TriMas
:
Mar 13, 2008

Trimas Corporation Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year Sales

Trimas Corporation Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year SalesBLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TriMas Corporation today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2007. For the year, the Company reported record sales from continuing operations of $1,068.3 million, a 5.4% increase over 2006, and improved earnings performance, excluding the after-tax impact of non-cash goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $159.9 million, one-time costs and expenses related to the use of initial public offering (IPO) proceeds of $13.4 million and other special charges of $8.4 million.(1)

In evaluating the quality of the Company's operating performance, management considers Adjusted EBITDA, among other metrics, as a key indicator of financial operating performance together with a careful review of results reported under GAAP. Appendix II details certain one-time costs and expenses, non-cash impairments and other charges, collectively described as "Special Items," that are included in the determination of net income (loss) under GAAP and are not added back to net income (loss) in determining Adjusted EBITDA, but that management would consider important in evaluating the quality of the Company's Adjusted EBITDA and operating results under GAAP.(1)

2007 HIGHLIGHTS

  • TriMas reported record fourth quarter sales of $237.5 million and record full year sales of $1,068.3 million.

  • The Company reported a GAAP operating loss of $91.8 million for 2007, as compared to an operating loss of $16.3 million in 2006. Excluding the Special Items detailed in Appendix II, 2007 operating profit would have improved 5.7% to $106.5 million, as compared to $100.8 million in 2006.

  • Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for 2007 was $120.1 million. Excluding the impact of the Special Items, 2007 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations would have increased 6.6% to $143.8 million, as compared to $134.9 million in 2006. If the $6.4 million(2) of Adjusted EBITDA of businesses discontinued during the fourth quarter of 2007 was to be considered for comparability purposes, Adjusted EBITDA for 2007 would have been $150.2 million, which is within the previously disclosed 2007 guidance range of $148 million to $156 million.

  • The Company's reported loss from continuing operations of $159.3 million in 2007, or $5.59 per share, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $109.8 million, or $5.43 per share in 2006. Excluding the impact of Special Items, 2007 income from continuing operations would have improved 100.5% to $22.4 million, or $0.79 per share on a fully-diluted basis, as compared to $11.2 million, or $0.55 per share on a fully-diluted basis in 2006.

  • Net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisition impact, for 2007 was $65.0 million, compared to $15.9 million in 2006. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had cash and aggregate availability under its revolving credit and receivables securitization facility of $123.6 million.

    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 GAAP. Additionally, see Appendix II for additional information regarding Special Items impacting reported GAAP financial measures.

    2. Excluding $2.3 million from gain on sale.

"2007 was a year of significant accomplishment for TriMas. Our stock was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we had solid execution of our strategic growth initiatives and we significantly reduced indebtedness," said Grant Beard, TriMas President and Chief Executive Officer. "We delivered record sales of $1.068 billion and year-over-year sales growth in all five of our operating segments. In addition, after considering the Special Items incurred in 2007, we improved our operating performance and continued to generate strong cash flow."

"While our operational performance remained strong in 2007, we found it necessary under GAAP to recognize non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges in our RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories segments," Beard said. "Given current consumer spending patterns, these impairment charges incorporate a more cautious view of the demand in end markets for these segments and consider the impact of declines in our stock price."

"Despite this accounting impact, we believe we gained market share in both of these segments last year," Beard continued. "While their end markets have been weak, we were able to increase sales and earnings in both of these businesses. We have implemented initiatives in an effort to offset the current headwinds, and we firmly believe we can build and achieve long-term value realization for our shareholders from this portfolio of businesses."

Beard also noted, "Our Industrial Specialties segment saw continued growth of 16.7% driven by demand for our aerospace, industrial cylinder and medical products, while our Packaging Systems segment drove continued organic growth from the introduction of additional specialty dispensing products into higher- growth end markets. Although the progress in our Energy segment has been masked by the effects of low natural gas prices throughout 2007, we expect to see more significant improvement in 2008 and future years."

