Mohawk(US:MHK)2025-05-02 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $2,500,000,000, a decrease of 5.7% as reported or about flat on a constant basis, impacted by two fewer shipping days and foreign exchange headwinds [6][16]. - Earnings per share (EPS) were $1.52, benefiting from productivity gains, restructuring actions, and a lower tax rate, which offset pricing pressure and higher input costs [7][19]. - Gross margin for the quarter was 23.1% as reported, and 24.1% excluding charges, in line with the prior year [17]. - Operating income was $96,000,000 or 3.8%, with adjusted operating margin at 4.8%, a decrease of 130 basis points year-over-year due to higher input costs [17][18]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Ceramic: Sales were just over $990,000,000, a 4.9% decrease as reported but a 1.2% increase on a constant basis, driven by improved product and channel mix [20]. - Flooring North America: Sales were $862,000,000, a decrease of 4.2% as reported or 1.1% on a constant basis, impacted by the order management system conversion [20]. - Flooring Rest of the World: Sales were $670,000,000, an 8.8% decrease as reported and 2.9% on an adjusted basis, driven by lower sales volume and unfavorable price mix [21]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Conditions in the first quarter weakened sequentially, with residential remodeling remaining the lowest sector [12]. - Consumer confidence in the U.S. has been declining, affecting spending and housing activity [13]. - In Europe, consumer confidence has also declined due to economic uncertainty, leading to postponed home sales and remodeling activities [14]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow market share in a challenging environment by optimizing product mix and reducing costs [24]. - Restructuring projects are on schedule, with expected savings of approximately $100,000,000 this year [18][34]. - The company is focusing on enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities to mitigate tariff impacts and improve competitive positioning [9][24]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates that the impact of tariffs will influence consumer spending and new construction, though the extent is unpredictable [11]. - The company expects pricing pressure to continue across all regions due to low demand and competitive markets [35]. - The outlook for the second quarter adjusted EPS is projected to be between $2.52 and $2.62, excluding any restructuring or one-time charges [36]. Other Important Information - The company purchased 225,000 shares of its stock for approximately $26,000,000 during the quarter [8]. - Cash and cash equivalents were just over $700,000,000, with free cash flow expected to remain strong despite a use of approximately $85,000,000 in Q1 [22][23]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing of tariff impact and pricing actions - The CFO indicated that the $50,000,000 annualized cost impact from tariffs would be more evident in the late third to fourth quarter, as inventory turnover takes time [41]. Question: Domestic capacity and pricing strategy - Management emphasized the advantage of domestic production capacity in the U.S. market, which will be leveraged to optimize results amid tariff increases [43]. Question: Balancing pricing power and demand - Management acknowledged the challenge of balancing pricing power with slower demand, indicating that pricing actions are being assessed continuously [49][50]. Question: EPS growth outlook amid tariff impacts - Management expressed that EPS growth would depend on market conditions, with efforts to offset tariff impacts through pricing and cost-cutting measures [58][59]. Question: Inventory levels and market dynamics - The company noted an increase in inventory levels due to preemptive imports ahead of tariffs, with no significant changes in downstream volumes observed [105][106]. Question: Breakdown of imports and tariff exposure - The company clarified that a significant portion of imports comes from countries like Vietnam and India, with minimal exposure to China [111][112].