TriMas
:
May 7, 2008

TriMas Corporation Reports First Quarter 2008 Results

TriMas Corporation Reports First Quarter 2008 Results

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TriMas Corporation (NYSE: TRS) today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. The Company reported quarterly revenues of $279.6 million, down 1.7% from the first quarter of 2007. First quarter 2008 income from continuing operations was essentially flat at $7.8 million, in comparison to the first quarter of 2007. The Company reported first quarter 2008 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.23, within the previously disclosed first quarter guidance range of $0.21 to $0.24 per share.

"During the first quarter of 2008, our diverse group of businesses reported mixed results," said Grant H. Beard, TriMas' President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our Energy Products segment accomplished significant growth in sales and operating profit of 17.4% and 23.4%, respectively, as a result of increased demand and new product introductions. Sales in our Industrial Specialties segment increased 5.7%, led by growth in our aerospace fastener business. Our Packaging Systems segment was up slightly compared to the prior year quarter."

"Our RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories segments, however, faced continued difficult end market conditions in the United States, resulting from the decline in consumer discretionary spending, consumer confidence and credit availability," Beard continued. "Despite the first quarter decline in sales and earnings in these segments, we believe these businesses continued to outperform the overall end market by increasing market share, cross-selling across channels and introducing new product content."

"While the economic outlook for most of our businesses remains positive," Beard noted, "we continue to experience weak end market demand within our RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories businesses. We will continue to implement cost reduction and new product initiatives in an effort to build our market share and offset the economic headwinds. Looking forward, we will continue to focus on driving organic growth through new product development and geographic expansion initiatives, while remaining committed to diligently managing our costs to protect our earnings stream, generating cash flow and enhancing our balance sheet."

First Quarter Results - From Continuing Operations

  • Sales for the first quarter 2008 were down 1.7% to $279.6 million, as compared to $284.4 million in the first quarter of 2007. Sales in the Packaging Systems, Energy Products and Industrial Specialties segments were up 1.5%, 17.4% and 5.7%, respectively. Sales in the RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories segments were down 5.1% and 15.3%, respectively, due to reductions in demand related to decreases in consumer discretionary spending and current economic conditions in the United States.

  • Operating profit decreased 12.9% to $28.1 million, as compared to $32.3 million in the first quarter of 2007, due to lower sales volumes, most notably in the RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories segments, lower absorption of fixed costs and a less favorable product sales mix, specifically in the Packaging Systems and RV & Trailer Product segments.

  • Adjusted EBITDA(1) for the first quarter of 2008 decreased 8.1% to $37.6 million, as compared to $40.9 million in the first quarter of 2007.

  • Income from continuing operations was essentially flat at $7.8 million, as compared to the first quarter of 2007.

  • Diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.23 per share, as compared to $0.37 per share in the first quarter of 2007. The number of diluted weighted average common shares increased from 20.8 million as of March 31, 2007 to 33.6 million as of March 31, 2008 due to the Company's initial public offering in May 2007.

  • Aggregate availability under the Company's revolving credit and receivables securitization facilities was $121.9 million as of March 31, 2008.

    1. See Appendix I for reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted EBITDA to the Company's reported results of operations prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

First Quarter Financial Summary

                                                       Three months ended
    (unaudited - in thousands, except                       March 31,
     per share amounts)                              2008              2007

    Sales                                         $279,560          $284,440

    Operating profit                               $28,110           $32,290

    Income from continuing operations               $7,790            $7,750

    Income (loss) from discontinued
     operations, net of income taxes                   $80             $(700)

    Net income                                      $7,870            $7,050

    Adjusted EBITDA(1), continuing
     operations                                    $37,620           $40,920

    Earnings (loss) per share - basic:
     - Continuing operations                         $0.23             $0.37
     - Discontinued operations                           -             (0.03)
     - Net income                                    $0.23             $0.34

    Weighted average common shares -
     basic                                      33,409,500        20,759,500

    Earnings (loss) per share - diluted:
     - Continuing operations                         $0.23             $0.37
     - Discontinued operations                           -             (0.03)
     - Net income                                    $0.23             $0.34

    Weighted average common shares -
     diluted                                    33,551,645        20,759,500

    Other Data - Continuing Operations:
     - Depreciation and amortization               $10,700            $9,790

     - Interest expense                            $14,710           $18,860

     - Other expense, net                           $1,190            $1,160

     - Income tax expense                           $4,420            $4,520

    (1) See Appendix I for reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measure
        Adjusted EBITDA to the Company's reported results of operations
        prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

First Quarter Segment Results - From Continuing Operations

Packaging Systems - Sales for the first quarter increased 1.5% due to the continued demand for specialty dispensing products and other new products, as well as the favorable effects of currency exchange, partially offset by the decline in laminate and insulation product sales resulting from a weakening commercial construction end market. Sales of core industrial closure products were essentially flat for the first quarter of 2008, in comparison to the first quarter of 2007. Operating profit for the quarter declined slightly due to lower sales volumes and a less favorable product sales mix. The Company is focused on developing specialty dispensing product applications for growing end markets, including pharmaceutical, personal care and food/beverage markets, and expanding geographically to generate long-term growth.

