Net sales for the 3Q 2013 were approximately $2 billion, an increase of 33% versus the prior year's 3Q. For the 3Q 2012, net sales were approximately $1.5 billion, net earnings were $70 million and EPS was $1.01; excluding unusual charges, net earnings were $72 million and EPS was $1.04.
For the nine months ending September 28, 2013, net sales were approximately $5.4 billion, an increase of approximately 25% versus the prior year. Net earnings and EPS for the nine-month period were $254 million and $3.53, respectively.
Net earnings excluding unusual charges were $342 million and EPS was $4.76, an increase of 72% over the nine-month adjusted EPS results in 2012. For the nine months ending September 29, 2012, net sales were approximately $4.4 billion, net earnings were $184 million and EPS was $2.66. Excluding unusual charges, net earnings and EPS were $191 million and $2.76, respectively.
Commenting on Mohawk Industries' 3Q performance, Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, Chairman and CEO, stated, "This quarter we are reporting the highest adjusted EPS in Company history. During the period, higher U.S. volumes, efficiency improvements and the performance of our Pergo, Marazzi and Spano acquisitions supported our strong growth. Our legacy net sales increased approximately 5% as reported, with the balance of our revenue growth derived from our recent acquisitions. Our adjusted operating income improved 350 basis points over the prior year to approximately 11% of sales as a result of enhanced product mix from innovative new collections, improved manufacturing and distribution efficiencies and the implementation of new systems and processes. Ongoing cost containment measures improved our adjusted SG&A by 130 basis points even with significant investments in samples and marketing for new product launches."
Laminate and Wood segment net sales were $451 million, up 37% over last year, with most of that increase from the acquisitions of Pergo and Spano and growth in North America across all product categories and customer channels. Operating income, excluding unusual charges, was approximately 13% of sales, an improvement of 380 basis points over the prior year due primarily to increased North American volume, overall improved productivity and decreased amortization expense.
In North America, the integration of Unilin and Pergo is yielding improved productivity and efficiencies and new capacity is being added to satisfy increased demand for single planks. In Europe, the Pergo manufacturing assets have been closed and production was moved to the Company's more efficient Belgium operations to improve the product offering and manufacturing costs. In both Russia and Australia, price increases of 4 to 8% were implemented on laminate and wood to offset currency changes. The new insulation board plant in France has begun production and is expanding our reach into new territories in France and Germany.
Mohawk Industries is the leading global flooring manufacturer. Mohawk's vertically integrated manufacturing and distribution processes provide competitive advantages in the production of carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, stone and vinyl flooring.
