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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 __________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 26, 2006 MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	01-19826 (Commission File Number)	52-1604305 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
160 South Industrial Blvd., Calhoun, Georgia		30701
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (706) 629-7721 __________________________________________________________________________________ (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)       Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):  o Written communication pursuant to Rule 425 under Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)  o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)  o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act CFR 240.14d-2(b))  o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act CFR 240.17R 240.13e-4(c))

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Item 2.02  Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 26, 2006, Mohawk Industries, Inc. issued a press release announcing its third quarter and nine month financial results. A copy of the press release is attached hereto and hereby incorporated by reference as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)  Exhibits

99.1 Press release dated October 26, 2006.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Mohawk Industries, Inc.

Date: October 26, 2006                                               By: /s/ THOMAS  J. KANUK

Thomas J. Kanuk

V.P.  & Corporate Controller

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit

99.1.    Press release dated October 26, 2006.

  Exhibit 99.1

For Release:              Immediately
 

Contact:                      Frank H. Boykin, Chief Financial Officer

 

 MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC. ANNOUNCES
THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS

 

 

Calhoun, Georgia, October 26, 2006 - Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK) today announced 2006 third quarter net earnings of $127,708,000 and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of  $1.88 (both 10% above last year), in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).  Adjusted net earnings for the third quarter of 2006 were $123,948,000 and adjusted EPS were $1.82 per share.  The adjusted net earnings exclude a stock option charge that was not required in 2005 increasing net earnings by $1,855,000 and exclude a partially-paid refund from U.S. Customs decreasing net earnings by $5,615,000.  Net sales for the quarter were $2,024,019,000 an increase of 19% from 2005.  The sales growth resulted from the Unilin acquisition, hard surface sales growth, and price increases.

For the first nine months of 2006, net earnings were $326,342,000 (14% above last year) and EPS were $4.80 (13% above last year), in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Adjusted net earnings for the first nine months of 2006 were $322,525,000 and adjusted EPS were $4.74 per share.  The adjusted net earnings exclude a stock option charge that was not required in 2005 increasing net earnings by $5,701,000 and exclude a partially-paid refund from U.S. Customs decreasing net earnings by $9,518,000.  This increase is attributable to the Unilin acquisition, strong hard surface sales growth and price increases.  

In commenting on the quarter results, Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, Chairman and CEO, stated: "I am pleased with our results for the quarter in light of the current business environment.  With 19% sales growth, higher gross margins and a 10% improvement in EPS over last year, our third quarter was positive.  Our business is better balanced to minimize the impact of changing economic and industry cycles than in the past.  The diversification of our product offering with a full line of soft and hard products, participation in all sales channels of residential and commercial, and our broader geographic exposure in Europe improve our position.

 During the quarter the slowing U.S. economy impacted our business. Both residential replacement and new residential construction weakened through the quarter and the commercial business continued positive trends.  Raw material costs increased in the third quarter and remained high even though oil costs declined. A stronger European economy and improved U.S. laminate sales have benefited our business.   We see weaker industry demand levels with the postponement of new home purchases and redecorating projects in the near term. Recent changes in gasoline prices have positively affected consumers and some retail categories. This could improve large discretionary purchases and positively affect retail flooring sales. Interest rates should remain favorable, consumer confidence should recover, and the industry demand for flooring should improve in the long term.

The Mohawk segment sales results were disappointing as industry sales slowed substantially. Sales declined 1% with margins impacted by higher costs and lower volumes.   We began implementing a price increase to offset higher raw material costs during the quarter. Both new and replacement residential carpet declined significantly from the prior year with commercial carpet continuing to grow.  As all levels of the industry try to stimulate consumer purchases, we see more promotional activity. With the lower sales levels, cost reduction plans are being implemented to reduce manufacturing labor, SG&A and other discretionary spending.  Production schedules have been reduced to reflect lower demand and control inventory levels.  We could see improvement in our raw material costs if the worldwide demand for commodity chemicals doesn't impact prices and lower oil prices continue. During the third quarter, we closed a staple yarn facility incurring $500,000 of costs related to the closing. We will continue to review the business and adjust to the changing environment. 

Our Dal-Tile segment sales had solid performance growing 11% during the quarter. Even with slowing industry growth, we anticipate increasing our share due to prior investments in sales, product, and distribution.   Our margins were impacted by the start up expenses of our Oklahoma expansion and increased transportation costs. We anticipate transportation costs improving as gasoline costs decline. The start up phase of the Oklahoma facility is complete and the plant is expected to be operating near capacity by year end.  Our ceramic business is well positioned to grow faster than the industry.

The Unilin segment results were strong for the third quarter with good sales growth in the European laminate business.  We also saw the U.S. laminate sales improve through the quarter as our U.S. distributors completed their inventory adjustments and purchased product more in line with their current sales.  Our launch of the Mohawk laminate products continues on track and the first phase is complete.  The third quarter margins were higher due to better laminate product mix, improvement in the U.S. distributor business, improved board pricing and productivity, and control of discretionary spending.  We have been pleased with Unilin's performance since the acquisition was completed.

We are managing our balance sheet with the debt to capitalization ratio improving to 46% after paying down $168 million of debt during the third quarter.  We have many initiatives focused on improving efficiency, inventory turns, and working capital management.

