Announces 2007 Earnings and Cash Flow Guidance
DETROIT, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 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 2006.
Full Year 2006 Results
- Full year sales of $3.2 billion, reflecting a 9% year-over-year decline
in AAM production volumes
- Non-GM sales of $758.5 million, or 24% of total net sales
- Special charges of $181.4 million for a special attrition program (SAP)
accepted by approximately 1,500 UAW represented associates at AAM's
master agreement facilities and other related restructuring actions
- Asset impairment charges of $196.5 million primarily associated with
plans to idle AAM production capacity in the U.S. dedicated to the mid-
size light truck product range
- Net loss of $222.5 million, or $4.42 per share
AAM's results in the fourth quarter of 2006 were a net loss of $188.6
million or $3.74 per share. This compares to earnings of $4.5 million or
$0.09 per share in the fourth quarter of 2005. Full year 2006 results were
a net loss of $4.42 per share as compared to earnings of $1.10 per share in
2005. AAM's results in 2006 reflect an overall 9% year-over-year decline in
production volumes for the major North American light truck programs AAM
currently supports. This includes an estimated 30% decrease in customer
production volumes for AAM's mid-sized light truck product range as
compared to 2005. Production volumes for the major full-size pickup truck
and SUV programs AAM currently supports for General Motors and the Chrysler
Group were relatively unchanged in 2006 as compared to 2005.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, AAM recorded special charges relating to
a special attrition program (SAP) accepted by approximately 1,500 UAW
represented associates at AAM's master agreement facilities. AAM also
recorded a special charge in 2006 for supplemental unemployment benefits
(SUB) estimated to be payable to UAW associates who are expected to be
permanently idled through the end of the current collective bargaining
agreement that expires in February 2008. AAM recorded additional special
charges associated with salaried workforce reductions and other attrition
programs offered to its associates. In total, these special charges
increased AAM's operating costs in 2006 by $181.4 million. AAM estimates
that the future structural cost benefit resulting from the SAP and other
related restructuring actions will exceed $100 million annually.
In addition to these special charges, AAM also recorded asset
impairment charges of $196.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2006
associated with plans to idle a portion of AAM's production capacity in the
U.S. dedicated to its mid-size light truck product range and other capacity
reduction initiatives.
"As the domestic automotive industry continues its rapid and
unprecedented structural transformation, AAM took difficult, but necessary
actions in 2006 to adjust our workforce and production capacity in the U.S.
to meet the realities of the new global automotive market," said American
Axle & Manufacturing Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board & CEO, Richard E.
Dauch. "In 2006, we made significant progress on AAM's long-term strategic
goals with the expansion of our product portfolio and new business backlog
to support the growing all-wheel-drive passenger car and crossover vehicle
market segment. We also launched important new products for General Motors,
the Chrysler Group, SsangYong Motors, Hino, Jatco, Koyo and
Harley-Davidson, while expanding our served markets and global
manufacturing footprint into mainland Europe and Asia."
2007 Outlook
- AAM expects full year 2007 sales to increase to approximately $3.3
billion
- AAM expects production volumes for the major North American light truck
programs AAM currently supports to be approximately 2% lower as compared
to 2006
- AAM expects earnings to range from approximately $1.25 to $1.50 per
share in 2007
- AAM expects capital spending to range from $240 million to $250 million
in 2007
- AAM expects free positive cash flow to exceed $100 million in 2007
AAM's 2007 earnings outlook is based on the assumption that its
customers' production volumes for the major North American light truck
programs it currently supports will be approximately 2% lower as compared
to 2006. Based on this production assumption, the anticipated timing of new
program launches and higher content on GM's all-new, award winning
full-size SUV and pickup truck program, AAM expects 2007 sales to increase
to approximately $3.3 billion. AAM expects content per vehicle to increase
approximately 5% in 2007, off a base of $1,225 in 2006.
AAM's 2007 earnings outlook also reflects its plans to incur an
additional $25 million of additional special charges and other
non-recurring operating costs related to incremental attrition program
activity, the redeployment of machinery and equipment and other steps to
rationalize underutilized capacity. Including capital expenditures related
to this activity and payments due to associates pursuant to the SAP and
other attrition programs expensed in 2006, AAM expects to incur a net use
of cash approximating $100 million in 2007 in support of these attrition
obligations and restructuring activities.
Reflecting the impact of AAM's 2007 earnings outlook, a reduction in
AAM's capital spending to a range of $240 million to $250 million and the
continuation of its quarterly cash dividend program, AAM expects its free
positive cash flow to exceed $100 million in 2007. AAM defines free cash
flow to be net cash provided by (or used in) operating activities less
capital expenditures and dividends paid.
