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TITAN INTERNATIONAL INC - Annual Report: 2008 (Form 10-K)

form10k.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC. LOGO


 
FORM 10-K
 
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 
Commission file number 1-12936

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Illinois
 
36-3228472
(State or other jurisdiction of
   incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
    Identification No.)

2701 Spruce Street, Quincy, IL 62301
(Address of principal executive offices)

(217) 228-6011
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, no par value
 New York Stock Exchange (Symbol:  TWI)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o  No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o  No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o  No x

The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was approximately $636  million based upon the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2008.

As of February 23, 2009, a total of 35,171,524 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III incorporates information by reference from the registrant's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 14, 2009.

 
 

 

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K

     
Part I.
 
Page
     
Item 1.
Business
3-9
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
10
     
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
10
     
Item 2.
Properties
11
     
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
11
     
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
11
     
Part II.
   
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
12
     
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
14
     
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
15-35
     
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
36
     
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
36
     
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
36
     
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
36
     
Item 9B.
Other Information
36
     
Part III.
   
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
37
     
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
37
     
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
38
     
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
38
     
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
38
     
Part IV.
   
     
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
39
     
 
Signatures
40
     
 
Exhibit Index
41

 
2

 

PART I
ITEM 1 – BUSINESS

INTRODUCTION
Titan International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Titan or the Company) hold the unique position of manufacturing both wheels and tires for its target markets.  As a leading manufacturer in the off-highway industry, Titan produces a broad range of specialty products to meet the specifications of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket customers in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.  Titan’s earthmoving/ construction market includes wheels and tires supplied to the U.S. government, while the consumer market includes products for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and recreational/utility trailers.

As one of the few companies dedicated to off-highway wheel and tire products, Titan’s engineering and manufacturing resources are focused on designing quality products that address the real-life concerns of our end-users.  Titan’s team of experienced and up-and-coming engineers continually work on new and improved engineered products that evolve with today’s applications for the off-highway wheel and tire markets.

·  
Giant Mining Products
In 2008, Titan entered the giant off-the-road (OTR) earthmoving market in a big way with the introduction of its giant mining tires and wheels, the largest in the world.  Titan’s giant mining products include the “Big Daddy” giant mining tire, which is approximately 13 feet tall and weighs in at approximately 12,500 pounds.  To enter the giant OTR arena, the Company invested in a large capital expansion project at its Bryan, Ohio, location.  Titan continues to add giant OTR capacity as the Company brings new equipment online.

·  
Market Sales
In 2008, Titan’s agricultural market sales represented 70% of net sales, the earthmoving/construction market represented 27% and the consumer market represented 3% of net sales.  For information concerning the revenues, certain expenses, income from operations and assets attributable to each of the segments in which the Company operates, see Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements of Titan, included in Item 8 herein.
 
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
Titan’s strong market position in the off-highway wheel and tire market and its long-term core customer relationships contribute to the Company’s competitive strengths.  These strengths, along with Titan’s dedication to the off-highway wheel and tire market, continue to drive the Company forward.

·  
Strong Market Position
Titan’s ability to offer a broad range of specialized wheels, tires and assemblies has resulted in the Company’s strong position in the domestic off-highway market.  Through a diverse dealer network, the Company is able to reach an increasing number of customers in the aftermarket and build Titan’s image and brand recognition.  The Company’s acquisition of the Goodyear Farm Tire brand in North America contributes to overall visibility and customer confidence.  Years of product design and engineering experience have enabled Titan to improve existing products and develop new ones that have been well received in the marketplace.  In addition, Titan believes it has benefited from significant barriers to entry, such as the substantial investment necessary to replicate the Company’s manufacturing equipment and numerous tools, dies and molds, many of which are used in custom processes.

·  
Long-Term Core Customer Relationships
The Company’s top customers, including global leaders in agricultural and construction equipment manufacturing, have been purchasing wheels from Titan or its predecessors for many decades on average.  Customers including AGCO Corporation, Caterpillar Inc., CNH Global N.V., Deere & Company, Kubota Corporation and the U.S. Government have helped sustain Titan’s leadership in wheel, tire and assembly innovation.
 
