Quanex (NYSE: NX) reported Q3 EPS of $0.33, $0.01 better than the analyst estimate of $0.32. Revenue for the quarter came in at $239.8 million versus the consensus estimate of $237.92 million.

Bill Griffiths, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We delivered solid third quarter results, driven by improved operational efficiency and margin expansion of 200 basis points in our North American Cabinet Components segment, despite ongoing inflationary pressures. Underlying growth remains healthy in our North American and European Engineered Components segments.

“We are also pleased that our strong free cash flow generation in the third quarter facilitated a further reduction of our leverage ratio to 2.0x Net Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA as of July 31, 2018. In addition, our Board of Directors has approved a robust capital return program, including both a 100% increase to our quarterly cash dividend and a $60 million share repurchase program, which reflects our strong balance sheet, commitment to returning capital to shareholders and confidence in our prospects for growth and value creation.

“As part of a strategic review process, our Board of Directors and management team, with the support of outside advisors, recently undertook a thorough review of Quanex’s strategy and business, and evaluated a broad range of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. Our Board of Directors unanimously concluded that the best path forward for the Company and its shareholders at this time is the continued execution of our strategic plan and the accelerated return of capital. We remain open to and will continue to consider all opportunities to create additional shareholder value.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Quanex (NX) click here.