TriMas
:
Nov 9, 2009

TriMas Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TriMas Corporation (Nasdaq: TRS) today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The Company reported quarterly net sales from continuing operations of $203.7 million, a decrease of 21.9% from third quarter of 2008. Third quarter 2009 income from continuing operations decreased 19.2% from third quarter 2008 to $6.5 million, or $0.19 diluted earnings per share, including a ($0.05) per share impact of severance and business restructuring costs, identified as "Special Items,"(1) and a $0.02 per diluted share gain on extinguishment of debt. In comparison, third quarter 2008 income from continuing operations was $8.1 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, including a ($0.01) per share impact of severance and business restructuring costs. The Company reduced total indebtedness, including amounts outstanding under its receivables securitization facility, by $22.0 million compared to June 30, 2009 and by $101.4 million compared to September 30, 2008. The Company ended the third quarter with $24.8 million in cash.

TriMas Third Quarter Business Highlights

    --  Continued to execute its $30 million Profit Improvement Plan (PIP) ahead
        of schedule with over $9 million in cost reductions realized during the
        quarter.
		
    --  Improved operating profit margin (excluding the impact of Special Items)
        by 280 basis points compared to second quarter 2009 and by 50 basis
        points compared to third quarter 2008.
		
    --  In the Packaging segment, grew specialty dispensing and new product
        sales by approximately 40% compared to the third quarter of 2008. These
        products are designed for end markets such as pharmaceutical, medical,
        personal care and food/beverage.
		
    --  Continued to demonstrate improvements in Cequent with an increase in
        operating profit margin (excluding the impact of Special Items) of 560
        basis points, compared to third quarter 2008.

    --  Launched a strategic sourcing initiative across the businesses to drive
        additional synergies and productivity.

"We are executing on our productivity, working capital and growth initiatives," said David Wathen, TriMas President and Chief Executive Officer. "Compared to last quarter, we improved operating profit margin by 280 basis points on slightly lower revenues, decreased operating working capital by almost $23 million and generated over $43 million of free cash flow. Sales and end market demand are still down, but we are using this environment to make TriMas a permanently better business."

"As we move forward, we will continue our focus on reducing costs and working capital in each business segment," Wathen continued. "We remain focused on debt reduction and the protection of our liquidity. During the quarter, we reduced total indebtedness by $22 million and ended the quarter with almost $25 million in cash. While we are pleased with the progress we are making across these initiatives, there is more work to be done."

"For the full year of 2009, we continue to anticipate revenue to be down 20% to 25% compared to 2008, consistent with our comments last quarter. We are allocating some resources to key growth initiatives aimed at expanding end markets and geographies. We are also beginning to see positive signs in some of our businesses, as our Packaging and Cequent segments project fourth quarter 2009 revenues close to fourth quarter 2008 levels. These developments lead us to expect at least modest revenue gains for next year. We are, however, continuing to operate our company with the realization we are still in a time of economic uncertainty. We are committed to maintaining cushion on our bank covenants, delevering TriMas and ensuring liquidity for our future endeavors," Wathen concluded.

Third Quarter Financial Results - From Continuing Operations

    --  TriMas reported third quarter net sales of $203.7 million, a decrease of
        21.9% in comparison to $260.7 million in the third quarter 2008.
        Although several businesses benefited from new product introductions and
        new sales promotions, sales in all five segments declined in comparison
        to the prior year third quarter. The sales declines were primarily due
        to reductions in volume as a result of continued weak global economic
        activity and reduced consumer discretionary spending. Net sales were
        also negatively impacted by approximately $3.1 million due to
        unfavorable currency exchange.

    --  The Company reported operating profit of $20.2 million for the third
        quarter 2009, a decrease of 26.7% compared to operating profit of $27.5
        million for the third quarter 2008. Despite this decline, which was
        driven by the decrease in sales, operating profit margin, excluding the
        impact of Special Items, would have increased from 10.8% of sales during
        the third quarter of 2008 to 11.3% of sales during the third quarter of
        2009. This improvement was a result of the Company's cost reduction and
        productivity initiatives, with the largest positive impact experienced
        in the Packaging and Cequent segments.

    --  Adjusted EBITDA(2) for the third quarter 2009 decreased 14.2% to $31.9
        million, as compared to $37.2 million in the third quarter 2008.
        Management's actions, however, enabled the Company to achieve an
        increase in Adjusted EBITDA margin from 14.3% during the third quarter
        of 2008 to 15.7% during the third quarter of 2009.