"While there is uncertainty regarding the economic outlook in the United States, we have a group of niche businesses with a diverse group of end markets, customers, products and geographies. We believe that our strategic initiatives to develop new products and further expand geographically will enable TriMas to grow revenues and earnings in 2008, despite the softness in a few of our end markets. We remain committed to diligently managing our costs to protect our earnings stream, generating cash flow and enhancing our balance sheet," Beard said.

Impairment Charges

During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company recorded pre-tax, non-cash goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $171.2 million of which $100.8 million and $70.4 million were in our RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories segments, respectively. The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment annually as of December 31st, by comparing the estimated fair values of its reporting units, determined using discounted cash flow analyses, to their respective carrying values. In estimating the fair values of the Company's reporting units, the Company considered other factors such as the overall market capitalization of the Company, the uncertain economic outlook and credit markets, the Company's leverage, elevated fuel prices, declining consumer confidence and flat or declining end-markets in certain of the Company's businesses. The resultant estimated fair values for two of the Company's reporting units, RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories, were below their carrying values, resulting in the impairment. The goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges will not impact the Company's borrowing arrangements.

Fourth Quarter Results

Continuing Operations

  • The Company's 2007 fourth quarter net sales increased 7.1% (or 5.6% excluding acquisitions) to $237.5 million, from $221.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006. Segment sales increased (decreased) in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2006 as follows:

    • Packaging Systems: 8.3%

    • Energy Products: 1.8%

    • Industrial Specialties: 12.7%

    • RV & Trailer Products: 15.8%

    • Recreational Accessories: (1.7%)

  • The Company reported an operating loss of $169.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, compared to an operating loss of $99.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding the impact of the Special Items, fourth quarter operating profit would have been $14.2 million, as compared to $17.5 million in 2006. The decline between years is due primarily to an increase in corporate expenses, including costs to comply with Section 404 of Sarbanes Oxley and the timing of compensation expenses, which were partially offset by the elimination of the advisory services monitoring fee.

  • Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2007 was $15.0 million. Excluding the impact of the Special Items, Adjusted EBITDA would have been $24.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, as compared to $25.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2006, due to the items described above.

  • The Company reported a fourth quarter 2007 loss of $168.4 million, or $5.04 per share, compared to a loss of $117.7 million, or $5.67 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding the Special Items in the fourth quarters of 2007 and 2006, net income would have improved to an approximate break-even position in the fourth quarter of 2007, as compared to a $2.1 million loss, or $0.10 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Discontinued Operations

During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company committed to a plan to sell its rocket launcher business and property management business, both of which were part of the N.I. Industries business within the Industrial Specialties operating segment. The Company sold the rocket launcher business in December 2007.

Business Segment Results - Continuing Operations

Packaging Systems - Sales for the fourth quarter and full year increased 8.3% and 3.7%, respectively, due to continued strong demand for new specialty dispensing and other new products, as well as the favorable effects of currency exchange. Operating profit for the quarter and full year declined due to the recognition of a $3.9 million Canadian pension plan liability settlement expense in the fourth quarter of 2007, originally relating to a 1997 Canadian facility closure.

Energy Products - Sales increased 1.8% for the fourth quarter and 4.1% for the year, compared to the year ago periods, due to the continued strong growth of specialty gasket sales to the refinery and petrochemical industries. The increase in gasket sales was partially offset by a decline in sales of engines and repair parts resulting from the lower levels of natural gas drilling activity in Western Canada. Operating profit for the quarter and year increased due to higher sales volumes and operational improvements in the specialty gasket business, partially offset by lower operating profit in the engine business as a result of lower sales volumes and increased spending on new product development.

Industrial Specialties - Sales for the fourth quarter and full year increased 12.7% and 16.7%, respectively, due to improved demand across the majority of the businesses in the segment, most notably in our aerospace fastener, industrial cylinder and defense businesses. The segment also benefited from the August 2007 acquisition of a medical device manufacturer. Operating profit for the year increased in line with revenue growth, partially offset by increased expenditures to invest in growth initiatives. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company sold its rocket launcher business and committed to a plan to sell the property management business, both within the Industrial Specialties segment.

