TriMas
:
Jul 31, 2008

TriMas Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results

TriMas Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TriMas Corporation (NYSE: TRS) today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. The Company reported record quarterly revenues from continuing operations of $297.1 million, an increase of 3.3% from the second quarter of 2007. Second quarter 2008 income from continuing operations was $9.4 million, or $0.28 diluted earnings per share, including $0.04 per share in previously announced restructuring costs. In comparison, the second quarter 2007 net loss from continuing operations was $4.1 million, or a loss of $0.15 per diluted share, which included the $0.52 per share impact of costs and expenses related to use of the initial public offering proceeds. The Company reported net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisition impact, of $13.6 million in the second quarter of 2008, compared to net cash used for operating activities of $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2007.

SECOND QUARTER RESULTS - From Continuing Operations

  • TriMas reported record second quarter sales of $297.1 million, up 3.3% in comparison to $287.7 million in the second quarter 2007. Sales in the Packaging Systems, Energy Products and Industrial Specialties segments increased 1.3%, 29.6% and 6.4%, respectively. Sales in the RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories segments declined 6.3% and 4.1%, respectively, due to lower demand as a result of reduced consumer discretionary spending and current economic conditions in the United States.

  • The Company reported operating profit of $29.9 million for the second quarter 2008, in comparison to operating profit of $20.4 million in the second quarter 2007. Excluding the Special Items(1) detailed in Appendix II for both periods, second quarter 2008 operating profit would have been $32.1 million, as compared to $34.6 million in second quarter 2007. This decrease between years resulted primarily from demand declines in the businesses serving the recreational vehicle and trailer-related end markets.

  • Adjusted EBITDA(2) for the second quarter 2008 was $39.4 million, as compared to $28.9 million in the second quarter 2007. Excluding the impact of the Special Items(1), second quarter 2008 Adjusted EBITDA(2) would have been $41.7 million, as compared to $43.1 million in the second quarter 2007, consistent with the decline in operating profit.

  • The Company reported income from continuing operations of $9.4 million in the second quarter 2008, or $0.28 per diluted share, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $4.1 million, or $0.15 per diluted share in the second quarter 2007. Excluding the impact of Special Items(1), second quarter 2008 income from continuing operations would have improved 12.8% to $10.8 million, as compared to $9.6 million in the second quarter 2007.

  • The Company reduced total indebtedness, including amounts utilized under its receivables securitization facility, by $23.4 million from March 31, 2008 to June 30, 2008. Aggregate availability under the Company's revolving credit and receivables securitization facilities was $143.9 million as of June 30, 2008.

    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, expenses 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.

    2. 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.

"In light of the current economic environment, our performance during the second quarter met our expectations," said Grant H. Beard, TriMas' President and Chief Executive Officer. "The diversity of our businesses and end markets remains a strength as the United States faces challenging economic times. During the quarter, our Energy Products segment reported significant growth in sales and operating profit of 29.6% and 51.8%, respectively, as a result of increased demand and new product introductions. Sales in our Industrial Specialties segment increased 6.4%, led by growth in our aerospace fastener business, while our Packaging Systems segment was up slightly compared to the prior year quarter. The Packaging Systems, Energy Products and Industrial Specialties segments collectively generated 77.4% of our segment operating profit during the quarter, and sales within this collection of businesses grew at a combined rate of 10.8% year over year."



"Consistent with our first quarter results, our RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories segments continue to face difficult end market conditions, resulting from the decline in consumer discretionary spending, consumer confidence and credit availability," Beard continued. "While we estimate the end markets for these businesses are down approximately 15% to 20%, we believe we outperformed the market and our sales were down only 5%, as a result of market share gains, cross-selling, regional expansion and the introduction of new product content."



"As we look forward across the remainder of 2008, we continue to execute pricing initiatives across our businesses to offset rising commodity costs," Beard noted. "We expect continued weak end market demand within our RV & Trailer Products and Recreational Accessories businesses and have implemented actions in those businesses to reduce costs and decrease inventory to mitigate these economic pressures. We expect strength in our energy, aerospace and packaging businesses as we focus on launching new products and expanding geographically in growing end markets. We remain committed to aggressive cost reductions, working capital declines and the execution of pricing initiatives."

