TriMas Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Results

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TriMas Corporation (Nasdaq: TRS) today announced financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010. For the quarter, the Company reported net sales from continuing operations of $222.7 million, an increase of 16.5% compared to fourth quarter 2009. Fourth quarter 2010 income from continuing operations was $8.2 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $8.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, during fourth quarter 2009. Excluding Special Items(1), fourth quarter 2009 income from continuing operations would have been $3.6 million, or $0.11 per share.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company reported net sales from continuing operations of $942.7 million, an increase of 17.3% compared to 2009. The Company reported full year income from continuing operations of $41.9 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $12.7 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in 2009. Excluding Special Items, 2009 income from continuing operations would have been $14.9 million, or $0.43 per diluted share.

TriMas 2010 Highlights

• Reported 17.3% net sales growth in 2010, as compared to 2009, due to overall improved economic conditions and the continued execution of several of the Company's key growth initiatives.
• Improved 2010 operating profit margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin by 320 and 250 basis points, respectively, as compared to 2009, excluding the impact of Special Items.
• Generated 2010 Free Cash Flow(2) of $83.4 million, or almost $2.50 per diluted share.
• Reduced total indebtedness, net of cash, from $505.1 million as of December 31, 2009, to $448.3 million as of December 31, 2010.
• Decreased operating working capital as a percentage of sales from 14.5% in 2009 to 12.6% in 2010.
• Completed and successfully integrated two bolt-on acquisitions during 2010, enhancing the businesses' growth opportunities through expansion of the product portfolio and customer base.

"We are proud of our many accomplishments in 2010," said David Wathen, TriMas President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our balanced and structured approach to growth, productivity and cash generation drove positive results across our company. We achieved sales growth of 17%, resulting from improved end markets and successful execution of our strategic growth initiatives including product innovation, geographic expansion and bolt-on acquisitions."  

Wathen continued, "In addition to our top-line growth, our lower fixed cost structure and ongoing focus on productivity and lean initiatives drove significant margin expansion. 2010 operating profit margin improved by 320 basis points and 2010 diluted earnings per share improved over 150%, as compared to 2009 and excluding Special Items. We continue to generate strong cash flow, lower operating working capital as a percentage of sales and reduce outstanding debt. We have a solid foundation to build upon going into 2011."

"While the past two years have been focused on structural improvements and turn-around activities, 2011 will be a year in which we intensify our efforts around growth, funded by our continuous productivity improvements and lean initiatives. In 2011, we expect to deliver continued strong results in line with our strategic aspirations. We are estimating 2011 top-line growth of 6% to 9%, compared to 2010, with earnings per share up a multiple of sales growth. We expect full-year 2011 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations to range between $1.40 and $1.50 per share. We continue to be confident in our ability to grow the top-line faster than the economy, create sustainable operating leverage and generate strong cash flow," Wathen concluded.

Fourth Quarter Financial Results — From Continuing Operations

• TriMas reported fourth quarter net sales of $222.7 million, an increase of 16.5% in comparison to $191.1 million in fourth quarter 2009, driven by double-digit percentage increases in the Energy, Aerospace & Defense and Engineered Components segments. The effects of currency exchange did not have a material impact during the quarter.
• The Company reported operating profit of $19.5 million in fourth quarter 2010, as compared to operating profit of $7.1 million during fourth quarter 2009. Excluding the impact of Special Items(1), operating profit would have improved 14.6%, from $17.0 million in fourth quarter 2009 to $19.5 million in fourth quarter 2010.
• Fourth quarter 2010 income from continuing operations was $8.2 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, including approximately $0.10 per share resulting from the benefit of a lower effective tax rate. The lower effective tax rate is related to U.S. tax legislation changes in fourth quarter and additional tax benefits in 2010 that the Company believes will be realized as a result of its improved earnings performance. These results are compared to a loss from continuing operations of $8.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, during fourth quarter 2009. Excluding the impact of Special Items, fourth quarter 2009 income from continuing operations would have been $3.6 million, or $0.11 per share.
• The Company reported Free Cash Flow(2) for fourth quarter 2010 of $16.7 million, relatively flat in comparison to fourth quarter 2009. Operating working capital as a percentage of last twelve months (LTM) sales continued to improve, declining from 14.5% in fourth quarter 2009 to 12.6% in fourth quarter 2010.