RV & Trailer Products - Sales for the fourth quarter and full year increased 15.8% and 4.2%, respectively, due primarily to the increased sales of electrical products and market share gains, partially offset by continued weak demand in certain end markets. The operating loss in both periods of 2007 and 2006 was negatively impacted by the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges. Excluding the Special Items, operating profit would have increased due to higher sales volumes and improved margins.

Recreational Accessories - Sales decreased 1.7% for the fourth quarter and increased 1.0% for the year, compared to the year ago periods. The Company continued to experience weak consumer demand for towing products and accessories. The operating loss in both periods of 2007 and 2006 was negatively impacted by the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges. In addition, the segment incurred $9.0 million in costs and expenses ($5.6 million in severance and related facility closure costs and $3.4 million in impairment of fixed assets) related to the Huntsville, Ontario, Canada facility closure in the fourth quarter of 2007. Excluding the Special Items, 2007 operating profit would have improved as a result of the achievement of full run-rate savings from sourcing initiatives and productivity improvements implemented throughout 2006.

Financial Position

TriMas ended the year with total debt of $616.0 million and funding under its receivables securitization facility of $41.5 million for a total of $657.5 million. Total debt and receivables securitization decreased by $96.6 million when compared to the year ago period, due primarily to the retirement of $100 million face value of senior subordinated notes with proceeds from the Company's IPO in the second quarter of 2007. TriMas ended the year with cash of $4.8 million and $118.8 million of aggregate availability under its revolving credit and receivables securitization facilities. Net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisition impact, for 2007 was $65.0 million, compared to $15.9 million in 2006.

Outlook

Looking ahead, the Company is forecasting a full-year 2008 diluted earnings per share (EPS) range from continuing operations of $0.85 per share to $0.95 per share, compared to the 2007 loss from continuing operations of $5.59 earnings per share. After consideration of the Special Items detailed in Appendix II of this release, the comparable 2007 earnings per share would have been $0.79. The Company is also forecasting a full year 2008 net income from continuing operations of $28.5 million to $31.9 million, compared to the 2007 net loss from continuing operations of $159.3 million, or a net income of $22.4 million, excluding the Special Items detailed in Appendix II.

For the first quarter of 2008, the Company is forecasting:

  • Diluted EPS range from continuing operations of $0.21 per share to $0.24 per share, compared to $0.37 per share from continuing operations during the first quarter of 2007;

  • Net income from continuing operations of $6.9 million to $8.1 million, relatively flat in comparison to net income in the first quarter of 2007; and

  • Diluted weighted average share count of approximately 33.6 million shares, in comparison to a weighted average share count of approximately 20.8 million shares for the first quarter of 2007.

  • Management notes that the earnings performance during the first quarter will be negatively impacted by end market demand in the Company's aftermarket business in the RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories segments. The performance in the first quarter is expected to be consistent with the Company's economic assumptions and full year guidance, which is expected to show improvement during the year, as the Company continues to launch new products, expand into new geographic areas and increase market share.

    The full-year and first quarter outlook also assumes:

  • North American end markets for RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories will decline another 10% versus 2007;

  • Industrial end markets will remain at current levels; and

  • Exchange rates remain at their current levels.

  • "While the economic outlook for the majority of our businesses remains positive, we continue to watch end market demand within our RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories businesses closely," said Grant Beard, TriMas President and Chief Executive Officer. "We expect industry unit volume for the products within these businesses to be down another 10% in comparison to 2007. Our focus is to continue to leverage our strong brand positions for increased market share, cross-sell the product portfolio into all channels and expand internationally, while continuing to proactively manage costs and operational efficiency. As in 2007, we believe these initiatives will assist in offsetting the anticipated decline in end market demand."

    "At the same time, we expect growth in both revenue and EBITDA in our other operating segments. In our Packaging Systems segment, we plan to continue to develop specialty product applications for growing end markets in the personal care, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries, while expanding geographically. Our Energy Products segment should experience continued growth as our gasket business expands internationally, with expected improvement in our engine business as we continue to launch new complementary products. Finally, our Industrial Specialties segment, which experienced over 16% sales growth in 2007, should continue to perform as we see significant demand in the aerospace and medical end markets."