    Second Quarter Financial Summary

                                Three months ended       Six months ended
                                      June 30,                June 30,
    (unaudited - in thousands,
     except per share amounts)    2008        2007        2008        2007

    Sales                       $297,080    $287,670    $576,640    $572,110
    Operating profit             $29,850     $20,380     $57,960     $52,670
    Income (loss) from
     continuing operations        $9,380     $(4,060)    $17,170      $3,690
    Income from discontinued
     operations, net of
     income taxes                    $70        $870        $150        $170
    Net income (loss)             $9,450     $(3,190)    $17,320      $3,860
    Adjusted EBITDA(1),
     continuing operations       $39,410     $28,880     $77,030     $69,800

    Earnings (loss) per share
     - basic:
       - Continuing operations     $0.28      $(0.15)      $0.51       $0.16
       - Discontinued operations     -          0.03         -           -
       - Net income                $0.28      $(0.12)      $0.51       $0.16
    Weighted average common
     shares - basic           33,409,500  26,223,236  33,409,500  23,506,461

    Earnings (loss) per share
     - diluted:
       - Continuing operations     $0.28      $(0.15)      $0.51       $0.16
       - Discontinued operations     -          0.03         -           -
       - Net income                $0.28      $(0.12)      $0.51       $0.16
    Weighted average common
     shares - diluted         33,642,907  26,223,236  33,597,276  23,506,461

    Other Data - Continuing
     Operations:
       - Depreciation and
         amortization            $10,900      $9,570     $21,600     $19,360
       - Interest expense        $13,880     $18,340     $28,590     $37,200
       - Debt extinguishment
         costs                        $-      $7,440          $-      $7,440
       - Other expense, net       $1,340      $1,060      $2,530      $2,220
       - Income tax expense
         (benefit)                $5,250     $(2,400)     $9,670      $2,120
      - Advisory Services
        Agreement termination
        fee                           $-     $10,000          $-     $10,000
      - Costs for early
        termination of
        operating leases              $-      $4,230          $-      $4,230
      - Restructuring
        activities                $2,260          $-      $2,260          $-

(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.


Second Quarter Segment Results - From Continuing Operations



Packaging Systems - Sales for the second quarter of 2008 increased 1.3% compared to the prior year. Sales of industrial closures and specialty dispensing products, which comprised the majority of the sales in this segment, increased 7.6% in the second quarter 2008 and benefited from the favorable effects of currency exchange and pricing initiatives. This increase was partially offset by a significant decline in laminate and insulation product sales resulting from a weakening commercial construction end market. Operating profit for the quarter declined due to volume declines in laminate and insulation products and additional expenses associated with growth initiatives. The Company continues to diversify its product offering by 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 29.6% for the second quarter due to strong market demand and continued high utilization rates of refinery and petrochemical facilities. These trends, combined with the Company's initiatives to service this market growth and gain additional share, resulted in increased sales of engines and related parts, new compressors and gas production equipment products for use at well-sites, and specialty gaskets and related fastening hardware for the refinery and petrochemical industries. Operating profit for the quarter increased 51.8%, in line with higher sales volumes and as a result of favorable cost leverage. 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 second quarter increased 6.4% due to increased demand, most notably in the aerospace fastener business resulting from market share gains and strong overall market demand. This segment also benefited from sales growth in the industrial cylinder and defense businesses, and the August 2007 acquisition of a medical device manufacturer. Operating profit for the quarter increased slightly as the benefits of higher sales volumes were partially offset by increased expenditures to invest in growth initiatives and lower absorption of fixed costs in the specialty fittings business, as a result of lower production volumes. 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 second quarter declined a net 6.3%, as sales growth in the Australian business was more than offset by the continued weak demand in most end markets in the United States. Operating profit decreased 65.7% due to reduced sales volumes and lower absorption of fixed costs as the Company reduced its production to manage inventory levels, combined with a less favorable product sales mix. The Company's focus in this segment is to aggressively manage costs and to leverage strong brand positions for increased market share, cross-sell the product portfolio into all channels and expand internationally.



