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, Chairman and CEO stated, "Our earnings were better than anticipated due to higher sales in Unilin, improving product mix in Mohawk, price increases and cost reduction programs. Our second quarter sales were flat compared to the prior year as the residential business improved. The European business grew in most geographic and product categories with volumes increasing. Commercial markets are declining at a slower rate with expectations of a bottom this year. Residential remodeling markets should expand in the second half of the year driven by higher disposable income and low interest rates. New home construction remains low but above last year. The European economy is gaining momentum with positive industry reports, higher consumer confidence and an improved banking outlook. We have expanded our international presence with a minority interest in one of the top ten Chinese ceramic tile manufacturers and purchased a building in Russia for laminate manufacturing."

Our Mohawk segment net sales were down 3% and operating income was up $11 million before restructuring charges for the period.  Profitability has improved as price increases, product mix, productivity improvements and cost reductions resulted in higher margins. Our residential product introductions shipped earlier this year and should improve our volume in the second half of the year. Our commercial team's selling efforts are focused on the government, healthcare and education markets. Our focus continues on improving quality, product management, service and costs. Our second price increase this year of 5-7%, announced in April, is being implemented to offset higher cost raw material.

Our Dal-Tile segment net sales were down 3% as a result of new residential construction and commercial still lagging the economy. We are improving manufacturing output, increasing productivity and lowering SG&A costs to expand margins. Our Home Center share is growing and we are strengthening our position in Mexico by broadening our product offering and customer base. In manufacturing, we have increased labor productivity and energy utilization with process innovation.  

In Monterrey, Mexico, a flood caused by Hurricane Alex temporarily stopped our ceramic tile production in the beginning of July. Most of the equipment has been repaired and most will be back at full capacity within a month. Shipping was not interrupted by the flood since our finished inventories are stored at another site. We believe our aggressive actions will result in a minimal impact from the storm on our customers and performance due to product substitutions, moving production, sourcing products and coverage from our insurance.

Our Unilin segment net sales increased 10% as reported or 16% in local currency. Our business improved in most European markets, Russia and Asia with nearly all product categories growing compared to last year. Quick Step laminate is positioned as the leading brand with innovative products and a strong market presence. New licensees have adopted our patented installation system utilized in laminate, wood and vinyl products. Both, our U.S. and European wood sales have grown and the sales mix has improved. We have implemented multiple price increases in wood this year to recover the inflation of our raw materials.

The U.S. and European economies are expected to expand in the second half of the year. We believe product pricing will catch up with the inflation of our raw materials. Our new product introductions will benefit our sales while cost reductions and price increases will improve our margins. We believe raw material prices have peaked in the second quarter and our results should benefit as we go through the year. In the Unilin segment, the third quarter is seasonally slower due to the European holiday.  Our third quarter guidance for earnings is $0.70 to $0.79 per share excluding restructuring charges, the timing of insurance reimbursements and purchase accounting adjustments.

In conclusion, global economic growth should benefit our business in the future as markets continue to recover. The execution of our product introductions and cost initiatives will support expansion of our profits. Increased exposure to international markets will drive growth and provide a better balance to our company. Our cash flow remains strong and our balance sheet will support continued investment in new opportunities.

Mohawk is a leading supplier of flooring for both residential and commercial applications.  Mohawk offers a complete selection of carpet, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, stone, vinyl, and rugs.  These products are marketed under the premier brands in the industry, which include Mohawk, Karastan, Lees, Bigelow, Dal-Tile, American Olean, Unilin and Quick Step.  Mohawk's unique merchandising and marketing assist our customers in creating the consumers' dream.  Mohawk provides a premium level of service with its own trucking fleet and over 250 local distribution locations.  

