Mohawk Industries, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings

CALHOUN, Georgia -

Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MHK) today announced 2009 third quarter net earnings of US$34 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of US$0.50 which included a restructuring charge of approximately US$16 million, primarily related to our distribution and manufacturing infrastructure. Excluding the restructuring charge, net earnings and EPS would be US$44 million and US$0.64 per share, respectively. In the third quarter of 2008, the net loss was US$1,485 million and loss per share was US$21.70. Excluding the 2008 third quarter charges, net earnings and EPS would have been US$84 million and US$1.23 per share, respectively. Net sales for the 2009 third quarter were US$1,383 million, a decrease of 22% (21% with a constant exchange rate) from 2008. Continued cost control, reduced capital spending and lower working capital enabled generation of free cash flow of US$128 million for the quarter.

For the nine months of 2009, our net loss was US$25 million or a net loss per share of US$0.37. Excluding year to date charges, net earnings would be US$108 million and EPS would be US$1.57. In the first nine months of 2008 net loss and loss per share were US$1,331 million and US$19.45 per share, respectively. Excluding the 2008 year to date charges, net earnings and EPS would have been US$244 million and US$3.56 per share, respectively. Net sales for the first nine months of 2009 were US$3,997 million representing a 25% decrease from 2008. Sales declined 22% with a constant exchange rate excluding carpet tile charges. The sales decrease for both the quarter and the year to date in the U.S. and Europe is primarily attributable to continuing low home sales, soft business investment and weak consumer discretionary spending.

In commenting on the third quarter results, Jeffery S. Lorberbaum, Chairman and CEO stated, “Our third quarter earnings were slightly better than our guidance due to the many changes we have made to manage through this difficult environment. Our gross margin of 27%, an improvement of almost 200 basis points over last year benefited from lower raw material and freight costs, personnel reductions, cost containment measures and plant consolidations. Investments in new products, research and development and capital expenditures are being made to improve sales, efficiencies, quality and service. Our balance sheet is strong with over US$300 million of cash, ample liquidity from our new US$600 million bank facility and free cash flow of over US$340 million exceeding last year by approximately 55% on a year to date basis. Our strategy continues to be adjusted as the economic environment requires.”

Mohawk segment sales were down 21% for the third quarter, in line with the industry. Much of our efforts to reduce costs and improve processes have been offset by low industry volumes and unabsorbed overhead. Consumers are purchasing more value-oriented products and selling prices on commoditized products have compressed. Residential volume remains weak with commercial still in decline. We have made improvements in our controllable production costs and quality throughout our processes. Reductions in our SG&A continue to be made throughout the organization. The restructuring of our distribution model and consolidating regional warehouses with Dal-Tile will lower our infrastructure cost further. The commercial team is focused on the government, healthcare and education markets, which should be stronger than the other channels.

Dal-Tile sales for the third quarter were down 23% or 22% with a constant exchange rate. The decline in new housing sales and commercial is significantly affecting the ceramic industry. Dal-Tile is taking share from imports, which make up about half of the industry volume with our broad product line and strong distribution. We further reduced our SG&A in the third quarter by merging local service centers, consolidating regional warehouses and reducing our warehousing infrastructure. Manufacturing costs continue to improve with increased productivity, lower waste levels, and higher quality. Our new introductions of engineered stone and terrazzo tile products are growing in the U.S. market. In Mexico, we are improving our market position by broadening our product line and expanding our customer base.

Unilin sales declined 21% or 18% with a constant exchange rate. Our operating margins for the quarter were approximately 12% and the EBITDA margin was approximately 26%. Demand in both our U.S. and European markets remained challenging in the quarter. Lower raw material costs, increased royalty income, postponement of expenses and better than expected sales volume in some of our products favorably impacted our earnings. Our laminate business has been influenced by customers trading down to lower value alternatives. To improve our laminate sales, we are increasing participation in the DIY channels, growing sales of our new product introductions, adding new product features and investing in new product innovation. We broadened our wood distribution in both the U.S. and Europe under multiple brands to reach all markets. We continue to invest in research and development in our products to provide greater value and to lower production costs. The board products remain under significant pricing pressure due to excess capacity in the markets and high fixed operating costs. Unilin has implemented many cost reductions to lower SG&A, reduce manufacturing costs and manage inventory levels.