Energy Products - Sales increased 17.4% for the first quarter due to the continued strong demand for specialty gaskets and related fastening hardware to the refinery and petrochemical industries, as well as robust growth in engines and related products resulting from increased engine demand in the Western United States and Canada oil and natural gas markets and new product introductions. Operating profit for the quarter increased in line with higher sales volumes. The Company plans to continue to launch new products to complement its engine business, while expanding its gasket business internationally.

Industrial Specialties - Sales for the first quarter increased 5.7% due to increased demand, most notably in the aerospace fastener business. The segment also benefited from sales growth in the industrial cylinder and precision cutting tools businesses and the August 2007 acquisition of a medical device manufacturer. Operating profit for the quarter was flat as profits related to higher sales volumes were offset by increased expenditures to invest in growth initiatives and lower absorption of fixed costs in the specialty fittings business. The Company plans to drive growth in this segment by developing specialty products for growing end markets such as medical and aerospace, while continuing to expand international sales efforts.

RV & Trailer Products - Sales for the first quarter declined 5.1% due to continued weak demand in certain end markets and higher customer inventory levels across the majority of the U.S. market channels. Sales from Australia, Southeast Asia and Canada were up in the first quarter of 2008, compared to the first quarter of 2007. Operating profit decreased 57.4% due to the decline in sales, a less favorable product sales mix and lower absorption of fixed costs as the Company reduced production to manage inventory levels. The Company's focus in this segment is to aggressively manage costs, while continuing to leverage strong brand positions for increased market share, cross-sell the product portfolio into all channels and expand internationally.

Recreational Accessories - Sales decreased 15.3% for the first quarter, as the Company continued to experience weak consumer demand for towing products and accessories. In addition, the first quarter of 2007 was positively impacted by an inventory pipeline fill in support of a new retail program that did not recur in the first quarter of 2008. Operating profit declined 48.8% as a result of lower sales volumes and the lower absorption of fixed costs as the Company reduced production to manage inventory levels. The Company plans to continue to manage costs, increase market share in the United States and Canada, and pursue new market opportunities in select international markets.

Financial Position

TriMas ended the quarter with total debt of $616.5 million and funding under its receivables securitization facility of $56.3 million for a total of $672.8 million. Total debt and receivables securitization decreased by $95.1 million when compared to March 31, 2007. TriMas ended the quarter with cash of $5.5 million and $121.9 million of aggregate availability under its revolving credit and receivables securitization facilities.

Outlook

In its March 13, 2008 fourth quarter earnings release, TriMas provided a full year 2008 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations guidance range of $0.85 to $0.95 per share. The Company also provided a full year 2008 net income from continuing operations range of $28.5 million to $31.9 million. First quarter results met the Company's expectations, and 2008 guidance remains as previously announced.

This outlook does not include the impact of any future unidentified restructuring charges and divestitures or acquisitions of operating assets that may occur from time to time due to management decisions and changing business circumstances. The outlook above also does not include the impact of any potential future non-cash impairment charges of goodwill, intangibles and fixed assets. This outlook also excludes benefit costs related to contractual obligations to Metaldyne or discontinued operations. The Company is currently unable to forecast the likelihood of occurrence, timing and/or magnitude of any such amounts or events. See also "Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" below.

Conference Call Information

TriMas Corporation will host its first quarter 2008 earnings conference call today, Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. The call-in number is (866) 802-4355. Participants should request to be connected to the TriMas Corporation first quarter conference call (reservation number 1235805). The presentation that will accompany the call will be available on the Company's website at www.trimascorp.com prior to the call.

The conference call will also be webcast simultaneously on the Company's website at www.trimascorp.com. A replay of the conference call will be available on the TriMas website or by dialing (866) 837-8032 (reservation number 1235805) beginning May 7th at 1:00 p.m. EDT through May 14th at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking" statements, as that term is defined by the federal securities laws, about our financial condition, results of operations and business. Forward-looking statements include: certain anticipated, believed, planned, forecasted, expected, targeted and estimated results along with TriMas' outlook concerning future results. When used in this release, the words "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," "forecasts," or future or conditional verbs, such as "will," "should," "could," or "may," and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends and data, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for these views. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the statements, which speak to conditions only as of the date of this release. The cautionary statements set forth above should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue. We do not undertake any obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements included in this release include general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate and industry-based factors such as: technological developments that could competitively disadvantage us, increases in our raw material, energy, and healthcare costs, our dependence on key individuals and relationships, exposure to product liability, recall and warranty claims, compliance with environmental and other regulations, and competition within our industries. In addition, factors more specific to us could cause actual results to vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements included in this release such as our substantial leverage, limitations imposed by our debt instruments, our ability to successfully pursue our stated growth strategies and opportunities, as well as our ability to identify attractive and other strategic acquisition opportunities and to successfully integrate acquired businesses and complete actions we have identified as providing cost-saving opportunities.

