MHK - Earnings call transcript Q1 2018 | Mohawk Industries, Inc.

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Operator

Good morning. My name is Erin and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Mohawk Industries First Quarter 2018 Earnings Conference Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question-and-answer period. reminder, Friday, gentlemen, April a being conference As today, recorded XX, Instructions] ladies this and is [Operator XXXX. Thank you. I introduce would Frank Boykin. to now like Mr. Boykin, may begin conference. you your

Frank Boykin

forward-looking we Quarterly and Thank would on statements include you like Securities Reform during quarter. that provide results press uncertainties, our make those include Exchange and of various quarter everyone to are you, guidance as may morning, to, Private defined first call company's Call. our everyone, in to the numbers. the and XXXX Erin. non-GAAP and Mohawk Securities we'll remind Act Good the subject release statements Commission. Industries' This in call and Litigation including press risks discussion which limited I of Investors forth the but for our update for Conference not Today, second that welcome of may periodic this release XXXX, and set the with to filings

our to GAAP amounts. press website call of Jeff? and to non-GAAP refer Chief section Mohawk's release any Lorberbaum, for now a Executive can turn our Jeff Information Investor Form over I'll the of You Chairman the reconciliation in and to Officer. X-K

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

we quarter, the up with sales our stronger benefiting translation. Thank U.S. their currencies In the businesses growing the prior you, Frank. first of billion, outside over $X.X generated X% year, faster and

operating adjusted was million of $XXX our period, income the For or XX.X% sales.

Mohawk of benefiting portfolio. geographic increase Our its was and XX%. is an adjusted $X.XX, EPS product footprint from diverse

and strongly our the as in largest growth LVT outside in Our our grew U.S. we this quarter in sales realized and the performance significant businesses strength, first accentuated ceramic markets, in profits

development manufacturing to global our extend markets strength We products. and innovative are initiate in of new leveraging organization's our

acquisitions. us global to numerous new investments, structure decentralized enables while also executing simultaneously internal Our manage

the our operating and of start-up first the grew In patents at new sales For costs of facilities adjusted from than our the income increased we freight and greater costs. higher rate inflation loss and when initiatives. quarter, more a impacted quarter, expired material income for and anticipated

pricing capacity, selective segments, will that, initiating expected all rest improving the rates growth region in we are by new reductions, higher the inflation. introduce add premium of cost of currently mix European Mexican, anticipate Throughout as actions initiating operations year, implement and and offset product we price and with We combined and porcelain acquisitions. complete products, laminate, U.S. Italian tile. our U.S. European Many slabs production, increases Russian and new ceramic, LVT, are European and carpet and Italian including

products commencing as anticipate adding We the wall and in producer and our and Zealand to are flooring product global the in New the production by vinyl U.S. expanding and sales, markets Mohawk for end in the Hirst markets early U.S.; largest Australia Godfrey of in addition, finalizing our and and profits. in polyester integration, Poland; significantly new Hirst acquisition we May, sheet the the optimize In and as end the laminate ceramic investments to assessing of this we will anticipate tile in term, of as in material strategies the ceramic of our raw quartz year, the Long enhance and countertops prepare Russia, revenue portfolio. in of world Godfrey well around To the as carpet profitability. Russia.

single of and contrasts we'll million an This ongoing investing utilization the the Joint higher stronger consumer remodeling consumer growth home the construction. rates Center significant growth that economic creation predicting and loans higher increased and margins study report encourage and home new strong assets European income rates values, Home And job housing of remains reductions increased up recent taxes anticipate. starts National Outside as escalating translating that year-over-year. and is index our $X.XX employment Builders we predicts with United low. the to XX% Housing In rates $X.XX and Some acquisitions as reported projects. such to is annual challenging States, Harvard's suggests are strengthen supporting $XXX Business and tax organization spending forward. Association positive, political reduced Hirst, but with Architects' the cost start remains for amid by deliver remain March home investment sluggish Institute forecasted American In per rose Union will sales renovation corporate increase about to the for in our share. improvement see wage require immediate during economic family of the gains is the will projects improves. The confidence. Mexico, A to we low high spurred EPS projecting The strong of and interest is continued expansion. higher growth quarter March economy first build U.S., Godfrey construction predicted going uncertainty. continuing was onetime spending. for increases economy retail as the are nonresidential before The Russian

Chris? Wellborn, will by our Officer, Operating Chris segment. performance Now, our quarter first Chief review

Christopher Wellborn

the sales U.S. sales Thank outside reported, increased growth quarter, our as Global the you, Ceramic In XX% Jeff. with greater

introductions. sales we supported anticipate the improved growth of increased and sequentially throughout year, balance by greater quarter and new capacity First the product

implementing both and sectors. to are in residential base market sales commercial the share increase actions We and customer our

planned their as Our expand in and as progressing their offering. we are product operations integrate acquisitions and two Italy Poland

North promotional improved. prior ceramic Our home business period channel the introduced American center improved activities, new increased and as the products, we from

Our new is Western business the faster. in expanding construction and Southern home is U.S. stronger for

product sales. center in commitments are to Our home their impacting and channels our more on mix. are center focusing home increasing overall customers sales the builder and ceramic Increased product enhance

adjustments As temporarily operations, that sales. have our our they reduced made consolidated distributors have inventory

projects the more pursuing broadly ceramic LVT aggressively other strongest. commercial and the products. new healthcare utilized U.S., sectors of the We is retail growth hospitality are with is rate impacting industry and being and In

ease higher consumers. styled resistant designs in of increase introducing and We launching tile, actions to marketing are and to innovative points taking many ceramic all care including share, price ceramic's durability our slip

quarter, implemented second our leveraging recently $X an our cut we overhead the by are costs systems to annual million on During basis.