 
3

 

BUSINESS STRATEGY
Titan’s business strategy is to continue its growth into the giant OTR market, increase its presence in the tire aftermarket, continue to improve operating efficiencies, maintain emphasis on new product development and explore possible additional strategic acquisitions.

·  
Giant Mining Tire Product
In May 2007, Titan’s Board of Directors approved funding for the Company to increase OTR mining tire production capacity to include giant mining tires.  These giant tires are in short supply in the mining industry and offer an opportunity for improved margins and greater demand.  The “Big Daddy” giant tire is approximately 13 feet tall and weighs in at approximately 12,500 pounds.  The Company began start-up production of these giant mining tires in July 2008.  Titan continues to add giant OTR tire capacity as the Company brings new equipment online.

·  
Increase Aftermarket Tire Business
The Company has concentrated on increasing its presence in the tire aftermarket, which tends to be somewhat less cyclical than the OEM market.  The aftermarket also offers the potential for higher profit margins and is larger in most cases.

·  
Improve Operating Efficiencies
The Company continually works to improve the operating efficiency of its assets and manufacturing facilities.  Titan integrates each facility’s strength, which may include transferring equipment and business to the facilities that are best equipped to handle the work.  This provides capacity to increase utilization and spread operating costs over a greater volume of products.  Titan is also continuing a comprehensive program to refurbish, modernize and enhance the computer technology of its manufacturing equipment.  The Company has centralized and streamlined inventory controls.  These efforts have led to improved management of order backlogs and have substantially improved Titan’s ability to respond to customer orders on a timely basis.

·  
Improve Design Capacity and Increase New Product Development
Equipment manufacturers constantly face changing industry dynamics.  Titan directs its business and marketing strategy to understand and address the needs of its customers and demonstrate the advantages of its products.  In particular, the Company often collaborates with customers in the design of new and upgraded products.  Titan will occasionally recommend modified products to its customers based on its own market information.  These value-added services enhance Titan’s relationships with its customers.  The Company tests new designs and technologies and develops methods of manufacturing to improve product quality and performance.  Titan’s engineers recently introduced designs for giant mining wheels and tires, which went into start-up production in second quarter 2008.  These giant tires employ an innovative steel radial construction technology, new to the OTR tire industry, to enhance performance and durability.  Titan’s engineers are also working on a new 15-degree tire and wheel design for OTR and farm radial assemblies to improve tire and wheel life.

·  
Explore Additional Strategic Acquisitions
The Company’s expertise in the manufacture of off-highway wheels and tires has permitted it to take advantage of opportunities to acquire businesses in the United States that complement this product line, including companies engaged in the tire market and companies that have wheel and tire assembly capabilities.  In the future, Titan may make additional strategic acquisitions of businesses that have an off-highway focus.

ACQUISITION OF OTR ASSETS
On July 31, 2006, Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired the OTR tire assets of Continental Tire North America, Inc. (Continental) in Bryan, Ohio.  Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan purchased the assets of Continental’s tire facility for approximately $53 million in cash proceeds.  The assets purchased included plant, property and equipment located in Bryan, Ohio, inventory and other current assets.  The acquisition included an agreement to use the General trademark on OTR tires.
 
 
4

 

 
AGRICULTURAL MARKET
Titan’s agricultural rims, wheels and tires are manufactured for use on various agricultural and forestry equipment, including tractors, combines, skidders, plows, planters and irrigation equipment, and are sold directly to OEMs and to the aftermarket through independent distributors, equipment dealers and Titan’s own distribution centers.  The wheels and rims range in diameter from 9 to 54 inches with the 54-inch diameter being the largest agricultural wheel manufactured in North America.  Basic configurations are combined with distinct variations (such as different centers and a wide range of material thickness) allowing the Company to offer a broad line of product models to meet customer specifications.  Titan’s agricultural tires range from approximately 1 foot to approximately 7 foot in outside diameter and from 5 to 44 inches in width.  The Company offers the added value of delivering a complete wheel and tire assembly to customers.

