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.

Ad Loading...

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.

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

New Kenworth vocational front frame options.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Kenworth Announces Reinforced Front Frame Option for T880 and T880S Models

Kenworth has released a factory-installed reinforced front frame option for T880 models, designed to simplify upfits, cut costs, and speed time to service.

Read More →
Stoughton PureBlue reefer trailer.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 13, 2026

Stoughton Rolls Out PureBlue Reefer Trailer, Raises Safety Bar With 40-mph Rear Impact Guard

Stoughton’s new refrigerated trailer platform delivers double-digit efficiency gains while a next-generation rear impact guard exceeds current crash standards.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of Maxiloda glide double-decking system inside trailer
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

How Maxiloda’s Glide System Unlocks Hidden Trailer Capacity

By turning unused vertical space into usable capacity, Maxiloda’s Glide system helps fleets move more freight per trip while reducing loading risks and equipment damage.

Read More →
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Kenworth TourAmerica W900L.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 9, 2026

Kenworth Revives Iconic 'TourAmerica' Paint Scheme

Kenworth’s new, limited-edition scheme celebrates trucking heritage while supporting a nationwide mobile museum tour.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
International autonomous truck.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 8, 2026

Ryder Joins International’s Autonomous Truck Pilot on Texas Freight Lane

Ryder and International take autonomous trucking out of the lab and onto a live, 600-mile Texas freight lane.

Read More →
Volvo NRV Truck Manufacturing Plant
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 8, 2026

FTR: Class 8 Orders Stay Hot in March Despite Monthly Dip

Fuel prices aside, Class 8 demand remains elevated as freight fundamentals improve and fleets regain confidence in long-term investments.

Read More →
Photo of back of aluminum flatbed trailer on show floor
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 2, 2026

Fontaine Expands Flatbed Lineup with New Fleet-Focused Models, Eyes 2027 Launch

Fontaine is broadening its flatbed lineup with new models aimed at fleets, including a lightweight aluminum trailer expected in 2027 that emphasizes durability, repairability, and lower cost.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
YouTube thumbnail with Fontaine Force flatbed trailer
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 2, 2026

Fontaine's Fleet-Focused Force Flatbed Prototype [Watch]

A new prototype from Fontaine Trailer focuses on what fleets say they need most: easier repairs, lower maintenance costs, and practical, service-friendly design.

Read More →