Stock Hot Tips Update On : TRW Reports Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results

Posted on 11/4/2009 10:31:31 AM in #Stocks | 0 comments comments

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Wednesday November 4, 2009

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LIVONIA, Mich.,(CRWE NEWSWIRE) -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW - News), the global leader in active and passive safety systems, today reported third-quarter 2009 financial results with sales of $3.1 billion, a decrease of 13.5 percent compared to the prior year period. The Company reported GAAP net earnings of $56 million or $0.50 per diluted share, which compares to a net loss of $54 million or $0.53 per diluted share in the prior year period.

The third quarter 2009 GAAP net earnings includes restructuring and fixed asset impairment charges of $24 million ($19 million after related tax benefits) and a loss on retirement of debt totaling $1 million. The prior year third quarter included restructuring charges and asset impairments totaling $32 million. Excluding these special items from both periods, the Company reported net earnings of $76 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, which compares to a net loss of $22 million or $0.22 per diluted share in the prior year period.

During the quarter, the Company strengthened its capital structure by completing a public offering of 16.1 million shares of common stock. The offering provided $269 million of net proceeds to the Company, which was used to reduce debt.

"The benefits achieved from our restructuring and cost containment actions combined with increasing vehicle production schedules had a significant positive impact on our third quarter results," said John C. Plant, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Completing the equity offering further positions the Company for future success as it strengthens the balance sheet and provides greater flexibility to our capital structure."

Third Quarter 2009

The Company reported third-quarter 2009 sales of $3.1 billion, a decrease of $484 million or 13.5 percent from the prior year period. The 2009 quarter was adversely impacted compared to the prior year by lower sales in most geographic regions resulting from reduced vehicle production volumes. Currency movements during the quarter also had a negative impact on sales compared to the same period a year ago.

The Company's third quarter 2009 operating income was $141 million compared with $12 million in the 2008 period. Both the 2009 and 2008 periods included restructuring and fixed asset impairment charges totaling $24 million and $32 million, respectively. Excluding these charges from both periods, operating income for the third quarter of 2009 was $165 million, which compares to $44 million in the prior year period. The year-to-year increase was driven primarily by the positive impact of restructuring and cost containment actions implemented over the past year, lower raw material prices and, to a lesser extent, favorable non-recurring supplier and customer settlements in the current quarter. Together, these positives more than offset the negative impact of the lower sales volume between the two quarters.

Net interest and securitization expense for the third quarter of 2009 totaled $55 million, which compares to $43 million in the prior year. Higher interest costs associated with the bank amendment achieved in late June 2009 contributed to the year-over-year increase. In addition, a loss on retirement of debt of $1 million was recognized in the third quarter of 2009.

Tax expense for the third quarter of 2009 was $28 million, which increased from $23 million of expense in the prior year, resulting from the higher pre-tax earnings in certain geographic locations. The 2009 period included tax benefits related to the restructuring actions previously mentioned totaling $5 million.

The Company reported 2009 third-quarter GAAP earnings of $56 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, which compares to a GAAP net loss of $54 million, or $0.53 per diluted share in the 2008 period.

Excluding the special items referred to above, the Company reported third-quarter 2009 net earnings of $76 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, which compares to a net loss of $22 million or $0.22 per diluted share in the 2008 period.

Earnings before interest, securitization costs, taxes, depreciation and amortization and special items ("adjusted EBITDA") were $292 million in the third quarter of 2009, as compared to the prior year level of $189 million. See page A6 for a description of the special items excluded in calculating adjusted EBITDA.

Year-to-Date 2009

For the nine month period ended October 2, 2009, the Company reported sales of $8.2 billion, a decrease of $4.0 billion or 32.4 percent compared to prior year sales. The decrease in sales resulted from the sharply reduced global production volumes between the two periods and the negative effects of foreign currency movements compared to 2008.

For the 2009 year-to-date period, the Company reported operating income of $60 million compared with $424 million in the comparable prior year period. The 2009 period included restructuring and fixed asset impairment charges totaling $74 million, as well as a one-time trademark impairment charge of $30 million, compared to restructuring charges and asset impairments of $64 million for the 2008 period. Excluding these charges from both periods, the Company reported an operating profit of $164 million in the 2009 period which compares to $488 million of operating income in the prior year period. The year-to-year decrease was driven primarily by the profit impact of the $4.0 billion in lower sales, partially offset by the positive impact of the previously mentioned restructuring and cost containment actions.

Net interest and securitization expense in the first nine months of the 2009 period totaled $139 million, which compares to $136 million in the prior year period. The increase in interest expense resulted primarily from the higher costs associated with the bank amendment achieved in June 2009, partially offset by lower market interest rates during the period. In addition, a net gain on the retirement of debt of $34 million was recognized in the current year-to-date period.

Year-to-date 2009 tax expense was $37 million, which compares to $126 million in the prior year. The 2009 and 2008 periods included tax benefits primarily related to the restructuring actions previously mentioned totaling $15 million and $3 million, respectively. Excluding these tax benefits in both periods, tax expense was $52 million in the 2009 period compared to $129 million in the prior year period.