results ramping are and and as center service our enhance up will distribution increase. new countertop sales Our

countertop with increasing share is should plant products quartz completion quarter. quartz natural of equipment building begin Our nearing new this our taking installation The is and from stone. growth

inspired Specifications these by walls. and for finalizing introducing designs value begin material large are sizes and this made the are also offering flooring for for care by beauty easy porcelain. natural the increasing as We large the stone as production at designers slabs formulations porcelain of of operations as sizes well We're to are end our of Italian with year. countertops in products and

in grow outpacing allowing ceramic Salamanca the increased us America. The the to new and South significantly base during our capabilities of Our period, expand market. across Mexico our Central and exports to grew customer Mexico sales plant are

and new product introducing Over collections improve mix Poland. points. in will integrate top in time, European recent price our are We to Mexico. of on increasing our higher-end value-oriented continues and The ceramic our Italy participation margins and our medium expand acquisitions in business

developing sales product our retail adding is price. market. And we our a larger of about average the we as leading will Our grow To product shops our XXX production, improving capture are channel. And our to We're higher-end launches regional share within mix our new Marazzi-branded sales color commercial the this to expanding in porcelain increase year. - the for of channel, are customers body increasing. strategies the we completing Since our impacts our our our new participation body transportation significantly products upgrade optimize specified in manufacturing, increase construction manufacturing are costs. color of sales-force premium

XX-inch XX that safety we our be offering quarter, tiles so our upgraded enhanced It providing In operational in improving in can first new have a equipment we satisfy commenced of that slab European of from and being the the sizes porcelain advantage operations European third Building is install feet. competitive performance in production operations. to in features and performance industry to in X.X started by the better our production will our giving market. to Poland transferred the dramatically Our productivity us the Bulgaria, have visuals has and Italian we is quarter, expand construction The Central leading line ceramic plants. market. produce up

are lower costs. to We and management our increase our our system upgrading transportation warehouse efficiencies and

and reduce overhead the end $X of of our quarter. by million the our With businesses of we consolidation integration the our third systems, by new

integration investments in We our of In European our organization branded product, the and a all of systems will complete of stores distribution Russia, XXXX. ceramic along systems created and significant retail of by advantage. end our the competitive have enhancements with

by the in sophisticated challenging offerings, our at a our sales continue At further tile our our environment. we collections. will we Russian higher year position the capacity the economic flooring increasing first In quarter, mix. of commodity quarter, high margin the leader this LVT to million, were new wall $XXX of array with starting styled expanded part We new the adjusted end national porcelain design recent as enhance value startup America North broadest the line. to for our including our reinforcing of with tradeshow, market and our leading of XX%, the X% We're convert production position to Flooring grow

period, lower period, announced to cold materials with cost industry X% and we of our we another freight the price We anticipated. and Bitterly our During X% escalated it. along than increase the cover resulting freight the implemented energy the cost. in last to more announced of increase output raw and had some higher supply the increase, year. plants carpet the we In supported inflation, to has carpet disrupted first price weather

during residential quarter the Our retail replacement the carpet sales led by channel. increased

pioneered, luxury luxurious Karastan introductions. success Reserve we accelerating Silk nylon extends of designs soft super SmartStrand the trendsetting our collection line and cashmere the Our carpet is premium and from

ease our its gaining hypoallergenic luxurious proprietary to are We of momentum feel, due soft installation. with unified properties Air.o flooring and sales

polyester products and ECO-MATRIX installation styled Our LVT our commercial capacity patented mainstream and this with have subfloors. In are alternative, more for technology our late introduced to are growing These satisfy as carpet tile higher [ph], coordinate on a nylon is Continuum value a which expanding to a carpets of we new versatile collections. polyester called demand. we variety year are

dates during have period strengthen impacted on sales April. late the carpet of Projects projects. were the construction improved through commercial substitution Our and bookings the in the LVT period to and sequentially by continued

so realigned that we expertise We sales provide complete end for with each commercial our solutions structure greater can flooring use market. have

provide commercial, that design our products. and hospitality flexible woven Divinity collections sector and hard are style We complementary premium wool manufacturing was LVT are and strongest as and trends expanding sales are commercial our both increasing surface channel expand in growing our The both rigid driving collections of advantages. to and performance to continue soft an through LVT. residential to support collections our alternative we capabilities,

launch the We are be in rigid following product commissioning line, features. The of to increase the Europe. line and upgrading our output identical we'll its line production original LVT second during new manufacturing LVT quarter

We new have market. operational products refining for developing and personnel, the begun processes training

production Our with to new natural unique laminate is superior and and make products has visuals wood working capabilities performance. from well indistinguishable

product, Our Plus, with and RevWood rapidly contemporary a new water-proof wood is longer gaining planks revolutionary finishes. acceptance

cost in second the new by of end million service technologies our quarter, investments $XX indirect administrative we Our automation levels structures. a and By costs the are run cut and enhancing rate. and will

service We projects of common productivity our initiate of to trucks we levels limited due to capacity, to higher to carrier service. hundreds continue provide our transportation and purchasing additional to expand fleet improve efficiencies, are quality

substantially the the Flooring growing even though The adjusting operating income constrained and operating with product of our a is well, during the our sales by segment in local European capacity adjusted Rest were of up performed World is market During period. our XX%. do this growing - extremely segment sales business continues basis. ongoing fastest the on LVT up and well, to income XX% quarter,

production XXXX, are price we covering new and offset Belgium, are laminate increases We selectively prices LVT from products. material in increases and launching we last carpet LVT raw fall to increasing are starting The further new inflation. implemented and tile we rigid are and

in leader. Our categories. margins and mix, Europe and market our we growing most the volume are is acceptance, in pricing increasing are LVT in

Through to of ramping the quarter. new products days a is the capability and performance manufacture and by We shorten the features. seven quarter process. technology week, we our manufacturing line days growing rigid in line a enhancements five third processes. we've end production demand. our new The the enhanced week anticipate products validated testing, second the process just presently are operating and to producing Our innovative to refine introducing new LVT satisfy with equipment production existing as the being replicated All startup U.S. during the of up is

in new vinyl plant. be build fourth sheet equipment Russia at Europe Our initiate the is running our quarter installation are in Russian production. we capacity, in The to assets seeing of are progressing and building should for renovation market demand the completed the to and

sales customers Europe. our develop our the utilize programs we trials We're and new commercial are facility, new refined is process sales our productions. force of to carpet establish tile Our sales and running experience LVT, sheet collaborating with products vinyl procedures major and operating and of tile products. Russian At carpet to new across organization new to expand in to assembling

business to new product market lead innovations continues with improving products. results. resistant water our premium Our laminate our design perform the in well realistic and We

