Rexnord Corporation RXN reported better-than-expected results for the second quarter of 2021, with earnings surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 16%. Also, its sales exceeded the same by 4.4%.The machinery company’s adjusted earnings in the reported quarter were 58 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents. The bottom line increased 61.1% from the year-ago quarter earnings of 36 cents on the back of improved sales performance and margins.Sales DetailsIn the reported quarter, Rexnord’s net sales were $568.3 million, increasing 26.5% from the year-ago quarter. The results benefitted from 21% growth in core sales, 3% gain from foreign currency translations and 3% contribution from acquisitions/divestitures.Its net sales surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $544.2 million.The company reports results under two segments — Process & Motion Control, and Water Management. In February, Rexnord signed an agreement with Regal Beloit Corporation RBC to combine its Process & Motion Control segment with the latter. The transaction is predicted to be complete in fourth-quarter 2021. Preparations for the merger are on track/or as planned by the parties.The second-quarter segmental results are briefly discussed below:Revenues from Process & Motion Control totaled $324.6 million, up 18.3% year over year. It represented 57.1% of the company’s quarterly net sales. Core sales in the reported quarter increased 16% year over year, driven by 21% growth in the non-aerospace business, partially offset by a 15% decline in the aerospace business. Foreign currency translations benefited the company by 4%, while divestitures had an adverse impact of 2%.Water Management’s revenues, representing 42.9% of net sales, were $243.7 million, up 39.5% year over year. Core sales in the reported quarter increased 29%, whereas acquired assets (Hadrian) contributed 9% to sales growth. The rise in core sales was driven by high product demand. Foreign currency translations had a positive impact of 1% in the quarter.Margin ProfileIn the reported quarter, Rexnord’s cost of sales increased 22.2% year over year to $332.5 million. It represented 58.5% of net sales versus 60.6% recorded in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin increased 210 basis points (bps) to 41.5%. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $122 million increased 21.8% year over year and represented 21.5% of net sales versus 22.3% in the year-ago quarter.Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were $133.4 million, up 26.5% from the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 23.5% in the quarter under review, increasing 50 bps from the year-ago quarter. For the Process & Motion Control segment, adjusted EBITDA margin increased 260 bps year over year to 24.2%, whereas that for the Water Management segment decreased 230 bps to 26.8%.Adjusted operating income increased 34.8% year over year to $110.3 million, whereas margin grew 120 bps to 19.4%. Interest expenses, net, in the reported quarter were $11.7 million, down 12.7% year over year.Balance Sheet and Cash FlowExiting the second quarter of 2021, Rexnord had cash and cash equivalents of $390.7 million, reflecting 27.1% growth from $307.3 million recorded in the last reported quarter. Long-term debt was stable sequentially at $1,189.5 million.In the quarter under review, the company generated net cash of $73.7 million from operating activities, increasing 54.8% year over year. Capital investment for purchasing property, plant and equipment declined 43.5% to $4.8 million. Free cash flow was $68.9 million, increasing from $39.1 million in the prior-year quarter.In the first half of 2021, the company paid out dividends totaling $21.6 million, reflecting an 11.3% increase from the year-ago comparable period. It also repurchased shares worth $0.9 million during the same period.OutlookFor the third quarter of 2021, the company expects Water Management sales to increase in high-teens, with double-digit core sales growth. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the segment is expected to be 26-27%.Sales for the Process & Motion Control segment are anticipated to increase by mid-teens on a year-over-year basis. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the segment is expected to be 23-24%.Corporate expenses for the third quarter are expected to be $10 million.Rexnord Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Rexnord Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Rexnord Corporation QuoteZacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderWith a market capitalization of $5.8 billion, Rexnord currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Two better-ranked companies in the industry are ABB Ltd ABB and AZZ Inc. AZZ. Both companies currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.In the past 60 days, bottom-line estimates for ABB improved, while that for AZZ has been unchanged for the current year. Positive earnings surprise in the last reported quarter was 10.71% for ABB and 41.94% for AZZ. 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(AZZ): Free Stock Analysis Report Rexnord Corporation (RXN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research