    --  Income from continuing operations for the third quarter 2009 decreased
        19.2% to $6.5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to income
        from continuing operations of $8.1 million, or $0.24 per diluted share,
        in the third quarter 2008. These results include the after-tax impact of
        Special Items of $1.8 million, or ($0.05) per diluted share, and gain on
        extinguishment of debt of $0.7 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, in
        the third quarter of 2009 and the after-tax impact of Special Items of
        $0.4 million, or ($0.01) per diluted share, in the third quarter of
        2008.

    --  Free Cash Flow(2) for third quarter 2009 increased 85.3% to $43.4
        million from $23.4 million during the third quarter of 2008, driven by
        improvements in net working capital resulting from reduced inventory and
        accounts receivables levels.

    --  The Company continued to focus on its Profit Improvement Plan (PIP) to
        achieve over $30 million in cost savings during 2009 and is on plan to
        exceed these cost savings. TriMas realized over $9 million in cost
        reductions and incurred approximately $2.9 million in cash and non-cash
        charges related to its PIP during the third quarter of 2009. The Company
        has substantially completed the elimination of the production and
        distribution functions in Mosinee, Wisconsin as of September 30, 2009,
        and expects to fully complete the move of these operations by December
        31, 2009. The Company continues to pursue additional fixed and variable
        cost saving actions and productivity initiatives.

Financial Position

TriMas ended the quarter with cash of $24.8 million and $130.9 million of aggregate availability under its revolving credit and receivables securitization facilities. The Company reduced total indebtedness, including amounts outstanding under its receivables securitization facility, by $22.0 million during third quarter 2009, and by $101.4 million as compared to September 30, 2008. TriMas ended the quarter with reported total indebtedness of $525.4 million, with no amounts outstanding under its receivables securitization facility. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company retired approximately $10.0 million face value of the Company's senior subordinated notes in open market transactions for approximately $8.7 million.

The Company does not have any significant debt maturities under its credit agreement or subordinated notes until 2012. As of September 30, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

Business Segment Results -- From Continuing Operations

Packaging -- Sales for the third quarter decreased 8.4% compared to the year ago period, due primarily to a decline in industrial closure product sales resulting from the overall economic slowdown, partially offset by the growth in specialty dispensing product sales and the launch of other new products. Sales were also negatively impacted by the unfavorable effects of currency exchange. Despite the decrease in sales, operating profit for the quarter increased due to lower material costs and reduced selling, general and administrative costs associated with the Company's cost reduction plans, partially offset by the decline in industrial product sales and the unfavorable effects of currency exchange. As a result of the cost reduction actions, operating profit as a percentage of sales improved approximately 400 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2008. 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 -- Third quarter sales decreased 35.1% compared to the year ago period due primarily to reduced demand for engines and other well-site content, resulting from a reduction in drilling activity and the deferred completion of previously drilled wells in North America. Sales in the Energy segment were also negatively impacted due to lower sales of specialty gaskets and related fastening hardware, as a result of decreased levels of turn-around activity at petrochemical refineries and reduced demand from the chemical industry. Operating profit for the quarter decreased as a result of lower sales volumes and related lower absorption of fixed costs, partially offset by reductions in discretionary spending. The Company continues to launch new well-site products to complement its engine business, while continuing to expand its sales and service branch network for the specialty gasket business, in anticipation of improvements in underlying demand in both of these businesses.

Aerospace & Defense -- Sales for the third quarter decreased 34.6% compared to the year ago period due primarily to lower blind-bolt fastener sales resulting from program delays at commercial airframe manufacturers and inventory reductions at distribution customers, partially offset by sales of new products which increased the Company's content on certain aircraft. Sales in the defense business were also lower compared to the year ago period, due to the lack of cartridge case sales resulting from the ongoing relocation of the defense facility, partially offset by new product sales and revenue associated with managing the facility relocation and closure. Operating profit for the quarter decreased primarily due to lower sales volumes, partially offset by a more favorable product sales mix and reduced selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company continues to develop and market highly-engineered products for the aerospace market, as well as expand its offerings to military and defense customers.

Engineered Components -- Third quarter sales declined 54.3% compared to the year ago period due to demand declines in the Company's industrial cylinder, precision cutting tools and medical device businesses, primarily as a result of the current economic downturn. Sales in the specialty fittings business increased slightly due to new product offerings. Operating profit for the quarter decreased due to lower sales volumes and lower absorption of fixed costs, which were partially offset by reduced selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company continues to develop specialty products for growing end markets such as medical and expand its international sales efforts.