During the quarter, the lawsuit filed against us in 2004 that alleges Mohawk hired undocumented workers to suppress wages was reviewed by the 11^th Circuit Court. After reconsidering the case, the Court refused to dismiss the RICO claims against Mohawk.  Mohawk will appeal the decision and will continue to vigorously defend itself against this claim."

The Company is anticipating continued slow sales in the fourth quarter that will result in unabsorbed overhead costs and impact our margin dollars.  We are reducing our manufacturing, administration, and marketing expenses. Our carpet margins will also be affected by the lag between cost and selling price changes.  Unilin margins will decrease to a more sustainable rate.  Based on these factors, our earnings guidance for the fourth quarter of 2006 is from $1.51 to $1.60 EPS.  This guidance does not include the expected closing of higher cost ceramic production at an estimated cost of $6,000,000 or the anticipated additional refunds from U.S. customs.

Certain of the statements in the immediately preceding paragraphs, particularly anticipating future performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies, proposed acquisitions, and similar matters, and those that include the words "could," "should," "believes," "anticipates," "forecasts," "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 prices; timing and level of capital expenditures; integration of acquisitions; introduction of new products; rationalization of operations; 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, rugs and other home products.  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 27, 2006 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 .
 A conference call replay will also be available until November  3,  2006  by dialing 1-800-642-1687
for US/local calls and 1-706-645-9291 for international calls and entering Conference ID # 8008744.
 

MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Earnings Data	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)	September 30, 2006			October 1, 2005		September 30, 2006			October 1, 2005
Net sales	$	2,024,019		1,697,634		6,007,248			4,815,548
Cost of sales	1,455,508			1,234,680		4,330,015			3,524,060
Gross profit	568,511			462,954		1,677,233			1,291,488
Selling, general and administrative expenses	345,771			274,052		1,067,547			806,144
Operating income	222,740			188,902		609,686			485,344
Interest expense	44,655			10,775		131,113			35,166
Other (income) expense, net	55			(400)		6,380			2,526
U.S. Customs refund, net	(8,834)			-		(15,066)			-
Earnings before income taxes	186,864			178,527		487,259			447,652
Income taxes	59,156			62,764		160,917			160,147
Net earnings	$	127,708		115,763		326,342			287,505
Basic earnings per share	$	1.89		1.73		4.82			4.30
Weighted-average shares outstanding	67,704			66,865		67,654			66,827
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.88		1.71		4.80			4.26
Weighted-average common and dilutive
potential common shares outstanding	68,021			67,519		68,056			67,572
Other Financial Information
(Amounts in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	203,534		173,253		546,241			328,033
Depreciation & amortization	$	68,040		31,138		202,674			94,900
Capital expenditures	$	41,389		51,448		124,048			150,801
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(Amounts in thousands)
						September 30, 2006			October 1, 2005
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash						$	69,730		-
Receivables						958,416			811,628
Inventories						1,275,435			1,116,781
Prepaid expenses						126,895			44,160
Deferred income taxes						55,128			55,311
Total current assets						2,485,604			2,027,880
Property, plant and equipment, net						1,869,273			995,205
Goodwill						2,685,092			1,378,849
Intangibles						1,168,739			319,644
Other assets						25,933			13,007
						$	8,234,641		4,734,585

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt						$	509,151		68,679
Accounts payable and accrued expenses						1,124,974			776,199
Total current liabilities						1,634,125			844,878
Long-term debt, less current portion						2,438,732			700,000
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities						631,283			230,748
Total liabilities						4,704,140			1,775,626
Total stockholders' equity						3,530,501			2,958,959
						$	8,234,641		4,734,585
Segment Information	As of or for the Three Months Ended					As of or for the Nine Months Ended
(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2006			October 1, 2005		September 30, 2006			October 1, 2005
Net sales:
Mohawk	$	1,233,833		1,248,216		3,626,371			3,524,477
Dal-Tile	501,241			449,418		1,482,065			1,291,071
Unilin	292,924			-		909,319			-
Intersegment eliminations	(3,979)			-		(10,507)			-
Consolidated net sales	$	2,024,019		1,697,634		6,007,248			4,815,548
Operating income:
Mohawk	$	110,505		121,940		275,111			295,631
Dal-Tile	69,642			69,137		213,286			196,898
Unilin	49,748			-		149,424			-
Corporate and intersegment eliminations	(7,155)			(2,175)		(28,135)			(7,185)
Consolidated operating income	$	222,740		188,902		609,686			485,344
Assets:
Mohawk						$	2,597,805		2,509,552
Dal-Tile						2,294,118			2,174,055
Unilin						3,239,804			-
Corporate and eliminations						102,914			50,978
Consolidated assets						$	8,234,641		4,734,585

Reconciliation of reported net earnings to adjusted net earnings		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)		September 30, 2006		September 30, 2006
Net earnings reported		$	127,708	326,342
Adjustments:
Stock option expense, net of taxes of $1,064
and $3,327, respectively		1,855		5,701
U.S. Customs refund, net of taxes of $3,219 and $5,548, respectively		(5,615)		(9,518)
		$	123,948	322,525
Adjusted net earnings per common share (basic)		$	1.83	4.77
Adjusted net earnings per common share (diluted)		$	1.82	4.74
The Company believes it is useful for itself and investors to review, as applicable, both GAAP information
that includes the stock compensation impact of SFAS 123R and the U.S. Customs refund, and the non-GAAP
measure that excludes such information in order to assess the performance of the Company's business for
planning and forecasting in subsequent periods.