Our is to third new are In laminate the that extend line leadership. now we installing our our market additional a in quarter. press laminate new capacity products Russian are plant, will capacity and operating, our premium introducing we double

distribution the the We of laminate are in new country. sheet strategies our across production and optimize to sales and developing vinyl warehousing Russia

result as panel Our that wood well are and investments our sales a costs. expanded of capacity performing improved

as business cost as with I'll insulation other us alternatives year. integrate financial who and be quarter. with moderate. insulation and to will executed Frank, are Godfrey is as sales acquisitions. smaller for increases optimize progress acquisition the competitive performance recovering over the material now raw more material call Hirst to expected declining along we all We The through segment. costs progressing our in supply is Plans the anticipate other we as performance first of the Our allow improving, our cover to product turn the acquisitions being these

Frank Boykin

year, sales of was X% growing over Net currency for X% from and which million, from Thank X% acquisitions. quarter you, last $X,XXX were Chris. the

or charges margin as over XX.X% offsetting excluding of all with sales, gross mix, improved million or points XX.X% and IP. Our volume lower of and price, XX.X% SG&A as productivity, year. with reported was XX excluding basis currency XX.X% charges, inflation last reported sales which $XXX

integration the higher were three acquisitions against costs. million, cost and $XX our quarter primarily plant and leverage of to we for related across continued to all Unusual and control As sales charges consolidation segments.

charges income million $XX last of $XXX XX.X%. excluding operating mix and of Our X% productivity offset over of million. up a of with margin million, million inflation was year $XX $XX Price

was XXXX increased income cost in improved up patents XX.X%, XX% income adjusted that from operating $X expired incremental was and when million, We increase last share per to overall between our the XXXX as year. tax down. tax our of XX%. $X.XX, The depreciation to significantly rate reform XX% an second of over for estimate startup the and investments. drove rates rate higher be Earnings Our quarter XX% excluding from charges,

growing The from segments. million Segment of of Ceramic the was to Global X% Turning had sales and X% $XXX currency. acquisitions which XX%, from

the with offset excluding million million at $XX were of and $XX to American margin million in XXXX carpet price of with inflation decline. Segment, of million $X volume operating LVT. Our million income, Productivity in compared XX.X%. and $XXX and mix million residential million, North good $XX charges, In Flooring of $XXX growth of $XXX sales

balance last million, to $XX inflation with million sales mix million over was $XX Our income of to last was offset and Flooring $XX solid the category which assets turns to currency operating days. In and $XX impacted World We quarter of us backwards million loss lower of with Inventory segment and Fixed to the million growth $XX $X million million income. and of million. and IP were operating expect of by be XXX Corporate currency position the $X Operating XX% over outstanding $X,XXX In strong excluding LVT Jumping our XX $X days the segment, ended over Price Rest year. inflation integration. million the of quarter $XX year, Receivables quarter. was in competitors. XX% advantages increasing sales continued XX% of range inflation improved we of productivity compared million million leadership ended days, attributable of mix days the year. million, year. million, million. million $XX in that million, had Segment, $X,XXX at growth over $XXX Eliminations the with with charges and full our Inventories of excluding loss productivity the was last between $XX were of million charges at Price our along offset growth to income of $X,XXX operating income gains. as inventory the that and for $XX sheet. to continue increased fourth $XX

billion estimating with approximately over first Jeff. the and CapEx million Jeff? for $XXX turn $XX exceeds X.X quarter $XXX quarter $XXX $X.X D&A call at of million, Our ended of year million. I'll million. at capital And with We're to million the expenditures depreciation that, times debt-to-EBITDA. Long-term of amortization which last about with by $XXX debt was XXXX leverage with back

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

Thank existing investments enhance of large Around results categories you, our up Frank. sales, globe, starting markets. and are product we that a will number long-term significantly new the entering expanding by adding

account absorb reduce a year. the we'll year, fully level million million million this Taking investments. second million, reduction $XX have an startup is million year our this $X.XX law of to from will of sales depreciation of $XX charges. to million our In $X.XX, in income all will from our any comprised one-time and anticipated incremental $XX reach operating adjusted rate our until from of estimated to tax for XXXX. XX% XXXX, margins $XX the Changes in last $XX higher XX% As to to $XX expired operating U.S. tax non-reoccurring patented EPS quarter this excluding these guidance curtail costs, into

of In end revenue this per third quarter, Godfrey of Godfrey will our should acquisition of operating $XXX higher complete as mix last the with million above adjusted by and income lower even sales In increase year. our Hirst. will products and introduce startups of fourth the increase by EPS margin. production, the share We use and May growth close prices, acquisition balance operating decline. patent our exceed new the should should Hirst that XXXX, and increase we XXXX, estimate productivity from the During the year, the quarter, our improve impact and adjusted by as margin $X.XX income the and additional

potential confident our equal will profitability We or businesses. investments present new to with significant create are than greater opportunities, our that have

$XXX and million $XXX sheet constrained adding are potential; geographies, new with We huge in polyester tile; the outside ceramic growth laminate carpet $XXX and including product States, of United categories vinyl with new including of new million capacity or areas capabilities LVT countertops, of carpet. million and

organization, With risk on sales the appropriate our be overlooking XXXX And on impact have where IT can increases, actions, of strength our we execute our and we if and significant The acquisitions the quarters, next return can market profitability is material additional the achieved. absorbing are beyond. and we'll two and of expiration. startup focused in

to us Our We'll growth cash balance to management, enable be sheet take questions. your and our aggressive glad continue generation strategies. will now

Operator

[Operator comes of Instructions] first Wood Your line from question Nomura Michael from Instinet. the

Michael Wood

for good my taking question. Thanks Hi, afternoon.

price second mix out, retail it to or the First ceramics, that into shift? And not whether was temporary distribution much decline does quarter and the and mix just from called beyond? over that question or how on some give bleed us of as you can color that's you

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

our in of the our We're introducing cost annual declined and $X higher startup cost due well quartz and strong. million. as fixed mix And higher as the increasing and new builders, sales $X million promotions. from by outside product U.S. had styled reducing home incremental Our products are plant. We margins sales centers in to U.S.