    "In spite of softness in some segments, we have a disciplined management team that is focused on reducing debt and strengthening the bottom line, and our strong cash flow allows us to continue to invest in long-term growth initiatives. We remain committed to growth, cash flow generation, the reduction of debt, improving returns on invested capital and generating significant returns for our shareholders."

    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

    TriMas Corporation will host its fourth quarter and full year 2007 earnings conference call Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. Grant Beard, President and Chief Executive Officer, and E.R. "Skip" Autry, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the Company's recent financial performance, 2008 outlook and respond to questions from the investment community. The presentation that will accompany the call will be available on the Company's website at http://www.trimascorp.com/ prior to the call.

    To participate by phone, please dial: (866) 814-1915. Participants should request to be connected to the TriMas Corporation fourth quarter conference call (reservation number 1214550). The conference call will be webcast simultaneously on the Company's website at http://www.trimascorp.com/. A replay of the conference call will be available on the TriMas website or by dialing (866) 837-8032 (reservation number 1214550) beginning March 13th at 1:00 p.m. EDT through March 20th at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

    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 operating 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 http://www.trimascorp.com/.

    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.

                                TriMas Corporation
    Consolidated Balance Sheet
    (dollars in thousands)

    December 31,
    2007 2006
    Assets
    Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents $4,800 $3,600
    Receivables, net 89,370 98,800
    Inventories, net 190,590 164,660
    Deferred income taxes 18,860 24,310
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,010 7,320
    Assets of discontinued operations
    held for sale 3,330 15,440
    Total current assets 313,960 314,130
    Property and equipment, net 195,120 162,670
    Goodwill 377,340 529,730
    Other intangibles, net 214,290 240,120
    Other assets 27,280 39,410
    Total assets $1,127,990 $1,286,060


    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    Current liabilities:
    Current maturities, long-term debt $8,390 $9,700
    Accounts payable 121,860 100,570
    Accrued liabilities 71,830 70,450
    Liabilities of discontinued
    operations 1,450 24,940
    Total current liabilities 203,530 205,660
    Long-term debt 607,600 724,790
    Deferred income taxes 73,280 89,940
    Other long-term liabilities 35,090 32,890
    Total liabilities 919,500 1,053,280
    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 and
    20,759,500 shares at December 31,
    2007 and 2006, respectively 330 210
    Paid-in capital 525,960 399,070
    Accumulated deficit (373,970) (215,220)
    Accumulated other comprehensive income 56,170 48,720
    Total shareholders' equity 208,490 232,780
    Total liabilities and shareholders'
    equity $1,127,990 $1,286,060



    TriMas Corporation
    Statement of Operations
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

    Quarter ended
    December 31, Year ended
    (unaudited) December 31,
    2007 2006 2007 2006

    Net sales $237,510 $221,850 $1,068,270 $1,013,910
    Cost of sales (176,190) (164,480) (779,380) (743,550)

    Gross profit 61,320 57,370 288,890 270,360

    Selling, general and
    administrative expenses (52,400) (39,510) (185,910) (169,050)
    Advisory services
    agreement termination fee - - (10,000) -
    Costs for early
    termination of operating
    leases - - (4,230) -
    Settlement of Canadian
    benefit plan liability (3,870) - (3,870) -
    Loss on dispositions of
    property and equipment (390) (370) (2,070) (550)
    Impairment of assets (3,370) (510) (3,370) (510)
    Impairment of goodwill and
    indefinite-lived
    intangible assets (171,210) (116,500) (171,210) (116,500)

    Operating loss (169,920) (99,520) (91,770) (16,250)
    Other expense, net:
    Interest expense (15,390) (19,740) (68,310) (79,060)
    Debt extinguishment costs - - (7,440) (8,610)
    Other, net (430) (1,040) (3,880) (4,150)

    Other expense, net (15,820) (20,780) (79,630) (91,820)

