Armstrong World Industries Reports First Quarter 2017 Results

Key Highlights

  • Operating income from continuing operations of $63.0 million, up almost 200% over the prior year period

  • Global as reported sales growth of 9.7% over the prior year period with all segments contributing to growth

  • Americas volume grew high mid-single digits over a strong prior year period

  • Repurchased 1.2M shares in Q1 for approximately $50 million

LANCASTER, Pa., May 1, 2017 -- Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI), a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions, today reported financial results for the first quarter.

First Quarter Results from Continuing Operations

(Amounts in millions except per-share data)

Three Months Ended March 31,

2017

2016

Change

Net sales

$

315.4

$

287.4

9.7

%

Operating income

63.0

21.6

Favorable

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

30.8

(7.1

)

Favorable

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$

0.56

$

(0.13

)

Favorable

Excluding the unfavorable impact from foreign exchange of $2 million, consolidated net sales increased 10.4% compared to the prior year period, driven by higher volumes in the Americas and Europe (including Russia), Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"). Average sales dollars per unit sold, or average unit value ("AUV") achievement improved, driven by positive like for like pricing and positive mix in the Americas.

As reported operating income improved over the prior year period, driven by lower separation costs, a decrease in the U.S. pension plan expense due to a longer amortization period as a result of the separation from Armstrong Flooring, Inc. ("AFI"), the margin impact of higher volume and AUV improvement. This improvement was partially offset by higher SG&A expenses and higher manufacturing and input costs. Earnings from continuing operations also benefited from lower interest expense compared to the prior year period.

"We remain focused on changing the growth trajectory of our business over the long term through our product innovation, best-in-class service and new platforms in the Architectural Specialties category," said Vic Grizzle, CEO. "Our double digit sales growth this quarter reflects the initial success of those strategic initiatives, as well as improved market activity."

Additional (non-GAAP*) Financial Metrics from Continuing Operations

(Amounts in millions except per-share data)

Three Months Ended March 31,

2017

2016

Change

Constant currency sales

$

317

$

287

10.4

%

Adjusted operating income

$

57

$

52

8.7

%

Adjusted net income

$

30

$

28

6.3

%

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

0.55

$

0.50

8.4

%

Free cash flow

$

5

$

(7

)

Favorable


(Amounts in millions)

Three Months Ended March 31,

2017

2016

Change

Adjusted EBITDA

Americas

$

74

$

73

2.5

%

EMEA

1

(1

)

Favorable

Pacific Rim

0

1

(77.5

)%

Unallocated Corporate

-

(2

)

100.0

%

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

$

75

$

71

6.7

%

* The Company uses the above non-GAAP adjusted measures, as well as other non-GAAP measures mentioned below, in managing the business and believes the adjustments provide meaningful comparisons of operating performance between periods. Adjusted operating income, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted EPS exclude the impact of foreign exchange, restructuring charges and related costs, impairments, the non-cash impact of the U.S. pension plan, AFI separation costs and certain other gains and losses. Free cash flow is defined as cash from operations and dividends received from the WAVE joint venture, less expenditures for property and equipment, and is adjusted to remove the impact of cash used or proceeds received for acquisitions and divestitures. The Company believes free cash flow is useful because it provides insight into the amount of cash that the Company has available for discretionary uses, after expenditures for capital commitments and adjustments for acquisitions and divestitures. Adjusted figures are reported in comparable dollars using the budgeted exchange rate for 2017, and are reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measures in tables at the end of this release.