Michael Wood

mix it that does a not is just temporary whether elaborate can out, or shift quarter yeah, But, continue? called that or you one you negative that on issue

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

continues. It

Michael Wood

at actually the than Okay, your high growth for lower it. in guidance is a At quarter, earnings you achieved second quarter. what looking first got level,

thought headwinds patent, would UNILIN I recovery. would fade would And Now, startup have we price cost. start some you time seen to for have the like have

So that color in what's some XQ may headwinds starting growth? fade be terms in to could of some you that just offsetting of give that's earnings limiting those

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

quarter. hardly inflation are fading are in is grow wrong. we all. a IP else then they The costs quarter we that price price The and got and And as the into haven't at decline. - third getting assumptions and getting And second material - the startup increase quarter. of what we've impacted. end the the any won't big second start continues Your the increase And till

Michael Wood

Okay, Thank very that's helpful color. you.

Frank Boykin

would four out point there, The incremental to $XX quarters. all depreciation million of year this spread other we thing remember got I across

Operator

Our Morgan. second of question comes from line Michael Rehaut from the JP

Frank Boykin

Hello.

Operator

may You go question. ahead with your

Frank Boykin

the… to go should we Maybe

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

the next to Got one.

Frank Boykin

Let's one. the next go to

Operator

question of the next Our line from Matthew from Barclays. Bouley comes

Matthew Bouley

to Hi. your prepared quantified at taking Thank what up Jeff, remarks. of for wanted kind my the on I you follow you end questions. of

commence. You've of several quantified that's currently some separated out and areas some and sounded ramping, new like of across the are set the to then production you capacity the that it $X.X initiating And billion capacity.

to out, currently able year? you plants the as during well separate be new the capacity that on you've you kind mentioned of this timing are are Thank as utilization you. ramping, opening the are of you just that have for where So of that outlook the will

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

tile have are ground there Europe. in long from new that such starting added time other have And to The carpet was or sheet to, with. in be to And no is from could will different range up then before then will you And It sales plants plants XX on. countertops. vinyl that projects activities that operated Russia will sales new projects ramped already no be and with quartz we different. as never up, up begin which those up. are sales get take those startup significant and we no have have problem marketing activities of them come periods The going about

We haven't around manufactured but assembled from before, we've world. the experts

they're starting before, have been We that up. product lines haven't LVT run

get mean quarter any and make month quarter really month by to sense. a trying doesn't I by So down to

Matthew Bouley

Understood, that's helpful.

the differs kind and, in across you've of new line trying or So, is do business? and your lines here the you about obviously, will taking margin margin that shift U.S. outline LVT between highlighted as the LVT think how LVT share including ceramic new U.S. the you. that how the I guess, ramp new specifically these able U.S. you to here. Just profile facilities on U.S. ceramic to profile Thank categories the business on on Are

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

In greater we to should - and margins all than business other, of these equal to expectations as they as strategy our the trying And were time. part say profitability. different our for average going be from be are one the where they're the to what the remarks, that total or in over the within startup well

Matthew Bouley

Thank very Understood. much. you

Operator

from Our Maklari next question Credit the of from line Susan comes Suisse.

Susan Maklari

Thank you. Good morning.

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

Good morning.

Susan Maklari

The first increase question a is around, what in there in remarks that? on to you made just customer specific color give base your any your doing in geographies Ceramic. a more within opening you little comment Global Can on some you're us efforts bit

Christopher Wellborn

in will builder a quartz we're Well, begin become to We're expanding we and tile our up sales stone and in sized in introducing commercial doing Mexico We're We're and large opportunity tiles manufacturing commercial And leader our new with home countertops slip-resistant category. soon things and We're new centers in geographies. centers. projects. distribution. America. all the increasing South the ramping

Susan Maklari

like Any decent Okay. the we off a the as you. question we're should on quarter sounds second be And you're is It for to first about Thank on thinking now productivity. past the it how pretty just updates that start then year? there.

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

higher, and in with some but that we're year. that would initiatives, going we said time don't of the think approximate productivity niche all new this - a benefits to I of the the XXX some little get thinking you be the last the it's

Susan Maklari

Okay.

that but potentially as the think for how we higher year, XXX around about this still year. we it? So should exit Is

Frank Boykin

little it get benefit that start this I like benefit year. the think be the saying projects and And have year of XXX, will full next some this Jeff year of than you bit higher and the then a for part then the part was we'll year.

Susan Maklari

All all right. Thank you. right,

Operator

of Our the Hughes next SunTrust. line question comes from Keith from

Keith Hughes

on The on for two, expect or quarter you. similar costs. next And $XX you just I transportation the number do based you inflation gave includes quarter. that Thank a want to the impact for where… million confirm

Christopher Wellborn

we inflation the it's is include it's… what be does And is and target a road. say the transportation. to going And down as The inflation moving to number hard look

Keith Hughes

Okay. And…

Christopher Wellborn

is got right Any we guess got of built now. any kind our kind into estimates of we estimate is - that

Keith Hughes

on break mix? of Okay. how you you out, And the much that of how was that Hello. and price, down price negative can much that ceramic listed mix was

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

No.

Keith Hughes

Hello.

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

into so We make of in try that, to products become it's the to things large categories, and it. it to different the because specific separate it estimates doesn't don't sense have difficult separate introductions different our

Keith Hughes

Is that you pretty something I in, the Is in That seems new know that the Okay. of to going the something about capacity that coming - the your release given be history turn like introductions that view ceramics. are in. coming possibly that's that new talked would around year? for the

Christopher Wellborn

business also what impacting is our in And have North is higher we Yeah, America. LVT costs. we had the freight startup and

in products home and share in launching home North we our and centers. that new going forward. new our which costs, America, will in all reducing margins construction increased grew our regions. ceramic business And Our improve We're

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

put the when We the statements we in were margins across know trying average. out our relative of that those to to we get introductions,

at points, push into those in of it. which we higher will So the are marketplace introductions the our as assume help we - - part the average offset

Keith Hughes

you. Thank Great. Okay.