Recreational Accessories - Sales decreased 4.1% for the second quarter, as the Company continued to experience weak consumer demand for towing accessories. Operating profit declined 11.8% as a result of lower sales volumes. 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



The Company reduced total indebtedness, including amounts outstanding under its receivables securitization facility, by $23.4 million from March 31, 2008 to June 30, 2008. TriMas ended the quarter with total debt of $616.4 million and funding under its receivables securitization facility of $33.0 million for a total of $649.4 million. TriMas ended the quarter with cash of $6.9 million and $143.9 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. Second quarter results met the Company's expectations, and 2008 guidance remains as previously announced, excluding the second quarter Special Items of $0.04 per diluted share related to charges associated with restructuring and cost reduction initiatives.



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 second quarter 2008 earnings conference call today, Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. The call-in number is (866) 227-1607. Participants should request to be connected to the TriMas Corporation second quarter conference call (conference ID number 1267252). 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 (passcode 1267252) beginning July 31st at 1:00 p.m. EDT through August 7th 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 70 different facilities in 10 countries. For more information, visit www.trimascorp.com.

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

                                                   June 30,       December 31,
                                                     2008             2007
                   Assets
    Current assets:
       Cash and cash equivalents                    $6,860            $4,800
       Receivables, net                            127,470            89,370
       Inventories, net                            186,200           190,590
       Deferred income taxes                        18,860            18,860
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets     6,280             7,010
       Assets of discontinued operations
        held for sale                                2,760             3,330
          Total current assets                     348,430           313,960
    Property and equipment, net                    197,840           195,120
    Goodwill                                       384,270           377,340
    Other intangibles, net                         209,320           214,290
    Other assets                                    25,250            27,280
          Total assets                          $1,165,110        $1,127,990

             Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    Current liabilities:
       Current maturities, long-term debt           $9,900            $8,390
       Accounts payable                            140,440           121,860
       Accrued liabilities                          63,950            71,830
       Liabilities of discontinued operations        1,170             1,450
          Total current liabilities                215,460           203,530
    Long-term debt                                 606,500           607,600
    Deferred income taxes                           73,950            73,280
    Other long-term liabilities                     35,630            35,090
             Total liabilities                     931,540           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 June 30, 2008
     and December 31, 2007, respectively               330               330
    Paid-in capital                                526,840           525,960
    Accumulated deficit                           (356,650)         (373,970)
    Accumulated other comprehensive income          63,050            56,170
          Total shareholders' equity               233,570           208,490
          Total liabilities and shareholders'
           equity                               $1,165,110        $1,127,990



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

                                  Three months ended       Six months ended
                                       June 30,                June 30,
                                   2008        2007        2008        2007

    Net sales                    $297,080    $287,670    $576,640    $572,110
    Cost of sales                (218,330)   (208,020)   (424,550)   (414,460)
       Gross profit                78,750      79,650     152,090     157,650
    Selling, general and
     administrative expenses      (48,790)    (45,320)    (93,910)    (90,860)
    Advisory services
     agreement termination fee          -     (10,000)          -     (10,000)
    Costs for early
     termination of operating
     leases                             -      (4,230)          -      (4,230)
    Gain (loss) on
     dispositions of property
     and equipment                   (110)        280        (220)        110
       Operating profit            29,850      20,380      57,960      52,670
    Other expense, net:
       Interest expense           (13,880)    (18,340)    (28,590)    (37,200)
       Debt extinguishment costs      -        (7,440)          -      (7,440)
       Other, net                  (1,340)     (1,060)     (2,530)     (2,220)
          Other expense, net      (15,220)    (26,840)    (31,120)    (46,860)

    Income (loss) from
     continuing operations
     before income tax benefit
     (expense)                     14,630      (6,460)     26,840       5,810
    Income tax benefit (expense)   (5,250)      2,400      (9,670)     (2,120)
    Income (loss) from
     continuing operations          9,380      (4,060)     17,170       3,690
    Income from discontinued
     operations, net of income
     tax benefit                       70         870         150         170
    Net income (loss)              $9,450     $(3,190)    $17,320      $3,860

    Earnings (loss) per share -
     basic:
       Continuing operations        $0.28      $(0.15)      $0.51       $0.16
       Discontinued operations,
        net of income tax expense       -        0.03           -           -

       Net income (loss) per
        share                       $0.28      $(0.12)      $0.51       $0.16

    Weighted average common
     shares - basic            33,409,500  26,223,236  33,409,500  23,506,461

    Earnings (loss) per share -
     diluted:
       Continuing operations        $0.28      $(0.15)      $0.51       $0.16
       Discontinued operations,
        net of income tax expense       -        0.03           -           -