    Loss from continuing
    operations before income
    tax benefit (expense) (185,740) (120,300) (171,400) (108,070)
    Income tax benefit (expense) 17,310 2,580 12,080 (1,700)

    Loss from continuing
    operations (168,430) (117,720) (159,320) (109,770)
    Income (loss) from
    discontinued operations,
    net of income taxes (440) (4,170) 890 (19,140)
    Net loss $(168,870) $(121,890) $(158,430) $(128,910)

    Earnings (loss) per share
    - basic:
    Continuing operations $(5.04) $(5.67) $(5.59) $(5.43)
    Discontinued operations,
    net of income taxes (0.01) (0.20) 0.03 (0.94)

    Net loss per share $(5.05) $(5.87) $(5.56) $(6.37)

    Weighted average common
    shares - basic 33,409,500 20,759,500 28,498,678 20,229,716

    Earnings (loss) per share
    - diluted:
    Continuing operations $(5.04) $(5.67) $(5.59) $(5.43)
    Discontinued operations,
    net of income taxes (0.01) (0.20) 0.03 (0.94)

    Net loss per share $(5.05) $(5.87) $(5.56) $(6.37)

    Weighted average common
    shares - diluted 33,409,500 20,759,500 28,498,678 20,229,716



    TriMas Corporation
    Statement of Cash Flows
    (dollars in thousands)

    Year ended December 31,
    2007 2006
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
    Net loss $(158,430) $(128,910)
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
    net cash provided by operating activities,
    net of acquisition impact:
    Impairment of goodwill and
    indefinite-lived intangible assets 171,210 116,500
    Impairment of assets 3,370 15,760
    (Gain) loss on dispositions of
    property and equipment (630) 3,530
    Depreciation 25,870 22,250
    Amortization of intangible assets 15,480 16,490
    Amortization of debt issue costs 2,700 4,330
    Deferred income taxes (9,480) (11,280)
    Non-cash debt extinguishment costs 2,500 7,920
    Non-cash compensation expense 550 1,350
    Net proceeds from (reductions in)
    sale of receivables and receivables
    securitization 25,980 (14,120)
    (Increase) decrease in receivables (15,670) 9,760
    Increase in inventories (25,080) (11,310)
    (Increase) decrease in prepaid
    expenses and other assets 12,540 (1,390)
    Increase (decrease) in accounts
    payable and accrued liabilities 13,690 (15,260)
    Other, net 370 260
    Net cash provided by operating
    activities, net of acquisition impact 64,970 15,880

    Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
    Capital expenditures (34,730) (22,480)
    Acquisition of leased assets (29,960) (7,360)
    Acquisition of businesses, net of
    cash acquired (13,540) -
    Net proceeds from disposition of
    businesses and other assets 9,320 7,680
    Net cash used for investing activities (68,910) (22,160)

    Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
    Proceeds from sale of common stock in
    connection with the Company's
    initial public offering, net of issuance
    costs 126,460 -
    Repayments of borrowings on senior
    credit facilities (4,940) (257,410)
    Proceeds from borrowings on term loan
    facilities - 260,000
    Proceeds from borrowings on revolving
    credit facilities 508,540 688,870
    Repayments of borrowings on revolving
    credit facilities (524,920) (683,150)
    Debt issuance costs - (2,160)
    Retirement of senior subordinated notes (100,000) -
    Net cash provided by financing activities 5,140 6,150

    Cash and Cash Equivalents:
    Increase (decrease) for the year 1,200 (130)
    At beginning of year 3,600 3,730
    At end of year $4,800 $3,600

    Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
    information:
    Cash paid for interest $63,690 $69,880
    Cash paid for taxes $8,660 $14,050



    TriMas Corporation
    Company and Business Segment Financial Information
    Continuing Operations

    Quarter ended
    December 31, Year ended
    (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) December 31,
    2007 2006 2007 2006
    Packaging Systems
    Net sales $49,600 $45,780 $211,820 $204,230
    Operating profit $1,830 $5,810 $29,760 $33,770
    Operating profit as a %
    of sales 3.7% 12.7% 14.0% 16.5%
    Special Item to consider in
    evaluating operating profit:
    - Settlement of Canadian
    benefit plan liability $(3,870) $- $(3,870) $-