Operator

Fargo. comes question the next from from line Stephen of Our East Wells

Stephen East

Thank good you, and guys. morning,

Just maybe you you're look that's seeing if to materials follow a up then, as at on you raw materials. raw transportation which rank the including order one? big biggest impact could the And is Frank, to the cover that what you - those now do ongoing through putting the move any you going are of you through pricing of think or some you're as escalation you see seeing year? where

Frank Boykin

go that you costs are ones the The biggest and highest the can and directionally. carpet use of Let's have chemical sort the are the see parts materials would which them if into one, get vinyl. I chemicals in to

to of mean percentages things then, it there But just And that in Now, a tight fleet the the more rates, the kinds And States, United with. percentage the they those also freight aren't on. affected. ones was is put on the investing because it are higher our which even The other top rates States regulatory laminate, with take going say - doesn't further, all going the in have capacity with capacity to chemicals there. changes. much of of United that with begin freight higher all it's let's the reduce we're through the own trucking with the regulations that transportation, in those

Stephen East

Okay. in examples business. right, America, if of lot a helpful you to at And ceramic me. driving what look All of gave was then, your your you that's North

the your offsets X%. Your and Where core in to categories? probably up X% efforts need redouble sales are on you those your seeing you that two were business

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

is Well, don't it's or again, new to parts. - growing the products portion capacities the business. is news participate our center business know in our good the The is what have retail taking right now re-modeling in categories. home a growing market. and that home the done introducing in grow but we've impact stores, all in of it's we the - maintain the biggest construction new the huge LVT And in of share The LVT. is coming We're increased we'll And I on. other shares

Stephen East

Okay.

where disruption, it you you're biggest. the think So seeing but… retail is call I wouldn't

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

almost XXs. any we United of LVT - goes It's States this installations. commercial to do of since the anything it world. part is mean. I in like want approaching other in of the And don't kinds all carpet the probably not I the seen into also industry. haven't XX%

Stephen East

Okay, it. all appreciate Thank I you. right.

Operator

Baugh Stifel. from from Our of the next line question John comes

John Baugh

you. morning. well? to was ceramic wondered first sequentially. comment that December Good the quarter quarter March or the a quarter that Was March comment as I January through Thank in improved that about

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

of to from comment improved. quarter rate first compared The was last the fourth growth year quarter,

John Baugh

just see there this heard and you. Okay. you and don't overall. in and about in on again. domestically, XXXX ceramic into the tough curious, that bunch just a maybe was with question the you seen you a walk Have And business start is U.S. February. through in ceramic but you're there noise But know, to that some April if in yourselves, picked the focused, general in give in U.S. of year ceramic, can I'm Chris and as We January not centers. heard you Thank color XXXX? has things, any home through - and sales whole U.S. any color, is course, and/or progression March the then a and year go doing last that we've up I we of

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

started, part is year, the we still growth for off first little this time. with it estimate a expected. this had to same year when But also X% at of say industry our for slower best would than it the started I of that we're presently X% the estimate the

Christopher Wellborn

U.S. we impact LVT I'd business. lot Yeah, that add we're with quartz in new can have of slip grow we besides things resistant doing of with a also on, coming the this just the from areas products, our so the a lot where

John Baugh

you Thank luck. good and Great.

Operator

line Phil from the from Jefferies. Ng comes of question next Our

Philip Ng

guys. Hey,

your leverage at the type Can costs look we past? the on headwind As we've standpoint? And from you startup that should business XXXX, you operating the about in appreciating and positioned IP start each a back seen earnings of to the how you're reversing. delivering in your get talk on track productivity

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

year, is, changes I can't next tell it's as see should startup be a what The should you the we you said, going together more be year, be. plan should for so last we But the were million you highest costs, startup than put with costs record. haven't us. behind IP was probably year What on the this year $XX and to last down

come the yet. come the costs, is not year would but same I turned to So assuming we down The to projects, startup that the once and expect up it on don't operational know plant new time over group. more we this gets with that in turned don't

depreciation at limited of You XXX% though even running amount. you're get the

to we all those as ramps year us next happening margins forward, of in up, things the will pieces. going and the and start all expand will So and the should significant allow cost a that fall get jump

Philip Ng

I you're Okay. and seeing? with good That's would we certainly operating helpful. sense being call too you're headwinds in can internally mentioned, about market that? capital agree more given pullback think last a us here, deploy and M&A. then some the give But about seeing stock Thanks. big And of the a And you Jeff, your near-term the how thinking you're focused your little

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

well. that believe really isn't our business doing We

There's is want do The can if wanting not help question new question right things, by more projects the to sell. year time, believe for to we've future. it. we've the find is companies - who to to hope of the We acquisitions, And this companies valuations, year, find is right we you significant, the can capital. spending the to our we are always sell. and flow The - on the significant there's can announced see that announced get cash we we we we and end have

we So on the it. returns get

still see in the we're capability of we're time, investments. and the management the limitations future As more our would we can doing multiple comfortable categories. ability as point, buying the see some And we things all more we them don't operations, come acquisitions Greenfield be find of go time, stock together in if and and And in we back. this to consider quite have any business forward, you all same to and looking. year At same the continue right the our at execute we growing always I would own addition, at our of our

Philip Ng

Thank you. Okay.

Operator

question next from Scott the Associates. from comes of Rednor Our line Zelman

Scott Rednor

think, fair growth various LVT Hi, digits. good like it's business see Rest what share the the rates in headwind things. of that kind very growing double patent of the given World sounds the to international your you for getting morning. the the in are us other of scheme? It Do and you're Jeff, underlying in Europe, just hard guys markets

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

capacity advantages it, high-volume largest unlike gives we Europe, U.S. participation it's in a primarily it's of anybody. us really we be three, best Out is and the position have probably our marketplaces the than most four business, years LVT it Europe having and in behind competitive grow in - of to believe that, we starting intend both more. and in in others, low-cost, strategy with that could

Scott Rednor

hard to cycle guess margins more that significantly I from higher. surface and recognizing soft shift went through are prior broadly last today housing surface the to you So

years? from leverage next as assets How can do higher shift you to the you drive largest over continue three leave the your you to products. this to investors confident margins alluded think current five I to - towards that LVT from other

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

through And So because over capacity. not the But start LVT. a as to same in growth the you will get it's keep X have question, with, we we'll U.S. market $ capacity at it, the absorb moment, long LVT - of have billion, don't further. we'll the growing

businesses, it's positioned existing positions and well in going. In we where the we're have the and the premium that I think categories. So assets

we're get cost is competition to market, the to our whatever We production fair or assets. more. be, going And low share but going have

Operator

Okay.

