Tower Automotive, Inc. Announces Q3 Expectations
29 September 1998
Tower Automotive, Inc. Announces Third Quarter to Exceed ExpectationsMINNEAPOLIS, September 24 _ Tower Automotive, Inc. , today said that it expects to exceed third quarter 1998 earnings expectations despite the effects of the work stoppages at General Motors. The company expects earnings per share to exceed the consensus estimate of $0.31 per diluted share for the quarter ending September 30, 1998 by approximately 10 percent. These results compare to $0.25 per diluted share in the 1997 quarter and are expected despite the impact of the GM work stoppages, which will adversely affect earnings per share by approximately $0.04. Strength in the company's core business fueled by production volumes on other models served and continued cost reduction efforts will more than offset the effects of the decline in GM production. Furthermore, the economic conditions in Asia and South America will not have a significant impact on results for the quarter. Tower Automotive, Inc., produces a broad range of assemblies and modules for vehicle body structures and suspension systems for the automotive manufacturers, including Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Auto Alliance, Fiat, BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes. Products include body structural assemblies such as pillars and package trays, control arms, suspension links, engine cradles, full frame assemblies and complete front and rear vehicle modules. The company has its operating headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich., and a corporate office in Minneapolis, Minn. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to general economic conditions in the markets in which Tower Automotive operates, fluctuations in the production of vehicles for which the company is a supplier, labor disputes involving the company or its significant customers, risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.