TriMas Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Results

Delivers Strong Sales and Earnings Growth; Provides 2019 Outlook

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich.--()--TriMas (NASDAQ: TRS) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2018.

2018 Highlights

  • Increased net sales by 7.3% to $877.1 million, with sales increases in all segments
  • Increased operating profit to $122.1 million, while adjusted operating profit(1) increased by 8.5% to $116.1 million
  • Increased net income to $83.3 million, while adjusted net income(1) increased by 25.8% to $81.0 million
  • Increased diluted EPS to $1.80, while adjusted diluted EPS(1) increased by 25.0% to $1.75
  • Increased Adjusted EBITDA(2) by $12.4 million to $167.3 million, or 19.1% of sales
  • Increased net cash provided by operating activities by 7.7% to $129.3 million, and ended 2018 with $108.2 million of cash on hand
  • Reduced debt less cash and cash equivalents by $90.1 million, to $185.4 million as of December 31, 2018

Fourth Quarter 2018

TriMas reported fourth quarter net sales of $211.4 million, an increase of 8.3% compared to $195.2 million in fourth quarter 2017. The Company reported operating profit of $25.5 million in fourth quarter 2018 compared to $18.6 million in fourth quarter 2017. Adjusting for Special Items(1), fourth quarter 2018 adjusted operating profit was $25.7 million, an increase of 9.4% compared to the prior year period, as the favorable impact of volume increases was partially offset by higher material costs.

The Company reported fourth quarter 2018 net income of $16.7 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $4.0 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2017 primarily related to one-time tax charges of approximately $12.7 million resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Fourth quarter 2018 adjusted net income(1) was $17.5 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, a 21.0% increase from $14.5 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the prior year period.

Full Year 2018

For the full year 2018, TriMas reported net sales of $877.1 million, an increase of 7.3% compared to $817.7 million in 2017. The Company reported operating profit of $122.1 million in 2018 compared to $89.2 million in 2017. Adjusting for Special Items(1), 2018 adjusted operating profit was $116.1 million, an increase of 8.5% compared to the prior year.

The Company reported full year net income of $83.3 million, or $1.80 per diluted share, compared to $31.0 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, in 2017. Full year 2018 adjusted net income(1) was $81.0 million, or $1.75 per diluted share, a 25.8% increase from $64.4 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, in 2017.

"We are pleased to report another strong quarter to conclude 2018, a year in which we achieved 7% organic sales growth and 25% adjusted earnings per share growth compared to the prior year," said Thomas Amato, TriMas President and Chief Executive Officer. "This performance demonstrated great execution by our team, as we continued to leverage the TriMas Business Model to enhance our businesses and better serve our customers, all while generating excellent cash flow and completing the year with a strong balance sheet. During the year, we successfully overcame the impact of higher material costs and the onset of tariffs through improved operating performance, incremental volume and commercial actions."

"In addition to the strong operational and financial performance, we achieved continued progress on numerous strategic initiatives that better position TriMas for profitable growth in the future. For example, we completed numerous Kaizen projects which accelerated our continuous improvement efforts and ramped-up our corporate development initiatives, closing on the acquisition of Plastic Srl in January 2019. We also executed upon our share buyback program, retiring nearly 1% of shares outstanding, or approximately 443,000 shares, during the year."

"In 2019, our objectives are to continue our momentum under the TriMas Business Model, better position our businesses strategically to drive growth through innovation, and capitalize on market opportunities through manufacturing efficacy. We anticipate organic sales growth of 3% to 5% compared to 2018, and free cash flow conversion greater than 100% of net income, both in line with our longer-term targets. We expect full year 2019 diluted EPS to range between $1.82 to $1.92 per share. Our performance in 2018 was outstanding, and we remain excited about our prospects for 2019 and beyond," Amato concluded.

Financial Position

TriMas ended 2018 with $108.2 million of cash, $393.1 million of cash and aggregate availability under its revolving credit facility, and a leverage ratio of 1.3x as defined in the Company's credit agreement. TriMas reported total debt of $293.6 million as of December 31, 2018, compared to $303.1 million as of December 31, 2017. In addition, the Company reduced Net Debt(3) during 2018 by $90.1 million to $185.4 million, compared to $275.5 million as of December 31, 2017.

During the fourth quarter, the Company purchased 318,494 shares of its outstanding common stock for approximately $8.6 million, bringing the total for the year ended December 31, 2018 to 442,632 shares for $12.1 million. As announced this morning, TriMas' Board of Directors has authorized an increase in the Company's share repurchase program, enabling the Company to purchase up to $75 million of its outstanding common stock.

