TriMas Corp. Announces Public Stock Offering

TriMas Corp., parent to Cequent Performance Products, today (May 2) announced that it is commencing an offering of 4 million shares of its common stock in a public offering.

The underwriters will have a 30-day option from the date of the offering to purchase up to an additional 600,000 shares from TriMas. TriMas expects to use its proceeds from the sale of the common stock for general corporate purposes.

Deutsche Bank Securities and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are acting as the joint book runners for the offering.

 

Trimas Tallies Record 1Q Sales, Earnings Grow

TriMas Corp., parent to Cequent Performance Products, reported record sales for its first quarter, ended March 31.

The company posted revenue of $297.6 million, an increase of 15.1% compared to first quarter 2011.  Net income during the three-month period was $12.25 million compared to $11.75 in the year prior.

“2012 is off to a solid start as we build upon the positive momentum of the past year,” said David Wathen, president and CEO for Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Trimas. “We achieved sales growth of 15.1% during the first quarter, resulting from successful execution of our strategic growth initiatives including bolt-on acquisitions, product innovation, market share gains and geographic expansion. While demand levels started the quarter slowly across several businesses, we saw significantly improved order and shipment levels late in the quarter.”

Net sales for Cequent North America decreased 1.5% compared to the year ago period, resulting primarily from a sales decrease within the Trimas retail channel due to a one-time stocking order for a significant customer in the first quarter of 2011 that did not recur in 2012. First quarter operating profit decreased compared to first quarter 2011 due to lower sales levels, costs incurred to relocate certain production to lower cost countries and increased selling, general and administrative costs, primarily in support of growth initiatives. Trimas said it continues to reduce fixed costs, minimize its investment in working capital, and leverage Cequent’s strong brand positions and new products for increased market share.

To view the entire report click here.

 

TriMas Corp. Reports Record 4Q, Full-Year Sales

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based TriMas Corp., parent of RV supplier Cequent Performance Products Inc., today (Feb. 27) reported record fourth-quarter and full-year sales.

Revenue during the fourth quarter from continuing operations was $259.7 million, an increase of 22.2% compared to fourth quarter 2010. Fourth quarter 2011 income from continuing operations was $7.1 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, as compared to $7.6 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2010.

For the year ended Dec. 31, the company reported sales from continuing operations of just over $1 billion, an increase of 20.1% compared to 2010. TiMas reported full year income from continuing operations of $50.8 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $38.9 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, in 2010.

Other TriMas 2011 highlights:

• Generated 2011 Free Cash Flow of $63.2 million, or more than 115% of income from continuing operations.

• Reduced total indebtedness, net of cash, from $448.3 million as of Dec. 31, 2010, to $381.0 million as of Dec. 31, 2011.

• Refined the business portfolio to support strategic imperatives and drive the highest return for stakeholders by completing three bolt-on acquisitions and selling the precision cutting tool and specialty fittings businesses.

• Refinanced the company’s U.S. credit facilities and amended its accounts receivable facility to reduce interest costs, extend maturities and improve financial and operational flexibility.

The company also announced acquisition of 70% ownership of Arminak & Associates, a leader in the design and supply of foamers, lotion pumps, fine mist sprayers and other packaging solutions for the cosmetic, personal care and household product markets. Arminak will become part of Rieke, within the Packaging segment.

“We are proud of our many accomplishments in 2011, as our balanced and structured approach to growth, productivity and cash generation drove positive results, significantly better than our early expectations,” said David Wathen, TriMas president and CEO. “We achieved sales growth of 20%, resulting primarily from the successful execution of our strategic growth initiatives including product innovation, geographic expansion and bolt-on acquisitions. We remained focused on our productivity and lean initiatives, and we used these savings to fund growth, offset inflation and maintain operating margin in a year of increased growth investment. We generated strong cash flow, managed our operating working capital as a percentage of sales and reduced interest costs. All of these successes, made possible by our dedicated employees, contributed to our earnings growth of approximately 40% on a comparable basis with 2010.”

To view the entire report click here.

TriMas Announces Sale of 2 Million Stock Shares

TriMas Corp., parent to Cequent Performance Products, announced today (Dec. 1) that Heartland Industrial Associates, L.L.C., has agreed to sell 2 million shares of its common stock to Goldman, Sachs & Co. as the sole underwriter in the registered public offering of those shares.

All net proceeds from the sale of the common stock will be received by the selling stockholder. TriMas will not receive any of the proceeds.

The shares are being sold by the selling stockholder pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement. Goldman, Sachs & Co. may offer the shares of common stock from time to time for sale in one or more transactions on the NASDAQ Global Market, in the over-the-counter market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

 

 

 

TriMas Gets OK on Increase in Revolving Credit

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based TriMas Corp., a diversified manufacturer of engineered and applied products and parent to RV supplier Cequent Performance Products, announced that it has received an additional $15 million commitment from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. under its existing senior secured revolving credit facility.

