Mohawk Industries Inc announced 2007 fourth quarter net earnings of $379.1 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $5.53, including a one-time tax benefit. Net earnings and EPS for the quarter, excluding the tax benefit, were $107.5 million and $1.57, respectively.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, net earnings and EPS were $129.5 million and $1.90 per share, respectively, and included a pre-tax benefit of $4.4 million ($.04 per share) related to a refund from U.S. Customs.
As required under generally accepted accounting principles, a $271.6 million ($3.96 per share) tax benefit to earnings was recorded during the quarter which resulted from an international restructuring. Net sales for the quarter were $1,807.3 million, a decrease of 5% from 2006.
Sales were impacted favorably by the Columbia wood flooring acquisition, exchange rates and growth in the Dal-Tile segment which partially offset other sales declines. Cash flow from operations continued strong at $273 million and an additional $189 million of debt was paid during the quarter.
For the year 2007, earnings were $706.8 million and EPS were $10.32, including the $271.6 million one-time tax benefit, a pre-tax benefit of $9.2 million ($.09 per share) related to a refund from U.S. customs and pre-tax charge of $14.2 million ($.13 per share) for plant closing costs. In 2006, net earnings and EPS were $455.8 million and $6.70 per share, respectively, and included a pre-tax benefit of $19.4 million ($.18 per share) related to a refund from U.S. Customs.