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American Axle & Manufacturing Reports Second Quarter 2006 Financial Results

    DETROIT, July 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Axle &
Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE,
today reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2006.
    Second Quarter 2006 highlights
    *  Second quarter sales of $874.6 million versus $867.7 million in the
       second quarter of 2005
    *  2% year-over-year decline in production volumes, offset by a 3%
       increase in content per vehicle
    *  Non-GM sales increased by 10.5% to $204.5 million, totaling 23% of
       net sales
    *  Net earnings of $20.4 million or $0.40 per share
    *  Year-to-date improvement of $52 million in free cash flow
    *  Increased available liquidity by successfully closing on a $200 million
       unsecured term loan
    AAM's earnings in the second quarter of 2006 were $20.4 million or
$0.40 per share. This compares to earnings of $18.9 million or $0.37 per
share in the second quarter of 2005.
    AAM's second quarter earnings in 2006 reflect the impact of a one-time
non-cash charge of $2.4 million, or approximately $0.03 per share, to write
off unamortized debt issuance costs related to the cash conversion of
approximately $128.4 million of AAM's Senior Convertible Notes due 2024. An
additional $21.6 million of these Notes remain outstanding as of June 30,
2006. AAM's second quarter earnings in 2006 also reflect the impact of an
unfavorable tax adjustment of $2.6 million, or $0.05 per share, related to
the settlement of prior year foreign jurisdiction tax liabilities.
    AAM's earnings in the second quarter of 2005 included a charge of $8.9
million, or $0.12 per share, related to voluntary lump-sum separation
payments accepted by 162 hourly associates.
    Net sales in the second quarter of 2006 were $874.6 million as compared
to $867.7 million in the second quarter of 2005. Non-GM sales in the
quarter were $204.5 million and now represent 23% of AAM's total sales. On
a year-to- date basis through the second quarter of 2006, AAM's non-GM
sales have increased $53.9 million or 15% over the prior year.
    "In the second quarter of 2006, AAM benefited from strong demand for
GM's full-size utility vehicles and the increase in our content appearing
on these outstanding new vehicles. We look forward to supporting the launch
of GM's new full-size pick-ups later this year," said American Axle &
Manufacturing Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board & CEO, Richard E. Dauch.
"AAM is also looking forward to the launch of production at our new
regional manufacturing facilities in Changshu, China and Olawa, Poland.
With the addition of these new low-cost manufacturing facilities, as well
as the continuing development of our products supporting passenger car and
crossover vehicle applications, AAM is well positioned for profitable
growth and diversification in 2007 and beyond."
    AAM sales in the quarter reflect an estimated 5% increase in customer
production volumes for the major full-size truck and SUV programs it
currently supports for GM and The Chrysler Group as compared to the second
quarter of 2005. AAM estimates that customer production volumes for its
mid-sized pick- up truck and SUV programs were down approximately 23% in
the quarter on a year-over-year basis.
    AAM's content per vehicle increased by approximately 3% to $1,216 in
the second quarter of 2006 as compared to $1,185 in the second quarter of
2005. This increase is due primarily to the impact of new AAM content
appearing on GM's full-size utility vehicles, as well as production mix
shifts favoring AAM's axles and driveline systems for the Dodge Ram
heavy-duty series pick-ups and the four-wheel-drive HUMMER H3 in the
mid-size SUV segment.
    Gross margin in the second quarter of 2006 was 10.3% as compared to
9.8% in the second quarter of 2005. Operating income was $40.5 million or
4.6% of sales in the quarter as compared to $36.4 million or 4.2% of sales
in the second quarter of 2005.
    Net sales in the first half of 2006 were $1.7 billion, approximately
the same as the first half of 2005. Gross margin was 9.0% in the first half
of 2006 as compared to 9.4% for the first half of 2005. Operating income
for the first half of 2006 was $55.5 million or 3.2% of sales as compared
to $62.1 million or 3.7% of sales for the first half of 2005.
    AAM's gross margin and operating margin performance in the first half
of 2006 reflects the impact of higher non-cash expenses related to
depreciation, amortization, pension and postretirement benefits and
stock-based compensation. Higher fringe benefit costs, including
supplemental unemployment benefits paid to certain of AAM's hourly
associates, also pressured margins in the first half of 2006.
    AAM's SG&A spending in the second quarter of 2006 was $49.4 million as
compared to $49.0 million in the second quarter of 2005. In the first half
of 2006, AAM's SG&A spending was $97.9 million or 5.7% of sales as compared
to $95.6 million or 5.7% of sales in the first half of 2005. AAM increased
its R&D spending in the first half of 2006 by $3.6 million on a
year-over-year basis. AAM has also increased SG&A spending in 2006 to
support its expanded foreign business and technical offices.
    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 the first half of 2006 was $99.7
million as compared to $52.4 million in the first half of 2005. Capital
spending in the first half of 2006 was down $5.2 million on a
year-over-year basis to $156.0 million. Reflecting the impact of this
activity and dividend payments of $15.5 million, AAM's free cash flow in
the first half of 2006 improved by $52 million as compared to the first
half of 2005.
    A conference call to review AAM's second quarter 2006 results is
scheduled today at 10:00 a.m. EDT. 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 Noon EDT on July 28, 2006 until 5:00 p.m. EDT August 4, 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 2270427.
    Recent Developments
    On June 8, 2006, AAM announced that it had received financing
commitments for a $200 million senior unsecured term loan. Proceeds from
this financing, which closed on June 28, 2006, will be used for general
corporate purposes and to finance payments made upon the cash conversion of
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Senior Convertible Notes due
2024.
    AAM also announced on June 8, 2006 that it expects its full year 2006
earnings to be in the range of $1.00 - $1.10 per share to reflect the
anticipated impact of the term loan financing.
    On May 31, 2006, AAM announced that it had purchased a manufacturing
building in Olawa, Poland. In addition, AAM purchased approximately 75
acres of land in an industrial park adjacent to the building for future
development. AAM has designed a new 170,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art
manufacturing plant for that site, to accommodate future manufacturing
requirements. Operations will begin in late 2006.
    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 or facilities
in Brazil, China, England, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Scotland
and South Korea.
    Certain statements contained in this press release are "forward-looking
statements" and relate to the Company's plans, projections 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: adverse changes in the economic
conditions or political stability of our principal markets (particularly
North America, Europe and South America); reduced demand of our customers'
products, particularly light trucks and SUVs produced by GM and
DaimlerChrysler's heavy-duty Dodge Ram full-size pickup trucks, or the
Dodge Ram program; work stoppages at GM or DaimlerChrysler or a key
supplier to GM or DaimlerChrysler; reduced purchases of our products by GM,
DaimlerChrysler or other customers; our ability and our customers' ability
to successfully launch new product programs; our ability to respond to
changes in technology or increased competition; supply shortages or price
fluctuations in raw materials, utilities or other operating supplies; our
ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and avoid work stoppages;
risks of noncompliance with environmental regulations or risks of
environmental issues that could result in unforeseen costs at our
facilities; liabilities arising from legal proceedings to which we are or
may become a party or claims against us or our products; availability of
financing for working capital, capital expenditures, research and
development or other general corporate purposes; adverse changes in laws,
government regulations or market conditions affecting our products or our
customers' products (including the Corporate Average Fuel Economy
regulations); our ability to attract and retain key associates; and 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.
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                 (Unaudited)


