Ingersoll-Rand plc (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments, today reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $0.27 for the first quarter of 2014.

The company reported net earnings of $79.0 million, or EPS of $0.28, for the first quarter of 2014. First-quarter net earnings included $76.1 million, or EPS of $0.27, from continuing operations, as well as net earnings of $2.9 million, or EPS of $0.01 from discontinued operations. Results for the first quarter of 2014 included $8.9 million, or ($0.02) per share, of restructuring charges. This compares with net earnings of $88.0 million, or EPS of $0.29, for the 2013 first quarter. First-quarter 2013 net earnings included $50.5 million, or EPS of $0.17, from continuing operations, as well as net earnings of $37.5 million, or EPS of $0.12 from discontinued operations. The first quarter of 2013 included $22.1 million of restructuring costs equal to ($0.05) per share. Excluding restructuring, 2014 adjusted EPS from continuing operations was $0.29 and increased by $0.07, or 32 percent year-over-year (see attached tables for additional details).

“We delivered strong operating performance in the first quarter, achieving adjusted EPS above the top end of our guidance range with a 32 percent year-over-year increase,” said Michael W. Lamach, chairman and chief executive officer. “The effective application of our growth strategy and continuing use of our business operating system to guide our operational excellence efforts contributed to the first quarter year-over-year margin expansion of 60 basis points. These results, coupled with our balanced capital allocation strategy, further demonstrate our efforts to enhance shareholder returns while continuing to invest in the long-term success of our business.”

Additional Highlights from the 2014 First Quarter
Revenues: The company’s reported revenues increased by 3 percent to $2,723 million, compared with revenues of $2,639 million for the 2013 first quarter. Total U.S. revenues were up 3 percent compared to 2013, and revenues from international operations also increased 3 percent (up 4 percent excluding currency).

Operating Margin: The first-quarter operating margin was 5.7 percent compared with 4.5 percent in 2013. Adjusted for restructuring, the operating margin for the first quarter of 2014 was 6 percent, compared with the adjusted margin for the first quarter of 2013 of 5.4 percent. The year-over-year 60 basis point margin improvement was due to higher volume, gains from productivity initiatives and pricing, partially offset by inflation and an increase in investment spending.

Interest Expense and Other Income/Expense: Interest expense of $52 million for the first quarter of 2014 declined by $8.6 million compared with the same period last year. Other income totaled $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2014, compared with $0.5 million of income for the 2013 first quarter.

Taxes: The company had an effective tax rate of 23.3 percent in the first quarter of 2014. The effective rate for the first quarter of 2013 was 7.5 percent.

First-Quarter Business Review [Note: Adjusted margins for 2013 and 2014 exclude restructuring costs – see attached tables for additional details]

The Climate Segment delivers energy-efficient solutions globally and includes Trane® and American Standard® Heating and Air Conditioning which provides heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and commercial and residential building services, parts, support and controls; and Thermo King®, the leader in transport temperature control solutions. Revenues for the first quarter of 2014 were $2,041 million and increased 4 percent compared with the first quarter of 2013. Bookings increased 7 percent year-over-year.

On a year-over-year basis, total commercial HVAC revenues increased by a low-single digit percentage with low-single digit percentage year-over-year gains in equipment revenues and a mid-single digit revenue increase in parts, service and solutions. Commercial HVAC revenues in North America were flat in the quarter compared with last year and increased by a mid-single digit percentage in overseas operations. First-quarter 2014 commercial HVAC bookings reflect a low-single digit percentage increase compared with last year.

Total Thermo King refrigerated transport revenues increased by a low-teens percentage in the first quarter compared with last year with strong gains in all major product categories. Bookings increased by a high-teens percentage in the first quarter of 2014, primarily due to strong orders in European truck and trailer and marine containers.

Residential HVAC revenues increased by a mid-single digit percentage in the first quarter compared with 2013, with volume gains in all major product categories. Bookings increased by a low-teens percentage compared with last year.

