American Axle & Manufacturing Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 Financial Results
Non-GM sales grow to $754 million, or 22% of total net sales in 2005
DETROIT, Feb. 3 -- American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2005.
Fourth Quarter Highlights:
* Fourth quarter sales of $852.6 million
* 4% year-over-year decline in production volumes
* Non-GM sales increased over 12% to $193.0 million, or approximately 23%
of total net sales
* Net earnings of $4.5 million, or $0.09 per share
* Fourth quarter results include an $8.7 million charge ($0.12 per share
in the quarter) for lump-sum voluntary separation payments accepted by
approximately 160 hourly and salaried associates
Full Year Highlights:
* Net sales of $3.4 billion
* 10% year-over-year decline in production volumes
* Non-GM sales increased to $754.4 million, or 22% of total net sales in
2005
* Net earnings of $56.0 million, or $1.10 per share
* Increased new and incremental business backlog by more than $1.0
billion to approximately $1.4 billion in future annual sales
* New customers include Nissan, Audi, Ssangyong, Hino, Jatco, Koyo and
Harley-Davidson
AAM reported fourth quarter diluted earnings per share of $0.09 compared to $0.61 per share in the fourth quarter of 2004. Earnings for the full year 2005 were $56.0 million as compared to $159.5 million in 2004. Full year 2005 diluted earnings per share were $1.10 as compared to $2.98 per share in 2004.
"In a year of challenge and change for the domestic automotive supply industry, AAM continued to generate profits and invest in exciting new and strategic business growth initiatives," said American Axle & Manufacturing Co- Founder, Chairman of the Board & CEO, Richard E. Dauch. "In 2005, we made significant progress on AAM's long-term strategic goals of expanding our product portfolio, served markets, customer base and global manufacturing footprint. We are especially pleased with the growth in our backlog of orders for our newest driveline technology supporting all-wheel-drive applications for passenger cars and crossover vehicles. We are also looking forward to the 2006 calendar year launch of our new regional manufacturing facility in Changshu, China."
Sales in the fourth quarter of 2005 were $852.6 million as compared to $875.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. Sales to customers other than GM represented approximately 23% of total sales in the quarter versus 20% in the fourth quarter of 2004. AAM's sales for the full year 2005 were $3.4 billion as compared to $3.6 billion in 2004. Non-GM sales increased by more than $26 million in 2005 to $754.4 million, or 22% of total sales as compared to 20% in the prior year.
Lower GM light truck production volumes resulted in an overall decrease in AAM's sales in 2005 as compared to 2004. Mix shifts favoring four-wheel-drive (4WD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of our full-size and mid-size light truck programs favorably impacted content-per-vehicle in 2005. AAM defines its 4WD/AWD penetration rate as the total number of front axles produced divided by the number of rear axles produced for the vehicle programs on which it sells product. AAM sales content per vehicle was $1,201 for the full year 2005 as compared to $1,173 for the full year 2004.
Gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2005 was 7.5% as compared to 11.1% in the fourth quarter of 2004. Operating income was $8.1 million, or 1.0% of sales in the fourth quarter of 2005 versus $47.8 million, or 5.5% of sales for the fourth quarter of 2004. Gross margin for the full year 2005 was 9.0% as compared to 13.2% in 2004. Operating income was $105.1 million, or 3.1% of sales in 2005 as compared to $284.8, or 7.9% of sales in 2004.
AAM's lower gross margin and operating income performance in 2005 reflects the impact of lower production volumes scheduled by our customers; higher energy, steel and other metallic material prices; and the increased cost of providing healthcare, pension and supplemental unemployment benefits to our hourly associates.
AAM defines free cash flow to be net cash provided by (or used in) operating activities less capital expenditures and dividends paid. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2005 was $280.4 million. AAM's capital expenditures in support of new product programs and other safety, quality and productivity initiatives were $305.7 million in 2005. Pursuant to its quarterly cash dividend program, AAM paid $30.4 million in dividends in 2005. Reflecting the impact of this activity, AAM's free cash flow in 2005 was a use of $55.7 million. Net debt to capital at year-end 2005 was 32.8% as compared to 31.2% at year-end 2004.