EARTHMOVING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET
The Company manufactures rims, wheels and tires for various types of OTR earthmoving, mining, military and construction equipment, including skid steers, aerial lifts, cranes, graders and levelers, scrapers, self-propelled shovel loaders, articulated dump trucks, load transporters, haul trucks and backhoe loaders.  The earthmoving/construction market is often referred to as OTR, an acronym for off-the-road.  The Company provides OEM and aftermarket customers with a broad range of earthmoving/construction wheels ranging in diameter from 20 to 63 inches and in weight from 125 pounds to 7,000 pounds.  The 63-inch diameter wheel is the largest manufactured in North America for the earthmoving/construction market. Titan’s earthmoving/construction tires range from approximately 3 feet to approximately 13 feet in outside diameter and in weight from 50 pounds to 12,500 pounds.  The Company offers the added value of wheel and tire assembly for certain applications in the earthmoving/construction market.

CONSUMER MARKET
Titan builds a variety of products for ATVs, turf, golf car and trailer applications.  Consumer wheels and rims range from 8 to 16 inches in diameter.  Likewise, Titan produces a variety of tires for the consumer market.  ATV tires using the new stripwinding manufacturing process have been introduced to the marketplace, which improves tread durability.  Titan’s sales in the consumer market include sales to Goodyear, which include an off-take/mixing agreement.  This agreement includes mixed stock, which is a prepared rubber compound used in tire production.  For the domestic boat, recreational and utility trailer markets, the Company provides wheels and tires and assembles brakes, actuators and components.  The Company also offers the value-added service of a wheel and tire assembly for the consumer market.
 

MARKET SALES
                             
   
Year ended December 31,
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
         
% of Total
         
% of Total
         
% of Total
 
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
 
   Agricultural
  $ 729,895       70 %   $ 515,642       62 %   $ 421,096       62 %
   Earthmoving/construction
    281,008       27 %     277,206       33 %     183,357       27 %
   Consumer
    25,797       3 %     44,173       5 %     75,001       11 %
    $ 1,036,700             $ 837,021             $ 679,454          

MARKET CONDITIONS OUTLOOK
Titan experienced strong demand for its agricultural and earthmoving/construction products throughout 2008.  The continued strength of the agricultural market, resulting from high commodity prices and a gradual increase in the use of biofuels, contributed to the increase in sales.  Tire shortages and strong demand in mining products such as oil, iron ore and aggregates contributed to the rise in earthmoving/construction product demand.  These trends are expected to continue through the first part of 2009.  However, the housing market decline, recession, and banking and credit crisis are affecting Titan’s customers.  The degree to which these items will affect Titan’s customers in 2009 and the future is difficult to estimate because of the uncertainty in the resolution of these financial conditions.

In May 2007, Titan’s Board of Directors approved funding for the Company to increase giant OTR mining tire production capacity to include 57-inch and 63-inch giant (“Big Daddy”) OTR radial tires.  These tires have an outside diameter of approximately 12 feet and 13 feet, respectively.  The Company began start-up production of these giant mining tires in July 2008.  Titan continues to add giant OTR tire capacity at the Bryan, Ohio, facility as the Company brings new equipment online.

 
5

 

OPERATIONS
Titan’s operations include manufacturing wheels, manufacturing tires, and combining these wheels and tires into assemblies for use in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.  These operations entail many manufacturing processes in order to complete the finished products.

·  
Wheel Manufacturing Process
Most agricultural wheels are produced using a rim and a center disc.  A rim is produced by first cutting large steel sheets to required width and length specifications.  These steel sections are rolled and welded to form a circular rim, which is flared and formed in the rollform operation.  The majority of discs are manufactured using presses that both blank and form the center to specifications in multiple stage operations.  The Company e-coats wheels using a multi-step process prior to the final paint top coating.

Large earthmoving/construction steel wheels are manufactured from hot and cold-rolled steel sections.  Hot-rolled sections are generally used to increase cross section thickness in high stress areas of large diameter wheels.  A special cold forming process for certain wheels is used to increase cross section thickness while reducing the number of wheel components.  Rims are built from a series of hoops that are welded together to form a rim base.  The complete rim base is made from either three or five separate parts that lock together after the rubber tire has been fitted to the wheel and inflated.

For most consumer market wheels, the Company manufactures rims and center discs from steel sheets.  Rims are rolled and welded, and discs are stamped and formed from the sheets.  The manufacturing process then entails welding the rims to the centers and painting the assembled product.

