Armstrong reports earnings rise, China flooring plant
LANCASTER, Pa., May 2, 2011  - Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE: AWI), a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings, and cabinets, today reported first quarter 2011 results.

Consolidated net sales increased as improved pricing and favorable product mix more than offset volume declines. Volume declines were driven by decreases in our wood business as 2010 results benefited from the new home buyer tax credit; and in our European resilient business, as we exited the residential business and certain geographies in late 2010. Operating income and net income both increased significantly as a result of sales increasing and as we realized the benefit of cost reduction actions initiated in 2010, which resulted in lower manufacturing costs and core SG&A expenses when compared to the same period of last year. Input cost inflation was $17 million versus first quarter 2010, primarily driven by oil based commodities.

"I am pleased to announce that, on an adjusted basis, EBITDA was up 69% from Q1 2010 levels, and exceeded our Q1 2011 guidance," said Matt Espe, President and CEO. "We achieved this with top-line sales growth of 4%, consistent with expectations. Results also reflect plant closures and other cost reduction activities we undertook in 2010, as well as pricing actions in all our businesses. First quarter 2011 operating results continue to demonstrate our ability to leverage investments in LEAN technologies and processes to generate increased operating margins and earnings. I am also pleased to announce that our Board of Directors has approved the construction of a heterogeneous flooring plant in China that is being built on the same site as our recently announced homogeneous flooring plant. This plant is expected to be operational in mid 2013."

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