                                         Three months ended Six months ended
                                              June 30,          June 30,
                                         ----------------  ------------------
                                            2006    2005     2006      2005
                                         -------- -------  --------  --------
                                          (In millions, except per share data)


    Net sales                              $874.6  $867.7  $1,709.4  $1,686.6

    Cost of goods sold                      784.7   782.3   1,556.0   1,528.9
                                         -------- -------  --------  --------

    Gross profit                             89.9    85.4     153.4     157.7

    Selling, general and administrative
     expenses                                49.4    49.0      97.9      95.6
                                         -------- -------  --------  --------

    Operating income                         40.5    36.4      55.5      62.1

    Net interest expense                     (7.9)   (6.6)    (15.3)    (12.7)

    Other income (expense)
        Debt refinancing costs               (2.4)    -        (2.4)      -
        Other, net                            0.7    (1.7)      1.4      (1.4)
                                         -------- -------  --------  --------

    Income before income taxes               30.9    28.1      39.2      48.0

    Income taxes                             10.5     9.2      10.1      15.8
                                         -------- -------  --------  --------

    Net income                              $20.4   $18.9     $29.1     $32.2
                                         ======== =======  ========  ========



    Diluted earnings per share              $0.40   $0.37     $0.57     $0.63
                                         ======== =======  ========  ========

    Diluted shares outstanding               51.2    50.9      51.1      50.9
                                         ======== =======  ========  ========




                 AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
                    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


                                                  June 30,        December 31,
                                                    2006              2005
                                                ------------      ------------
                                                 (Unaudited)
                                                          (In millions)
                    ASSETS

    Current assets
         Cash and cash equivalents                   $10.8              $3.7
         Accounts receivable, net                    428.1             328.0
         Inventories, net                            226.0             207.2
         Prepaid expenses and other                   57.7              45.5
         Deferred income taxes                        19.8              17.0
                                                ------------      ------------
    Total current assets                             742.4             601.4

    Property, plant and equipment, net             1,910.2           1,836.0
    Deferred income taxes                              6.0               3.0
    Goodwill                                         147.8             147.8
    Other assets and deferred charges                 72.5              78.4
                                                ------------      ------------
    Total assets                                  $2,878.9          $2,666.6
                                                ============      ============



       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Current liabilities
         Accounts payable                           $432.6            $381.1
         Other accrued expenses                      152.0             168.1
                                                ------------      ------------
    Total current liabilities                        584.6             549.2

    Long-term debt                                   591.3             489.2
    Deferred income taxes                            113.2             116.1
    Postretirement benefits and other
     long-term liabilities                           572.0             517.3
                                                ------------      ------------
    Total liabilities                              1,861.1           1,671.8


