Document
    


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q

þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
 
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 001-37589
ARMSTRONG FLOORING, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
47-4303305
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. employer Identification number)
 
 
2500 Columbia Avenue, PO Box 3025, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(717) 672-9611
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code).
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   þ No   ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that registrant was required to submit and post such files.)  Yes   þ No   ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  ¨    No   þ

The Registrant had 25,756,313 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value, outstanding at May 1, 2018.

 

    


Armstrong Flooring, Inc.

Table of Contents
 
 
Page Number
 
PART I
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
PART II
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5
Item 6.
 
 
 


    


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Form 10-Q") and the documents incorporated by reference may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding our intent, belief or expectations, including, but not limited to, our expectations concerning our commercial and residential markets and their effect on our operating results, and our ability to increase revenues, earnings and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “seek,” “estimate” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors that could lead to actual results materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations or future prospects or which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to:

•
global economic conditions;
•
competition;
•
availability and costs of raw materials and energy;
•
key customers;
•
construction activity;
•
costs savings and productivity initiatives;
•
strategic transactions;
•
information systems;
•
intellectual property rights;
•
international operations;
•
labor;
•
claims and litigation;
•
liquidity;
•
debt;
•
debt covenants;
•
personnel;
•
outsourcing;
•
environmental and regulatory matters; and
•
other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), press releases and other communications, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the documents incorporated by reference.

Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We expressly disclaim any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.



1

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net sales
$
257.9

 
$
265.2

Cost of goods sold
218.6

 
217.3

Gross profit
39.3

 
47.9

Selling, general and administrative expenses
48.2

 
56.4

Operating (loss)
(8.9
)
 
(8.5
)
Interest expense
0.9

 
0.5

Other expense, net
0.6

 
0.9

(Loss) before income taxes
(10.4
)
 
(9.9
)
Income tax (benefit)
—

 
(2.1
)
Net (loss)
$
(10.4
)
 
$
(7.8
)
 
 
 
 
Basic (loss) per share of common stock:
$
(0.40
)
 
$
(0.28
)
 
 
 
 
Diluted (loss) per share of common stock:
$
(0.40
)
 
$
(0.28
)

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


2

Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) (Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net (Loss)
$
(10.4
)
 
$
(7.8
)
Changes in other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 Foreign currency translation adjustments
4.7

 
1.5

 Derivative gain (loss)
0.8

 
(0.4
)
 Pension and postretirement adjustments
2.1

 
1.2

 Total other comprehensive income
7.6

 
2.3

 Total comprehensive (loss)
$
(2.8
)
 
$
(5.5
)

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


3


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in millions, except par value)
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash
$
28.9

 
$
39.0

Accounts and notes receivable, net
87.0

 
79.7

Inventories, net
235.6

 
236.0

Income tax receivable
1.2

 
3.8

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
34.1

 
31.8

Total current assets
386.8

 
390.3

Property, plant, and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $411.3 and $399.3, respectively
415.7

 
418.1

Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $8.3 and $6.4, respectively
59.0

 
60.4

Deferred income taxes
3.4

 
3.4

Other noncurrent assets
8.2

 
7.3

Total assets
$
873.1

 
$
879.5

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
148.9

 
$
150.2

Income tax payable
0.7

 
0.8

Total current liabilities
149.6

 
151.0

Long-term debt
91.0

 
86.0

Postretirement benefit liabilities
71.4

 
72.7

Pension benefit liabilities
4.7

 
5.7

Other long-term liabilities
8.7

 
9.4

Noncurrent income taxes payable
0.3

 
0.3

Deferred income taxes
4.4

 
4.4

Total liabilities
330.1

 
329.5

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock with par value $.0001 per share: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,207,990 issued and 25,742,127 outstanding shares as of March 31, 2018 and 28,183,218 issued and 25,734,222 outstanding shares as of December 31, 2017
—

 
—

Preferred stock with par value $.0001 per share: 15,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
—

 
—

Treasury stock, at cost, 2,465,863 shares as of March 31, 2018 and 2,448,996 shares as of December 31, 2017
(39.9
)
 
(39.9
)
Additional paid-in capital
674.1

 
674.2

(Accumulated deficit)
(33.7
)
 
(31.8
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
(57.5
)
 
(52.5
)
Total stockholders’ equity
543.0

 
550.0

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
873.1

 
$
879.5


See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)
 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
Net AWI Investment
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
 
(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings
 
Total Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
25,734,222
 
$
—

 
2,448,996
 
$
(39.9
)
 
$
—

 
$
674.2

 
$
(52.5
)
 
$
(31.8
)
 
$
550.0

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 606 new revenue recognition standard as of January 1
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4.1
)
 
(4.1
)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 related to tax reform as of January 1
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(12.6
)
 
12.6

 
—

Net (loss)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10.4
)
 
(10.4
)
Repurchase of common stock
(69,353
)
 
—

 
69,353

 
(1.0
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1.0
)
Stock-based employee compensation, net
77,258

 
—

 
(52,486
)
 
1.0

 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
0.9

Other comprehensive income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
7.6

 
—

 
7.6

March 31, 2018
25,742,127

 
$
—

 
2,465,863

 
$
(39.9
)
 
$
—

 
$
674.1

 
$
(57.5
)
 
$
(33.7
)
 
$
543.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
27,895,671

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
673.3

 
$
(59.8
)
 
$
10.0

 
$
623.5

Net (loss)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7.8
)
 
(7.8
)
Repurchase of common stock
(267,212
)
 
—

 
267,212

 
(4.9
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4.9
)
Stock-based employee compensation, net
201,750

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1.1

 
—

 
—

 
1.1

Net transfers to AWI
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1.3
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1.3
)
Reclassification of net parent investment to additional paid-in capital
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1.3

 
(1.3
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Other comprehensive income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2.3

 
—

 
2.3

March 31, 2017
27,830,209

 
$
—

 
267,212

 
$
(4.9
)
 