The Company reported a year-to-date 2009 GAAP net loss of $86 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, which compares to GAAP net earnings of $167 million, or $1.63 per diluted share in the 2008 period.

Excluding special items, the Company reported a year-to-date 2009 net loss of $31 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, which compares to net earnings of $228 million or $2.23 per diluted share in the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA totaled $527 million for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $938 million in the 2008 period. See page A6 for a description of the special items excluded in calculating adjusted EBITDA.

Cash Flow and Capital Structure

Third quarter 2009 net cash flow provided by operating activities was $174 million, which compares to $79 million in the prior year. Capital expenditures were $49 million compared to $121 million in 2008. Third quarter free cash flow (cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures) was $125 million, which compares favorably to the $42 million outflow in the prior year quarter.

For the nine month period ended October 2, 2009, the Company had a net cash usage in operating activities of $57 million, which compares to cash provided by operations of $4 million in the prior year period. The year-to-year decline resulted primarily from lower operating income partially offset by lower working capital requirements. Year-to-date 2009 capital expenditures were $121 million compared to $338 million in 2008. Free cash flow (cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures) was an outflow of $178 million in the first nine months of 2009 compared to an outflow of $334 million for the same period last year.

As of October 2, 2009, the Company had $2,547 million of debt and $474 million of cash and marketable securities, resulting in net debt (defined as debt less cash and marketable securities) of $2,073 million. This net debt outcome is $659 million lower than the balance at the end of the prior year third quarter and $83 million lower than the balance at the end of 2008. In addition to cash generated from operations, the decline in net debt compared to the prior year quarter and year-end periods reflects the $269 million of net proceeds from the Company's issuance of 16.1 million common shares in August 2009. Committed liquidity facilities and cash on hand provided the Company with available liquidity in excess of $1.6 billion as of October 2, 2009.

2009 Outlook

TRW currently expects full year production to total 8.6 million units in North America and 16.3 million units in Europe. Based on these revised production levels and the Company's expectations for foreign currency exchange rates, full-year sales are expected to be approximately $11.4 billion (including fourth quarter sales of approximately $3.2 billion). Restructuring and fixed asset impairment charges are forecasted at $100 million for the full year.

"The cautious optimism that has emerged for the industry is supported by the increasing vehicle production forecasts. Although it appears the bottom of the financial crisis has been reached, full recovery will be a long and gradual process," said Mr. Plant. "TRW is well-positioned to take full advantage of the industry rebound given its diversification, technology portfolio and improved cost and capital structure."

Third Quarter 2009 Conference Call

The Company will host its third-quarter conference call at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time) today, Wednesday, November 4(th), to discuss financial results and other related matters. To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 852-7898 for U.S. locations, or (706) 634-1095 for international locations.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and will be accessible afterward for approximately one week. To access the replay, U.S. locations should dial (800) 642-1687, and locations outside the U.S. should dial (706) 645-9291. The replay code is 34903511. A live audio webcast and replay of the conference call will also be available on the Company's website at www.trw.com.

Reconciliation to GAAP

In addition to GAAP results included within this press release, the Company has provided certain information which is not calculated according to GAAP ("non-GAAP"), such as net earnings (losses), operating income (losses) and diluted earnings per share each excluding special items, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. Management uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate the operating performance of the Company and its business segments, including use in connection with forecasting future periods. Management believes that investors will likewise find these non-GAAP measures useful in evaluating such performance. Such measures are frequently used by security analysts, institutional investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry.

Non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP and, as calculated, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the closest GAAP financial measure and for share amounts used to derive earnings per share, please see the financial schedules that accompany this release.

About TRW

With 2008 sales of $15.0 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 26 countries and employs approximately 64,000 people worldwide. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. All references to "TRW Automotive", "TRW" or the "Company" in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. TRW Automotive news is available on the internet at www.trw.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that are not statements of historical fact, but instead are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which can cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (our "Form 10-K") , and in our Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended April 3 and July 3, 2009, such as: any prolonged contraction in automotive sales and production adversely affecting our results, liquidity or the viability of our supply base; the financial condition of OEMs, particularly the Detroit Three, adversely affecting us or the viability of our supply base; disruptions in the financial markets adversely impacting the availability and cost of credit negatively affecting our business; our substantial debt and resulting vulnerability to economic or industry downturns and to rising interest rates; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; commodity inflationary pressures adversely affecting our profitability and supply base; our dependence on our largest customers; any impairment of a significant amount of our goodwill or other intangible assets; costs of product liability, warranty and recall claims and efforts by customers to adversely alter contract terms and conditions concerning warranty and recall participation; strengthening of the U.S. dollar and other foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacting our results; any increase in the expense and funding requirements of our pension and other postretirement benefits; risks associated with non-U.S. operations, including foreign exchange risks and economic uncertainty in some regions; work stoppages or other labor issues at our facilities or at the facilities of our customers or suppliers; volatility in our annual effective tax rate resulting from a change in earnings mix or other factors; costs or liabilities relating to environmental and safety regulations; assertions by or against us relating to intellectual property rights; the possibility that our largest stockholder's interests will conflict with our or our other stockholders' interests; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in our Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any update or revision to any of the forward-looking statements.

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