The Company reported net cash provided by operations of $46.2 million for fourth quarter 2018, compared to $47.4 million in fourth quarter 2017. On a full year basis, TriMas reported net cash provided by operations of $129.3 million, an increase of 7.7% compared to $120.1 million for 2017. As a result, the Company reported Free Cash Flow(4) of $37.6 million for fourth quarter 2018, compared to $36.7 million in fourth quarter 2017. For 2018, TriMas reported a record Free Cash Flow of $108.3 million, an increase of 8.0% compared to $100.2 million in 2017. The Company exceeded its previously provided 2018 Free Cash Flow guidance. Please see Appendix I for further details.

Fourth Quarter Segment Results

Packaging (Approximately 42% of TriMas 2018 net sales)

TriMas' Packaging segment, which consists primarily of the Rieke® brand, develops and manufactures specialty dispensing and closure applications for the health, beauty and home care, food and beverage, and industrial markets. Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 5.1% compared to the year ago period, primarily as a result of higher sales of health, beauty and home care, and industrial products, related to new product introductions and continued growth in Asia. Fourth quarter operating profit and the related margin percentage increased, as the favorable impact of increased sales volumes more than offset a less favorable product sales mix.

Aerospace (Approximately 21% of TriMas 2018 net sales)

TriMas' Aerospace segment, which includes the Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Allfast Fastening Systems®, Mac Fasteners and Martinic Engineering brands, develops, qualifies and manufactures highly-engineered, precision fasteners and machined products to serve the aerospace market. Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 6.2% compared to the year ago period, due to higher demand levels for more complex fasteners. Fourth quarter operating profit increased and the related margin percentage decreased slightly, as the impact of higher sales was mitigated primarily by the lower profit level of the standard fastener plant.

Specialty Products (Approximately 37% of TriMas 2018 net sales)

TriMas' Specialty Products segment, which includes the Norris Cylinder, Lamons® and Arrow® Engine brands, designs, manufactures and distributes highly-engineered steel cylinders, sealing and fastener products, and wellhead engines and compression systems for use within the industrial, petrochemical, and oil and gas exploration and refining markets. Fourth quarter net sales increased 13.6% compared to the year ago period, with higher sales levels of all brands due to refocused commercial efforts and increased end market demand. Fourth quarter operating profit and the related margin level increased, as the impact of higher sales levels and prior realignment actions offset the impact of higher material costs.

2019 Modification to Reporting Segments

Effective with the first quarter of 2019, the Company will report its machined components operations, located in Stanton, California and Tolleson, Arizona, in the Specialty Products segment. These operations were previously reported in the Aerospace segment. This modification allows the Company to better leverage its machining competencies and resources across the businesses within the Specialty Products segment, as well as provides the opportunity to expand sales of these products to customers outside of the aerospace market. In addition, this change enables the TriMas Aerospace team to better focus on driving growth and innovation in the aerospace fastener and related product lines. Please see today's 8-K, Exhibit 99.2, for historical quarterly information related to this segment change.

Outlook

The Company is estimating that 2019 full year organic sales growth will be 3% to 5% compared to 2018. The Company expects full year 2019 diluted earnings per share range to be between $1.82 to $1.92 per share. In addition, the Company is targeting 2019 Free Cash Flow(4) to be greater than 100% of net income. All of the above amounts considered as 2019 guidance are after adjusting for any current or future amounts that may be considered Special Items.

Conference Call Information

TriMas will host its fourth quarter and full year 2018 earnings conference call today, Thursday, February 28, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. ET. The call-in number is (877) 260-1479. Participants should request to be connected to the TriMas Corporation fourth quarter and full year 2018 earnings conference call (Confirmation Code 533510). The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast via TriMas' website at www.trimascorp.com, under the "Investors" section, with an accompanying slide presentation. A replay of the conference call will be available on the TriMas website or by dialing (888) 203-1112 (Replay Passcode 533510) beginning February 28, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. ET through March 7, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Any "forward-looking" statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, contained herein, including those relating to the Company’s business, financial condition or future results, involve risks and uncertainties with respect to, including, but not limited to: general economic and currency conditions; material and energy costs; risks and uncertainties associated with intangible assets, including goodwill or other intangible asset impairment charges; competitive factors; future trends; the Company’s ability to realize its business strategies; the Company’s ability to identify attractive acquisition candidates, successfully integrate acquired operations or realize the intended benefits of such acquisitions; information technology and other cyber-related risks; the performance of subcontractors and suppliers; supply constraints; market demand; intellectual property factors; litigation; government and regulatory actions, including, but not limited to, the impact of tariffs, quotas and surcharges; the Company’s leverage; liabilities imposed by debt instruments; labor disputes; changes to fiscal and tax policies; contingent liabilities relating to acquisition activities; the disruption of operations from catastrophic or extraordinary events, including natural disasters; the potential impact of Brexit; tax considerations relating to the Cequent spin-off; the Company’s future prospects; and other risks that are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this release, certain non-GAAP financial measures are used. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure may be found in Appendix I at the end of this release. Additional information is available at www.trimascorp.com under the “Investors” section.