$
—

 
$
673.1

 
$
(57.5
)
 
$
2.2

 
$
612.9


See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net (loss)
$
(10.4
)
 
$
(7.8
)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash (used for) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
13.8

 
11.6

Deferred income taxes
—

 
3.9

Stock-based compensation
1.1

 
1.5

U.S. pension expense
1.7

 
2.3

Other non-cash adjustments, net
0.2

 
0.7

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables
(11.7
)
 
(15.0
)
Inventories
0.7

 
(14.7
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
2.5

 
(9.2
)
Income taxes payable
2.5

 
(6.2
)
Other assets and liabilities
(4.8
)
 
(0.5
)
Net cash (used for) operating activities
(4.4
)
 
(33.4
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(10.2
)
 
(12.7
)
Other investing activities
0.1

 
0.1

Net cash used for investing activities
(10.1
)
 
(12.6
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
27.0

 
52.0

Payments on revolving credit facility
(22.0
)
 
—

Payments on capital lease
(0.1
)
 
—

Purchases of treasury stock
(1.0
)
 
(4.9
)
Proceeds from exercised stock options
0.2

 
1.1

Value of shares withheld related to employee tax withholding
(0.4
)
 
—

Net cash provided by financing activities
3.7

 
48.2

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
0.7

 
0.5

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(10.1
)
 
2.7

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
39.0

 
30.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
28.9

 
$
33.3

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure:
 
 
 
Amounts in accounts payable for capital expenditures
$
3.8

 
$
4.8

Interest paid
0.8

 
0.5

Income taxes (refunded) paid, net
(2.5
)
 
(0.1
)

See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)


NOTE 1. BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Background
Armstrong Flooring, Inc. (“AFI”) is a leading global producer of flooring products for use primarily in the construction and renovation of residential, commercial and institutional buildings. AFI designs, manufactures, sources and sells resilient and wood flooring products in North America and the Pacific Rim. When we refer to "AFI," "the Company," "we," "our," and "us" in this report, we are referring to Armstrong Flooring, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.
On April 1, 2016, we became an independent company as a result of the separation by Armstrong World Industries, Inc. ("AWI"), a Pennsylvania corporation, of its Resilient Flooring and Wood Flooring segments from its Building Products segment (the "Separation"). The Separation was effected by allocating the assets and liabilities related primarily to the Resilient Flooring and Wood Flooring segments to AFI and then distributing the common stock of AFI to AWI’s shareholders (the "Distribution"). The Separation and Distribution (together, the "Spin-off") resulted in AFI and AWI becoming two independent, publicly traded companies, with AFI owning and operating the Resilient Flooring and Wood Flooring segments and AWI continuing to own and operate a ceilings business.
Basis of Presentation
These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The statements include management estimates and judgments, where appropriate. Management uses estimates to record many items including certain asset values, allowances for bad debts, inventory obsolescence, lower of cost or market or net realizable value charges, warranty reserves, workers compensation, general liability and environmental claims and income taxes. When preparing an estimate, management determines the amount based upon the consideration of relevant information. Management may confer with outside parties, including outside counsel. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature have been included to provide a fair statement of the results for the reporting periods presented. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 included in this report are unaudited. Quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of annual earnings, primarily due to the different level of sales in each quarter of the year and the possibility of changes in economic conditions between periods.
Except as noted below, the accounting policies used in preparing the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q are the same as those used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. These statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes that are included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
All significant intercompany transactions within AFI have been eliminated from the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," and all the related amendments. The impact of the standard is limited to our accounting for warranties and returns. We adopted the standard using the modified retrospective transition method and we recorded a cumulative catch up adjustment to increase accumulated deficit in the amount of $4.1 million, increase prepaid expenses and other current assets by $0.4 million and decrease accounts receivable, net by $4.5 million. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows, but did result in new disclosures.


7


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." The guidance addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most notably, this new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Adoption did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory." The guidance requires entities to recognize income tax consequences of many intercompany asset transfers other than inventory at the transaction date. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” The guidance requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the income statement line items with compensation cost and all other components of net periodic benefit cost to be presented outside operating income. Previously, all components of net periodic benefit cost were recorded within cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense. We applied this standard retrospectively in the period of adoption. The table below presents the impact of adoption on our results of operations:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
As Reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Upon Adoption
Cost of goods sold
$
218.1

 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
217.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses
56.7

 
(0.3
)
 
56.4

Operating (loss) income
(9.6
)
 
1.1

 
(8.5
)
Other expense, net
(0.2
)
 
1.1

 
0.9


ASU 2017-07 does not impact our financial condition or cash flows.
On January 1, 2018, we early adopted ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and it requires the presentation of all items that affect earnings in the same income statement line as the hedged item. This standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
On January 1, 2018, we early adopted ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” The guidance permits entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in AOCI as a result of tax reform to retained earnings. We applied this standard in the period of adoption and we reclassified $12.6 million from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) into accumulated deficit. There will be no impact on results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." The guidance amends accounting for leases, most notably by requiring a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from a lease agreement. Specifically, this new guidance will require lessees to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, with limited exceptions. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and must be adopted under a modified retrospective basis. We currently expect that most of our operating lease commitments will be subject to the new standard and recognized as right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities upon our adoption of ASU 2016-02, which will increase our total

8


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

assets and total liabilities that we report relative to such amounts prior to adoption. During the first quarter of 2018, we focused on gathering and validating our lease agreement population.