AAM expects depreciation and amortization expense to increase
approximately $20 million in 2007 as compared to 2006. Although the asset
impairments recorded in 2006 reduce the annual rate of depreciation and
amortization expense for certain of these assets in 2007, the impact of
depreciation on new machinery and equipment almost entirely offsets that
reduction. AAM also accelerated useful life estimates for various assets as
a result of its asset impairment assessment in 2006. These changes in
useful life estimates increase the annual rate of depreciation for these
assets beginning in 2007.
Taking all of these factors into account, AAM expects its earnings to
range from $1.25 to $1.50 per share in 2007.
"In 2007, we expect to strengthen AAM's position in terms of sales
growth, margin expansion and free cash flow generation," said Mr. Dauch.
"AAM's plan to generate more than $100 million of free cash flow in 2007
will enhance our ability to invest in the continuing diversification of our
product portfolio, customer base and global manufacturing footprint. We
will remain focused on these long-term strategic goals in 2007, while at
the same time reducing debt levels, improving our balance sheet strength
and enhancing stockholder value."
A conference call to review AAM's fourth quarter and full year 2006
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 2, 2007 until 5:00 p.m. EST
February 9, 2007 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 5211203.
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 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 or facilities
in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, South
Korea and the United Kingdom.
Certain statements contained in this press release are "forward-looking
statements" and relate to the Company's plans, projections, strategies or
future performance. Such statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and 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 purchases of our products by
GM, DaimlerChrysler or other customers; reduced demand of our customers'
products or volume reductions, particularly for light trucks and SUVs
produced by GM and DaimlerChrysler's heavy-duty Dodge Ram full-size pickup
trucks, or the Dodge Ram program; our ability and our suppliers' ability to
maintain satisfactory labor relations and avoid work stoppages; our ability
to achieve cost reductions through accelerated attrition programs; our
ability to achieve sufficient cost reductions to remain globally
competitive; our customers' and their suppliers' ability to maintain
satisfactory labor relations and avoid work stoppages; additional
restructuring actions that may occur; supply shortages or price
fluctuations in raw materials, utilities or other operating supplies; our
ability to attract new customers and programs for new products; our ability
to develop and produce new products that reflect market demand; 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); adverse changes in the economic conditions or
political stability of our principal markets (particularly North America,
Europe and South America); 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, research and development or other general corporate purposes,
including our ability to comply with financial covenants; our ability to
attract and retain key associates; and other unanticipated events and
conditions that may hinder our ability to compete. For additional
discussion, see "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on
Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. It is not possible to foresee
or identify all such factors and we assume no obligation to update any
forward-looking statements or to disclose any subsequent facts, events or
circumstances that may affect their accuracy.
For more information…
Media relations contact: Investor relations contact:
Renee B. Rogers Christopher M. Son
Manager, Corporate Communications & Director, Investor Relations
Media Relations (313) 758-4814
(313) 758-4882 chris.son@aam.com
renee.rogers@aam.com
Or visit the AAM website at http://www.aam.com
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
------------------- -------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
--------- --------- --------- ---------
(In millions, except per share data)
Net sales $781.1 $852.6 $3,191.7 $3,387.3
Cost of goods sold 1,001.1 788.9 3,320.3 3,082.6
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit (loss) (220.0) 63.7 (128.6) 304.7
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 51.6 55.6 197.4 199.6
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss) (271.6) 8.1 (326.0) 105.1
Net interest expense (11.8) (7.2) (38.8) (27.2)
Other income (expense)
Debt refinancing costs - - (2.7) -
Other, net 0.6 2.3 12.0 2.1
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes (282.8) 3.2 (355.5) 80.0
Income tax expense (benefit) (94.2) (1.3) (133.0) 24.0
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $(188.6) $4.5 $(222.5) $56.0
========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $(3.74) $0.09 $(4.42) $1.10
========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted shares outstanding 50.5 51.1 50.4 51.1
========= ========= ========= =========
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, December 31,
2006 2005
----------- -----------
(In millions)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $13.5 $3.7