AAM's research and development (R&D) spending increased over 7% in 2005 to $73.6 million versus $68.6 million in 2004. AAM continues to emphasize the integration of electronics in its product portfolio. AAM also continues to invest in the development of new products targeted for growth segments of the global automotive industry, especially rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and AWD driveline systems for passenger cars and crossover vehicles.
AAM's new and incremental business backlog now totals approximately $1.4 billion of future annual sales launching from 2006 - 2012. AAM's newest RWD and AWD technologies are featured in seven driveline system awards for passenger car and crossover vehicle programs being developed by three global OEMs. Two of these awards support global RWD passenger car programs and five are for global crossover vehicle programs. In addition to GM and the Chrysler Group, AAM's expanded customer base now includes Nissan, Audi, Ssangyong, Hino, Jatco, Koyo and Harley-Davidson.
A conference call to review AAM's fourth quarter and full year 2005 results is scheduled today at 10:00 a.m. EST. Interested participants may listen to the live conference call by logging onto AAM's investor web site at http://investor.aam.com/ or calling (877) 278-1452 from the United States or (706) 643-3736 from outside the United States. A replay will be available from 12:00 p.m. EST on February 3, 2006 until 5:00 p.m. EST February 10, 2006 by dialing (800) 642-1687 from the United States or (706) 645-9291 from outside the United States. When prompted, callers should enter conference reservation number 3863879.
Recent developments
On January 9, 2006, AAM announced that the 2007 Jeep(R) Wrangler Rubicon, awarded during 2005, will feature AAM's patented electronically-controlled SmartBar(TM) stabilizer system.
On January 12, 2006, AAM announced that it will establish a regional manufacturing facility in Changshu, China, near Shanghai. It is anticipated that the groundbreaking for this facility will occur in the spring of 2006, and preliminary production builds are planned for late 2006.
On January 12, 2006, AAM announced that its backlog of new and incremental business launching from 2006 through 2012 is estimated at approximately $1.4 billion in future annual sales. AAM also updated earnings guidance for 2005 and provided its initial outlook for 2006 earnings and cash flow.
Non-GAAP Financial Information
In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) included within this press release, AAM has provided certain information, which includes non-GAAP financial measures. Such information is reconciled to its closest GAAP measure in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and is included in the attached supplemental data.
Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to both management and its stockholders in their analysis of the Company's business and operating performance. Management also uses this information for operational planning and decision-making purposes.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not and should not be considered a substitute for any GAAP measure. Additionally, non-GAAP financial measures as presented by AAM may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
AAM is a world leader in the manufacture, engineering, design and validation of driveline and drivetrain systems and related components and modules, chassis systems and metal-formed products for light trucks, sport utility vehicles and passenger cars. In addition to locations in the United States (in Michigan, New York and Ohio), AAM also has offices and facilities in Brazil, China, England, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Scotland and South Korea.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking in nature and relate to trends and events that may affect our future financial position and operating results. Such statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The terms "will," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "project," and similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The statements are based on our current expectations, are inherently uncertain, are subject to risks and should be viewed with caution. Actual results and experience may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including but not limited to: reduced demand of our customers' products (particularly light trucks and SUVs produced by GM and DaimlerChrysler); reduced purchases of our products by GM, DaimlerChrysler or other customers; supply shortages or price fluctuations in raw materials, utilities or other operating supplies; our ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and avoid work stoppages; our customers' and their suppliers ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and avoid work stoppages; our ability to attract and retain key associates; our ability and our customers' and their suppliers ability to successfully launch new product programs; our ability to respond to changes in technology or increased competition; adverse changes in laws, government regulations or market conditions affecting our products or our customers' products (including the Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations and fuel costs); adverse changes in the economic conditions or political stability of our principal markets (particularly North America, Europe, South America and Asia); liabilities arising from legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party or claims against us or our products; risks of noncompliance with environmental regulations or risks of environmental issues that could result in unforeseen costs at our facilities; availability of financing for working capital, capital expenditures, R&D or other general corporate purposes; other unanticipated events and conditions that may hinder our ability to compete. It is not possible to foresee or identify all such factors and we make no commitment to update any forward- looking statement or to disclose any facts, events or circumstances after the date hereof that may affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements.