NOTE 2. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Resilient Flooring — Our Resilient Flooring segment designs, manufactures, sources and sells a broad range of floor coverings primarily for homes and commercial buildings under various brands, including the Armstrong brand. Manufactured products in this segment include luxury vinyl tile ("LVT"), vinyl sheet, and vinyl tile flooring. In addition, our Resilient Flooring segment sources and sells LVT products, vinyl sheet products, and laminate products, as well as installation and maintenance materials and accessories. Resilient Flooring products are offered in a wide variety of designs, colors and installation options. We sell these products to independent wholesale flooring distributors, large home centers, retailers, flooring contractors and to the manufactured homes industry, and through secured specifications for these products through architects, designers and end-users. When market conditions and available capacity warrant, we also provide products on an original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) basis to other flooring companies. Late in 2017, we began migrating a portion of our laminate business to a licensing model in place of the current sourcing model.
Wood Flooring — Our Wood Flooring segment designs, manufactures, sources and sells branded hardwood flooring products, including the Armstrong and Bruce brands, for use in residential construction and renovation, with some commercial applications in stores, restaurants and high-end offices. The product offering includes pre-finished solid and engineered wood floors in various wood species and dimensions, as well as related accessories. Our Wood Flooring products are generally sold to independent wholesale flooring distributors, large home centers, retailers and flooring contractors, and through secured specifications with regional and national builders. When market conditions and available capacity warrant, we may also provide products on an OEM basis to other flooring companies.
The following tables summarize segment performance:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net sales to external customers
 
 
 
Resilient Flooring
$
163.5

 
$
160.5

Wood Flooring
94.4

 
104.7

Total net sales to external customers
$
257.9

 
$
265.2

 
 
 
 
Operating (loss)
 
 
 
Resilient Flooring
$
(3.8
)
 
$
(4.0
)
Wood Flooring
(5.1
)
 
(4.5
)
Total operating (loss)
$
(8.9
)
 
$
(8.5
)



9


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

The following table summarizes segment assets:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets
 
 
 
Resilient Flooring
$
560.0

 
$
547.6

Wood Flooring
280.5

 
286.3

Unallocated
32.6

 
45.6

Total assets
$
873.1

 
$
879.5

Unallocated assets primarily consist of cash and deferred income taxes.
Segment operating (loss) is the measure of segment profit reviewed by our Chief Executive Officer who is our Chief Operating Decision Maker. The sum of the segments’ operating (loss) equals the total combined operating (loss) as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following reconciles our total operating (loss) to (loss) before income taxes, which are only measured and managed on a combined basis:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Operating (loss)
$
(8.9
)
 
$
(8.5
)
Interest expense
0.9

 
0.5

Other expense, net
0.6

 
0.9

(Loss) before income taxes
$
(10.4
)
 
$
(9.9
)
NOTE 3. REVENUE
We recognize revenue when control of the promised goods is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods.
Our primary performance obligation to our customers is the delivery of flooring products pursuant to purchase orders. Control of the products we sell transfers to our customers at the point in time when the goods are shipped. Our standard sales terms are primarily Free On Board (“FOB”) shipping point. Our typical payment terms are 30 days and our sales arrangements do not contain any significant financing component for our customers. Our customer arrangements do not generate contract assets or liabilities that are material to the consolidated financial statements.
Each purchase order sets forth the transaction price for the products purchased under that arrangement. Some customer arrangements include variable consideration, such as volume rebates, some of which depend upon our customers meeting specified performance criteria, such as a purchasing level over a period of time. We use judgment to estimate the most likely amount of variable consideration at each reporting date.
We provide our customers with a product warranty that provides assurance that the products we sell meet standard specifications and are free of defects. We maintain a reserve for claims incurred under our standard product warranty programs. We allocate a portion of the transaction price for each sale to our performance obligation to provide service type warranties to our customers.
We generally do not incur any incremental costs to obtain or fulfill our customer contracts that require capitalization and expense such costs as incurred when the amortization period is less than one year.
We treat shipping and handling that occurs after our customer obtains control of the products we sell as a fulfillment activity and not as a promised service. Shipping and handling costs are reflected as a component of cost of goods sold.

10


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geographic area based upon the location of the customer.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
Net trade sales
 
United States
$
219.4

Canada
16.3

Other
22.2

Total net trade sales
$
257.9

NOTE 4. PLANT CLOSURE EXPENSES
In the third quarter of 2017, our board of directors approved the closure of two Wood Flooring segment manufacturing facilities, including a solid wood plant in Jackson, Tennessee and an engineered wood plant in Vicksburg, Mississippi (the "Wood Plant Closures"), in response to a decline in sales. The Wood Plant Closures were completed in the fourth quarter of 2017 and resulted in the separation of approximately 300 employees.

As part of these activities, we incurred expenses consisting of employee separation and other direct exit costs, accelerated depreciation and other incremental costs. We expect to incur approximately $1.3 million of additional pre-tax cash expenses in the remainder of 2018 related to continued decommissioning costs.

The following table details expenses related to the Wood Plant Closures:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
Cash expenses
 
Decommissioning costs
$
0.8

Contract termination costs
0.3

Total
$
1.1


NOTE 5. OTHER SEVERANCE EXPENSE
In the first quarter of 2018, we announced that we are changing our residential go-to market strategy and empowering our distributors with responsibility for marketing, merchandising and direct sales representation. The new structure was designed to provide enhanced support and responsiveness to retailers. As a result of the reorganization, approximately 70 positions were eliminated, and the impacted employees received severance benefits. We recognized charges of $3.1 million primarily in SG&A expenses, of which $1.9 million and $1.2 million was recognized in the Resilient Flooring segment and Wood Flooring segment, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2017, we announced the combination of our commercial and residential go-to-market structures and related organization. The new structure was designed to provide enhanced support and responsiveness to retailers and contractors and to foster greater alignment with distributors, which cover both commercial and residential markets. As a result of this reorganization, approximately 40 positions were eliminated, and the impacted employees received severance benefits. We recognized charges of $4.6 million in SG&A expenses as a result of this reorganization, of

11


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

which $2.7 million and $1.9 million was recognized in the Resilient Flooring segment and Wood Flooring segment, respectively.

NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES
The following table presents details related to our income taxes:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
(Loss) before income taxes
$
(10.4
)
 
$
(9.9
)
Income tax (benefit)
—

 
(2.1
)
Effective tax rate
—
%
 
21.2
%
The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 was lower versus the comparable 2017 period primarily due to AFI being unable to recognize the tax benefit of first quarter 2018 year-to-date losses.
Upon audit, taxing authorities may challenge all or part of an uncertain income tax position. While AFI has no history of tax audits on a stand-alone basis, AWI was routinely audited by U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. taxing authorities. Accordingly, AFI regularly assesses the outcome of potential examinations in each of the taxing jurisdictions when determining the adequacy of the amount of unrecognized tax benefit recorded. We do not expect to record any material changes during 2018 to AFI's unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2017.
As of March 31, 2018, we consider foreign unremitted earnings to be permanently reinvested.
U.S. Tax Reform
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Reform Act"). The Tax Reform Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that will affect the Company's fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, limiting the carryover of net operating losses to 80% of taxable income, and modifying the deductibility of certain expenses.
The Company recognized the income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act in its 2017 consolidated financial statements in accordance with SAB No. 118, which provides SEC staff guidance for the application of ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes," in the reporting period in which the Tax Reform Act was signed into law. We continue to analyze the different aspects of the Tax Reform Act which could potentially affect the provisional estimates that were recorded at December 31, 2017. Adjustments may be made as a result of future changes in interpretation, information available, assumptions made by the company, issuance of additional guidance and the completion of our 2017 tax return filings. As of March 31, 2018, we have not changed the provisional estimates recognized in 2017. We currently anticipate finalizing and recording any resulting adjustments by the end of fiscal year 2018.






12


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

NOTE 7. (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
The table below shows a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator for basic and diluted (loss) per share calculations for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator
 
 
 
Net (loss)
$
(10.4
)
 
$
(7.8
)
 
 
 
 
Denominator
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
25,737,801

 
27,923,001

Weighted average number of vested shares not yet issued
162,818

 
93,595

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Basic
25,900,619

 
28,016,596

Dilutive stock-based compensation awards outstanding
—

 
—

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Diluted
25,900,619

 
28,016,596


For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the diluted loss per share was calculated using basic common shares outstanding, as inclusion of potentially dilutive common shares would be anti-dilutive.

Performance-based employee compensation awards are considered potentially dilutive in the initial period in which the performance conditions are met.

The following awards were excluded from the computation of diluted (loss) earnings per share:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Potentially dilutive common shares excluded from diluted computation, as inclusion would be anti-dilutive
926,918

 
842,901

Performance awards excluded from diluted computation, as performance conditions not met
942,863

 
798,972


NOTE 8. ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE
The following table presents accounts and note receivables, net of allowances:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Customer receivables
$
100.3

 
$
90.8

Miscellaneous receivables
5.0

 
4.0

Less: allowance for product claims, discounts, returns and losses
(18.3
)
 
(15.1
)
Total
$
87.0

 
$
79.7

Generally, we sell our products to select, pre-approved customers whose businesses are affected by changes in economic and market conditions. We consider these factors and the financial condition of each customer when establishing our allowance for losses from doubtful accounts.

13


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Allowance for product claims represents expected reimbursements for cost associated with warranty repairs and customer accommodation claims, the majority of which is provided to our independent distributors through a credit against accounts receivable from the distributor to AFI.

The following table summarizes the activity for the allowance for product claims:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Balance as of January 1,
$
(7.7
)
 
$
(7.5
)
Cumulative effect of adoption of new revenue recognition standard as of January 1
(2.8
)
 
—

Reductions for payments
3.1

 
2.9

Current year claim accruals
(1.9
)
 
(3.4
)
Balance as of March 31,
$
(9.3
)
 
$
(8.0
)
NOTE 9. INVENTORIES
The following table presents details related to our inventories, net:
 
March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017
Finished goods
$
147.3

 
$
145.3

Goods in process
14.2

 
14.2

Raw materials and supplies
74.1

 
76.5

Total
$
235.6

 
$
236.0

NOTE 10. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
The following table details amounts related to our accounts payable and accrued expenses:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Payables, trade and other
$
114.8

 
$
115.8

Employment costs
18.2

 
16.5

Other accrued expenses
15.9

 
17.9

Total
$
148.9

 
$
150.2


14


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

NOTE 11. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PROGRAMS
The following table summarizes our pension and postretirement expense:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Defined-benefit pension, U.S.
 
 
 
Service cost
$
0.9

 
$
1.4

Interest cost
3.7

 
3.9

Expected return on plan assets
(5.6
)
 
(5.6
)
Amortization of prior service cost
—

 
0.1

Amortization of net actuarial loss
2.7

 
2.5

Total, defined benefit pension, U.S.
$
1.7

 
$
2.3

Defined-benefit pension, Canada
 
 
 
Interest cost
$
0.1

 
$
0.2

Expected return on plan assets
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
0.1

 
—

Total, defined-benefit pension, Canada
$
—

 
$
—

Defined-benefit postretirement, U.S.
 
 
 
Service cost
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

Interest cost
0.6

 
0.8

Amortization of net actuarial gains
(0.6
)
 
(0.6
)
Total, defined-benefit postretirement, U.S.
$
0.1

 
$
0.3

NOTE 12. COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN
On March 6, 2017, we announced that our board of directors had approved a share repurchase program pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase up to $50.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock (the “Program”). Repurchases under the Program may be made through open market and block transactions, including Rule 10b5-1 plans, at such times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate, subject to market and business conditions, regulatory requirements and other factors. The Program does not obligate us to repurchase any particular amount of common stock and may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we repurchased approximately 69,000 shares under the Program for a total cost of $1.0 million, or an average price of $14.20 per share. Since inception of the Program, we have repurchased 2.5 million shares under the Program for a total cost of $41.0 million, or an average price of $16.23 per share.







