Armstrong earnings hit by weather, legal fees

LANCASTER, Pa. ― Armstrong World Industries reported Q1 diluted earnings of $0.73 per share, down slightly from $0.76 a year ago as poor weather took its toll in Canada and the U.S. Midwest. Legal feees related to the settlement of an anti-trust lawsuit earlier this month also contributed to the loss, as did higher tax and interest charges. Despite this, net sales rose to $242.1 million, compared to $227.3 million in Q1 of last year. Operating income jumped by about 10% to $54.7 million.