EX-99 2 ex99.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED 10-28-04 PRESS RELEASE DATED 10-28-04


Exhibit 99
 
 
 
Titan International, Inc. reports year-over-year earnings per share increase of $.73 for third quarter
 
Quincy, IL. - October 28, 2004 - Titan International, Inc. (NYSE: TWI) reported net sales of $116.5 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2004, up 47 percent from $79.2 million pro forma (adjusted to reflect the sale of Titan Europe) for third quarter 2003. Net sales for third quarter 2003 including Titan Europe sales were $111.2 million. Net sales for the first nine months of 2004 were $404.7 million compared to $371.2 million in 2003.

Income from operations for the quarter was $9.9 million, up significantly from a loss of $(5.1) million for third quarter 2003. Year-to-date income from operations for 2004 was $34.3 million compared to a loss of $(12.4) million for the same time period last year. Titan recorded net income of $1.5 million for the quarter and $12.4 million year-to-date for 2004, compared to a net loss of $(13.4) million and $(27.4) million in 2003 respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $.09 for the quarter and $.65 year-to-date 2004, versus loss per share of $(.64) for the quarter and $(1.31) year-to-date in the previous year.

On July 23, 2004, Titan completed a new $100 million revolving credit facility, replacing the company's prior revolving loan agreement and term loan. On July 26, 2004, Titan sold $115 million of 5.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due 2009. These notes are convertible into shares of TWI stock at any time on or before maturity at a conversion price of $13.50 per common share. The proceeds from the convertible notes and revolving loan agreement were used to redeem the $136.8 million outstanding principal of Titan’s 8.75% senior subordinated notes. Titan recorded expenses of $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2004 in connection with the termination of the prior revolving loan agreement and term loan, and the redemption of all of the 8.75% senior subordinated notes. These expenses related to unamortized deferred financing, redemption premium and prepayment penalties.

“Clearly we are pleased with the great strides Titan has made since third quarter last year, especially considering Titan Europe Plc’s sales are no longer consolidated with those of Titan International. Titan’s commitment to product innovation, manufacturing efficiencies and focused sales has led to a healthy profit for the third quarter, which is typically impacted by seasonal equipment manufacturer shutdowns,” stated Maurice Taylor Jr., Titan president and CEO. “Many of our customers are still forecasting sales growth through 2005, and Titan is ready to meet the wheel and tire needs of the agricultural, construction and consumer industries. The refinancing of the company’s debt allowed us to secure extended terms through 2009, ensuring the continued financial strength of Titan.”

For additional financial information and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, see the company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 28, 2004.

This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks as detailed in Titan International, Inc.’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Titan International, Inc., a holding company, owns subsidiaries that supply wheels, tires and assemblies for off-highway equipment used in agricultural, earthmoving/construction, and consumer (i.e. all terrain vehicles and trailers) applications.
 
Contact:     Lisa Ross
Titan Communications Coordinator
(217) 221-4489

  
     

 

Titan International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

Amounts in thousands except earnings per share data.

   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
Net sales
 
$
116,487
 
$
111,218
 
$
404,651
 
$
371,203
 
Cost of sales
   
98,686
   
105,921
   
338,241
   
349,440
 
    Gross profit
   
17,801
   
5,297
   
66,410
   
21,763
 
                           
Selling, general & administrative expenses
   
7,613
   
9,751
   
27,585
   
32,108
 
Research & development expenses
   
323
   
638
   
1,530
   
2,022
 
Goodwill impairment on Titan Europe
   
0
   
0
   
2,988
   
0
 
   Income (loss) from operations
   
9,865
   
(5,092
)
 
34,307
   
(12,367
)
                           
Interest expense
   
(3,833
)
 
(5,088
)
 
(13,598
)
 
(15,101
)
Debt termination expense
   
(3,654
)
 
0
   
(3,654
)
 
0
 
Equity investment (loss) income
   
(367
)
 
0
   
421
   
0
 
Loss on investment
   
0
   
(2,707
)
 
0
   
(2,707
)
Other income
   
105
   
245
   
239
   
2,728
 
   Income (loss) before income taxes
   
2,116
   
(12,642
)
 
17,715
   
(27,447
)
                           
Provision for income taxes
   
635
   
740
   
5,315
   
0
 
                           
   Net income (loss)
 
$
1,481
 
$
(13,382
)
$
12,400
 
$
(27,447
)
                           
Income (loss) per common share:
                         
   Basic
 
$
.09
 
$
(.64
)
$
.68
 
$
(1.31
)
   Diluted
   
.09
   
(.64
)
 
.65
   
(1.31
)
                           
Average common shares outstanding:
                         
   Basic
   
16,324
   
21,060
   
18,293
   
20,922
 
   Diluted
   
16,426
   
21,060
   
20,429
   
20,922
 


  
     

 

Segment Information
Revenues from external customers (Unaudited)
Amounts in thousands
   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
Agricultural
 
$
70,451
 
$
62,921
 
$
253,583
 
$
216,870
 
Earthmoving/Construction
   
37,495
   
40,776
   
124,546
   
126,958
 
Consumer
   
8,541
   
7,521
   
26,522
   
27,375
 
Total
 
$
116,487
 
$
111,218
 
$
404,651
 
$
371,203
 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Amounts in thousands
   
Sept. 30,
 
Dec. 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
Assets
         
Current assets:
         
   Cash & cash equivalents
 
$
3,291
 
$
6,556
 
   Accounts receivable
   
68,417
   
83,975
 
   Inventories
   
74,484
   
112,496
 
   Assets held for sale
   
37,003
   
37,775
 
   Deferred income taxes
   
20,343
   
20,343
 
   Other current assets
   
17,592
   
25,801
 
     Total current assets
   
221,130
   
286,946
 
               
Property, plant & equipment, net
   
77,075
   
138,482
 
Restricted cash on deposit
   
26,430
   
51,039
 
Investment in affiliate
   
27,418
   
0
 
Other noncurrent assets
   
20,928
   
27,794
 
Goodwill, net
   
11,702
   
18,823
 
     Total assets
 
$
384,683
 
$
523,084
 
               
Liabilities & stockholders’ equity
             
Current liabilities:
             
   Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)
 
$
233
 
$
21,161
 
   Accounts payable
   
33,458
   
51,931
 
   Other current liabilities
   
23,214
   
29,883
 
     Total current liabilities
   
56,905
   
102,975
 
               
Deferred income taxes
   
22,796
   
22,796
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
28,726
   
36,960
 
Long-term debt
   
174,329
   
248,397
 
Stockholders’ equity
   
101,927
   
111,956
 
     Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity
 
$
384,683
 
$
523,084