For more information
Media relations contact: Investor relations contact:
Carrie L.P. Gray Christopher M. Son
Director, Corporate Relations Director, Investor Relations
(313) 758-4880 (313) 758-4814
grayc@aam.com chris.son@aam.com
Or visit the AAM website at http://www.aam.com/
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
------------------ ------------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
-------- ------- --------- -------
(In millions, except per share data)
Net sales $852.6 $875.6 $3,387.3 $3,599.6
Cost of goods sold 788.9 778.8 3,082.6 3,125.1
-------- ------- --------- ------
Gross profit 63.7 96.8 304.7 474.5
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 55.6 49.0 199.6 189.7
-------- ------- --------- ------
Operating income 8.1 47.8 105.1 284.8
Net interest expense (7.2) (5.3) (27.2) (25.5)
Other income (expense)
Debt refinancing and
redemption costs - - - (23.5)
Other income (expense), net 2.3 (1.0) 2.1 -
-------- ------- --------- ------
Income before income taxes 3.2 41.5 80.0 235.8
Income taxes (1.3) 10.2 24.0 76.3
-------- ------- --------- ------
Net income $4.5 $31.3 $56.0 $159.5
======== ======= ========= ======
Diluted earnings per share $0.09 $0.61 $1.10 $2.98
======== ======= ========= ======
Diluted shares outstanding 51.1 51.5 51.1 53.5
======== ======= ========= ======
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, December 31,
2005 2004
--------------- ---------------
(In millions)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $3.7 $14.4
Accounts receivable, net 328.0 334.9
Inventories, net 207.2 196.8
Prepaid expenses and other 45.5 39.1
Deferred income taxes 17.0 7.4
--------------- ---------------
Total current assets 601.4 592.6
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,836.0 1,713.0
Deferred income taxes 3.0 6.8
Goodwill 147.8 147.8
Other assets and deferred charges 78.4 78.6
--------------- ---------------
Total assets $2,666.6 $2,538.8
=============== ===============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable $381.1 $398.6
Other accrued expenses 168.1 187.0
--------------- ---------------
Total current liabilities 549.2 585.6
Long-term debt 489.2 448.0
Deferred income taxes 116.1 114.5
Postretirement benefits and other
long-term liabilities 517.3 435.2
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities 1,671.8 1,583.3
Stockholders' equity 994.8 955.5
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $2,666.6 $2,538.8
=============== ===============
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three months Twelve months
ended ended
December 31, December 31,
-------------- --------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
------ ------ ------ ------
(In millions)
Operating activities
Net income $4.5 $31.3 $56.0 $159.5
Depreciation and amortization 50.1 45.7 185.1 171.1
Other 82.4 148.1 39.3 122.6
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash flow provided by operating
activities 137.0 225.1 280.4 453.2
Purchases of property, plant &
equipment (62.1) (81.4) (305.7) (240.2)
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash flow after purchases of
property, plant & equipment 74.9 143.7 (25.3) 213.0
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash flow provided by (used in)
operations 74.9 143.7 (25.3) 213.0
Net increase (decrease) in long-term
debt (70.1) (88.1) 40.6 293.4
Redemption of 9.75% Notes - - - (314.6)
Debt issuance costs - - - (9.7)
Employee stock option exercises 0.3 1.6 4.6 13.6
Dividends paid (7.7) (7.5) (30.4) (23.0)
Purchase of treasury stock - (40.0) - (171.0)
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash flow provided by (used in)
financing activities (77.5) (134.0) 14.8 (211.3)
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash (0.1) 0.2 (0.2) 0.3
------ ------ ------ ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents (2.7) 9.9 (10.7) 2.0
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 6.4 4.5 14.4 12.4
------ ------ ------ ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period $3.7 $14.4 $3.7 $14.4
====== ====== ====== ======
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
(Unaudited)
The supplemental data presented below is a reconciliation of certain
financial measures which is intended to facilitate analysis of
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
business and operating performance.