15


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

NOTE 13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)
The following table summarizes the activity, by component, related to the change in AOCI.
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Derivative Adjustments
 
Pension and Postretirement Adjustments
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
7.7

 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(59.2
)
 
$
(52.5
)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 as of January 1
—

 
0.1

 
(12.7
)
 
(12.6
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax impact of $ — , ($0.1), $ —, and ($0.1)
4.7

 
0.4

 
(0.1
)
 
5.0

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
—

 
0.4

 
2.2

 
2.6

Net current period other comprehensive income
4.7

 
0.8

 
2.1

 
7.6

Balance, March 31, 2018
$
12.4

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(69.8
)
 
$
(57.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2016
0.5

 
0.5

 
(60.8
)
 
(59.8
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax impact of $ — , $0.3, $0.2, and $0.5
1.5

 
(0.5
)
 
(0.1
)
 
0.9

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
—

 
0.1

 
1.3

 
1.4

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
1.5

 
(0.4
)
 
1.2

 
2.3

Balance, March 31, 2017
$
2.0

 
$
0.1

 
$
(59.6
)
 
$
(57.5
)

16


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

The amounts reclassified from AOCI and the affected line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are presented in the table below.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Affected Line Item
Derivative adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts - purchases
$
0.2

 
$
—

 
Cost of goods sold
Foreign exchange contracts - sales
0.3

 
0.1

 
Net sales
Total expense before tax
0.5

 
0.1

 
 
Tax impact
(0.1
)
 
—

 
Income tax (benefit)
Total expense, net of tax
0.4

 
0.1

 
 
Pension and postretirement adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost amortization
—

 
0.1

 
Other expense, net
Amortization of net actuarial loss
2.2

 
1.9

 
Other expense, net
Total expense before tax
2.2

 
2.0

 
 
Tax impact
—

 
(0.7
)
 
Income tax (benefit)
Total expense, net of tax
2.2

 
1.3

 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
$
2.6

 
$
1.4

 
 
NOTE 14. LITIGATION AND RELATED MATTERS
Environmental Matters
Environmental Compliance
Our manufacturing and research facilities are affected by various federal, state and local requirements relating to the discharge of materials and the protection of the environment. We make expenditures necessary for compliance with applicable environmental requirements at each of our operating facilities. These regulatory requirements continually change, therefore we cannot predict with certainty future expenditures associated with compliance with environmental requirements.
Environmental Sites
In connection with our current or legacy manufacturing operations, or those of former owners, we may from time to time become involved in the investigation, closure and/or remediation of existing or potential environmental contamination under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and state or international Superfund and similar type environmental laws. For those matters, we may have rights of contribution or reimbursement from other parties or coverage under applicable insurance policies; however, we cannot predict with certainty the future identification of or expenditure for any investigation, closure or remediation of any environmental site.
Summary of Financial Position
There were no material liabilities recorded as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 for potential environmental liabilities that we consider probable and for which a reasonable estimate of the probable liability could be made.

17


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Cases
In October 2010, a coalition of U.S. producers of multilayered wood flooring (not including AWI and its subsidiaries) filed petitions seeking antidumping duties (“AD”) and countervailing duties (“CVD”) with the United States Department of Commerce (“DOC”) and the United States International Trade Commission against imports of multilayered wood flooring from China. The AD and CVD petitions ultimately resulted in DOC issuing AD and CVD orders (the “Orders”) against multilayered wood flooring imported into the U.S. from China. These Orders and the associated additional duties they have imposed have been the subject of extensive litigation, both at DOC and in the U.S. courts.
We produce multilayered wood flooring domestically and import multilayered wood flooring from third party suppliers in China. Until October 2014, AWI also operated a plant in Kunshan, China (“Armstrong Kunshan”) that manufactured multilayered wood flooring for export to the U.S. As a result, we have been directly involved in the multilayered wood flooring-related litigation at DOC and in the U.S. courts. Our consistent view through the course of this matter has been, and remains, that our imports are neither dumped nor subsidized. In 2013, in the sole DOC investigation of AWI and its subsidiaries (as a mandatory respondent in connection with the first annual administrative review), Armstrong Kunshan received a final CVD rate of 0.98% and a final AD rate of 0.00%.
Litigation regarding this matter has continued in the U.S. courts. Armstrong Kunshan, as well as other respondents, have appealed DOC’s original decision to apply an AD rate to AWI and its subsidiaries and other “separate rate” respondents in the original investigation (for which we received a final initial AD rate of 3.31%) to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ("CAFC").  The CAFC, on February 15, 2017, found that DOC did not make the requisite factual findings necessary to support its original investigation determination. The CAFC vacated and remanded the Court of International Trade decision for further proceedings.  Success in the subsequent remand proceedings (and any further appeals) could result in a revocation of the AD order with respect to us and other separate rate respondents.
DOC also continues to conduct annual administrative reviews of the AD and CVD final duty rates under the Orders. Armstrong Kunshan was not selected as a mandatory respondent for the second, third and fourth reviews and, therefore, was not subject to individual review, but we are subject to the rates applicable to importers that were not individually reviewed (the “separate rate” or “all other” respondents).
The second administrative review period covered imports of multilayered wood flooring made between December 1, 2012 and November 30, 2013 (AD) and between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 (CVD). In July 2015, the DOC issued a final “all others” CVD rate of 0.99% and a 13.74% AD rate. The AD rate was determined solely on the basis of the AD duty rate assigned to the only mandatory respondent that did not receive a de minimis rate. DOC assigned these rates to all separate rate respondents that were not individually investigated, including Armstrong Kunshan. We, along with other respondents, have filed complaints against DOC challenging the rate in the U.S. Court of International Trade. If such rates are ultimately upheld after any court appeals are exhausted, the estimated additional liability to us for the relevant period is approximately $4.8 million, which is recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The court granted the preliminary injunction requested by plaintiffs on August 13, 2015, and enjoined the U.S. Government agencies from causing or permitting liquidation of unliquidated entries of multilayered wood flooring from China, pending final decision on the case.
The third administrative review period covered all multilayered wood flooring imports made between December 1, 2013 and November 30, 2014 (AD) and between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013 (CVD). On May 16, 2016, the DOC issued a final “all others” CVD rate of 1.38% and on July 13, 2016, DOC imposed a 17.37% “all others” AD rate. The AD rate was determined again solely on the basis of the AD duty rate assigned to the only mandatory respondent that did not receive a de minimis rate. DOC assigned these rates to all separate rate respondents that were not individually investigated, including Armstrong Kunshan. We continue to defend our import practices by pursuing our available legal rights and remedies, including litigation at DOC and in the U.S. courts. If such rates are ultimately upheld after any potential court appeals are exhausted, the estimated additional liability to us for the relevant period is approximately $6.0 million, which is recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses. We successfully filed an injunction request. The court granted the preliminary injunction on January 4, 2017 and enjoined the U.S. Government agencies from causing or permitting liquidation of unliquidated entries of multilayered wood flooring from China, pending final