Full Year 2010 Financial Results — From Continuing Operations

• TriMas reported 2010 net sales from continuing operations of $942.7 million, an increase of 17.3% compared to $803.7 million in 2009, due to increased volumes resulting from the economic recovery in 2010, as well as new product introductions, geographic expansion and market share gains. In addition, net sales were favorably impacted by approximately $9.9 million as a result of currency exchange.
• The Company reported 2010 operating profit of $114.1 million, compared to an operating profit of $49.9 million for 2009. Excluding the impact of Special Items, operating profit would have increased 59.5%, from $71.5 million in 2009 to $114.1 million in 2010. This increase would have represented an improvement in operating profit margin of 320 basis points, resulting from higher sales volumes, reduced cost structure and ongoing productivity initiatives.
• Adjusted EBITDA(2) for 2010 increased to $150.7 million, as compared to $119.0 million in 2009. Excluding the impact of Special Items, Adjusted EBITDA would have increased 38.8%, from $108.6 million in 2009 to $150.7 million in 2010, representing an improvement in Adjusted EBITDA margin of 250 basis points.
• 2010 income from continuing operations was $41.9 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $12.7 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, during 2009. As noted above, the Company benefited from a lower effective tax rate in 2010 due to additional tax benefits that the Company believes will be realized as a result of its improved earnings performance. Excluding the impact of Special Items, 2009 income from continuing operations would have been $14.9 million, or $0.43 per share.
• The Company reported Free Cash Flow(2) for 2010 of $83.4 million, or almost $2.50 per diluted share.

Financial Position

TriMas reported total indebtedness of $494.6 million as of December 31, 2010, as compared to $514.6 million as of December 31, 2009. After consideration of $46.4 million in cash on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2010, total indebtedness, net of cash, was $448.3 million, as compared to $505.1 million as of December 31, 2009. TriMas ended fourth quarter 2010 with $167.1 million of cash and aggregate availability under its revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities.

Business Segment Results — From Continuing Operations (Excluding the impact of Special Items(3))

The Company realigned its reportable segments to be consistent with the current operating structure and strategic priorities. The Company's Packaging and Aerospace & Defense segments remain unchanged. The Company's Arrow Engine business, previously within the Energy segment, is now included in the Engineered Components segment. In addition, the former Cequent segment has been split into two segments, with the Cequent Performance Products and Cequent Consumer Products businesses comprising the new Cequent North America segment, and the Company's Cequent Asia Pacific business becoming a separate reportable segment. All prior year information and related comparisons have been adjusted to reflect these changes.

Packaging — (Consists of Rieke Corporation including its foreign subsidiaries of Englass, Rieke Germany, Rieke Italia and Rieke China; 2010 Revenue of $171.2 million)

Net sales for fourth quarter decreased 3.5% compared to the year ago period, due to sales in fourth quarter 2009 related to H1N1 flu virus products that did not recur, as well as the impact of unfavorable currency exchange. Despite the slight decrease in sales, operating profit for the quarter increased due to lower costs as a result of productivity initiatives, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative costs in support of growth initiatives, as well as unfavorable currency exchange. Full year 2010 sales increased 18.0%, due to improved demand for industrial closure products and sales growth in specialty dispensing and other new products, partially offset by the impact of unfavorable currency exchange. Operating profit for the year increased consistent with the reasons noted above, as well as higher sales volumes. Overall, 2010 operating profit margin improved by approximately 530 basis points compared to 2009. The Company continues to diversify its product offering by developing specialty dispensing product applications for growing end markets, including pharmaceutical, personal care and food/beverage, and expanding geographically to generate long-term growth.

Energy — (Consists of Lamons; 2010 Revenue of  $129.1 million)

Fourth quarter and full year 2010 net sales increased 23.4% and 15.8%, respectively, compared to the year ago periods, due to increased sales of specialty gaskets and related fastening hardware resulting from higher levels of turn-around activity at petrochemical refineries and increased demand from the chemical industry. This segment also benefited from incremental sales from newly opened branch facilities, as well as sales resulting from the acquisition of South Texas Bolt & Fitting, completed in the fourth quarter of 2010. Operating profit for the quarter and year increased due to higher sales volumes and lower costs as a result of sourcing and productivity initiatives, partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative costs in support of sales growth initiatives. While operating profit margin decreased during fourth quarter 2010, full-year 2010 operating profit margin increased 100 basis points compared to 2009. The Company continues to grow its sales and service branch network, capitalize on synergies related to the acquisition of South Texas Bolt & Fitting and expand its lines of complementary products.

Aerospace & Defense — (Consists of Monogram Aerospace Fasteners and NI Industries; 2010 Revenue of $73.9 million)

Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 14.3% compared to the year ago period, due to improved demand from aerospace distribution customers and increased sales in the defense business. 2010 sales were relatively flat, as aerospace distribution customers' increased purchases during the back half of 2010 were more than offset by lower levels of demand during the first half of 2010. The sales declines in the aerospace business, however, were substantially offset by increased sales in the defense business, although the increased revenue associated with managing the defense facility closure and relocation was at lower margin levels. While operating profit for the year was negatively impacted by this less profitable product sales mix, operating profit increased in fourth quarter compared to the prior year, with improvements in operating profit margin of 580 basis points due to the increase in sales volume and the better absorption of fixed costs in the aerospace business. 2010 full year operating profit and the related margin level declined substantially, primarily due to lower sales levels, an unfavorable product sales mix in our defense business and lower absorption of fixed costs in our aerospace business. Given the long-term prospects for its aerospace business, the Company continues to invest in this high-margin segment by developing and marketing highly-engineered products for aerospace applications, as well as expanding its offerings to military and defense customers.

