Knoll, Inc. (NYSE:KNL), a leading designer and manufacturer of furnishings, textiles and fine leathers for the workplace and home, announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017. Net sales were $291.3 million for the third quarter of 2017, a decrease of 0.3%, from the third quarter of 2016. Operating profit was $30.1 million for the third quarter of 2017, a decrease of 14.4%, from the third quarter of 2016. Net income for the third quarter of 2017 was $19.1 million, a decrease of 11.5%, when compared to the third quarter of 2016. Diluted earnings per share was $0.39 and $0.44 for the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively.
“The third quarter was an important inflection point as sales stabilized and we returned to double digit levels of profitability,” commented Andrew Cogan, Knoll President and CEO. “For the first time, sales of our newer workplace models and related products exceeded those of our legacy systems. Coupled with continued growth in our residential and Specialty businesses, the initiatives we have taken over the past year to increase our market penetration and Office sales, position us well for a return to growth.”
Net sales were $291.3 million for the third quarter of 2017, a decrease of 0.3%, from the third quarter of 2016. Net sales for the Office segment were $181.2 million during the third quarter of 2017, a decrease of 2.5%, when compared to the third quarter of 2016. The decrease in Office sales compared to the third quarter of 2016 was due primarily to a decline in government sales, while Office commercial sales were flat. Net sales for the Studio segment were $83.2 million during the third quarter of 2017, an increase of 4.2%, when compared to the third quarter of 2016. Increased sales at Holly Hunt and the incremental sales from DatesWeiser were partially offset by a decrease in contract shipments at KnollStudio. Net sales for the Coverings segment were $26.9 million during the third quarter of 2017, an increase of 1.5%, when compared to the third quarter of 2016. The increase in Coverings was driven primarily by higher volume in the Spinneybeck |FilzFelt and Edelman businesses, partially offset by volume declines in KnollTextiles.
Gross profit for the third quarter of 2017 was $106.6 million, a decrease of $6.2 million, or 5.5%, when compared to the third quarter of 2016. Gross margin decreased from 38.6% in the third quarter of 2016 to 36.6% in the third quarter of 2017. This decrease was driven primarily by accelerated commodity inflation, foreign exchange headwinds, and unfavorable mix related to the ramp up of newer product platforms. These declines were partially offset by continuous improvement and lean initiatives.
Total operating expenses were $76.5 million for the third quarter of 2017, or 26.3% of net sales, compared to $77.6 million, or 26.6% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2016. The decrease was due primarily to lower incentive compensation from decreased profitability.
The tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 was 29.9%, down from 34.9% in the third quarter of 2016. The decrease in the tax rate was related primarily to the reversal of a valuation allowance against certain foreign jurisdiction deferred tax assets. The tax rate was also affected by the mix of pretax income and the varying effective tax rates in the countries and states in which we operate.
Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $8.7 million compared to $10.4 million in the third quarter of 2016. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $7.3 million, or $0.15 per share, compared to a quarterly dividend of $7.2 million, or $0.15 per share, in the third quarter of 2016.
The full text of Knoll’s 3Q17 earnings release, including all tables, and a replay of the company’s Oct. 24 conference webcast, including presentation slides, are available at the Investor Relations section of the Knoll corporate website, www.knoll.com; go to “Discover Knoll” and click on “Investor Relations.” In addition, an audio replay of the conference call will be available through Oct. 31 by dialing (855) 859-2056. International replay: (404) 537-3406 (Passcode: 995 28033).
About Knoll
Knoll, Inc. is a constellation of design-driven brands and people, working together with our clients to create inspired modern interiors. Our internationally recognized portfolio includes furniture, textiles, leathers, accessories, and architectural and acoustical elements brands. These brands – Knoll Office, KnollStudio, KnollTextiles, KnollExtra, Spinneybeck | FilzFelt, Edelman Leather, HOLLY HUNT, and DatesWeiser – reflect our commitment to modern design that meets the diverse requirements of high performance workplaces and luxury interiors. A recipient of the National Design Award for Corporate and Institutional Achievement from the Smithsonian`s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Knoll, Inc. is aligned with the U.S. Green Building Council and the Canadian Green Building Council and can help organizations achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) workplace certification. Knoll, Inc. is the founding sponsor of the World Monuments Fund Modernism at Risk program.