Business conditions remain weak as we move into seasonally slower quarters. The residential business appears to have stabilized and the commercial business will continue to be difficult next year. Sequentially, lower plant utilization rates in the fourth quarter will result in higher unabsorbed overhead. Carpet material costs will reduce margins until we pass them through with higher prices. Our fourth quarter guidance for earnings is US$0.28 to US$0.38 per share. Excluded from the guidance is an estimated restructuring charge of US$25 million, primarily non-cash reductions of our manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. We continue to make the necessary structural changes to strengthen our long-term business. Each segment is executing innovative ways to positively position us in all product categories. All of our efforts to strengthen the business during this downturn will significantly benefit us in the future as the industry recovers.

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.

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, Ralph Lauren, 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.

There will be a conference call Friday, October 30, 2009 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 # 34166688. A conference call replay will also be available until November 13, 2009 by dialing +1-800-642-1687 for US/local calls and +1-706-645-9291 for International/Local calls and entering Conference ID # 34166688. (All amounts in US dollars unless otherwise specified) MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statement of Operations Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended ——————– ——————– (Amounts in thousands, Sept. 26, Sept. 27, Sept. 26, Sept. 27, except per share data) 2009 2008 2009 2008 ——— ——— ——— ——— Net sales $1,382,565 1,763,034 3,996,916 5,341,176 Cost of sales 1,013,106 1,323,963 3,106,380 3,959,374 ——— ——— ——— ——— Gross profit 369,459 439,071 890,536 1,381,802 Selling, general and administrative expenses 301,388 321,259 893,671 993,609 Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles - 1,418,912 - 1,418,912 ——— ——— ——— ——— Operating income (loss) 68,071 (1,301,100) (3,135)(1,030,719) Interest expense 32,318 30,540 92,504 97,049 Other (income) expense, net (610) 4,201 (2,617) 8,630 ——— ——— ——— ——— Earnings (loss) before income taxes 36,363 (1,335,841) (93,022)(1,136,398) Income tax expense (benefit) 2,015 148,940 (67,744) 194,215 ——— ——— ——— ——— Net earnings (loss) $34,348 (1,484,781) (25,278)(1,330,613) ——— ——— ——— ——— Basic earnings (loss) per share $0.50 (21.70) (0.37) (19.45) ——— ——— ——— ——— Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic 68,456 68,411 68,446 68,396 ——— ——— ——— ——— Diluted earnings (loss) per share $0.50 (21.70) (0.37) (19.45) ——— ——— ——— ——— Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted 68,653 68,411 68,446 68,396 ——— ——— ——— ——— Other Financial Information (Amounts in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $146,549 190,287 412,594 376,979 ——— ——— ——— ——— Depreciation and amortization $76,435 77,712 221,177 226,020 ——— ——— ——— ——— Capital expenditures $18,678 49,512 71,281 155,322 ——— ——— ——— ———

