The Timken Co. has reported sales of $684 million for the first quarter of 2016, approximately 5 percent lower than the same period a year ago. Excluding the impact of currency, sales were down 2.5 percent, primarily due to market weakness across most sectors partially offset by growth in automotive and the net benefit of acquisitions and divestitures.

In the first quarter, Timken posted net income of $63 million or 78 cents per diluted share, versus net loss of $135.2 million or $1.54 per basic share a year ago. Net income in the quarter included certain unusual items including pre-tax income of $47.7 million related to the U.S. Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act.

Adjusted net income was $36.9 million or 46 cents per diluted share. This compares with adjusted net income of $44.2 million or 50 cents per diluted share for the same period in 2015. The year-over-year change in adjusted net income reflects lower volume, unfavorable price/mix and currency, partially offset by the impact of lower raw material and operating costs as well as lower SG&A expenses. Earnings per share also benefited from share buybacks.

“During the quarter, we executed well and delivered first-quarter results in line with our expectations even though market conditions globally remain weak, particularly in commodity-related sectors,” said Richard Kyle, Timken president and CEO. “Looking ahead, we expect continued challenging market conditions in 2016. However, we are reaffirming our full-year earnings outlook, confident in our ability to win new business and deliver on our cost-reduction initiatives.”

2016 Outlook  

The company expects 2016 revenue to be down approximately 5 percent from 2015, including 2 percent from currency declines. Timken anticipates 2016 earnings per diluted share to range from $1.65 to $1.75 for the full year on a GAAP basis. Excluding unusual items, the company expects 2016 adjusted earnings per diluted share to be $1.90 to $2.