    Energy Products
    Net sales $40,540 $39,820 $163,470 $156,990
    Operating profit $5,930 $5,510 $22,860 $22,790
    Operating profit as a %
    of sales 14.6% 13.8% 14.0% 14.5%

    Industrial Specialties
    Net sales $50,160 $44,500 $204,630 $175,410
    Operating profit $9,400 $10,120 $41,770 $36,200
    Operating profit as a %
    of sales 18.7% 22.7% 20.4% 20.6%

    RV & Trailer Products
    Net Sales $46,370 $40,040 $198,790 $190,700
    Operating loss $(97,970) $(97,220) $(81,230) $(79,650)
    Operating loss as a %
    of sales NM NM NM NM

    Special Items to consider in
    evaluating operating loss:
    - Non-cash goodwill and
    indefinite-lived
    intangible asset
    impairment charge $(100,780) $(97,500) $(100,780) $ (97,500)
    - Impairment of fixed
    assets $- $(510) $- $(510)

    Recreational Accessories
    Net sales $50,840 $51,710 $289,560 $286,580
    Operating loss $(81,620) $(19,180) $(64,200) $(4,910)
    Operating loss as a %
    of sales NM NM NM NM

    Special Items to consider in
    evaluating operating loss:
    - Non-cash goodwill and
    indefinite-lived
    intangible asset
    impairment charge $(70,430) $(19,000) $(70,430) $(19,000)
    - Huntsville facility
    closure costs $(5,620) $- $(5,620) $-
    - Impairment of fixed
    assets $(3,370) $- $(3,370) $-

    Corporate Expenses and
    Management Fees $(7,490) $(4,560) $(40,730) $(24,450)
    Special Items to consider
    in evaluating operating
    expenses:
    - Advisory Services Agreement
    termination fee $- $- $(10,000) $-
    - Costs for early termination
    of operating leases $- $- $(4,230) $-

    Total Company
    Net sales $237,510 $221,850 $1,068,270 $1,013,910
    Operating loss $(169,920) $(99,520) $(91,770) $(16,250)
    Operating loss as a %
    of sales NM NM NM NM
    Total Special Items to
    consider in evaluating
    operating loss: $(184,070) $(117,010) $(198,300) $(117,010)

    Other Data:
    - Depreciation and
    amortization $10,920 $8,590 $41,150 $38,330

    - Interest expense $(15,390) $(19,740) $(68,310) $(79,060)

    - Debt extinguishment
    costs $- $- $(7,440) $(8,610)

    - Other expense, net $(430) $(1,040) $(3,880) $(4,150)

    - Income tax (expense)
    benefit $17,310 $2,580 $12,080 $(1,700)



    Appendix I
    TriMas Corporation
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure Adjusted EBITDA(1)

    Quarter ended Year ended
    December 31, December 31,
    2007 2006 2007 2006
    (unaudited)
    (dollars in thousands)
    Net loss $(168,870) $(121,890) $(158,430) $(128,910)
    Income tax benefit (17,370) (810) (10,410) (6,520)
    Interest expense 15,390 19,740 68,310 79,060
    Debt extinguishment
    costs - - 7,440 8,610
    Change in asset
    retirement obligation
    of discontinued
    operations - (550) - (550)
    Impairment of fixed
    assets 3,370 (90) 3,370 15,760
    Impairment of goodwill
    and indefinite-lived
    intangible assets 171,210 116,500 171,210 116,500
    Depreciation and
    amortization 10,970 8,910 41,350 38,740
    Adjusted EBITDA,
    total company $14,700 $21,810 $122,840 $122,690

    Adjusted EBITDA,
    discontinued
    operations(2) (310) (3,300) 2,760 (12,230)

    Adjusted EBITDA,
    continuing operations $15,010 $25,110 $120,080 $134,920


    (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.

    (2) Includes businesses discontinued in the fourth quarter of 2007, in
    addition to operations discontinued in prior periods.



