Truck component manufacturer Meritor Inc. on Wednesday reported quarterly financial results showing a big increase in profit despite a small drop in sales.
Meritor Profit Surges Despite Weaker Sales
Truck component manufacturer Meritor Inc. on Wednesday reported quarterly financial results showing a big increase in profit despite a small drop in sales.

During its fiscal first quarter ending Dec. 31 of last year, net income totaled $29 million compared to $11 million a year earlier with earnings per diluted share of 29 cents compared to 11 cents.
Revenue fell to $870 million from $900 million a year earlier, primarily due to lower commercial truck production and unfavorable exchange rates in Europe and South America, as well as lower revenue from Meritor’s defense business, according to the company. This was partially offset by higher sales in North America as the Class 8 truck market continued to strengthen.
Commercial truck and industrial sales totaled $703 million during the quarter, down $24 million compared to the same period last year. Segment earnings before certain expenses totaled $56 million for the quarter, up $3 million over the same time period.
The aftermarket and trailer segment posted sales of $208 million, up $6 million from the same period a year ago. Segment earnings before certain expenses totaled $25 million, up $4 million from a year earlier. The increase was primarily due to slightly higher revenue in North America and pricing actions the company took last year, according to Meritor.
Meritor also revised its 2015 guidance by forecasting revenue to be approximately $3.7 billion, down from an earlier expectation of $3.8 million, while adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations was unchanged at between $1.20 and $1.30.
Meritor also announced a long-term contract with the parent of truck makers Kenworth, Peterbilt and others. A seven-year agreement with Paccar gives it preferred product positioning for rear axles in North America and Australia. In addition, Meritor now has enhanced optional positioning for brakes, drivelines and front axles, according to the company.
More Equipment

SAF-Holland Redesigns Suspension Slider to Save Weight in On-Highway Trailers
SAF-Holland reengineered the UltraLite40 Slider for the ULX40 Mechanical Sliding Suspension and Axle System to reduce weight, improve durability, extend trailer life, and increase payload efficiency.
Read More →
Volvo Teases Next-Gen VNX as Platform Expansion Continues at TMC
Volvo Trucks North America highlighted new connectivity, safety tech and production investments at TMC. The OEM also signaled that a new heavy-haul flagship tractor is coming soon.
Read More →
SAF-Holland Introduces SmartSto System for Safer Tractor-Trailer Uncoupling
The system combines a fifth-wheel air release with stowage for air and electrical connections, helping prevent damage and reducing driver injury risk.
Read More →
SAF-Holland’s BrakeSight Aims to Take the Guesswork Out of Air Disc Brake Maintenance
New Haldex sensor technology from SAF-Holland integrates with telematics systems to give fleets continuous insight into air disc brake condition.
Read More →
Vanair Introduces Solar, Battery Power Ecosystem for Class 8 Trucks
The company’s expanded EPEQ ecosystem includes flexible solar panels, lithium batteries, hydraulic power systems, and a portable fast charger for electric trucks.
Read More →
Phillips Connect Expands Smart Trailer Platform with New Safety, Cargo and Equipment Intelligence
Phillips Connect Smart Trailer enhancements give fleets deeper operational insights from trailers -- even when another provider supplies basic GPS tracking.
Read More →
Accuride Unveils ProShield XGT Aluminum Wheel Coating at TMC
Accuride’s patent-pending surface-coating technology targets filiform corrosion and promises easier cleaning, longer-lasting gloss, and greater durability for aluminum truck wheels.
Read More →
Valvoline, Cummins Extend X15 Oil Drain Intervals to 100,000 Miles
New approval for Valvoline Premium Blue One Solution Gen2 allows fleets running Cummins X15 engines to extend oil drain intervals by up to 25,000 miles -- reaching intervals as high as 100,000 miles.
Read More →
A New Approach to Lighting Reliability
Peterson’s Genesis lighting system and repairable J560 connector target two persistent fleet problems: LED light failures and costly electrical connector downtime.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Delaying Truck Replacement
Many fleets extended truck replacement cycles during recent market disruptions. But holding equipment too long can lead to higher repair costs, longer downtime, and new operational risks.
Read More →
