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Goodyear Reports Strong Results for 2010's First Quarter

AKRON, Ohio, April 28 -- --  Kramer optimistic about industry, company as he assumes CEO role
  --  Sales increase 21% from last year on higher tire unit volume
  --  Segment Operating Income up $416 million from last year
  --  Net loss of 19 cents per share includes 41 cent charge for Venezuela
      devaluation
  --  Cost reduction progress continues with $148 million in savings during
      quarter

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today reported improved tire unit volumes, sales and segment operating income, as well as a significantly smaller net loss in the first quarter of 2010, despite a one-time charge related to the currency devaluation in Venezuela.

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"We are very pleased with our strong first quarter performance," said Richard J. Kramer, president and chief executive officer. "As markets around the world continue to improve, we are starting to see the benefits of the strategic actions we took last year, including our commitment to launch innovative new products during an economic downturn. The strategic actions contributed to strong growth in both sales and earnings, positioning us well as the global economy continues its recovery."

Kramer became Goodyear's president and chief executive officer April 13, succeeding Robert J. Keegan, who remains with the company as executive chairman.

"As I take over the role as the company's CEO, I am optimistic about the tire industry and confident that Goodyear's brands, focus on innovation, leading distribution and excellent leadership team position us strongly for the future."

Kramer said his strategic priorities as CEO will include continuing to drive the company's innovation engine with new products; increasing operating efficiencies throughout the supply chain; improving earnings, especially in North American Tire; expanding growth in emerging markets; enhancing Goodyear's capital structure; and continuing to build its leadership team.

"I am confident that our focus on these priorities will enable Goodyear to gain from the recovery in industry volumes and help us overcome the challenges before us, specifically higher raw material costs," he said.

Goodyear's first quarter 2010 sales were $4.3 billion, up 21 percent from the 2009 quarter. First quarter sales reflect the $399 million impact of a 14 percent increase in tire unit volume due to improved global demand and growth in emerging markets. Sales were also positively impacted by $224 million in favorable foreign currency translation and by $125 million from higher sales in other tire-related businesses, primarily third-party chemical sales in North America.

The company had segment operating income of $240 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared to a segment operating loss of $176 million in the year-ago quarter. Compared to the prior year, first quarter 2010 segment operating income reflects improved global demand, which resulted in higher sales and increased production levels, along with actions that reduced costs by $148 million. The 2010 quarter benefited from $283 million in lower raw material costs, including $38 million of savings actions taken to reduce these costs.

The 2010 first quarter was impacted by charges of $99 million (41 cents per share) resulting from the devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar fuerte in January 2010, costs related to a debt exchange offer of $5 million (2 cents per share) and $5 million (2 cents per share) due to rationalizations, asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation; and gains of $8 million (3 cents per share) on asset sales, $8 million (3 cents per share) related to settlements with certain suppliers and $5 million (2 cents per share) resulting from various discrete tax benefits. All amounts are after taxes and minority interest.

Goodyear's first quarter 2010 net loss was $47 million (19 cents per share), compared with a loss of $333 million ($1.38 cents per share) in the 2009 quarter. All per share amounts are diluted.

See the table at the end of this release for a list of significant items impacting the 2010 and 2009 quarters.

Business Segment Results

See the note at the end of this release for further explanation and a segment operating income reconciliation table.

  North American Tire                        First Quarter
  (in millions)                          2010        2009
  Tire Units                             15.2        13.9
  Sales                                $1,779      $1,544
  Segment Operating Loss                   $(14)      $(189)
  Segment Operating Margin                (0.8)%     (12.2)%

North American Tire's first quarter 2010 sales increased 15 percent from last year to $1.8 billion, reflecting a 9 percent increase in tire unit volume and strong price/mix performance. Original equipment unit volume increased 45 percent, primarily in the consumer business due to higher vehicle production. Replacement tire shipments were up slightly from last year. Sales were positively impacted by $121 million from higher sales in other tire-related businesses, primarily third-party chemical sales.

The first quarter 2010 segment operating loss of $14 million was a $175 million improvement over the prior year. The 2010 quarter benefitted from lower raw material costs of $132 million, higher volume, price/mix improvements, increased productivity and actions to reduce costs. The quarter was negatively impacted by $44 million in increased pension expense.