    Stockholders' equity                           1,017.8             994.8
                                                ------------      ------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders'
     equity                                       $2,878.9          $2,666.6
                                                ============      ============




                 AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (Unaudited)


                                       Three months ended Six months ended
                                             June 30,         June 30,
                                         ---------------- -----------------
                                           2006    2005    2006     2005
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------
                                                   (In millions)
    Operating activities
         Net income                        $20.4   $18.9    $29.1    $32.2
         Depreciation and amortization      51.1    45.4    100.4     88.8
         Other                              21.2    22.2    (29.8)   (68.6)
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------

    Net cash flow provided by operating
     activities                             92.7    86.5     99.7     52.4

    Purchases of property, plant &
     equipment                             (75.2)  (86.4)  (156.0)  (161.2)
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------

    Net cash flow after purchases of
     property, plant & equipment            17.5     0.1    (56.3)  (108.8)
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------

    Purchase buyouts of leased equipment   (19.5)    -      (19.5)     -
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------

    Net cash flow provided by (used in)
     operations                             (2.0)    0.1    (75.8)  (108.8)

    Net increase in long-term debt          16.3     8.6    101.1    111.7
    Debt issuance costs                     (3.1)    -       (3.1)     -
    Employee stock option exercises          0.1     1.2      0.2      3.4
    Dividends paid                          (7.8)   (7.6)   (15.5)   (15.0)
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------

    Net cash flow provided by financing
     activities                              5.5     2.2     82.7    100.1

    Effect of exchange rate changes on
     cash                                    0.2     -        0.2     (0.1)
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------

    Net increase (decrease) in cash and
     cash equivalents                        3.7     2.3      7.1     (8.8)

    Cash and cash equivalents at
     beginning of period                     7.1     3.3      3.7     14.4
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------

    Cash and cash equivalents at end of
     period                                $10.8    $5.6    $10.8     $5.6
                                         ======== ======= ======== ========



                 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 Six months ended
                                             June 30,         June 30,
                                         ---------------- -----------------
                                           2006    2005    2006     2005
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------
                                                   (In millions)

    Net income                             $20.4   $18.9    $29.1    $32.2
    Interest expense                         7.9     6.6     15.4     12.9
    Income taxes                            10.5     9.2     10.1     15.8
    Depreciation and amortization           51.1    45.4    100.4     88.8
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------

    EBITDA                                 $89.9   $80.1   $155.0   $149.7
                                         ======== ======= ======== ========


                            Net debt(b) to capital

                                                  June 30,        December 31,
                                                    2006              2005
                                                ------------      ------------
                                             (In millions, except percentages)

    Total debt                                      $591.3            $489.2
    Less: cash and cash equivalents                   10.8               3.7
                                                ------------      ------------

    Net debt at end of period                        580.5             485.5

    Stockholders' equity                           1,017.8             994.8
                                                ------------      ------------

    Total invested capital at end of
     period                                       $1,598.3          $1,480.3
                                                ============      ============

    Net debt to capital(c)                            36.3%             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 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 Six months ended
                                             June 30,         June 30,
                                         ---------------- -----------------
                                           2006    2005    2006      2005
                                         -------- ------- -------- --------
                                                    (In millions)

    Net cash provided by operating
     activities                            $92.7   $86.5    $99.7     $52.4
    Less: purchases of property, plant &
     equipment                             (75.2)  (86.4)  (156.0)   (161.2)
                                         -------- ------- --------  --------

    Net operating cash flow                 17.5     0.1    (56.3)   (108.8)

    Less: dividends paid                    (7.8)   (7.6)   (15.5)    (15.0)
                                         -------- ------- --------  --------

    Free cash flow                          $9.7   $(7.5)  $(71.8)  $(123.8)
                                         ======== ======= ========  ========


                After-Tax Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)(e)

                                                                     Trailing
                                                                      Twelve
                                            Quarter Ended             Months
                               --------------------------------------  Ended
                               Sept. 30, Dec. 31, March 31, June 30, June 30,
                                  2005     2005     2006     2006      2006
                               -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
                                      (In millions, except percentages)

    Net income                   $19.3     $4.5     $8.6    $20.4     $52.8
    After-tax net interest
     expense(f)                    4.9      5.6      4.9      5.2      20.6
                               -------- -------- -------- -------- --------

    After-tax return             $24.2    $10.1    $13.5    $25.6     $73.4
                               ======== ======== ======== ======== ========

    Net debt at end of period                                        $580.5
    Stockholders' equity at
     end of period                                                  1,017.8
                                                                   --------

    Invested capital at end of
     period                                                         1,598.3
    Invested capital at
     beginning of period                                            1,542.7
                                                                   --------

    Average invested capital(g)                                    $1,570.5
                                                                   ========

    After-Tax ROIC(h)                                                   4.7%
                                                                   ========
    (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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    CONTACT:
    Media relations contact: Carrie L.P. Gray,
    Director, Corporate Relations, +1-313-758-4880, grayc@aam.com or
    Investor relations contact: Christopher M. Son, Director,
    Investor Relations, +1-313-758-4814, chris.son@aam.com both of
    American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.