(1)

  Appendix I details certain costs, expenses and other amounts or charges, collectively described as "Special Items," that are included in the determination of net income, earnings per share and/or cash flows from operating activities under GAAP, but that management believes should be separately considered when evaluating the quality of the Company’s core operating results, given they may not reflect the ongoing activities of the business. Management believes that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted to remove the impact of Special Items, provides useful information to investors by helping them identify underlying trends in the Company’s businesses and facilitating comparisons of performance with prior and future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a replacement for or superior to, the comparable GAAP financial measures.

(2)

The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus expense (benefit) for interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash compensation, all as adjusted for the impact of Special Items. Please see Appendix I for additional details.

(3)

The Company defines Net Debt as Total Debt less Cash and Cash Equivalents. Please see Appendix I for additional details.

(4)

The Company defines Free Cash Flow as Net Cash Provided by/Used for Operating Activities, excluding the cash impact of Special Items, less Capital Expenditures. Please see Appendix I for additional details.

About TriMas

TriMas is a diversified industrial manufacturer of products for customers in the consumer products, aerospace, industrial, petrochemical, refinery and oil & gas end markets with approximately 4,000 dedicated employees in 15 countries. We provide customers with a wide range of innovative and quality product solutions through our market-leading businesses, which operate in three segments: Packaging, Aerospace and Specialty Products. The TriMas family of businesses has strong brand names in the markets served, and operates under a common set of values and strategic priorities under the TriMas Business Model. TriMas is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “TRS,” and is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For more information, please visit www.trimascorp.com.

TriMas Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

(Dollars in thousands)

 
  December 31,
2018
  December 31,
2017
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 108,150 $ 27,580
Receivables, net 123,110 112,220
Inventories 173,120 155,350
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,430   16,120
Total current assets 411,810 311,270
Property and equipment, net 187,800 190,250
Goodwill 316,650 319,390
Other intangibles, net 174,530 194,220
Deferred income taxes 1,080 9,100
Other assets 8,650   8,970
Total assets $ 1,100,520   $ 1,033,200
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 93,430 $ 72,410
Accrued liabilities 48,300   49,470
Total current liabilities 141,730 121,880
Long-term debt, net 293,560 303,080
Deferred income taxes 5,560 5,650
Other long-term liabilities 39,220   58,570
Total liabilities 480,070 489,180
Total shareholders' equity 620,450   544,020
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,100,520   $ 1,033,200

TriMas Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Operations

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
  Three months ended
December 31,
  Twelve months ended
December 31,
2018   2017 2018   2017
(unaudited)
Net sales $ 211,350 $ 195,210 $ 877,140 $ 817,740
Cost of sales (154,110 ) (146,000 ) (633,020 ) (598,350 )
Gross profit 57,240 49,210 244,120 219,390
Selling, general and administrative expenses (31,600 ) (32,800 ) (121,800 ) (129,140 )
Net gain (loss) on dispositions of assets (180 ) 2,140   (250 ) (1,080 )
Operating profit 25,460   18,550   122,070   89,170  
Other expense, net:
Interest expense (3,250 ) (4,040 ) (13,910 ) (14,400 )
Debt financing and related expenses (6,640 )
Other income (expense), net 150   (630 ) (2,180 ) (1,920 )
Other expense, net (3,100 ) (4,670 ) (16,090 ) (22,960 )
Income before income tax expense 22,360 13,880 105,980 66,210
Income tax expense (5,650 ) (17,890 ) (22,680 ) (35,250 )
Net income (loss) 16,710   (4,010 ) 83,300   30,960  
Basic earnings (loss) per share:        
Net income (loss) per share $ 0.37   $ (0.09 ) $ 1.82   $ 0.68  
Weighted average common shares - basic 45,747,659   45,721,160   45,824,555   45,682,627  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:        
Net income (loss) per share $ 0.36   $ (0.09 ) $ 1.80   $ 0.67  
Weighted average common shares - diluted 46,085,202   45,721,160   46,170,464   45,990,252  