Certain of the statements in the immediately preceding paragraphs, particularly anticipating future performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies and similar matters and those that include the words "could," "should," "believes," "anticipates," "expects," and "estimates," or similar expressions constitute "forward-looking statements." For those statements, Mohawk claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements will be accurate because they are based on many assumptions, which involve risks and uncertainties. The following important factors could cause future results to differ:  changes in economic or industry conditions; competition; raw material and energy costs; timing and level of capital expenditures; integration of acquisitions; rationalization of operations; claims; litigation and other risks identified in Mohawk's SEC reports and public announcements.  

There will be a conference call Friday, August 6, 2010 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.

The telephone number to call is 1-800-603-9255 for US/Canada and 1-706-634-2294 for International/Local. Conference ID # 87173114.  A conference call replay will also be available until August  20, 2010 by dialing 800-642-1687 for US/local calls and 706-645-9291 for International/Local calls and entering Conference ID # 87173114.

MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Operations
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009
Net sales		$ 1,400,086		1,406,012		2,747,322		2,614,351
Cost of sales		1,025,330		1,038,624		2,031,320		2,093,274
Gross profit		374,756		367,388		716,002		521,077
Selling, general and administrative expenses		285,030		292,710		572,655		592,283
Operating income (loss)		89,726		74,678		143,347		(71,206)
Interest expense		39,031		30,002		72,939		60,186
Other expense (income), net		1,428		(4,622)		(2,371)		(2,007)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes		49,267		49,298		72,779		(129,385)
Income tax (benefit) expense		(18,814)		3,037		(15,840)		(69,759)
Net earnings (loss)		$      68,081		46,261		88,619		(59,626)
Basic earnings (loss) per share		$          0.99		0.68		1.29		(0.87)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic		68,585		68,449		68,554		68,441
Diluted earnings (loss) per share		$          0.99		0.67		1.29		(0.87)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted		68,789		68,613		68,760		68,441
Other Financial Information
(Amounts in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities		$    135,169		231,627		88,977		269,546
Depreciation and amortization		$      72,497		77,062		149,295		144,742
Capital expenditures		$      23,830		25,830		47,139		52,923

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(Amounts in thousands)
		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$    342,673		226,543
Receivables, net		703,458		778,456
Inventories		965,778		936,336
Prepaid expenses		118,096		127,866
Deferred income taxes and other current assets		154,855		186,572
Total current assets		2,284,860		2,255,773
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,654,161		1,864,301
Goodwill		1,340,003		1,399,277
Intangible assets, net		686,156		812,190
Deferred income taxes and other non-current assets		38,736		24,148
		$ 6,003,916		6,355,689
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt		$    351,307		55,335
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		808,909		875,590
Total current liabilities		1,160,216		930,925
Long-term debt, less current portion		1,303,155		1,804,086
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities		431,355		490,355
Total liabilities		2,894,726		3,225,366
Total equity		3,109,190		3,130,323
		$ 6,003,916		6,355,689

Segment Information		As of or for the Three Months Ended				As of or for the Six Months Ended
(Amounts in thousands)		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009
Net sales:
Mohawk		$    747,582		767,790		1,464,165		1,362,121
Dal-Tile		363,618		376,704		705,014		735,182
Unilin		308,385		279,715		614,265		548,181
Intersegment sales		(19,499)		(18,197)		(36,122)		(31,133)
Consolidated net sales		$ 1,400,086		1,406,012		2,747,322		2,614,351
Operating income (loss):
Mohawk		$      26,345		20,560		42,973		(158,495)
Dal-Tile		28,124		30,331		43,519		51,460
Unilin		42,336		31,141		68,794		45,693
Corporate and eliminations		(7,079)		(7,354)		(11,939)		(9,864)
Consolidated operating income (loss)		$      89,726		74,678		143,347		(71,206)
Assets:
Mohawk						$ 1,675,226		1,723,006
Dal-Tile						1,570,238		1,621,409
Unilin						2,423,695		2,646,999
Corporate and eliminations						334,757		364,275
Consolidated assets						$ 6,003,916		6,355,689

Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to Adjusted Net Earnings and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
				Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
				July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009
Net earnings (loss)				$                  68,081		46,261		88,619		(59,626)
Unusual items:
Commercial carpet tile reserve				-		-		-		122,492
FIFO Inventory				-		-		-		61,794
Business restructurings				4,929		12,060		8,933		15,917
Debt extinguishment costs				7,514		-		7,514		-
Discrete tax items, net				(24,407)		-		(24,407)		-
Income taxes				(3,290)		(4,402)		(3,759)		(76,837)
Adjusted net earnings				$                  52,827		53,919		76,900		63,740
Adjusted diluted earnings per share				$                      0.77		0.79		1.12		0.93
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted				68,789		68,613		68,760		68,441

Reconciliation of Operating Cash Flow to Free Cash Flow
(Amounts in thousands)
				Three Months Ended
				July 3, 2010
Net cash provided by operating activities				$                135,169
Net cash used in investing activities				(23,830)
Free Cash Flow				$                111,339

Reconciliation of Total Debt to Net Debt
(Amounts in thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		July 3, 2010
Current portion of long-term debt		$                351,307
Long-term debt, less current portion		1,303,155
Less: Cash and cash equivalents		342,673
Net Debt		$             1,311,789

Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA
(Amounts in thousands)
										Trailing Twelve
		Three Months Ended								Months Ended
		September 29, 2009		December 31, 2009		April 3, 2010		July 3, 2010		July 3, 2010
Operating income		$                  68,071		46,865		53,621		89,726		258,283
Other income (expense)		610		(1,509)		3,799		(1,428)		1,472
Depreciation and amortization		76,435		81,827		76,798		72,497		307,557
Commercial carpet tile reserve		-		11,000		-		-		11,000
Business restructurings		16,019		29,787		4,004		4,929		54,739
Adjusted EBITDA		$                161,135		167,970		138,222		165,724		633,051
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA										2.1

Reconciliation of Net Sales to Adjusted Net Sales
(Amounts in thousands)
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009
Net sales		$             1,400,086		1,406,012		2,747,322		2,614,351
Adjustments to net sales
Commercial carpet tile reserve		-		-		-		110,224
Exchange rate		13,509		-		(2,891)		-
Additional shipping days		-		-		(88,638)		-
Adjusted net sales		$             1,413,595		1,406,012		2,655,793		2,724,575

Reconciliation of Mohawk Segment Operating Income to Adjusted Mohawk Segment Operating Income
(Amounts in thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009
Operating income		$                  26,345		20,560
Adjustments to operating income
Business restructurings		4,929		-
Adjusted operating income		$                  31,274		20,560

Reconciliation of Unilin Segment Net Sales to Adjusted Unilin Segment Net Sales
(Amounts in thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		July 3, 2010		June 27, 2009
Net sales		$                308,385		279,715
Adjustments to net sales
Exchange rate		15,945		-
Adjusted net sales		$                324,330		279,715

Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted Operating Income
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended
		July 3, 2010
Operating income		$                  89,726
Unusual items:
Business restructurings		4,929
Adjusted operating income		$                  94,655
Adjusted operating margin		6.8%

Reconciliation of Earnings Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Earnings Before Income Taxes
(Amounts in thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		July 3, 2010
Earnings before income taxes		$                  49,267
Unusual items:
Business restructurings		4,929
Debt extinguishment costs		7,514
Adjusted earnings before income taxes		$                  61,710

Reconciliation of Income Tax Benefit to Adjusted Income Tax Expense
(Amounts in thousands)
		Three Months Ended
		July 3, 2010
Income tax benefit		$                 (18,814)
Unusual items:
Discrete tax items, net		24,407
Income taxes		3,290
Adjusted income tax expense		$                    8,883
Adjusted income tax rate		14%
The Company believes it is useful for itself and investors to review, as applicable, both GAAP and the above non-GAAP measures in order to assess the performance of the Company's business for planning and forecasting in subsequent periods.

SOURCE Mohawk Industries, Inc.

For further information: Frank H. Boykin, Chief Financial Officer, +1-706-624-2695