Our Champine next Markets. question comes Loop Laura from the Capital line of from

Laura Champine

morning. Good

or out, be will growing you of Segment more index anyway. So mentioned North that Or America planned my got that Flooring capacity that XX% your what the you your you question is, see XX% rapidly still whether or very think ramped fully is Do here? LVT to not industry. once to you you've will devoted LVT? is And under also

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

ability I'd have constraints more, is no Listen, to it. is There to like capacity. on our expand

it takes execute a takes where are, a it probably to So it. now we with year - little over

And States. months, on and be four, in for we're see the going we there's going stopping to what further, able keep happens. that's five if capacity United go we'll nothing grow from So us up to see

Laura Champine

capacity, what Flooring approximately you're on that But more percent all capacity got LVT of the total will American Jeff, planned represent? directly, fully ramped once North you've your

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

off present head market going it's to is of top capacity businesses. know off my than the be American our everything I share - of the top my It don't with will guess be else don't I that North less these of head. I my the all still average. even know would of

in much higher the market is it. have shares other We pieces,

is conscious after decision up marketplace made a happened aggressively. hold what's Now, to going the we as

Our else they're buying sourcing sourcing some, almost everything is but almost everybody from China.

we throw six, in marketing to spend decision nine to it capacity a all So and and then cost out later. the we want months didn't put made

it's that we'll up a it being believe I accept far us we growing through, the be So marketplace, from as position best along as market the held to like. and we will get the would going But when it. as bit little in we're keep

Laura Champine

you. Thank Understood.

Operator

of next comes the from from John Our line of Bank America. Lovallo question

John Lovallo

thank taking Hey, my you guys, for questions.

inflation of is is, one mentioned first the material carpet most a and the raw you lot vinyl. in of The - that or

Just to that curious, there are be to step a in your opportunities up positive impact. business bigger recycling

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

We're it's running capacity, all our much through push pieces of more hard it. to so recycling that

I end extrusion quarter, an running announced that of is have year it. third We put the fourth relative to we'll running in recycling will if investment to that, the know capacity be be don't it's and and our or year this in, to the increase

So utilizing we're we're we have that expanding but presented. all it,

John Lovallo

us can the guess America? a percentage That's COGS what I follow is as be And in Okay. remind would just your helpful. North up then, you freight of

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

answer? the know Anybody

Frank Boykin

percent. Low to a mid-single digits as

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

the on and The is off top so is, really the know you I through, it's go different don't head. problem based product pieces of what really number my

Frank Boykin

percentages that think I but you of there. gave cost of sales goods, not And is a I just

John Lovallo

Low-single-digit?

Frank Boykin

Yeah. Low to mid.

John Lovallo

mid. to Low

Okay. Thanks, guys.

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

it. than go is they do But into to anything it by with Carpet higher pick different others. up and - channels, products have don't it's you distribution we ceramics different

different. is everyone So

John Lovallo

Thank it. Got you.

Operator

Our next question comes Baird. Tim from the of Wojs from line

Timothy Wojs

that just how done ceramic, you Is there have a of Frank, specifically on ability Maybe I'm about to I freight. following you an inflation that? any curious some good offset just guess, of morning. last when in Hey, on the surcharges? sort up guys, Or maybe freight question. can that through freight think you put side?

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

that. do already We

that on we the it, where go conditions But have you freight We with and market it on surcharges move we up recover trying the it depends as are. to through. down costs and

Sometimes, we recover recover sometimes, and all, we less.

Timothy Wojs

feel today? Do you're more of recovering you like it

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

out. we product all can where going. less, and competitive In each in some give we hope to try different the of works in by recover get depends to back. product, situation cases, you cases on answers. it's have of get region. we more I all it It each depends But in some It category we and market it and

Timothy Wojs

And enough. through amount guys carpet, in just guys within at pricing all business. have competitive carpet have I fair seen maybe Okay. dynamics put then a you Fair just know, changing the materials. of offset raw you any

just sort be that, customers anything So any helpful. there of resistance like any would from or color

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

trying we're all, customer but more with What a the to happened better to increases. it the our to anything. and raw align met likes for haven't cost that I materials pay yet

got underestimated first So what We happen. the industry we the of into going we saw the worse. announced quarter it getting to we followed. We dramatically the increase, an quarter, coming. another fourth announced started the in and followed. we But rest was We industry increase, saw

So we're rationally. all acting

Operator

Our the Research. next David Longbow from of MacGregor the from question comes line

David MacGregor

good Yes, morning, everyone.

profitable Just to the is I pick-up the product? versus you LVT. how the product on discussion ramp on guess, LVT more as sourced much the manufactured plants,

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

able and to in. with as year, once I we We we - we said we're that low category every from we're act before, - to the the lagging either we're choice, the need started into give a capacity up products. that we But little we're we all postponed buffers because us putting last moving aren't to we lagging, or conscious as aggressive base. changes, bit, up last we slightly go as this compete about get a where sourced fast are end from as looking we as business of starting use as every industry and And a are product really to market different through. introductions. weren't the can we're it at products made capacity using - go We And sourced more

David MacGregor

just should be you the margin of that what a up. unit Right. up be? that But might to sourced as manufacturing sense capacity, that Is trying that Shouldn't XX% you lift? bring the substitute I'm XX%, out get it? for product,

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

get I be that We're tell to detail with going can be. don't just we need know. we granular not that competitive can I whatever you to

David MacGregor

mix Okay. the you between Is and second it line, ramped, becomes how that will more residential - commercial? fully

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

And is margins. the then is idea. sure, units. of business. margins we're you a the what and is limited volume lower preconceived it's a end, lower top which higher is sizes run - and the residential higher category, commercial lower have portion with at going to in LVT, is The not But starting the the out growing rigid typically, plan product with new I'm at commercial do,

to the So whatever assets have manage want. to we'll the customers just

forward we'll if will any it customers they desire, go ever types we make as just that get facilities and we'll new between optimize we– balance product and put Our hope in, our most - and them other business to if once based or operations. we sense the for where we're constrained. manage to what either get on the makes a - We point we'll mix more

David MacGregor

much. very Thanks Okay.