       Net income (loss) per
        share                       $0.28      $(0.12)      $0.51       $0.16

    Weighted average common
     shares - diluted          33,642,907  26,223,236  33,597,276  23,506,461



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

                                                       Six months ended
                                                           June 30,
                                                    2008              2007

    Net income                                     $17,320            $3,860
    Adjustments to reconcile net income
     to net cash provided by operating
     activities, net of acquisition impact:
       Loss on dispositions of property and
        equipment                                       90                70
       Depreciation                                 13,900            11,660
       Amortization of intangible assets             7,800             7,800
       Amortization of debt issue costs              1,220             3,970
       Deferred income taxes                             -               770
       Non-cash compensation expense                   880               120
       Net proceeds from (reductions in)
        sale of receivables and receivables
        securitization                              (3,630)           33,330
       Increase in receivables                     (33,290)          (48,230)
       (Increase) decrease in inventories            4,950            (7,850)
       Decrease in prepaid expenses and
        other assets                                 1,910             2,630
       Increase in accounts payable and
        accrued liabilities                         10,090            16,500
       Other, net                                    2,020             1,310
          Net cash provided by operating
           activities, net of acquisition impact    23,260            25,940

    Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
       Capital expenditures                        (13,530)          (14,860)
       Acquisition of leased assets                      -           (29,960)
       Acquisition of businesses, net of
        cash acquired                               (6,190)                -
       Net proceeds from disposition of
        businesses and other assets                    340             5,850
          Net cash used for investing
           activities                              (19,380)          (38,970)

    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                           (2,930)           (1,730)
       Proceeds from borrowings on term loan
        facilities                                     490                 -
       Proceeds from borrowings on revolving
        credit facilities                          269,200           248,370
       Repayments of borrowings on revolving
        credit facilities                         (268,580)         (260,950)
       Retirement of senior subordinated notes           -          (100,000)
          Net cash (used for) provided by
           financing activities                     (1,820)           12,150

    Cash and Cash Equivalents:
       Increase (decrease) for the period            2,060              (880)
          At beginning of period                     4,800             3,600
          At end of period                          $6,860            $2,720

       Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
        information:
          Cash paid for interest                   $27,100           $34,510
          Cash paid for taxes                       $5,330            $5,010



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

                                       Three months ended   Six months ended
                                            June 30,            June 30,
                                         2008      2007      2008      2007
    Packaging Systems
      Net sales                         $57,410   $56,700  $111,980  $110,450
      Operating profit                   $9,150   $10,820   $18,030   $19,820
      Operating profit as a % of sales    15.9%     19.1%     16.1%     17.9%

    Energy Products
      Net sales                         $53,160   $41,020  $101,960   $82,600
      Operating profit                   $8,590    $5,660   $16,500   $12,070
      Operating profit as a % of sales    16.2%     13.8%     16.2%     14.6%

    Industrial Specialties
      Net sales                         $56,210   $52,850  $109,680  $103,440
      Operating profit                  $11,480   $11,220   $22,640   $22,440
      Operating profit as a % of sales    20.4%     21.2%     20.6%     21.7%

    RV & Trailer Products
      Net sales                         $49,730   $53,070  $100,400  $106,480
      Operating profit                   $2,060    $6,010    $4,810   $12,470
      Operating profit as a % of sales     4.1%     11.3%      4.8%     11.7%

    Recreational Accessories
      Net sales                         $80,570   $84,030  $152,620  $169,140
      Operating profit                   $6,490    $7,360    $9,120   $12,500
      Operating profit as a % of sales     8.1%      8.8%      6.0%      7.4%

    Corporate Expenses and Management
     Fees                               $(7,920) $(20,690) $(13,140) $(26,630)

    Total Company
      Net sales                        $297,080  $287,670  $576,640  $572,110
      Operating profit                  $29,850   $20,380   $57,960   $52,670
      Operating profit as a % of sales    10.0%      7.1%     10.1%      9.2%