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes and
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)(a)
Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
------------------ -------------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
-------- -------- -------- --------
(In millions)
Net income $4.5 $31.3 $56.0 $159.5
Interest expense 7.4 5.3 27.9 25.8
Income taxes (1.3) 10.2 24.0 76.3
Depreciation and amortization 50.1 45.7 185.1 171.1
-------- -------- -------- --------
EBITDA $60.7 $92.5 $293.0 $432.7
======== ======== ======== ========
Net debt(b) to capital
December 31, December 31,
2005 2004
------------ ------------
(In millions, except percentages)
Total debt $489.2 $448.0
Less: cash and cash equivalents 3.7 14.4
------------ ------------
Net debt at end of period 485.5 433.6
Stockholders' equity 994.8 955.5
------------ ------------
Total invested capital at end of period $1,480.3 $1,389.1
============ ============
Net debt to capital(c) 32.8% 31.2%
============ ============
(a) We believe that EBITDA is a meaningful measure of performance as it
is commonly utilized by management and investors to analyze operating
performance and entity valuation. Our management, the investment
community and the banking institutions routinely use EBITDA, together with
other measures, to measure our operating performance relative to other
Tier 1 automotive suppliers. EBITDA should not be construed as income
from operations, net income or cash flow from operating activities as
determined under GAAP. Other companies may calculate EBITDA differently.
(b) Net debt is equal to total debt less cash and cash equivalents.
(c) Net debt to capital is equal to net debt divided by the sum of
stockholders' equity and net debt. We believe that net debt to capital is
a meaningful measure of financial condition as it is commonly utilized by
management, investors and creditors to assess relative capital structure
risk. Other companies may calculate net debt to capital differently.
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
The supplemental data presented below is a reconciliation of certain
financial measures which is intended to facilitate analysis of
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
business and operating performance.
Net Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow(d)
Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
------------------ -------------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
-------- -------- -------- --------
(In millions)
Net cash provided by
operating activities $137.0 $225.1 $280.4 $453.2
Less: purchases of property,
plant & equipment (62.1) (81.4) (305.7) (240.2)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net operating cash flow 74.9 143.7 (25.3) 213.0
Less: dividends paid (7.7) (7.5) (30.4) (23.0)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Free cash flow $67.2 $136.2 $(55.7) $190.0
======== ======== ======== ========
After-Tax Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)(e)
Trailing Twelve
Quarter Ended Months Ended
--------------------------------
March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
2005 2005 2005 2005 2005
-------- ------- -------- ------- --------------
(In millions, except percentages)
Net income $13.3 $18.9 $19.3 $4.5 $56.0
After-tax net
interest expense (f) 4.1 4.4 4.9 5.6 19.0
-------- ------- -------- ------- --------------
After-tax return $17.4 $23.3 $24.2 $10.1 $75.0
======== ======= ======== ======= ==============
Net debt at end of period $485.5
Stockholder's equity at end of period 994.8
--------------
Invested capital at end of period 1,480.3
Invested capital at beginning of period 1,389.1
--------------
Average invested capital(g) $1,434.7
==============
After-Tax ROIC(h) 5.2%
==============
(d) We define net operating cash flow as net cash provided by operating
activities less purchases of property and equipment. Free cash flow is
defined as net operating cash flow less dividends paid. We believe net
operating cash flow and free cash flow are meaningful measures as they
are commonly utilized by management and investors to assess our ability
to generate cash flow from business operations to repay debt and return
capital to our stockholders. Net operating cash flow is also a key
metric used in our calculation of incentive compensation. Other
companies may calculate net operating cash flow and free cash flow
differently.
(e) We believe that ROIC is a meaningful overall measure of business
performance because it reflects the company's earnings performance
relative to its investment level. ROIC is also a key metric used in our
calculation of incentive compensation. Other companies may calculate
ROIC differently.
(f) After-tax net interest expense is equal to multiplying net interest
expense by the applicable effective income tax rate for each presented
quarter.
(g) Average invested capital is equal to the average of invested capital
at the beginning of the year and end of the year.
(h) After-tax ROIC is equal to after-tax return divided by average
invested capital.
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