About TriMas

Headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, TriMas Corporation is a diversified growth company of specialty niche businesses manufacturing a variety of highly engineered products for commercial, industrial and consumer markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into five strategic business segments: Packaging Systems, Energy Products, Industrial Specialties, RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories. TriMas has approximately 5,000 employees at 80 different facilities in 10 countries. For more information, visit www.trimascorp.com.

                              TriMas Corporation
                          Consolidated Balance Sheet
                      (Unaudited - dollars in thousands)

                                                  March 31,       December 31,
                                                     2008              2007
                             Assets
    Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                      $5,510            $4,800
     Receivables, net                              106,390            89,370
     Inventories, net                              192,940           190,590
     Deferred income taxes                          18,860            18,860
     Prepaid expenses and other current
      assets                                         6,970             7,010
     Assets of discontinued operations
      held for sale                                  2,990             3,330
      Total current assets                         333,660           313,960
    Property and equipment, net                    197,220           195,120
    Goodwill                                       379,910           377,340
    Other intangibles, net                         212,930           214,290
    Other assets                                    25,720            27,280
      Total assets                              $1,149,440        $1,127,990


           Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    Current liabilities:
     Current maturities, long-term debt             $9,160            $8,390
     Accounts payable                              134,940           121,860
     Accrued liabilities                            66,040            71,830
     Liabilities of discontinued
      operations                                     1,360             1,450
      Total current liabilities                    211,500           203,530
    Long-term debt                                 607,290           607,600
    Deferred income taxes                           73,900            73,280
    Other long-term liabilities                     35,170            35,090
      Total liabilities                            927,860           919,500
    Preferred stock $0.01 par: Authorized
     100,000,000 shares;
      Issued and outstanding: None                       -                 -
    Common stock, $0.01 par: Authorized
     400,000,000 shares;
      Issued and outstanding:
       33,409,500 shares at March 31,2008
       and December 31, 2007, respectively             330               330
    Paid-in capital                                526,250           525,960
    Accumulated deficit                           (366,100)         (373,970)
    Accumulated other comprehensive
     income                                         61,100            56,170
      Total shareholders' equity                   221,580           208,490
      Total liabilities and shareholders'
       equity                                   $1,149,440        $1,127,990



                              TriMas Corporation
                     Consolidated Statement of Operations
         (Unaudited - dollars in thousands, except for share amounts)

                                                    Three months ended
                                                         March 31,
                                                 2008                 2007

    Net sales                                 $279,560             $284,440
    Cost of sales                             (206,220)            (206,440)
     Gross profit                               73,340               78,000
    Selling, general and administrative
     expenses                                  (45,120)             (45,540)
    Loss on dispositions of property and
     equipment                                    (110)                (170)
     Operating profit                           28,110               32,290
    Other expense, net:
     Interest expense                          (14,710)             (18,860)
     Other, net                                 (1,190)              (1,160)
      Other expense, net                       (15,900)             (20,020)

    Income from continuing operations
     before income tax expense                  12,210               12,270
    Income tax expense                          (4,420)              (4,520)
    Income from continuing operations            7,790                7,750
    Income (loss) from discontinued
     operations, net of income tax benefit
     (expense)                                      80                 (700)
    Net income                                  $7,870               $7,050

    Earnings (loss) per share - basic:
     Continuing operations                       $0.23                $0.37
     Discontinued operations, net of
      income tax benefit (expense)                   -                (0.03)

     Net income per share                        $0.23                $0.34

    Weighted average common shares -
     basic                                  33,409,500           20,759,500

    Earnings (loss) per share - diluted:
     Continuing operations                       $0.23                $0.37
     Discontinued operations, net of
      income tax benefit (expense)                   -                (0.03)

     Net income per share                        $0.23                $0.34

    Weighted average common shares -
     diluted                                33,551,645           20,759,500



                              TriMas Corporation
                     Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                      (Unaudited - dollars in thousands)

                                                       Three months ended
                                                             March 31,
                                                       2008           2007