Cequent -- Sales decreased 6.5% for the third quarter compared to the year ago period. The Company continued to experience weak, but improving, consumer demand for heavy-duty towing, trailer and electrical products, as a result of uncertain economic conditions and reductions in consumer discretionary spending, and the unfavorable effects of currency exchange, partially offset by a slight increase in sales in the Australia/Asia Pacific business. Operating profit for the quarter improved as a result of cost reductions implemented as part of the Company's Profit Improvement Plan, partially offset by lower sales volumes, unfavorable foreign currency exchange and lower absorption of fixed costs. Due to the cost reduction actions, operating profit as a percentage of sales also improved approximately 560 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2008. The segment was negatively impacted by $2.1 million in charges associated with the closure of its Mosinee, Wisconsin manufacturing facility and other business restructuring costs. The Company continues to aggressively reduce fixed costs, decrease working capital and leverage strong brand positions for increased market share.

For a complete schedule of Segment Sales and Operating Profit, including Special Items by segment, see page 7 of this release, "Company and Business Segment Financial Information - Continuing Operations."

(1) Appendix I 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 II for reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow to the Company's reported results of operations prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, see Appendix I for additional information regarding Special Items impacting reported GAAP financial measures

Conference Call Information

TriMas Corporation will host its third quarter 2009 earnings conference call today, Monday, November 9, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. EST. The call-in number is (866) 238-0637. Participants should request to be connected to the TriMas Corporation third quarter conference call (conference ID number 1403128). 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 web cast 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 (access code 1403128) beginning November 9th at 2:00 p.m. EST through November 16th at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-looking Statements

Any "forward-looking" statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company's financial condition and results, expense reductions, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company's business and industry, the Company's substantial leverage, liabilities imposed by the Company's debt instruments, market demand, competitive factors, the Company's ability to maintain compliance with the listing requirements of NASDAQ, supply constraints, material and energy costs, technology factors, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company's accounting policies, future trends, and other risks which are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, and in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

About TriMas

Headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, TriMas Corporation (Nasdaq: TRS) provides engineered and applied products for growing markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into five strategic business segments: Packaging, Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Engineered Components and Cequent. TriMas has approximately 4,000 employees at 70 different facilities in 11 countries. For more information, visit www.trimascorp.com.

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


                                                September 30,    December 31,
                                                     2009            2008
                                                     ----            ----
                    Assets
    Current assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                     $24,770          $3,910
      Receivables, net of reserves of
       approximately $6.0 million and
       $5.7 million as of September 30, 2009
       and December 31, 2008, respectively           99,360         104,760
      Inventories                                   141,830         188,950
      Deferred income taxes                          16,970          16,970
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets       6,680           7,430
      Assets of discontinued operations held
       for sale                                       2,700          26,200
                                                      -----          ------
        Total current assets                        292,310         348,220
    Property and equipment, net                     170,760         181,570
    Goodwill                                        196,520         202,280
    Other intangibles, net                          168,700         178,880
    Other assets                                     15,720          19,270
                                                     ------          ------
        Total assets                               $844,010        $930,220
                                                   ========        ========

               Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    Current liabilities:
      Current maturities, long-term debt             $6,640         $10,360
      Accounts payable                               79,650         111,810
      Accrued liabilities                            73,710          66,340
      Liabilities of discontinued operations          1,240           1,340
                                                      -----           -----
        Total current liabilities                   161,240         189,850
    Long-term debt                                  518,740         599,580
    Deferred income taxes                            45,680          51,650
    Other long-term liabilities                      44,610          34,240
                                                     ------          ------
        Total liabilities                           770,270         875,320
                                                    -------         -------
    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: 33,578,324 shares at
     September 30, 2009 and 33,620,410 shares
     at December 31, 2008                               330             330
    Paid-in capital                                 527,330         527,000
    Accumulated deficit                            (499,020)       (510,160)
    Accumulated other comprehensive income           45,100          37,730
                                                     ------          ------
        Total shareholders' equity                   73,740          54,900
                                                     ------          ------
        Total liabilities and shareholders'
         equity                                    $844,010        $930,220
                                                   ========        ========