TriMas Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

(Dollars in thousands)

 
  Twelve months ended
December 31,
2018   2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income $ 83,300 $ 30,960
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on dispositions of assets 250 1,080
Depreciation 24,580 26,950
Amortization of intangible assets 19,440 19,920
Amortization of debt issue costs 1,290 1,320
Deferred income taxes 7,200 15,260
Non-cash compensation expense 7,170 6,780
Debt financing and related expenses 6,640
(Increase) decrease in receivables (11,420 ) 1,220
(Increase) decrease in inventories (18,690 ) 4,350
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets 9,060 (310 )
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4,340 3,640
Other operating activities 2,800   2,250  
Net cash provided by operating activities 129,320   120,060  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures (25,050 ) (36,800 )
Net proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment 250   4,450  
Net cash used for investing activities (24,800 ) (32,350 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities 59,060 401,300
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities (68,490 ) (517,310 )
Payments to purchase common stock (12,140 )
Shares surrendered upon exercise and vesting of equity awards to cover taxes (2,380 ) (510 )
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes 300,000
Repayments of borrowings on term loan facilities (257,940 )
Debt financing fees (6,070 )
Other financing activities   (310 )
Net cash used for financing activities (23,950 ) (80,840 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Increase for the year 80,570 6,870
At beginning of year 27,580   20,710  
At end of year $ 108,150   $ 27,580  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest $ 13,800   $ 9,430  
Cash paid for income taxes $ 7,380   $ 16,230  

Appendix I

TriMas Corporation

Additional Information Regarding Special Items Impacting

Reported GAAP Financial Measures

(Unaudited - dollars in thousands)

 
  Three months ended
December 31,
  Twelve months ended
December 31,
2018   2017 2018   2017
Packaging
Net sales $ 89,660 $ 85,310 $ 368,200 $ 344,570
Operating profit $ 20,140 $ 18,980 $ 84,590 $ 80,610
Special Items to consider in evaluating operating profit:
Business restructuring and severance costs 40 1,710
Adjusted operating profit $ 20,140 $ 19,020 $ 84,590 $ 82,320
 
Aerospace
Net sales $ 45,420 $ 42,760 $ 185,920 $ 184,310
Operating profit $ 6,610 $ 6,550 $ 27,290 $ 26,410
Special Items to consider in evaluating operating profit:
Business restructuring and severance costs 250 250
Adjusted operating profit $ 6,860 $ 6,550 $ 27,540 $ 26,410
 
Specialty Products
Net sales $ 76,270 $ 67,140 $ 323,020 $ 288,860
Operating profit $ 7,650 $ 510 $ 34,260 $ 12,280
Special Items to consider in evaluating operating profit:
Business restructuring and severance costs 30 4,550 1,910 15,350
Adjusted operating profit $ 7,680 $ 5,060 $ 36,170 $ 27,630
 
Corporate Expenses
Operating loss $ (8,940 ) $ (7,490 ) $ (24,070 ) $ (30,130 )
Special Items to consider in evaluating operating loss:
Business restructuring and severance costs 390 750
Reversal of legacy related party liability $ $ $ (8,150 ) $
Adjusted operating loss $ (8,940 ) $ (7,100 ) $ (32,220 ) $ (29,380 )
 
Total Company
Net sales $ 211,350 $ 195,210 $ 877,140 $ 817,740
Operating profit $ 25,460 $ 18,550 $ 122,070 $ 89,170
Total Special Items to consider in evaluating operating profit 280 4,980 (5,990 ) 17,810
Adjusted operating profit $ 25,740 $ 23,530 $ 116,080 $ 106,980

Appendix I

TriMas Corporation

Additional Information Regarding Special Items Impacting

Reported GAAP Financial Measures

(Unaudited - dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
  Three months ended
December 31,
  Twelve months ended
December 31,
2018   2017 2018   2017
Net income (loss), as reported $ 16,710 $ (4,010 ) $ 83,300 $ 30,960
Special Items to consider in evaluating quality of net income (loss):
Business restructuring and severance costs 250 5,580 2,830 18,130
Reversal of legacy related party liability (8,150 )
Debt financing and related expenses 6,640
Defined benefit pension plan settlement charge 2,500
Tax reform adjustments (1) 700 12,660 (400 ) 12,660
Income tax effect of Special Items (2) (120 ) 270   910   (4,010 )
Adjusted net income $ 17,540   $ 14,500   $ 80,990   $ 64,380  
 