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (Amounts in thousands) September 26, 2009 September 27, 2008 —————— —————— ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $306,145 62,025 Receivables, net 832,105 933,741 Inventories 939,478 1,234,651 Prepaid expenses 117,367 122,464 Deferred income taxes and other current assets 164,016 151,160 —————————————————————- Total current assets 2,359,111 2,504,041 Property, plant and equipment, net 1,841,779 1,963,939 Goodwill 1,424,391 1,529,321 Intangible assets, net 817,586 954,826 Deferred income taxes and other non-current assets 45,588 20,259 —————————————————————- $6,488,455 6,972,386 —————————————————————- LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $53,163 131,663 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 876,579 980,873 —————————————————————- Total current liabilities 929,742 1,112,536 Long-term debt, less current portion 1,802,138 1,924,698 Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities 510,486 558,471 —————————————————————- Total liabilities 3,242,366 3,595,705 —————————————————————- Total equity 3,246,089 3,376,681 —————————————————————- $6,488,455 6,972,386 —————————————————————- As of or for the As of or for the Segment Information Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Amounts in thousands) ———————– ——————— Sept. 26, Sept. 27, Sept. 26, Sept. 27, 2009 2008 2009 2008 ——— ——— ——— ——— Net sales: Mohawk $755,904 953,827 2,118,025 2,827,297 Dal-Tile 361,590 472,031 1,096,772 1,402,593 Unilin 281,803 357,785 829,984 1,173,065 Intersegment sales (16,732) (20,609) (47,865) (61,779) ————————————————————————- Consolidated net sales $1,382,565 1,763,034 3,996,916 5,341,176 ————————————————————————- Operating income (loss): Mohawk $16,261 (224,376) (142,234) (167,542) Dal-Tile 21,166 (479,918) 72,626 (364,808) Unilin 34,929 (592,549) 80,622 (482,472) Corporate and eliminations (4,285) (4,257) (14,149) (15,897) ————————————————————————- Consolidated operating income (loss) $68,071 (1,301,100) (3,135) (1,030,719) ————————————————————————- Assets: Mohawk $1,697,334 2,122,463 Dal-Tile 1,622,502 1,736,212 Unilin 2,754,233 2,912,235 Corporate and eliminations 414,386 201,476 ————————————————————————- Consolidated assets $6,488,455 6,972,386 ————————————————————————-

Reconciliation of Net Sale to Adjusted Net Sales (Amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended ——————– ——————– Sept. 26, Sept. 27, Sept. 26, Sept. 27, 2009 2008 2009 2008 ——— ——— ——— ——— Net sales $1,382,565 1,763,034 3,996,916 5,341,176 Add: Commercial carpet tile reserve - 14,614 110,224 23,651 Add: Exchange rate 16,825 - 89,825 - ——— ——— ——— ——— Adjusted net sales $1,399,390 1,777,648 4,196,965 5,364,827 ——— ——— ——— ——— Reconciliation of Segment Net Sale to Adjusted Segment Net Sales (Amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended ——————– Sept. 26, Sept. 27, 2009 2008 ——— ——— Dal-Tile segment ————————————————- Net sales $361,590 472,031 Add: Exchange rate 4,518 - ————————————————- Adjusted net sales $366,108 472,031 ————————————————- Unilin segment ————————————————- Net sales $281,803 357,785 Add: Exchange rate 12,307 - ————————————————- Adjusted net sales $294,110 357,785 ————————————————- Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to Adjusted Net Earnings (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended ——————– ——————– Sept. 26, Sept. 27, Sept. 26, Sept. 27, 2009 2008 2009 2008 ———- ——— ——— ——— Net earnings (loss) $34,348 (1,484,781) (25,278) (1,330,613) Unusual charges: Add: Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles - 1,418,912 - 1,418,912 Add: Commercial carpet tile reserve - 14,614 122,492 23,651 Add: FIFO inventory - - 61,794 - Add: Business restructurings 16,019 - 31,936 - Add: Income tax expense (benefit) (6,167) 135,620 (83,004) 132,140 ————————————————————————- Adjusted net earnings $44,200 84,365 107,940 244,090 ————————————————————————- Basic earnings (loss) per share $0.50 (21.70) (0.37) (19.45) Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic 68,456 68,411 68,446 68,396 Adjusted Diluted earnings per share $0.64 1.23 1.57 3.56 Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted 68,653 68,600 68,606 68,599

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow (Amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended —————— —————————— Sept. 26, 2009 Sept. 26, 2009 Sept. 27, 2008 —————— ————– ————– Net cash provided by operations $146,549 412,594 376,979 Net cash used in investing (24,282) (77,205) (163,668) less: Acquisitions, net of cash 5,604 5,924 8,346 —————————————- —————————— Free cash flow $127,871 341,313 221,657 —————————————- —————————— Reconciliation of Unilin Segment Operating Income to Unilin Segment EBITDA (Amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended —————— EBITDA reconciliation September 26, 2009 —————————————– Operating income $34,929 Add: Other income 833 Add: Depreciation and amortization 38,247 —————– —— EBITDA $74,009 ——– ——- 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.

Frank H. Boykin, Chief Financial Officer of Mohawk Industries, Inc., +1-706-624-2695