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


                              Three months ended         Nine months ended
                                  September 30,             September 30,
                               2009          2008        2009         2008
                               ----          ----        ----         ----
    Net sales                $203,730      $260,730    $615,090     $808,160
    Cost of sales            (146,300)     (192,100)   (462,210)    (593,580)
                             --------      --------    --------     --------
      Gross profit             57,430        68,630     152,880      214,580
    Selling, general and
     administrative
     expenses                 (37,280)      (41,160)   (112,930)    (128,740)
    Gain (loss) on
     dispositions of
     property and equipment        20            50         180         (160)
      Operating profit         20,170        27,520      40,130       85,680
                               ------        ------      ------       ------
    Other income (expense),
     net:
      Interest expense        (10,760)      (13,570)    (34,560)     (42,160)
      Gain on extinguishment
       of debt                  1,180             -      28,250            -
      Other, net                 (190)         (480)     (1,710)      (3,010)
                                 ----          ----      ------       ------
        Other income
         (expense), net        (9,770)      (14,050)     (8,020)     (45,170)
                               ------       -------      ------      -------

    Income from continuing
     operations before
     income tax expense        10,400        13,470      32,110       40,510
    Income tax expense         (3,890)       (5,410)    (12,230)     (15,150)
                               ------        ------     -------      -------
    Income from continuing
     operations                 6,510         8,060      19,880       25,360
    Income (loss) from
     discontinued
     operations, net of
     income tax benefit
     (expense)                   (680)          260      (8,740)         280
                                 ----           ---      ------          ---
    Net income                 $5,830        $8,320     $11,140      $25,640
                               ======        ======     =======      =======

    Earnings per share - basic:
        Continuing
         operations             $0.19         $0.24       $0.59        $0.76
        Discontinued
         operations, net
         of income tax
         benefit
         (expense)              (0.02)         0.01       (0.26)        0.01
                                -----          ----       -----         ----

        Net income per
         share                  $0.17         $0.25       $0.33        $0.77
                                =====         =====       =====        =====

    Weighted average
     common shares -
     basic                 33,496,634    33,420,560  33,480,747   33,413,214
                           ==========    ==========  ==========   ==========

    Earnings per share
     - diluted:
        Continuing
         operations             $0.19         $0.24       $0.59        $0.76
        Discontinued
         operations, net
         of income tax
         benefit
         (expense)              (0.02)         0.01       (0.26)        0.01
                                -----          ----       -----         ----

        Net income per
         share                  $0.17         $0.25       $0.33        $0.77
                                =====         =====       =====        =====

    Weighted average
     common shares -
     diluted               34,007,846    33,469,027  33,752,210   33,441,448
                           ==========    ==========  ==========   ==========



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


                                       Three months ended   Nine months ended
                                          September 30,       September 30,
                                         ---------------     ---------------
                                           2009      2008      2009      2008
                                           ----      ----      ----      ----
    Packaging
      Net sales                         $39,730   $43,350  $106,130  $128,910
      Operating profit                   $9,160    $8,300   $23,390   $26,530
      Operating profit as a % of sales     23.1%     19.1%     22.0%     20.6%

      Special Items to consider in
       evaluating operating profit:

        - Severance and business
         restructuring costs              $(480)    $(410)    $(480)    $(410)

          Excluding Special Items,
           operating profit would have
           been:                         $9,640    $8,710   $23,870   $26,940


    Energy
      Net sales                         $36,000   $55,430  $111,260  $157,390
      Operating profit                   $3,200    $8,170    $9,380   $24,670
      Operating profit as a % of sales      8.9%     14.7%      8.4%     15.7%

      Special Items to consider in evaluating operating profit:

        - Severance and business
         restructuring costs               $(30)       $-     $(240)    $(320)

          Excluding Special Items,
           operating profit would have
           been:                         $3,230    $8,170    $9,620   $24,990

    Aerospace & Defense
      Net sales                         $16,060   $24,550   $56,530   $65,770
      Operating profit                   $5,190    $8,640   $18,410   $22,230
      Operating profit as a % of sales     32.3%     35.2%     32.6%     33.8%

      Special Items to consider in
       evaluating operating profit:

        - Severance and business
         restructuring costs               $(10)       $-     $(140)    $(130)

          Excluding Special Items,
           operating profit would have
           been:                         $5,200    $8,640   $18,550   $22,360

    Engineered Components
      Net sales                         $15,860   $34,690   $51,100  $103,160
      Operating profit (loss)              $(60)   $3,470   $(1,010)  $12,520
      Operating profit (loss) as a %
       of sales                            -0.4%     10.0%     -2.0%     12.1%