  Europe, Middle East and
   Africa Tire                     First Quarter
  (in millions)                  2010        2009
  Tire Units                     18.4        16.2
  Sales                        $1,529      $1,268
  Segment Operating Income
   (Loss)                        $109        $(50)
  Segment Operating Margin        7.1%      (3.9)%

Europe, Middle East and Africa Tire's first quarter sales increased 21 percent from last year to $1.5 billion primarily due to a 14 percent increase in tire unit volume and favorable foreign currency translation. Original equipment unit volume increased 53 percent, resulting from higher vehicle production in Europe. Replacement tire shipments were up 5 percent.

First quarter 2010 segment operating income of $109 million was a $159 million improvement over the prior year. It was positively impacted by $133 million in lower raw material costs, higher volume, productivity improvements and actions to reduce costs.

  Latin American Tire        First Quarter
  (in millions)             2010       2009
  Tire Units                 5.1        4.2
  Sales                     $478       $383
  Segment Operating
   Income                    $76        $48
  Segment Operating
   Margin                   15.9%      12.5%

Latin American Tire's first quarter sales increased 25 percent from last year to $478 million primarily due to a 21 percent increase in tire unit volume. Original equipment unit volume increased 21 percent, resulting from higher vehicle production. Replacement tire shipments were up 20 percent.

Segment operating income of $76 million was a 58 percent improvement over 2009, despite a $28 million decline related to events in Venezuela, including the currency devaluation. The year-over-year improvement reflected higher volume and $16 million in lower raw material costs.

The company continues to expect the events in Venezuela, including the devaluation, to negatively impact Latin American Tire's full-year 2010 segment operating income by $50 million to $75 million as compared to 2009.

  Asia Pacific Tire            First Quarter
  (in millions)               2010      2009
  Tire Units                   5.2       4.1
  Sales                       $484      $341
  Segment Operating
   Income                      $69       $15
  Segment Operating
   Margin                     14.3%      4.4%

Asia Pacific Tire's first quarter sales increased 42 percent from last year to $484 million primarily due to a 27 percent increase in tire unit volume and favorable foreign currency translation. Original equipment unit volume increased 48 percent, resulting from higher vehicle production. Replacement tire shipments were up 16 percent.

Segment operating income of $69 million increased $54 million over last year and was a first quarter record. The increase was due to price/mix improvements, higher volume, actions to reduce costs and favorable foreign currency translation.

Conference Call

Goodyear will hold an investor conference call at 10 a.m. today. Approximately 45 minutes prior to the commencement of the call, the company will post the financial and other related information that will be presented on its investor relations Web site: http://investor.goodyear.com/.

Participating in the conference call will be Richard J. Kramer, president and chief executive officer; Darren R. Wells, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Damon J. Audia, senior vice president, finance and treasurer.

Investors, members of the media and other interested persons may access the conference call on the Web site or via telephone by calling (706) 643-2869 before 9:55 a.m. A taped replay will be available later by calling (706) 645-9291. The replay will also remain available on the Web site.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 57 facilities in 23 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

Certain information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, that affect our operations, performance, business strategy and results and could cause our actual results and experience to differ materially from the assumptions, expectations and objectives expressed in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: our ability to realize anticipated savings and operational benefits from our cost reduction initiatives or to implement successfully other strategic initiatives; increases in the prices paid for raw materials and energy; actions and initiatives taken by both current and potential competitors; deteriorating economic conditions or an inability to access capital markets; pension plan funding obligations; work stoppages, financial difficulties or supply disruptions at our suppliers or customers; a labor strike, work stoppage or other similar event; our failure to comply with a material covenant in our debt obligations; the adequacy of our capital expenditures; potential adverse consequences of litigation involving the company; as well as the effects of more general factors such as changes in general market, economic or political conditions or in legislation, regulation or public policy. Additional factors are discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our estimates only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our estimates change.

  (financial statements follow)

  The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Subsidiaries
  Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited)

  (In millions, except per share             Three Months
   amounts)                                      Ended
                                              March 31,
                                               2010      2009
                                               ----      ----

  NET SALES                                  $4,270    $3,536

  Cost of Goods Sold                          3,456     3,219
  Selling, Administrative and
   General Expense                              605       533
  Rationalizations                                2        55
  Interest Expense                               74        64
  Other Expense                                 104        30

  Income (Loss) before Income
   Taxes                                         29      (365)
  United States and Foreign Taxes                53       (17)
                                                          ---

  Net Loss                                      (24)     (348)
       Less:  Minority Shareholders Net
        Income (Loss)                            23       (15)
                                                ---       ---

  Goodyear Net Loss                            $(47)    $(333)
                                               ====     =====

