RPM International Inc. recently reported financial results for its fiscal 2019 first quarter, which ended August 31. Fiscal 2019 first-quarter net sales were reportedly a record $1.46 billion, up 8.5% over the $1.35 billion reported a year ago.

“We saw strong top-line sales growth in the first quarter, with organic sales growth up 7.8%, while profitability continued to be adversely affected by rising raw material costs,” said Frank C. Sullivan, chairman and CEO. “In addition, bottom-line results reflected the impact of restructuring charges, higher legal and advertising costs in our consumer segment, and the adverse effect of transactional foreign exchange.

“Our team is focused on driving increased profitability, long-term growth and enhanced value for our shareholders, and we are making good progress in executing on our operating improvement plan, which is specifically designed to increase margins, reduce working capital, and improve overall operating efficiency. During the quarter, we continued our strategic restructuring initiatives, including the reduction of more than 150 positions and the announced closure of four manufacturing facilities, all in line with our 2020 Margin Acceleration Plan.”

The company’s industrial segment net sales increased 7.2%, to $782 million from $729.8 million reported a year ago, reflecting organic growth of 6.7% and acquisitions contributing an additional 1.6%. The consumer segment generated a 13.6% increase in sales to $485.2 million from $427.1 million in the fiscal 2018 first quarter. Organic sales increased 12.4%, while acquisition growth contributed 1.7%. RPM’s specialty segment reported sales growth of 2.3%, to $192.8 million from $188.5 million in the fiscal 2018 first quarter.

For more information, visit www.rpminc.com.