Operator

Bosshard question next Eric of the Cleveland line from comes our Research. from And

Eric Bosshard

Hi. Two you. questions for

First it of ceramic the us talked ceramic performed quarter. through you but all I in give quarter how last business, quarter, the the you think, North America on just rate Could the U.S. on U.S. down improved about, growth quarter? was perspective and the in

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

Well, construction the we home and new we improved rate home in our centers. business growth as took more in quarter

Frank Boykin

So it improved as we quarter. went through the

Eric Bosshard

down? growing total here Is the now a basis? Or in it on business year-over-year is still

Frank Boykin

is like I'd though. It's not as up. business as it The up much to be,

Eric Bosshard

Okay.

Christopher Wellborn

Our ceramic business grew in all regions.

Eric Bosshard

the designs I'm the in your product; the dynamics one in you is areas: Okay, LVT I'm secondly great. how view the two evolving business, secondly effort in influencing LVT those changing U.S.? terms thoughts the curious capacity added. yours Thank you, Jeff import the in and Chris. on curious two of been of - terms of on The how - that's of then category the

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

rapidly, coming. mean, anything its absorbing more so is There's everything, You growing that to to of which now, is capacity it's from most on I support and category up to it, it. is have start the coming in where China

designs And going the upon the lower little different up do anything you'd as in the stage depending of this that's in things As with some coming you in lot And expect, materials, the how it's mature, is innovation prices getting to everybody keeps designing, maturing differently. no have types, cases a going are out, grow a I category. have to are when gets bigger, and going process. big part all product idea. is, question the the base as - and in designing on of peak board, rates and to it what The across both product

Eric Bosshard

you're capacity on I will do to be third and regards there as U.S. in a fourth think facility, would that? that, How commented about, earlier, you think to timing how know you opportunity do happen? and Related your but and this you when a think the about you that opportunity adding, about the

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

next to in. more three Depending make we over upon could put to the we months, a decision see what six

Eric Bosshard

you. Okay, great. Thank

Operator

Lacayo Our comes of line Gabelli. the question from Alvaro next from the

Alvaro Lacayo

pricing just Good morning. regarding question taken. have the actions have that a I already been

others? realize ability And you that to product being could conjecture than provide better industry impact just If price expectations? met comment then if price terms of increasing regarding seeing everybody on product that's some And realization realization in imported comment has price you're maybe does where could maybe and that would categories, going how the include it forward? your you and on rationalization

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

carpet, offsetting increase we've the had in part reduction has have in We with of place - we've in offset carpet the So rather in LVT biggest of increases, The major to the it. that vinyl going in And they're been the most increases, help price increase is going capacities third hope the a the that's in price and going in increases up. to the announced price it. about on talking price are which them there's coming quarter the impact. around in, and than increase on pricing the

Alvaro Lacayo

all point wondering point new billion what seems like coming this capacity could the the considering online. of this seems and go that have Thank that's online most you. like during coming at $X.X over you're now, And demand also the I'm with last that this all of before year you're the absorb capacity levels that's capital high capacity then It you guys the have that with interested it probably some that that's year, at continuing about, be online CapEx I time beyond just this with are expenditures. year. has capacity But plans been number coming XXXX, regards some talked you mean, will to just online coming in to

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

no If guess buy need do make assets we won't this even unusual at upgrading significantly the because things. we time, up thinking would before same business, without which them help that invest $XX unless I we in acquisitions, value, it not get is it's were got year, better either it's And million give you my next with We'll something. would expenditures new typically they to it to the now, them assume the or projects, we is to to we best ways that start. we I new try when buy the out new next capital capacity, had not all come to so has the decline them. when unusual figure greenfield put it than into that or to And product can new putting in we innovations pieces,

those go depends all we through things as all it. on it So

Alvaro Lacayo

Okay. Thank you very much.

Operator

Our JP next Rehaut from question the comes line Michael of from Morgan.

Michael Rehaut

I Good sorry earlier a afternoon for question Thanks. to different question, from perspective. the phone issues. wanted now. and about maybe my back Thanks ask CapEx and the circle taking

the percentage back of And of look as you sales. five pretty X% cycle, around in a a was If the percent sales in a years of the Cap high last Ex sales been your digits last as consistent at to type more average. X% of obviously, single it's

the expansion mid-single-digit capacity just would the of lot so kind asked acquisitions be of forth. different required that expect But anything the percent because still way in level the decline way investment. certainly of investment level terms in industry different there's industry that's if that, competitive of understand you to of would that a requires of to appears capital the be of industry kind and in there's a higher So next or it investment. cycle have sales Jeff, you a structure But an standpoint, than year. was changed last just said curious Cap that and a maybe range, it within Ex obviously, I of something in from very you the

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

best the see to it. Let's try to way answer

best category. industry the every among the are assets Our in in

We a to go it's of would and enhance as vinyl improve stay gives performance to a from through. United them. at take you huge doing, These building we we're that Europe, will have organization on such predictable continue high quartz in there will do quarter. the carpet in sheet we're both from find we the because products do can sitting such same to have Anything And us the such countertops have reasons Russia, and you find to guys bad. meet know new and uncomfortable, that things. low waiting economic we that front good I as you give returns to that The in constantly up. if relationships have can makes we leading it. sometimes put business. and I tile a get And assets. our can long-term. you you them businesses by expectations, And it scratch as we short-term as there, outside the which startups, it exactly States, on looking things sense, new mean cost little capital At from efficient paybacks, And because can't our lot time, And show to you on do it. customers and have build happen our them that And things aren't like that

than five and be years that do things immediately. turn these much can on investments returns higher almost long-term my anything up other start the in over I will I Now, than internal

have is a we growing. the So to huge flow answer question cash that's

is if answer executes returns what to them. do And money higher you. and earnings on to we're return investment is, know you back value these to share allow they us to market grow reasonable going to capital all over the have use opportunities specifics. back And We how our give these find sense those creative and going the an And continue doing to and the can can that's to And we don't are our me time. things, if risk. come to well. I than they will giving organization risks, they makes we our give and it and And you have higher

