Diversified manufacturer Leggett & Platt reported earnings of $.50 per share, a first quarter record. In 2014, first quarter EPS was $.37, including a small loss from discontinued operations. The 2015 EPS improvement is largely the result of strong unit volume growth; this was partially offset by a $6 million pre-tax impairment charge in the Industrial Segment's Steel Tubing business unit.
Sales from continuing operations were $966 million, a first quarter record, and a 10.4 percent increase versus the prior year. Same location sales improved 5.6 percent; unit volume grew 8.5 percent, but was partially offset by currency impacts and raw material-related price deflation. Acquisitions contributed 4.8 percent to sales growth.