18


Armstrong Flooring, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

decision on the case. The preliminary injunction also ensures that our entries made during the 2013-14 review period will ultimately be liquidated in accordance with the final decision by the courts.
The fourth administrative review period covered all multilayered wood flooring imports made between December 1, 2014 and November 30, 2015 (AD) and between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 (CVD). On May 15, 2017, DOC published a final “all others” CVD rate of 1.06% and on June 5, 2017, DOC imposed a de minimis “all others” AD rate which will apply to our multilayered wood flooring imports during this period. We have begun receiving refunds for our multilayered wood flooring imports during this time period as our deposit rate exceeded this de minimis rate. The petitioners initially appealed this decision, but withdrew their appeal on October 17, 2017. We will accrue and make cash deposits for duties when we are the importer of record at the rates established by DOC based on the fourth administrative review process. Administrative reviews for the fifth review period (December 1, 2015-November 30, 2016 for AD and January 1, 2015-December 31, 2015 for CVD) have been initiated and are currently pending. We are not subject to review for this period; however, we will be liable for other manufacturers’ applicable rates to the extent we were importer of record of products covered by the AD/CVD orders during this period. The preliminary "all others" rate for this period is 0.89% for CVD and 0.00% for AD. The final rate is expected in the second quarter of 2018.

The U.S. International Trade Commission completed a sunset review of the original Orders in the fourth quarter of 2017 and determined to continue the Orders for an additional five year period.
Other Claims
We are involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and other legal matters from time to time that arise in the ordinary course of conducting business, including matters involving our products, intellectual property, relationships with suppliers, relationships with distributors, relationships with competitors, employees and other matters. For example, we are currently a party to various litigation matters that involve product liability, tort liability and other claims under a wide range of allegations, including illness due to exposure to certain chemicals used in the workplace, or medical conditions arising from exposure to product ingredients or the presence of trace contaminants. In some cases, these allegations involve multiple defendants and relate to legacy products that we and other defendants purportedly manufactured or sold. We believe these claims and allegations to be without merit and intend to defend them vigorously. For these matters, we also may have rights of contribution or reimbursement from other parties or coverage under applicable insurance policies.
While complete assurance cannot be given to the outcome of these proceedings, we do not believe that any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

19

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is provided in addition to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to assist readers in understanding our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. This interim MD&A should be read in conjunction with the MD&A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Overview

Armstrong Flooring, Inc. ("AFI") is a leading global producer of flooring products for use primarily in the construction and renovation of residential, commercial and institutional buildings. We design, manufacture, source and sell resilient and wood flooring products primarily in North America and the Pacific Rim. As of March 31, 2018, we operated 15 manufacturing plants in three countries, including 12 manufacturing plants located throughout the U.S. We operate through two segments: Resilient Flooring and Wood Flooring.

Recent Events

During the second quarter of 2017, we acquired vinyl composition tile ("VCT") assets of Mannington Mills, Inc., a nationally recognized flooring company, for a cash purchase price of $36.1 million including transaction costs (the "VCT Acquisition").

During the third quarter of 2017, our board of directors approved the closure of a solid wood plant in Jackson, Tennessee and an engineered wood plant in Vicksburg, Mississippi (the "Wood Plant Closures"), in response to a decline in sales. The Wood Plant Closures were completed in the fourth quarter of 2017 and resulted in the separation of approximately 300 employees. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Employees

As of March 31, 2018, we had approximately 3,500 full-time and part-time employees worldwide, compared to approximately 3,600 employees as of December 31, 2017. As of May 8, 2018, approximately 160 employees at one of our domestic plants continue to work under an expired collective bargaining agreement and negotiations continue.

Factors Affecting Our Business

Net Sales

Overview

Demand for our products is influenced by economic conditions. We closely monitor publicly available macroeconomic trend data that provides insight to commercial and residential market activity; this includes Gross Domestic Product growth indices, the Architecture Billings Index and the Consumer Confidence Index, as well as housing starts and existing home sales.

Demand for our products is also influenced by consumer preferences. We continue to experience growth in the demand for luxury vinyl tile ("LVT") in conjunction with a decline in our legacy resilient products, particularly vinyl sheet, and our wood products. In addition, our channel partners raise or lower their inventory levels according to their expectations of market demand and consumer preferences, which directly affects our sales.





20

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Segments

Resilient Flooring segment — In our Resilient Flooring segment, we compete in both the commercial and residential markets in North America and primarily the commercial market in the Pacific Rim. Our business operates in a competitive environment across all our product categories, and excess capacity exists in much of the industry. We continue to see efforts by various competitors to price aggressively as a means to gain market share.