Michael Rehaut

accounted I Understood. - towards that, increased on down a for the the decline the was much little two and kind sense curious guess, for And home a you just highlighted XXX centers drop by I that in But a mix higher of centers from investment. the year-over-year again, coming in focus margin segment, mix bps angle, Jeff. bit give if the can you appreciate home home driven mix Number rationale years, about, we're part. long one, you've home just of that drilling I that's under just angle or I the just centers, terms to Ceramics how just us structural if a behind helpful. Global another being to margins. sales talked of for for secondly, some a expect ceramic next understand little on - something That's the a - from I a indexed over if of the channel, the a I But time think we centers to so. recall correctly, that any from one year-over-year thoughts I builders. the guess But business, around And, continue to should two that. all distribution

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

channel aggressive going the we're to If you. industry take builder in see pieces Let's down, more growth slows to in are have most. get then, if pieces. I And can the in the close that we has all most share the it. go be to growth growing The the

typically in that's - the uses the Now, value stuff that's in differentiated, channel channels. other the higher than specialty prettier more

products. we strategies we don't the if if in or of We and I selling we taking utilizing balance So on into is affects product through, much assets. it you the more into know And as manage change as as time, know, the with the We margins, value lower other know based XX% about if have you our in if. selling go more we're go business don't imported. mix and recessions ceramic. if. know. start industry we our the start we same When to channels at I it go

home capacity mix and change we we again. to a So in the where when as after come we the the make they And things out, things use go it. down, that's slow just

So we're and of we taking in it readjusting we're our what's strategies anticipate is whole where part just get now more this more left. LVT industry, it. And the growing that to

Christopher Wellborn

we're when even in add been is sector fast, other I to like you where U.S., Europe the business product get is we're we've The mix, with thing, where our LVT improve lot growing impacting so growing and Michael, in Russia Mexico, it able would ceramic markets of while to a that global levers. is a the fast,

Michael Rehaut

margin the the on quarter? for on impact the the And mix,

Frank Boykin

had it I earlier. Yeah, I think mentioned million. It's about $X

Michael Rehaut

Right, so that's Thanks. true.

Great, that. Sorry about thank you.

Operator

Kim comes from Evercore Stephen question of final Our the ISI. from line

Stephen Kim

it. very you I off much, talking about that $X.X wanted At planned a at mean, I point, was base from additions. the capacity Jeff, billion revisit you thanks guys. Yeah, sales appreciate the year just ago of it opportunity to billion $X.X that number, of talked rev. were I a XXXX about.

like a billion you're though even you you're sales $X.X company it for sales. - another then, still sounds than have had Now, bigger you were looking than more potential in

to also, want annualized growth confirm planned, additions didn't run sales is your to all expansions? And rate grow $X.X able per you even X% now. of those anyway this billion have is without over be what year still X% capacity do these think you if right that sales you'd Just or

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

what is you're the talk is about it's reason target. moving is, One a parts. hard is I to capacity it asking that two there's think

in come in year something new The - a And go a ago That ago, dropped you year one that running number year the was now off up off in good putting we is was pretty plant list. that's has if I and were United the this plant ago. on. the States. back ceramic So a ramping a year and has

be happens as So random a that event, same to the as number if.

Stephen Kim

Yeah.

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

If you. I can tell

going growth the in business the businesses business have And as in of is, were going decreasing - all of we that increasing all from this time up at all points this sales. isn't be of profits and is And down. you to sales, you Second have incremental. right,

we're the the EBITDA I if. just EBITDA but me major numbers of to XXX% not - I'm I this. it look you the got investing you take going to at as you mean, fall fall to billion are, of the you that isn't all going it, So think big. bottom. XX% bottom. take it it's if our parts to bottom $XXX of fell million is But - don't to on the the are I the and line $X.X focusing this it's And to X.X, if telling average so hold thing don't times the in. group if opportunities mean, all

might with it just we're be it, equal think or producers incremental capacity world. I flooring the in six put to five the in the adding top might

Stephen Kim

right, Yeah. I All appreciate that.

the question XQ. business, rest slowdown in saw related kind a noticeable in of world growth to had The I we second volume of

it not of quarter. of make might particular, to run tougher could a - some was a negative I was full maybe sort you or comments to of this like volume slower about sure if it little curious like growth capacity understand And You why properly. in had there expect of laminate out. comps, the a we this was rate looks thing made looks in continues, it whether highlight running particular sort if was kind that I just that world over maybe want volume. rest thing volume number we as

Christopher Wellborn

that. answer can I

with and growth best. performing business wood good ongoing our So had panels LVT the

sales products. and in constrained the add and period new will increase was LVT production Our the new

Our investments vinyl enhance business. will tile, further in the laminate, carpet sheet

So we a forward. things lot going of to have it that's improve going

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

And under Godfrey then also, going acquisition as to there if. is the go Hirst

Stephen Kim

Hirst. about I executing Godfrey sure. talk Yeah, Sure, volume will

would it your mentioned the expectation be of you volumes. should Chris, elevate things that XQ just So, some

Christopher Wellborn

exactly LVT carpet plus can tell should we're time. the that coming we'll tile, later adding of have the all don't you in by sheet I these the in the in But Well, I know on capacity year laminate, vinyl, quarter. things up, investments over is business sales that increase

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

than two as may them we shorter so, as it two putting the three longer think things, be it might in. narrow or up our and That's them These plans. months months I of by as be or or part three you guys start if. don't you deal. mean, setting month, And just

Stephen Kim

appreciate Thanks guys. Yeah. that, very All much. I right,

Jeffrey Lorberbaum

Thank you.

Christopher Wellborn

you. Thank

Operator

are There call Frank I over to Boykin. now will back in queue. turn the questions further no

Frank Boykin

joining appreciate us. we Listen, you guys

business for thing term the good doing the day. in are Have business. opportunities. long We we're we're the about right as term, a as term. believe our a We short have think going well to And we the long stronger excited much of

Mohawk Industries (MHK) 27 Apr 182018 Q1 Earnings call transcript