ROGERS, CT -- Rogers today announced third quarter net sales at its Advanced Connectivity Solutions business unit of $65.5 million, down 1% from last year.

The laminate supplier saw lower demand for 4G/LTE wireless telecom and aerospace and defense applications, which more than offset growth in automotive safety applications. Currency exchange rate changes unfavorably impacted net sales at the unit by $600,000.

The company reported overall net sales of $165.3 million for the quarter, up 3.1% year-over-year, topping previous company guidance of $150 million to $160 million. Net income was $16.1 million and adjusted EBITDA was $34.1 million, compared to net income of $12.5 million and adjusted EBITDA of $32.5 million in 2015. The gross margin was up 30 basis points to 37.5%, while operating margin fell 50 basis points to 14%.

In a press release, CEO and president Bruce Hoechner said, “I was encouraged by our business performance despite challenging conditions in some of our markets. As we move forward, we see demand improving in a number of our key segments. Our commitment to market driven innovation, operational excellence and the diversification of our materials portfolio is enabling Rogers to achieve solid results as we navigate through uncertain global economic conditions.”

Among Rogers' other business units, Elastomeric Material Solutions reported record quarterly net sales of $54.4 million, up 16.3% on higher demand in portable electronics, automotive and general industrial applications, which more than offset lower demand in consumer and mass transit applications.

Power Electronics Solutions reported net sales of $39.8 million, up 8.8% on improved demand for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, energy efficient motor drives (variable frequency drives), vehicle electrification and certain renewable energy applications.

Rogers projects its fourth quarter net sales of $155 million to $165 million.