    Net income                                        $7,870         $7,050
    Adjustments to reconcile net income
     to net cash provided by operating
     activities, net of acquisition impact:
     Loss on dispositions of property and
      equipment                                          110            380
     Depreciation                                      6,850          5,930
     Amortization of intangible assets                 3,900          3,910
     Amortization of debt issue costs                    600            730
     Deferred income taxes                                 -            660
     Non-cash compensation expense                       290             70
     Net proceeds from sale of receivables
      and receivables securitization                  18,830         28,750
     Increase in receivables                         (34,920)       (51,930)
     Increase in inventories                          (1,790)        (5,700)
     Decrease in prepaid expenses and
      other assets                                     1,670          1,910
     Increase in accounts payable and
      accrued liabilities                              6,400         35,910
     Other, net                                         (120)          (730)
      Net cash provided by operating
       activities, net of acquisition impact           9,690         26,940

    Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
     Capital expenditures                             (6,190)        (6,580)
     Acquisition of leased assets                          -        (12,900)
     Acquisition of businesses, net of
      cash acquired                                   (2,400)             -
     Net proceeds from disposition of
      businesses and other assets                          -          4,000
      Net cash used for investing activities          (8,590)       (15,480)

    Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
     Repayments of borrowings on term loan
      facilities                                      (2,080)          (860)
     Proceeds from borrowings on revolving
      credit facilities                              156,580        144,150
     Repayments of borrowings on revolving
      credit facilities                             (154,890)      (154,450)
      Net cash used for financing activities            (390)       (11,160)

    Cash and Cash Equivalents:
     Increase for the period                             710            300
      At beginning of period                           4,800          3,600
      At end of period                                $5,510         $3,900

     Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
      information:
      Cash paid for interest                          $5,930         $6,630
      Cash paid for taxes                             $2,390         $2,260



                              TriMas Corporation
              Company and Business Segment Financial Information
                            Continuing Operations
                      (Unaudited - dollars in thousands)

                                                      Three months ended
                                                            March 31,
                                                     2008              2007
    Packaging Systems
       Net sales                                   $54,570           $53,750
       Operating profit                             $8,880            $9,000
       Operating profit as a % of sales               16.3%             16.7%

    Energy Products
       Net sales                                   $48,800           $41,580
       Operating profit                             $7,910            $6,410
       Operating profit as a % of sales               16.2%             15.4%

    Industrial Specialties
       Net sales                                   $53,470           $50,590
       Operating profit                            $11,160           $11,220
       Operating profit as a % of sales               20.9%             22.2%

    RV & Trailer Products
       Net sales                                   $50,670           $53,410
       Operating profit                             $2,750            $6,460
       Operating profit as a % of sales                5.4%             12.1%

    Recreational Accessories
       Net sales                                   $72,050           $85,110
       Operating profit                             $2,630            $5,140
       Operating profit as a % of sales                3.7%              6.0%

    Corporate Expenses and Management Fees         $(5,220)          $(5,940)

    Total Company
       Net sales                                  $279,560          $284,440
       Operating profit                            $28,110           $32,290
       Operating profit as a % of sales               10.1%             11.4%


       Other Data:
         - Depreciation and amortization           $10,700            $9,790

         - Interest expense                        $14,710           $18,860

         - Other expense, net                       $1,190            $1,160

         - Income tax expense                       $4,420            $4,520



    Appendix I

                              TriMas Corporation
              Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure Adjusted EBITDA
                      (Unaudited - dollars in thousands)

                                                       Three months ended
                                                            March 31,
                                                     2008              2007

      Net income                                    $7,870            $7,050
       Income tax expense                            4,480             4,980
       Interest expense                             14,760            18,860
       Depreciation and amortization                10,750             9,840

      Adjusted EBITDA(1), total company             37,860            40,730

      Adjusted EBITDA(1), discontinued operations      240              (190)

      Adjusted EBITDA(1), continuing operations    $37,620           $40,920

    (1) The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before
        cumulative effect of accounting change, interest, taxes, depreciation,
        amortization, non-cash asset and goodwill impairment write-offs, and
        non-cash losses on sale-leaseback of property and equipment.  Lease
        expense and non-recurring charges are included in Adjusted EBITDA and
        include both cash and non-cash charges related to restructuring and
        integration expenses.  In evaluating our business, management
        considers and uses Adjusted EBITDA as a key indicator of financial
        operating performance and as a measure of cash generating capability.
        Management believes this measure is useful as an analytical indicator
        of leverage capacity and debt servicing ability, and uses it to
        measure financial performance as well as for planning purposes.
        However, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to
        net income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measures
        calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as an indicator of
        operating performance.  The definition of Adjusted EBITDA used here
        may differ from that used by other companies.

SOURCE TriMas Corporation

CONTACT:
Sherry Lauderback
Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications
TriMas Corporation
+1-248-631-5506
sherrylauderback@trimascorp.com