    Appendix II
    TriMas Corporation
    Additional Information Regarding Special Items Impacting
    Reported GAAP Financial Measures

    Year ended Year ended
    December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
    (dollars in thousands, Income Income
    except per share amounts) (Loss) EPS (Loss) EPS

    Loss and Diluted EPS from
    continuing operations, as
    reported $(159,320) $(5.59) $(109,770) $(5.43)

    After-tax impact of
    Special Items to consider
    in evaluating loss
    and diluted EPS from
    continuing operations:
    Goodwill and indefinite-
    lived intangible asset
    impairment charges $(159,930) $(5.61) $(115,300) $(5.70)
    Impairment of fixed
    assets (2,220) (0.08) (320) (0.02)
    Advisory services
    agreement termination fee (6,190) (0.22) - -
    Costs for early
    termination of operating
    leases (2,620) (0.09) - -
    Debt extinguishment costs (4,610) (0.16) (5,330) (0.26)
    Huntsville facility
    closure costs (3,700) (0.13) - -
    Settlement of Canadian
    benefit plan liability (2,470) (0.09) - -

    Total Special Items $(181,740) $(6.38) $(120,950) $(5.98)

    Weighted-average diluted
    shares outstanding at
    December 31, 2007 and
    2006 28,498,678 20,229,716



    Quarter ended Quarter ended
    December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
    (unaudited) (unaudited)
    (dollars in thousands, Income Income
    except per share amounts) (Loss) EPS (Loss) EPS

    Loss and Diluted EPS from
    continuing operations, as
    reported $(168,430) $(5.04) $(117,720) $(5.67)

    After-tax impact of
    Special Items to consider
    in evaluating loss
    and diluted EPS from
    continuing operations:
    Goodwill and indefinite-
    lived intangible asset
    impairment charges $(159,930) $(4.79) $(115,300) $(5.55)
    Impairment of fixed assets (2,220) (0.07) (320) (0.02)
    Huntsville facility
    closure costs (3,700) (0.11) - -
    Settlement of Canadian
    benefit plan liability (2,470) (0.07) - -

    Total Special Items $(168,320) $(5.04) $(115,620) $(5.57)

    Weighted-average diluted
    shares outstanding at
    December 31, 2007 and
    2006 33,409,500 20,759,500



    Appendix II (cont'd)
    TriMas Corporation
    Additional Information Regarding Special Items Impacting
    Reported GAAP Financial Measures

    Quarter ended Year ended
    December 31, December 31,
    (dollars in thousands) 2007(1) 2006(1) 2007 2006

    Operating loss, as reported $(169,920) $(99,520) $(91,770) $(16,250)

    Special Items to consider in
    evaluating quality
    of earnings:
    Goodwill and indefinite-
    lived intangible asset
    impairment charges $(171,210) $(116,500) $(171,210) $(116,500)
    Impairment of fixed assets (3,370) (510) (3,370) (510)
    Advisory services agreement
    termination fee - - (10,000) -
    Costs for early termination
    of operating leases - - (4,230) -
    Huntsville facility
    closure costs (5,620) - (5,620) -
    Settlement of Canadian benefit
    plan liability (3,870) - (3,870) -

    Total Special Items $(184,070) $(117,010) $(198,300) $(117,010)


    Quarter ended Year ended
    December 31, December 31,
    (dollars in thousands) 2007(1) 2006(1) 2007 2006

    Adjusted EBITDA from
    continuing operations,
    as reported $15,010 $25,110 $120,080 $134,920

    Special items to consider in
    evaluating quality of
    earnings:
    Advisory services agreement
    termination fee $- $- $(10,000) $-
    Costs for early termination of
    operating leases - - (4,230) -
    Huntsville facility closure
    costs (5,620) - (5,620) -
    Settlement of Canadian benefit
    plan liability (3,870) - (3,870) -

    Total Special Items $(9,490) $- $(23,720) $-

    Impact of businesses discontinued
    in Fourth Quarter 2007
    (excluding $2.3 million gain
    on sale) $1,880 $590 $6,430 $2,820

    (1) Information is unaudited.

    SOURCE TriMas Corporation

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