      Other Data:
        - Depreciation and
          amortization                  $10,900    $9,570   $21,600   $19,360
        - Interest expense              $13,880   $18,340   $28,590   $37,200
        - Debt extinguishment costs          $-    $7,440        $-    $7,440
        - Other expense, net             $1,340    $1,060    $2,530    $2,220
        - Income tax expense (benefit)   $5,250   $(2,400)   $9,670    $2,120
        - Advisory Services Agreement
          termination fee                    $-   $10,000        $-   $10,000
        - Costs for early termination
          of operating leases                $-    $4,230        $-    $4,230
        - Restructuring activities       $2,260        $-    $2,260        $-



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

                                           Three months ended Six months ended
                                                June 30,          June 30,
                                             2008     2007     2008     2007

      Net income (loss)                     $9,450  $(3,190) $17,320   $3,860
         Income tax expense (benefit)        5,270   (1,870)   9,750    3,110
         Interest expense                   13,930   18,340   28,690   37,200
         Debt extinguishment costs             -      7,440      -      7,440
         Depreciation and amortization      10,950    9,620   21,700   19,460

      Adjusted EBITDA(1), total company     39,600   30,340   77,460   71,070

      Adjusted EBITDA(1), discontinued
       operations                              190    1,460      430    1,270

      Adjusted EBITDA(1), continuing
       operations                          $39,410  $28,880  $77,030  $69,800

    (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.



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

                                    Three months ended    Three months ended
                                       June 30, 2008        June 30, 2007
      (dollars in thousands, except  Income                Income
       per share amounts)            (Loss)       EPS      (Loss)       EPS

      Income (Loss) and Diluted EPS
       from continuing operations,
       as reported                   $9,380       $0.28   $(4,060)     $(0.15)

      After-tax impact of Special
       Items to consider in
       evaluating quality of income
       (loss) and diluted EPS from
       continuing operations:
         Advisory services agreement
          termination fee                $-          $-   $(6,300)     $(0.24)
         Costs for early termination
          of operating leases             -           -    (2,660)      (0.10)
         Debt extinguishment costs        -           -    (4,690)      (0.18)
         Restructuring activities    (1,440)      (0.04)        -           -

      Total Special Items           $(1,440)     $(0.04) $(13,650)     $(0.52)

      Weighted-average diluted
       shares outstanding at June
       30, 2008 and 2007                     33,642,907            26,223,236



                                     Six months ended      Six months ended
                                       June 30, 2008        June 30, 2007
      (dollars in thousands, except
       per share amounts)           Income        EPS     Income         EPS

      Income and Diluted EPS from
       continuing operations, as
       reported                     $17,170       $0.51    $3,690       $0.16

      After-tax impact of Special
       Items to consider in
       evaluating quality of income
       and diluted EPS from
       continuing operations:
         Advisory services agreement
          termination fee                $-          $-   $(6,300)     $(0.27)
         Costs for early termination
          of operating leases             -           -    (2,660)      (0.11)
         Debt extinguishment costs        -           -    (4,690)      (0.20)
         Restructuring activities    (1,440)      (0.04)        -           -

      Total Special Items           $(1,440)     $(0.04) $(13,650)     $(0.58)

      Weighted-average diluted
       shares outstanding at June
       30, 2008 and 2007                     33,597,276            23,506,461



                                                          Appendix II (cont'd)

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

                                        Three months ended  Six months ended
                                             June 30,           June 30,
      (dollars in thousands)              2008      2007     2008      2007

      Operating profit from continuing
       operations, as reported           $29,850   $20,380  $57,960   $52,670

      Special Items to consider in
       evaluating quality of earnings:
         Advisory services agreement
          termination fee                     $-  $(10,000)      $-  $(10,000)
         Costs for early termination of
          operating leases                     -    (4,230)       -    (4,230)
         Restructuring activities         (2,260)        -   (2,260)        -

      Total Special Items                $(2,260) $(14,230) $(2,260) $(14,230)




                                        Three months ended  Six months ended
                                             June 30,           June 30,
      (dollars in thousands)              2008      2007     2008      2007

      Adjusted EBITDA from continuing
       operations, as reported           $39,410   $28,880  $77,030   $69,800

      Special Items to consider in
       evaluating quality of earnings:
         Advisory services agreement
          termination fee                     $-  $(10,000)      $-  $(10,000)
         Costs for early termination of
          operating leases                     -    (4,230)       -    (4,230)
         Restructuring activities         (2,260)        -   (2,260)        -

      Total Special Items                $(2,260) $(14,230) $(2,260) $(14,230)

SOURCE TriMas Corporation

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