First-quarter 2014 segment operating margin was 6.4 percent (6.6 percent adjusted operating margin), compared with 3.7 percent (4.5 percent adjusted operating margin) last year. The year-over-year margin improvement was due to higher volumes, pricing, productivity actions and lower restructuring costs, partially offset by inflation and higher investment spending.

The Industrial Segment delivers products and services that enhance energy efficiency, productivity and operations. It includes Ingersoll Rand® compressed air systems and services, power tools and material handling systems, ARO® fluid management equipment, as well as Club Car® golf, utility and rough terrain vehicles. Total revenues in the first quarter of $682 million increased slightly compared with the first quarter of 2013. Bookings were down by low-single digits compared with last year.

Revenues for air compressors and industrial products increased by a low-single digit percentage compared with the first quarter of 2013 with gains in all major geographic regions. Bookings declined by a low-single digit percentage compared with last year.

Club Car revenues declined by a high-single digit percentage compared with the first quarter of 2013, as gains in golf car revenues were offset by declines in utility vehicles and lower aftermarket sales. Club Car’s first quarter operating results were adversely impacted by weather-related issues which caused production and shipment delays during the quarter.

First-quarter segment operating margin for Industrial was 11.6 percent (12.1 percent adjusted operating margin) compared with 14.8 percent (15.2 percent adjusted operating margin) last year. The decline in operating margin was due to negative product mix, inflation, higher investments and weather related production and shipment delays.

Balance Sheet
At the end of the first quarter, working capital was 4.4 percent of revenues, compared with 3.7 percent in 2013. Cash balances and total debt balances were $898 million and $3.5 billion, respectively.

Share Repurchase 
During the first quarter of 2014, the company repurchased approximately 13 million shares for approximately $800 million, completing a $2 billion program approved by the board of directors in December 2012. The company’s board of directors approved a new $1.5 billion share repurchase program on February 5, 2014, which commenced during the second quarter of 2014. The company is targeting to spend a total of $1,375 to $1,475 million to repurchase shares for full-year 2014.

Outlook
Based on a forecast of moderate growth in worldwide construction and slow growth in industrial markets for the remainder of the year, the company reaffirms its outlook for 2014. Revenues for the full-year 2014 are expected to increase 3 percent to 4 percent with full-year reported EPS from continuing operations expected to be in the range of $2.95 to $3.10. Restructuring expenses are expected to approximate $0.10 per share. Excluding these costs, adjusted EPS for 2014 continuing operations are expected to be in the range of $3.05 to $3.20. The forecast includes a tax rate of 25 percent for continuing operations and an average diluted share count for the full year of approximately 275 million shares. Free cash flow for full-year 2014 is expected to approximate $900 million.

Second-quarter 2014 revenues are expected to increase 4 percent to 5 percent with reported EPS from continuing operations for the second-quarter in the range of $1.08 to $1.12. Restructuring expenses are expected to approximate $0.01 per share. Excluding these costs, adjusted EPS for second-quarter 2014 continuing operations are expected to be in the range of $1.09 to $1.13. The second-quarter forecast reflects an ongoing tax rate of 25 percent for continuing operations and an average diluted share count of approximately 275 million shares.

This news release includes “forward-looking statements,” which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to the mix of and demand for our products, performance of the markets in which we operate, our share repurchase program including the amount of shares to be repurchased and timing of such repurchases, our projected 2014 second-quarter and full-year financial performance and assumptions regarding our effective tax rate. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Such factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to fully realize the expected benefits of the completed spinoff and restructuring, global economic conditions, demand for our products and services and tax law changes. Additional factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and other SEC filings. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

This news release also includes adjusted non-GAAP financial information which should be considered supplemental to, not a substitute for or superior to, the financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Further information about the adjusted non-GAAP financial tables attached to this news release.

All amounts reported within the earnings release above related to net earnings (loss), earnings (loss) from continuing operations, earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, and per share amounts are attributed to Ingersoll Rand’s ordinary shareholders.

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands-including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®-work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. We are a $12 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit ingersollrand.com.