This increases the company’s total revolving credit capacity under the facility to $125 million.

“The increase in our revolving facility commitments is another important step in the growth of our company and demonstrates the confidence Wells Fargo has in TriMas,” said TriMas CFO Mark Zeffiro. “The increased capacity enhances our available liquidity and will allow us to continue to pursue our long-term growth objectives and strategies, including bolt-on acquisitions and entry into new global markets.”

 

TriMas Posts Record 3Q Sales, 42% Profit Gain

TriMas Corp. today (Oct. 27) announced record sales for its third quarter, ended Sept. 30, and a 42% increase in net income.

The Bloomfield, Mich.-based company, parent to RV supplier Cequent Performance Products, posted sales of $277.7 million, an increase of 16.8% compared to third quarter 2010. Net income for the period was $17.0 million, a 42% improvement from $12.0 million the year prior, while diluted earnings per share from were 49 cents as compared to 35 cents.

During the third quarter of 2011, the company reported diluted earnings per share of 3 cents related to its precision cutting tool and specialty fitting lines of businesses now classified as discontinued operations and assets held for sale. Third quarter 2011 net income per diluted share was 52 cents, an increase of 40.5% as compared to 37 cents in third quarter 2010.

Highlights include:

• Trimas reported sales growth in all six segments compared to third quarter 2010.

• Amended its accounts receivable facility with improved pricing and terms, which, in conjunction with the recent refinance of the company’s U.S. credit facilities, will continue to reduce interest costs, extend maturities and improve financial and operating flexibility.

• Completed the acquisition of Innovative Molding, a technology leader in the design, lining and manufacturing of specialty plastic closures for bottles and jars for the food and nutrition industries.

• Completed two small, bolt-on acquisitions to extend the company’s sales and manufacturing footprint into India and South Africa.

“We achieved our sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales and earnings growth, delivered by our continued attention to new product innovation, market share gains, geographic expansion and successful bolt-on acquisitions,” said David Wathen, TriMas president and CEO. “We remain focused on our productivity and lean initiatives, and we will use these savings to fund growth, offset inflation and expand margins. As a result of our 16.8% sales growth and productivity initiatives, we also achieved record third quarter earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.49, an increase of approximately 40% as compared to third quarter 2010.

“We remain positive about TriMas’ ability to outperform the economy, create sustainable operating leverage and generate strong cash flow. Our diverse product portfolio and end markets serve us well, especially during times of economic uncertainty. While we experienced some softness in packaging, which we quickly responded to, we experienced continued strength in our energy and aerospace-related markets. With the uncertain economic environment, we are not assuming any economic tailwinds as we model 2012. We believe we will have to earn every bit of growth and earnings improvement achieved. We are well-positioned to execute on our strategic imperatives throughout the remainder of 2011 and achieve double-digit EPS growth in 2012.”

To view the full report click here.

 

Trimas Corp. Reports Gains in 2Q Sales, Profits

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based TriMas Corp. today (July 28) announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30.

The company reported quarterly net sales from continuing operations of $299.7 million, an increase of 18.9% compared to second quarter 2010. Second quarter 2011 income from continuing operations was $17.1 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, including a ($0.07) per share impact related to debt extinguishment costs associated with the company’s recent refinancing. Trimas said excluding special items, second quarter income from continuing operations would have been $19.6 million, or $0.56 per share, compared to second quarter 2010 income from continuing operations of $15.2 million, or $0.44 per share.

Its Cequent Performance Products division, which produces towing products under the name brands of Reese, Draw-Tite, Bulldog, Fulton, ROLA and Tekonsha, posted a 7.2% increase in sales compared to the year ago period, resulting from increased sales within the retail, original equipment and aftermarket channels. Trimas said the sales increases were the result of market share gains, improved customer demand and new product introductions.

Highlights from the report include:

• Reported record quarterly net sales of $299.7 million, an increase of 18.9%, with sales growth in all six segments compared to second quarter 2010.

• Improved both income and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by over 25%, excluding the impact of Special Items, compared to second quarter 2010.

• Raised the full-year 2011 diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations guidance range from $1.45 to $1.60 per share to $1.60 to $1.70 per share, excluding Special Items.

• Completed the refinance of its U.S. credit facilities, entering into a new credit agreement, primarily to reduce interest costs, extend maturities and improve financial and operating flexibility.