Accounts receivable, net 327.6 328.0
Inventories, net 198.4 207.2
Other current assets 99.9 62.5
--------- ---------
Total current assets 639.4 601.4
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,731.7 1,836.0
Goodwill 147.8 147.8
Other assets and deferred charges 78.6 81.4
--------- ---------
Total assets $2,597.5 $2,666.6
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable $329.0 $381.1
Other accrued expenses 212.3 168.1
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 541.3 549.2
Long-term debt 672.2 489.2
Deferred income taxes 6.8 116.1
Postretirement benefits and other
long-term liabilities 563.5 517.3
--------- ---------
Total liabilities 1,783.8 1,671.8
Stockholders' equity 813.7 994.8
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity $2,597.5 $2,666.6
========= =========
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three months ended Twelve months ended
December 31, December 31,
------------------ -------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
---- ---- ---- ----
(In millions)
Operating activities
Net income (loss) $(188.6) $4.5 $(222.5) $56.0
Depreciation and amortization 52.7 50.1 206.0 185.1
Other 159.9 82.4 202.2 39.3
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash flow provided by operating
activities 24.0 137.0 185.7 280.4
Purchases of property, plant &
equipment (43.1) (62.1) (286.6) (305.7)
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash flow after purchases of
property, plant & equipment (19.1) 74.9 (100.9) (25.3)
------ ------ ------ ------
Purchase buyouts of leased equipment (17.5) - (37.0) -
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash flow provided by (used in)
operations (36.6) 74.9 (137.9) (25.3)
Net increase in long-term debt 43.0 (70.1) 180.4 40.6
Debt issuance costs (1.3) - (4.4) -
Employee stock option exercises 0.9 0.3 1.3 4.6
Dividends paid (7.7) (7.7) (31.0) (30.4)
Windfall tax benefits 1.0 - 1.0 -
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash flow provided by (used in)
financing activities 35.9 (77.5) 147.3 14.8
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash 0.3 (0.1) 0.4 (0.2)
------ ------ ------ ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents (0.4) (2.7) 9.8 (10.7)
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 13.9 6.4 3.7 14.4
------ ------ ------ ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period $13.5 $3.7 $13.5 $3.7
====== ====== ====== ======
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,
------------------ ------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
---- ---- ---- ----
(In millions)
Net income (loss) $(188.6) $4.5 $(222.5) $56.0
Interest expense 11.9 7.4 39.0 27.9
Income taxes (94.2) (1.3) (133.0) 24.0
Depreciation and amortization 52.7 50.1 206.0 185.1
------- ------- ------- -------
EBITDA $(218.2) $60.7 $(110.5) $293.0
======= ======= ======= =======
Net debt(b) to capital
December 31, December 31,
2006 2005
----------- -----------
(In millions, except percentages)
Total debt $672.2 $489.2
Less: cash and cash equivalents 13.5 3.7
-------- --------
Net debt at end of period 658.7 485.5
Stockholders' equity 813.7 994.8
-------- --------
Total invested capital at end of period $1,472.4 $1,480.3
======== ========
Net debt to capital(c) 44.7% 32.8%
======== ========
(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(loss) from
operations, net income(loss) 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,
------------------ ------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
---- ---- ---- ----
(In millions)
Net cash provided by
operating activities $24.0 $137.0 $185.7 $280.4
Less: purchases of
property, plant & equipment (43.1) (62.1) (286.6) (305.7)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net operating cash flow (19.1) 74.9 (100.9) (25.3)
Less: dividends paid (7.7) (7.7) (31.0) (30.4)
------- ------- ------- -------
Free cash flow $(26.8) $67.2 $(131.9) $(55.7)
======= ======= ======= =======
After-Tax Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)(e)
Trailing
Quarter Ended Twelve
------------- Months
Ended
March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
2006 2006 2006 2006 2006
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------
(In millions, except percentages)
Net income (loss) $8.6 $20.4 $(62.9) $(188.6) $(222.5)
After-tax net interest
expense (f) 4.9 5.2 6.6 7.8 24.5
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------
After-tax return $13.5 $25.6 $(56.3) $(180.8) $(198.0)
======== ======= ======== ======= =======
Net debt at end of period $658.7
Stockholder's equity at end
of period 813.7
------
Invested capital at end of
period 1,472.4
Invested capital at
beginning of period 1,480.4
-------
Average invested capital(g) $1,476.4
=======
After-Tax ROIC(h) -13.4%
=======
(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.
SOURCE American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.aam.com
http://investor.aam.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/033813.html /
CONTACT:
media, Renee B. Rogers, Manager, Corporate
Communications & Media Relations, +1-313-758-4882, or
renee.rogers@aam.com, or investors, Christopher M. Son, Director,
Investor Relations, +1-313-758-4814, or chris.son@aam.com, both
of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
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