We have experienced a decline in demand for our legacy resilient products, particularly vinyl sheet products used in residential applications. The decline in vinyl sheet is driven by loss of market share to competitors as well as consumer trends, which have continued to favor alternate products, including LVT products. Late in 2017, we began migrating a portion of our laminate business to a licensing model in place of the current sourcing model.

The flooring market continues to experience LVT growth. Given its attractive visuals and performance characteristics, LVT growth has exceeded that of the overall flooring market, especially LVT products with a rigid or solid polymer core. We believe LVT growth has and will continue to come partially at the expense of other product categories in both the soft and hard surface flooring markets, with the largest impacts on the AFI portfolio within the vinyl sheet and vinyl tile categories.

We are the largest producer of VCT. The market for VCT, which is primarily used in commercial environments, is a mature and well-structured category. We expect the VCT Acquisition to be accretive to VCT sales in 2018.

Wood Flooring segment — Our product offerings include both solid and engineered wood flooring products. We have noted increasing popularity of non-wood flooring with wood-like visuals in addition to a market shift from solid to engineered wood flooring products, a category experiencing continued competitive pressure from lower-priced imports.

Operating Expenses

Resilient Flooring segment — We have experienced increased raw material prices and basic energy costs impacting both our manufacturing and sourced finished product costs. Additionally, we have experienced increases in transportation costs. In response to these increases, we announced a price increase, primarily for our legacy commercial products, in the second quarter of 2018. In addition, we have implemented freight and energy surcharges on all of our products effective in the second quarter of 2018. In certain cases, realized price increases are less than the announced increases due to competitive reactions and changing market conditions.

Wood Flooring segment — We purchase a significant amount of green lumber as an input into our hardwood flooring products. The market for lumber has historically been volatile. We experienced an increase in lumber costs in 2018 compared to 2017, in part due to a tightening of lumber availability. Due to the required drying time for green lumber within the manufacturing process, there is a lag of 5 to 6 months before such costs are reflected in our results of operations. In response to these increases, we have also implemented price increases, as well as freight and energy surcharges, on our wood products, although the realized price increase may be less than the announced increase because of competitive reactions and changing market conditions.

We expect to achieve reduced manufacturing costs in 2018 compared to 2017 as a result of the Wood Plant Closures.

We may continue to experience expenses related to our involvement in antidumping and countervailing duty cases as an importer of multilayered wood flooring. See Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to multilayered wood flooring duties.

U.S. Tax Reform
In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was enacted. The Tax Reform Act represents major tax reform legislation that, among other provisions, reduces the U.S. corporate tax rate. We expect our future

21

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


U.S. after-tax earnings to be positively impacted as a result of the reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Reform Act. See Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the financial statement impact of the Tax Reform Act.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results from Continuing Operations
Below is a summary of comparative results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017: 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 
%
Net sales
 
$
257.9

 
$
265.2

 
$
(7.3
)
 
(2.7
)%
Cost of goods sold
 
218.6

 
217.3

 
1.3

 
0.6
 %
Gross profit
 
39.3

 
47.9

 
(8.6
)
 
(18.0
)%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
48.2

 
56.4

 
(8.2
)
 
(14.7
)%
Operating (loss)
 
(8.9
)
 
(8.5
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(4.2
)%
Interest expense
 
0.9

 
0.5

 
0.4

 
 
Other expense, net
 
0.6

 
0.9

 
(0.3
)
 
 
(Loss) before income taxes
 
(10.4
)
 
(9.9
)
 
(0.5
)
 
 
Income tax (benefit)
 
—

 
(2.1
)
 
2.1

 
 
Net (loss)
 
$
(10.4
)
 
$
(7.8
)
 
$
(2.6
)
 
 

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net sales decreased by $7.3 million, or 2.7%, and operating loss increased by $0.4 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decline in net sales and operating income primarily reflected results in our Wood Flooring segment. Higher operating loss was the result of higher input costs and lower sales, partially offset by lower manufacturing and SG&A expense, including $4.3 million of customer reimbursements for prior investments in merchandising.
Segment Results
Three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to March 31, 2017
Net Sales
Net sales by segment are shown in the table below:
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Change
 
Percentage Point Change Due to
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
$
 
%
 
Price
 
Volume
 
Mix
 
Currency
 
Resilient Flooring
$
163.5

 
$
160.5

 
3.0

 
1.9
 %
 
(0.4
)
 
(4.5
)
 
5.7

 
1.1

 
Wood Flooring
94.4

 
104.7

 
(10.3
)
 
(9.8
)%
 
(0.6
)
 
(10.2
)
 
0.7

 
0.3

 
Total
$
257.9

 
$
265.2

 
(7.3
)
 
(2.7
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In our Resilient Flooring segment, net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily due to favorable mix, partially offset by lower volume. Double-digit

22

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


sales growth in LVT and a better mix of products in VCT contributed to favorable mix while volume was impacted by vinyl tile, particularly residential products, as well as vinyl sheet and laminate.

In our Wood Flooring segment, net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily due to lower volume. Volume declined within both our solid and engineered product categories, with the most impact in the distribution channel. Volume declines reflected shifting consumer preferences in addition to continued competitive pressures from lower-priced imports.

Operating (Loss)

Operating (loss) by segment is shown in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Resilient Flooring
$
(3.8
)
 
$
(4.0
)
 
$
0.2

Wood Flooring
(5.1
)
 
(4.5
)
 
(0.6
)
Total
$
(8.9
)
 
$
(8.5
)
 
$
(0.4
)

In our Resilient Flooring segment, operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 improved compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017. The improvement reflected the impact of lower SG&A expenses and lower manufacturing costs, partially offset by higher input costs.
In our Wood Flooring segment, operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 declined compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decline primarily reflected the impact of lower sales and higher input costs, partially offset by the lower manufacturing costs and lower SG&A expenses.

Other expense, net: Other expense, net of $0.6 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily reflected costs for defined-benefit pension and postretirement plans.