• Today announced an agreement to acquire Innovative Molding, a technology leader in the design, lining and manufacturing of specialty plastic closures for bottles and jars for the food and nutrition industries. Upon closing, Innovative will become part of Rieke, within the Packaging segment.

To view the full report click here.

 

Investors Stirred by Turnaround for Trimas

A turnaround strategy by diversified holding company TriMas Corp. is paying off on Wall Street, according to Crain’s Detroit Business.

Debt has fallen, analyst consensus is climbing, share prices hit another all-time high of $24.52 a few weeks ago, and several investment fund and pension plan managers are buying up large stakes in the Bloomfield Hills, Mich., company – even as many of its traditional major holders are selling. Trimas is parent to Cequent Performance Products, a Plymouth, Mich.-based trailer and recreational vehicle accessory division.

Moody’s Investors Service this month slightly upgraded TriMas’ corporate family rating, a measure of its ability to cover debt obligations – improving its outlook from stable to positive.

Why the newfound confidence? Analysts generally are convinced that a turnaround strategy carried out after David Wathen became CEO in 2009 has worked. It included streamlining management, changing incentive criteria for executives, refinancing debt, building sales in developing global markets and improving its new product pipeline.

Also helping TriMas, and its competitors, is a stronger financial market and overseas opportunities for U.S. manufacturers.

Some threats linger too, like rising oil and commodity prices and U.S. currency exchange rates. But Wathen, 58, is convinced the holding company’s mix of manufacturing businesses is well-positioned for the risks.

“I felt coming in, and I’m even more convinced now, that TriMas had been under-investing in two things,” he said.

“One is what I call the “front end’ — automating functions like a computer system (for purchase orders) that’s more accessible to customers, which meant fewer people devoted to clerical work and greater resources for intellectual work. The other area was investment in product.”

Two years ago, TriMas’ stock price reached a low of around $1, its debt-to-EBITDA ratio was more than 5 to 1, and the company reported a $136.2 million net loss for 2008 on revenue of $1.01 billion. Revenue fell further in 2009, but grew in 2010 to $942 million and is expected to surpass $1 billion this year – with a profit.

The company first closed plants and cut more than 10% of its 4,000-plus workforce, eliminated one group of executives to streamline management and developed an incentive system for more than 75 remaining executives. A new incentive system tied performance to a mix of sales, new product development, earnings per share and other criteria.

Since then sales have advanced heavily in new products and new global markets such as Brazil, Thailand and India. Wathen said non-U.S. sales in 2011 should account for more than 28% of the top line.

TriMas even started hiring again in mid-2010, a trend that accelerated into the first quarter. The headcount is now around 3,900, and Wathen estimates total new hires are around half of the previous job cuts. Debt is down almost $25 million since last spring, and the debt-to-EBITDA ratio is now about 3 to 1.

Richard Hoss, research analyst at Roth Capital Partners in Newport Beach, Calif., said TriMas is faring better than some in its peer group, and he maintains a “buy” rating for its stock.

He also said energy and materials prices remain a risk for its high-margin packaging business segment as well as Cequent, its largest by revenue.

“As far as oil prices, the majority of the hit comes on the raw materials side that affects their packaging segment. And they’ve been able so far to push nearly 50% of the material costs along to customers,” Hoss said.

TriMas & Pacific Rim Resolve Patent Case

TriMas Corp. announced last week that its Cequent Performance Products Inc. unit had reached an agreement with Pacific Rim International LLC to protect the intellectual property rights of various Cequent Bulldog brand gooseneck trailer couplers.

In response to the discovery late last year that Pacific Rim had copied Cequent’s patented technology on several models of Cequent’s Bulldog gooseneck trailer couplers, Cequent filed a patent infringement suit, according to a news release.

Cequent’s Bulldog brand is a leading name in heavy duty couplers designed for utility, horse/livestock, cargo and construction trailer applications. The patented technology utilized in the Bulldog gooseneck couplers features a highly functional tapered locking plate system that has very high acceptance in these markets. Cequent’s Bulldog gooseneck couplers are available in configurations to match virtually any gooseneck trailer.

In response to Cequent’s claims, Pacific Rim agreed to settle the dispute with Cequent as opposed to facing continuing patent litigation in federal district court. The specific terms are confidential.

RV Firms to Present at Barrington Conference

Several RV-related firms are scheduled to make presentations at the prestigious 4th Annual Barrington Research Conference May 25-26 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chbicago.

Among the nearly 50 presenters are management leaders representing Drew Industries Inc., TriMas Corp., Spartan Motors Inc. and Navistar International Corp.

Barrington’s Industrial Conference provides institutional investors with access to management through a series of one-on-one and small group meetings.

More information on the conference, including registration for institutional investors, is located at http://www.brai.com.

« Previous Page — Next Page »