Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

Evan Lockridge
Evan LockridgeFormer Business Contributing Editor
January 28, 2015
Meritor Profit Surges Despite Weaker Sales

 

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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

Khaki-colored autonomous Peterbilt truck hauling triple trailers loaded with frac sand for Atlas Energy Solutions in the Permian Basin.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJuly 31, 2026

Atlas Expands Kodiak Driverless Truck Fleet in Permian Basin

Atlas Energy Solutions is expanding autonomous frac sand hauling in the Permian Basin with a second load-out location and plans for 100 driverless trucks by mid-2027.

Read More →
Equipmentby Jim ParkJuly 30, 2026

Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test

A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.

Read More →
Photo of Volvo VNL truck on highway with illustration of software over the air updates
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJuly 27, 2026

Mack, Volvo Expand DEF Derate Software Updates

The updated software gives Mack and Volvo truck owners more time to address DEF-related issues before the engine derates or the vehicle goes into reduced-speed inducement, following new EPA guidance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic showing Rush and MCT logos with blue tractor pulling white refrigerated trailer in the background
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseJuly 24, 2026

Rush, MCT Team Up to Grow Refrigeration Service Network

The joint venture will operate MCT's network of Carrier Transicold dealerships and mobile service locations, with the companies promising greater service capacity and uptime for refrigerated fleets.

Read More →
EquipmentJuly 23, 2026

Cummins Adjusts 2027 Engine Rollout After EPA Proposal

The engine maker will gradually introduce its new Model Year 2027 diesel engines while continuing to offer current models during the transition, citing the EPA's proposed emissions rule changes.

Read More →
Blue International heavy-duty truck with Aurora driverless truck software coming head-on on an interstate highway
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJuly 22, 2026

Aurora Rolls Out Next Generation of Driverless Trucks for Commercial Freight

Aurora's latest autonomous trucks it's rolling out with International feature lower-cost hardware designed for a million miles as the company expands commercial driverless freight operations across the U.S. Sun Belt.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
YouTube thumbnail with Ingrid Brown, red Peterbilt truck behind her, and the words Classic Custom: Peterbilt 589: Heavy Duty Trucking Spotlight
Equipmentby Wayne ParhamJuly 20, 2026

Peterbilt 589 Spotlight: A Close Look at a Custom Working Truck [Video]

There's more to this customized Peterbilt Model 589 and Great Dane refrigerated trailer than chrome and stainless (although there's plenty of that too!) A veteran driver explains the design choices and practical features behind this working truck.

Read More →
Continental ContiTread HDL 5 EP
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJuly 16, 2026

Continental Expands Retread Lineup With New ContiTread HDL 5 EP

New long-haul drive retread is designed to improve fuel efficiency, extend tread life, and lower fleets' cost per mile.

Read More →
Four men in suits on the National Mall with giant video screen showing capitol building in the background
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJuly 10, 2026

EPA Proposal Could Ease 2027 Truck Costs and Buying Uncertainty

The proposal doesn't change the tougher NOx standard, but it would revise key implementation requirements that manufacturers say have driven up costs and complicated fleet purchasing decisions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration showing Paccar MX engine with sketch illustration of DEF fill tank in background
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJuly 7, 2026

Cummins, Paccar Ease DEF Derates After EPA Guidance

Updated diesel engine software gives truck operators more time to address emissions-system issues while staying compliant with EPA emissions standards.

Read More →