Income tax expense: We recorded no income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and an income tax benefit of $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 of 0.0% was lower as compared to the rate of 21.2% for the same period of 2017 primarily due to AFI being unable to recognize the tax benefit of first quarter 2018 year-to-date losses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
In March 2017, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of $50.0 million. The authorization of the repurchase program is aligned with our goal to increase the efficiency of our capital structure over time while preserving sufficient liquidity to invest in growth projects and other value-accretive opportunities. We purchased $1.0 million of treasury stock in the first three months of 2018.
Our primary sources of liquidity are, and we anticipate that they will continue to be, cash generated from operations and borrowings under our asset-based revolving credit facility ("ABL Facility"), described below. We believe these sources are sufficient to provide operating liquidity, fund planned capital expenditures, and allow further purchases under our share repurchase authorization. Our liquidity needs for operations vary throughout the year with the majority of our operating cash flows generated in the second and third quarters.
AFI does not presently have a plan to pay cash dividends on its common stock. Payment of cash dividends, if any, on our common stock will rest solely within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon, among other things, AFI’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, covenants

23

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


associated with certain of AFI’s debt service obligations, industry practice, and other relevant factors as determined by our board of directors.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $28.9 million as of March 31, 2018 of which $10.3 million was held in the U.S.
Cash Flows
The table below shows our cash provided (used) by operating, investing and financing activities:
(Dollars in millions)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018
 
2017
Cash used by operating activities
$
(4.4
)
 
$
(33.4
)
Cash used for investing activities
(10.1
)
 
(12.6
)
Cash provided by financing activities
3.7

 
48.2

Operating activities
Operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 used $4.4 million of cash while operating activities for the same period in 2017 used $33.4 million of cash. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, changes in working capital resulted in a net cash outflow, partially offset by a net cash inflow from earnings exclusive of net non-cash expenses, primarily depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes and U.S. pension expense.
Investing activities
Net cash used for investing activities was $10.1 million and $12.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily reflecting purchases of property, plant and equipment.
Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.7 million and $48.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash provided in the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 primarily reflected proceeds from debt, partially offset by purchases of treasury stock.
Debt
On April 1, 2016, AFI entered into a $225.0 million ABL Facility with a five-year maturity. As of March 31, 2018, the debt outstanding under the ABL Facility was $90.0 million and outstanding letters of credit were $3.0 million.

Due to its stated five-year maturity, this obligation is presented as a long-term obligation in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, AFI may repay this obligation at any time, without penalty.
Obligations under the ABL Facility are secured by qualifying accounts receivable, inventories, and select machinery and equipment of AFI’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The ABL Facility includes a $50.0 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit. Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest at a rate equal to an adjusted base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin, which varies according to average excess credit availability and was 1.5% as of March 31, 2018. The total interest rate was 3.15% as of March 31, 2018. We are required to pay a commitment fee, payable quarterly in arrears, on the average daily unused amount of the ABL Facility, which varies according to utilization and was 0.25% as of March 31, 2018. Outstanding letters of credit issued under the ABL Facility are subject to fees which are due quarterly in arrears based on an adjusted base rate. The adjusted base rate was 1.625% as of March 31, 2018.


24

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Debt Covenants
The only material financial covenant in the ABL Facility is a fixed charge coverage ratio. As of March 31, 2018, availability under the ABL Facility exceeded the minimum required threshold and, as a result, this covenant was not applicable. In addition, the ABL Facility contains customary negative covenants, including those that restrict our ability to allow certain liens to attach to assets, make certain acquisitions and investments, incur certain additional indebtedness, pay dividends on our capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire our capital stock or indebtedness, make certain fundamental changes to our structure, make certain dispositions, change the nature of our business, and enter into certain other transactions or agreements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
No disclosures are required pursuant to Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

Contractual Obligations
Our long-term debt obligations increased by $5.0 million, from $86.0 million as of December 31, 2017 to $91.0 million as of March 31, 2018, primarily related to additional borrowings under our ABL Facility, which will come due in 2021.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, including accounting pronouncements that are effective in future periods.

25

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
For information regarding our exposure to certain market risks, see "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures to give reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. These controls and procedures also give reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company's Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), together with management, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level described above.

Change in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

During the first quarter of 2018, Kimberly Z. Boscan resigned from her position as Vice President and Controller, at which time Ronald D. Ford, the Company’s Senior Vice President and CFO (principal financial officer) assumed from Ms. Boscan the role and responsibilities of principal accounting officer of the Company. No other change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



26

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table includes information about our stock repurchases from January 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased 1,2
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs2
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - 31, 2018
634

 
$17.20
 
—

 
$10 million
February 1 - 28, 2018
53,536

 
$14.32
 
34,119

 
$10 million
March 1 - 31, 2018
42,501

 
$14.16
 
35,234

 
$9 million
Total
96,671

 
 
 
69,353

 
$9 million
_____________
1 Shares reacquired through the withholding of shares to pay employee tax obligations upon the exercise of options or vesting of restricted units granted under our long-term incentive plans and those previously granted under AWI's long-term incentive plans, which were converted to AFI units on April 1, 2016.
2 Shares of common stock reacquired pursuant to our $50 million share repurchase program effective March 6, 2017. See Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.


27

Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
 
 
 
10.2
 
 
 
 
10.3
 
 
 
 
10.4
 
 
 
 
10.5
 
 
 
 
10.6
 
 
 
 
10.7
 
 
 
 
10.8
 
 
 
 
10.9
 
 
 
 
10.10
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
 
 
 
32.2
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document†
 
 
 

28

101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document†
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document†
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document†
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document†
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document†
 
 
 
†
Filed herewith.


29

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, thereunto duly authorized.
Armstrong Flooring, Inc.
(Registrant)
 
 
Date:
May 8, 2018
 
 
By:
/s/Ronald D. Ford
 
 
 
Ronald D. Ford
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(As Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 



30