  Goodyear Net Loss - Per Share

     Basic                                   $(0.19)   $(1.38)
                                             ======    ======

     Weighted Average Shares
      Outstanding                               242       241

     Diluted                                 $(0.19)   $(1.38)
                                             ======    ======

     Weighted Average Shares
      Outstanding                               242       241

  The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Subsidiaries
  Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

                                                 March        December
  (In millions)                                   31,            31,
                                                   2010           2009
                                                   ----           ----
  Assets:
  Current Assets:
    Cash and Cash Equivalents                    $1,774         $1,922
    Accounts Receivable, less Allowance -
     $108 ($110 in 2009)                          2,861          2,540
    Inventories:
       Raw Materials                                582            483
       Work in Process                              139            138
       Finished Products                          1,987          1,822

                                                  2,708          2,443
    Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets       328            320

      Total Current Assets                        7,671          7,225
  Goodwill                                          682            706
  Intangible Assets                                 163            164
  Deferred Income Taxes                              46             43
  Other Assets                                      416            429
  Property, Plant and Equipment                   5,724          5,843
       less Accumulated Depreciation -$8,629
        ($8,626 in 2009)
      Total Assets                              $14,702        $14,410
                                                =======        =======

  Liabilities:
  Current Liabilities:
    Accounts Payable-Trade                       $2,549         $2,278
    Compensation and Benefits                       639            635
    Other Current Liabilities                       871            844
    Notes Payable and Overdrafts                    199            224
    Long Term Debt and Capital Leases due
     Within One Year                                153            114
                                                    ---            ---
      Total Current Liabilities                   4,411          4,095
  Long Term Debt and Capital Leases               4,242          4,182
  Compensation and Benefits                       3,490          3,526
  Deferred and Other Noncurrent Income
   Taxes                                            222            235
  Other Long Term Liabilities                       790            793

      Total Liabilities                          13,155         12,831

  Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
  Minority Shareholders' Equity                     573            593

  Shareholders' Equity:
  Goodyear Shareholders' Equity:
  Preferred Stock, no par value:
   Authorized, 50 shares, unissued                    -              -
  Common Stock, no par value:
   Authorized, 450 shares, Outstanding
    shares - 243 (242 in 2009) after
    deducting 8 treasury shares (9 in 2009)         243            242
  Capital Surplus                                 2,787          2,783
  Retained Earnings                               1,035          1,082
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss           (3,351)        (3,372)
                                                 ------         ------
    Goodyear Shareholders' Equity                   714            735
  Minority Shareholders' Equity -
   Nonredeemable                                    260            251
                                                    ---            ---
     Total Shareholders' Equity                     974            986

     Total Liabilities and Shareholders'
      Equity                                    $14,702        $14,410
                                                =======        =======

  Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This earnings release presents total segment operating income, which is an important financial measure for the company but is not a financial measure defined by U.S. GAAP.

Total segment operating income is the sum of the individual strategic business units' segment operating income as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management believes that total segment operating income is useful because it represents the aggregate value of income created by the company's SBUs and excludes items not directly related to the SBUs for performance evaluation purposes. See the table below for the reconciliation of total segment operating income.

  Total Segment Operating Income Reconciliation Table (unaudited)

  (in millions)                                      Three Months
                                                  Ended March 31,
                                                2010           2009
                                                ----           ----
  Segment Operating Income (Loss)                 $240          $(176)
   Rationalizations                                 (2)           (55)
   Interest expense                                (74)           (64)
   Other expense                                  (104)           (30)
   Asset write-offs and accelerated
    depreciation                                    (3)           (10)
   Corporate incentive compensation
    plans                                         (7)             6
   Intercompany profit elimination                (9)           (26)
   Other                                         (12)           (10)
                                                 ---            ---
  Income (Loss) before Income Taxes              $29          $(365)
                                                 ===          =====

  First Quarter Significant Items (after tax and minority interest)

  2010
  --  Charges resulting from Venezuelan currency devaluation, $99 million
      (41 cents per share)
  --  Costs related to debt exchange offer, $5 million (2 cents per share)
  --  Rationalizations, asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation
      charges, $5 million (2 cents per share)
  --  Gain from asset sales, $8 million (3 cents per share)
  --  Gain related to settlements with certain suppliers, $8 million (3
      cents per share)
  --  Gain resulting from various discrete tax benefits, $5 million (2 cents
      per share)

  2009
  --  Rationalizations, asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation, $57
      million (23 cents per share)
  --  Gain primarily due to tax law changes, $9 million (4 cents per share)
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