      Special Items to consider in
       evaluating operating profit (loss):

        - Severance and business
         restructuring costs              $(210)     $(70)    $(380)    $(300)

          Excluding Special Items,
           operating profit (loss)
           would have been:                $150    $3,540     $(630)  $12,820

    Cequent
      Net sales                         $96,080  $102,710  $290,070  $352,930
      Operating profit                   $7,220    $4,000    $6,760   $17,930
      Operating profit as a % of sales      7.5%      3.9%      2.3%      5.1%

      Special Items to consider in
       evaluating operating profit (loss):

        - Severance and business
         restructuring costs            $(2,130)    $(190)  $(7,580)    $(190)

          Excluding Special Items,
           operating profit would have
           been:                         $9,350    $4,190   $14,340   $18,120

    Corporate Expenses                  $(4,540)  $(5,060) $(16,800) $(18,200)
      Special Items to consider in
       evaluating corporate expenses:
        - Severance and business
         restructuring costs                 $-      $(40)  $(2,940)  $(1,620)

          Excluding Special Items,
           corporate expenses would
           have been:                   $(4,540)  $(5,020) $(13,860) $(16,580)


    Total Company
      Net sales                        $203,730  $260,730  $615,090  $808,160
      Operating profit                  $20,170   $27,520   $40,130   $85,680
      Operating profit as a % of sales      9.9%     10.6%      6.5%     10.6%

      Total Special Items to consider
       in evaluating operating profit:  $(2,860)    $(710) $(11,760)  $(2,970)

          Excluding Special Items,
           operating profit would have
           been:                        $23,030   $28,230   $51,890   $88,650

      Other Data:
        - Depreciation and
         amortization                   $10,730   $10,420   $32,410   $31,790
                                        -------   -------   -------   -------

        - Interest expense              $10,760   $13,570   $34,560   $42,160
                                        -------   -------   -------   -------

        - Gain on extinguishment of
         debt, net                       $1,180        $-   $28,250        $-
                                         ------        --   -------        --

        - Other expense, net               $190      $480    $1,710    $3,010
                                           ----      ----    ------    ------



    Appendix I

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


                                      Three months ended   Three months ended
                                      September 30, 2009   September 30, 2008
                                      ------------------   ------------------
    (dollars in thousands, except
     per share amounts)               Income        EPS    Income        EPS
                                      ------        ---    ------        ---

    Income and EPS from continuing
     operations, as reported          $6,510       $0.19   $8,060       $0.24
                                      ======       =====   ======       =====

    After-tax impact of Special
     Items to consider in evaluating
     quality of income and EPS from
     continuing operations:
      Severance and business
       restructuring costs            (1,790)      (0.05)    (420)      (0.01)
                                      ------       -----     ----       -----

    Excluding Special Items, income
     and EPS from continuing
     operations would have been       $8,300       $0.24   $8,480       $0.25
                                      ======       =====   ======       =====

      After-tax impact of gain on
       extinguishment of debt            730        0.02        -           -
                                         ---        ----        -           -

    Excluding Special Items and gain
     on extinguishment of debt,
     income and EPS from continuing
     operations would have been       $7,570       $0.22   $8,480       $0.25
                                      ======       =====   ======       =====

      Weighted-average shares
       outstanding at September 30,
       2009 and 2008                          34,007,846           33,469,027
                                              ==========           ==========



                                      Three months ended   Three months ended
                                      September 30, 2009   September 30, 2008
                                      ------------------   ------------------
    (dollars in thousands, except
     per share amounts)               Income        EPS    Income        EPS
                                      ------        ---    ------        ---
    Income and EPS from continuing
     operations, as reported         $19,880       $0.59  $25,360       $0.76
                                     =======       =====  =======       =====

    After-tax impact of Special
     Items to consider in evaluating
     quality of income and EPS from
     continuing operations:
      Severance and business
       restructuring costs            (7,280)      (0.22)  (1,860)      (0.06)
                                      ------       -----   ------       -----

    Excluding Special Items, income
     and EPS from continuing
     operations would have been      $27,160       $0.81  $27,220       $0.82
                                     =======       =====  =======       =====

      After-tax impact of gain on
       extinguishment of debt         17,490        0.52        -           -
                                      ------        ----        -           -

    Excluding Special Items and gain
     on extinguishment of debt,
     income and EPS from continuing
     operations would have been
      Weighted-average shares outstanding
       at September 30, 2009 and 2008         33,752,210           33,441,448
                                              ==========           ==========


    Appendix I (cont.)