Engineered Components — (Consists of Arrow Engine, Hi-Vol Products, KEO Cutters, Norris Cylinder and Richards Micro-Tool; 2010 Revenue of $153.2 million)

Fourth quarter and full year 2010 net sales increased 94.5% and 53.7%, respectively, compared to the year ago periods, primarily due to improved demand for engines, other well-site content and compression products, increased demand for industrial cylinders and the positive impact of the cylinder asset acquisition completed during second quarter 2010. The specialty fittings and precision cutting tools businesses also experienced improved demand, primarily resulting from the upturn in the domestic economy and new product offerings. Fourth quarter and full year 2010 operating profit and related margins improved compared to the prior year periods, due to higher sales levels, increased absorption of fixed costs, and productivity and cost reduction efforts, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses related to the acquisition and increased sales levels. The Company continues to develop new products and expand its international sales efforts.

Cequent Asia Pacific — (Consists of Cequent Australia/Asia Pacific; 2010 Revenue of $76.0 million)

Net sales for the fourth quarter decreased 13.9% compared to fourth quarter 2009. Despite the favorable effect of currency exchange and expanded sales with some customers, sales were lower overall when compared to fourth quarter 2009 which benefited from an Australian government stimulus program that was not offered in 2010. Operating profit and the related margin level decreased due primarily to the lower sales levels. Full year 2010 sales increased 18.9% compared to 2009, as a result of the favorable effect of currency exchange and additional sales to regional original equipment and aftermarket customers. 2010 operating profit and related margin improved compared to 2009, due to higher sales levels, additional utilization of the lower-cost manufacturing plant in Thailand, productivity initiatives and favorable currency exchange, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative costs in support of the Company's growth initiatives. The Company continues to reduce fixed costs, minimize its investment in working capital and leverage Cequent's strong brand positions to capitalize on growth opportunities in expanding markets.

Cequent North America — (Consists of Cequent Performance Products and Cequent Consumer Products; 2010 Revenue of $339.3 million)

Net sales for fourth quarter and full year 2010 increased 7.8% and 9.8%, respectively, compared to the year ago periods, resulting from increased sales within our original equipment, aftermarket, retail, industrial and agricultural channels, all of which were aided by the economic recovery in 2010. Sales increases were the result of improved customer demand, new product introductions and market share gains. While fourth quarter operating profit declined, full year 2010 operating profit increased substantially with an operating profit margin improvement of 480 basis points compared to 2009, due to improved sales levels, cost reduction actions, improved sourcing and productivity initiatives. The Company continues to reduce fixed costs, minimize its investment in working capital and leverage Cequent's strong brand positions and new products for increased market share.

For a complete schedule of Segment Sales, Adjusted EBITDA and Operating Profit, including Special Items by segment, see page 8 of this release, "Company and Business Segment Financial Information — Continuing Operations."

2011 Outlook

The Company is estimating that 2011 sales will increase 6% to 9%, compared to 2010. The Company expects full-year 2011 diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations to be between $1.40 and $1.50 per share, excluding any future events that may be considered Special Items. In addition, the Company expects 2011 Free Cash Flow, prospectively redefined as Cash Flow from Operating Activities less Capital Expenditures, to be between $50 million and $60 million.

(1) Appendix I details certain costs, expenses and other charges, collectively described as "Special Items," that are included in the determination of net income (loss) under GAAP and are not added back to net income (loss) in determining Adjusted EBITDA, but that management would consider important in evaluating the quality of the Company's Adjusted EBITDA and operating results under GAAP.

(2) See Appendix II for reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow to the Company's reported results of operations prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, see Appendix I for additional information regarding Special Items impacting reported GAAP financial measures.

(3) Operating Profit excludes the impact of Special Items. For a complete schedule of Special Items by segment, see Appendix "Company and Business Segment Financial Information — Continuing Operations."

Conference Call Information

TriMas Corporation will host its fourth quarter and full year 2010 earnings conference call today, Monday, February 28, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. EST. The call-in number is (866) 259-7123. Participants should request to be connected to the TriMas Corporation fourth quarter 2010 earnings conference call (Conference ID #1512995). The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast via TriMas' website at www.trimascorp.com, under the "Investors" section, with an accompanying slide presentation.

A replay of the conference call will be available on the TriMas website or by dialing (866) 837-8032 (Access Code #1512995) beginning February 28th at 2:00 p.m. EST through March 7th at 11:59 p.m. EST.  

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-looking Statements

Any "forward-looking" statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company's financial condition and results, expense reductions, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company's business and industry, the Company's substantial leverage, liabilities imposed by the Company's debt instruments, market demand, competitive factors, the Company's ability to maintain compliance with the listing requirements of NASDAQ, supply constraints, material and energy costs, technology factors, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company's accounting policies, future trends, and other risks which are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

About TriMas

Headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, TriMas Corporation (Nasdaq: TRS) provides engineered and applied products for growing markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into six reportable segments: Packaging, Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Engineered Components, Cequent Asia Pacific and Cequent North America. TriMas has approximately 3,900 employees at more than 60 different facilities in 11 countries. For more information, visit www.trimascorp.com.

SOURCE TriMas Corporation