Three months ended
December 31,
Twelve months ended
December 31,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, as reported $ 0.36 $ (0.09 ) $ 1.80 $ 0.67
Special Items to consider in evaluating quality of EPS:
Business restructuring and severance costs 0.12 0.06 0.40
Reversal of legacy related party liability (0.17 )
Debt financing and related expenses 0.14
Defined benefit pension plan settlement charge 0.05
Tax reform adjustments (1) 0.02 0.28 (0.01 ) 0.28
Income tax effect of Special Items (2)     0.02   (0.09 )
Adjusted diluted EPS $ 0.38   $ 0.31   $ 1.78   $ 1.40  
Weighted-average shares outstanding 46,085,202   45,721,160   46,170,464   45,990,252  

(1)

  As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Company recognized one-time charges of $12.7 million in December 2017 from the estimated impact of the inclusion of foreign earnings and revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. In 2018, the Company finalized its accounting related to foreign earnings and recognized approximately $0.7 million of additional tax obligation in the three months ended December 31, 2018. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized a net tax benefit of $0.4 million associated with finalizing its estimates of the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

(2)

Income tax effect of Special Items is calculated on an item-by-item basis, utilizing the tax rate in the jurisdiction where the Special Item occurred. For the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the income tax effect of Special Items varied from the tax rate inherent in the Company’s reported GAAP results, primarily as a result of certain of the Special Items in each period being incurred in jurisdictions where no tax benefit could be recorded due to valuation allowance assessments.

Appendix I

TriMas Corporation

Additional Information Regarding Special Items Impacting

Reported GAAP Financial Measures

(Unaudited - dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Three months ended December 31,
2018   2017

As

reported

 

Special

Items

 

As

adjusted

As

reported

 

Special

Items

 

As

adjusted

Net cash provided by operating activities $ 46,230 $ 530 $ 46,760 $ 47,410 $ 1,970 $ 49,380
Less: Capital expenditures (9,160 )   (9,160 ) (12,680 )   (12,680 )
Free Cash Flow 37,070 530 37,600 34,730 1,970 36,700
Net income (loss) 16,710   830 17,540   (4,010 ) 18,510 14,500  
Free Cash Flow as a percentage of net income (loss) 222 % 214 % n/m 253 %
 
Twelve months ended December 31,
2018 2017

As

reported

Special

Items

As

adjusted

As

reported

Special

Items

As

adjusted

Net cash provided by operating activities $ 129,320 $ 3,980 $ 133,300 120,060 $ 16,970 $ 137,030
Less: Capital expenditures (25,050 )   (25,050 ) (36,800 )   (36,800 )
Free Cash Flow 104,270 3,980 108,250 83,260 16,970 100,230
Net income 83,300   (2,310 ) 80,990   30,960   33,420 64,380  
Free Cash Flow as a percentage of net income 125 % 134 % 269 % 156 %
  December 31,
2018
  December 31,
2017
Long-term debt, net $ 293,560 $ 303,080
Less: Cash and cash equivalents 108,150   27,580
Net Debt $ 185,410   $ 275,500

Appendix I

TriMas Corporation

Additional Information Regarding Special Items Impacting

Reported GAAP Financial Measures

(Unaudited - dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Three months ended
December 31,
  Twelve months ended
December 31,
2018   2017 2018   2017
Net income (loss), as reported $ 16,710 $ (4,010 ) $ 83,300 $ 30,960
Depreciation expense 5,950 8,060 24,580 26,950
Amortization expense 4,840 5,000 19,440 19,920
Interest expense 3,250 4,040 13,910 14,400
Income tax expense 5,650 17,890 22,680 35,250
Non-cash compensation expense 2,770   1,690   7,170   6,780  
Adjusted EBITDA, before Special Items $ 39,170   $ 32,670   $ 171,080   $ 134,260  
Adjusted EBITDA impact of Special Items 350   3,010   (3,830 ) 20,570  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 39,520   $ 35,680   $ 167,250   $ 154,830  
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales 18.7 % 18.3 % 19.1 % 18.9 %

Contacts

Sherry Lauderback
VP, Investor Relations & Communications
(248) 631-5506
sherrylauderback@trimascorp.com

Contacts

Sherry Lauderback
VP, Investor Relations & Communications
(248) 631-5506
sherrylauderback@trimascorp.com