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


                                      Three months ended   Nine months ended
                                         September 30,       September 30,
                                         -------------      --------------
    (dollars in thousands)               2009     2008      2009      2008
                                         ----     ----      ----      ----

    Operating profit from continuing
     operations, as reported            $20,170  $27,520   $40,130   $85,680
                                        =======  =======   =======   =======

    Special Items to consider in
     evaluating quality of earnings:
      Severance and business
       restructuring costs              $(2,860)   $(710) $(11,760)  $(2,970)

    Excluding Special Items, operating
     profit from continuing
     operations would have been         $23,030  $28,230   $51,890   $88,650
                                        =======  =======   =======   =======


                                      Three months ended  Nine months ended
                                         September 30,      September 30,
                                         -------------      -------------
    (dollars in thousands)               2009     2008      2009      2008
                                         ----     ----      ----      ----

    Adjusted EBITDA from continuing
     operations, as reported            $31,910  $37,170   $99,880  $113,310
                                        =======  =======   =======  ========

    Special Items to consider in
     evaluating quality of earnings:
      Severance and business
       restructuring costs              $(2,290)   $(710)  $(9,530)  $(2,970)

    Excluding Special Items, Adjusted
     EBITDA from continuing
     operations would have been         $34,200  $37,880  $109,410  $116,280
                                        =======  =======  ========  ========

      Gross gain on extinguishment
       of debt                           $1,330       $-   $29,390        $-
                                         ------       --   -------        --

    Excluding Special Items and gain
     on extinguishment of debt,
     Adjusted EBITDA from continuing
     operations would have been         $32,870  $37,880   $80,020  $116,280
                                        =======  =======   =======  ========



    Appendix II

                                TriMas Corporation
              Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure Adjusted EBITDA(1) and
                                Free Cash Flow(2)
                                   (Unaudited)


                                         Three months ended Nine months ended
                                            September 30,     September 30,
                                           ---------------    -------------
    (dollars in thousands)                   2009     2008     2009      2008
                                             ----     ----     ----      ----
    Net income                             $5,830   $8,320  $11,140   $25,640
      Income tax expense                    3,420    5,560    6,650    15,310
      Interest expense                     10,930   13,630   35,050    42,320
      Debt extinguishment costs               150        -    1,140         -
      Depreciation and amortization        10,580   10,740   33,410    32,440
                                           ------   ------   ------    ------

    Adjusted EBITDA, total company         30,910   38,250   87,390   115,710

    Adjusted EBITDA, discontinued
     operations                            (1,000)   1,080  (12,490)    2,400

                                          -------  -------  -------  --------
    Adjusted EBITDA, continuing
     operations                           $31,910  $37,170  $99,880  $113,310
      Special Items                         2,290      710    9,530     2,970
      Non-cash gross gain on
       extinguishment of debt              (1,330)       -  (29,390)        -
      Cash interest                        (3,630)  (5,140) (25,460)  (32,240)
      Cash taxes                           (2,420)  (1,130)  (6,730)   (6,460)
      Capital expenditures                 (4,430)  (6,460) (10,850)  (19,630)
      Changes in operating working
       capital                             22,740   (2,440)  43,840   (15,070)
                                           ------   ------   ------   -------
      Free Cash Flow from operations
       before Special Items                45,130   22,710   80,820    42,880
      Cash paid for Special Items          (2,460)  (1,240)  (6,910)   (1,590)
      Net proceeds from sale of business
       and other assets                       680    1,920   23,100     2,260
                                              ---    -----   ------     -----
    Free Cash Flow                        $43,350  $23,390  $97,010   $43,550
                                          =======  =======  =======   =======

(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) The Company defines Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, plus Special Items and net proceeds from sale of businesses, less cash paid for interest, taxes and Special Items, capital expenditures, changes in operating working capital and non-cash (gains) losses on debt extinguishment. As detailed in Appendix I, for purposes of determining Free Cash Flow, Special Items, net, include those one-time costs, expenses and other charges incurred on a cash basis 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 Free Cash Flow, as defined.

    For more information, contact:
    Sherry Lauderback
    VP, Investor Relations & Communications

    (248) 631-5506
    sherrylauderback@trimascorp.com

SOURCE TriMas Corporation