·  
Tire Manufacturing Process
The first stage in tire production is the mixing of rubber, carbon black and chemicals to form various rubber compounds.  These rubber compounds are then extruded and processed with textile or steel materials to make specific components.  These components – beads (wire bundles that anchor the tire with the wheel), plies (layers of fabric that give the tire strength), belts (fabric or steel fabric wrapped under the tread in some tires), tread and sidewall – are then assembled into an uncured tire carcass.  The uncured carcass is placed into a press that molds and vulcanizes the carcass under set time, temperature and pressure into a finished tire.

·  
Wheel and Tire Assemblies
The Company’s position as a manufacturer of both wheels and tires allows Titan to mount and deliver one of the largest selections of off-highway assemblies in North America.  Titan offers this value-added service of one-stop shopping for wheel and tire assemblies for the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.  Customer orders are entered into the Company’s system either through electronic data interchange or manually.  The appropriate wheel-tire assembly delivery schedule is established based on each customer’s requirements and products are received by the customer on a just-in-time basis.

·  
Quality Control
The Company is ISO certified at all five main manufacturing facilities located in Bryan, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Freeport, Illinois; Quincy, Illinois; and Saltville, Virginia.  The ISO series is a set of related and internationally recognized standards of management and quality assurance.  The standards specify guidelines for establishing, documenting and maintaining a system to ensure quality.  The ISO certifications are a testament to Titan’s dedication to providing quality products for its customers.

RAW MATERIALS
Steel and rubber are the primary raw materials used by the Company in all segments.  To ensure a consistent steel supply, Titan purchases raw steel from key steel mills and maintains relationships with steel processors for steel preparation.  The Company is not dependent on any single producer for its steel supply.  Rubber and other raw materials for tire manufacture represent some of the Company’s largest commodity expenses.  Titan buys rubber in markets where there are several sources of supply.  In addition to the development of key domestic suppliers, the Company’s strategic procurement plan includes international steel and rubber suppliers to assure competitive price and quality in the global marketplace.  As is customary in the industry, the Company does not have long-term contracts for the purchase of steel or rubber and, therefore, purchases are subject to price fluctuations.
 


 
6

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Capital expenditures for 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $80.0 million, $38.0 million and $8.3 million, respectively.  The 2008 capital expenditures include approximately $60 million for the giant OTR project and the 2007 capital expenditures include approximately $22 million for the giant OTR project.  The remaining capital expenditures in 2008 and 2007 were used primarily for updating manufacturing equipment, expanding manufacturing capacity and for further automation at the Company’s facilities.  Capital expenditures for 2009 are forecasted to be approximately $25 million to $35 million.  Approximately $15 million to $20 million of this amount may be spent on the giant OTR project and the remainder is anticipated to be used to enhance the Company’s existing facilities and manufacturing capabilities.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND ROYALTIES
The Company owns various patents and trademarks and continues to apply for patent protection for new products.  While patents are considered significant to the operations of the business, at this time Titan does not consider any one of them to be of such importance that the patent’s expiration or invalidity could materially affect the Company’s business.  However, due to the difficult nature of predicting the interpretation of patent laws, the Company cannot anticipate or predict the material adverse effect on its operations, cash flows or financial condition as a result of associated liabilities created under such patent interpretations.
 
The Company pays a royalty relating to a license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America.  Under this agreement, royalty trademark payments would cease immediately if Titan discontinued using the Goodyear trademark.  Titan currently plans to continue using the Goodyear trademark until circumstances require a change.  The current term of the agreement with Goodyear is for the next four years.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
The Company employs an internal sales force and utilizes several manufacturing representative firms for sales in North America.  Sales representatives are primarily organized within geographic regions.

Titan distributes wheels and tires directly to OEMs. The distribution of aftermarket tires occurs primarily through a network of independent and OEM-affiliated dealers.  The Company distributes wheel and tire assemblies directly to OEMs and aftermarket customers through its distribution network consisting of eight facilities in the United States.

SEASONALITY
Agricultural equipment sales are seasonal by nature.  Farmers generally order equipment to be delivered before the growing season.  Shipments to OEMs usually peak during the Company’s first and second quarters for the spring planting period.  Earthmoving/construction and consumer markets also historically tend to experience higher demand in the first and second quarters.  These markets are affected by mining, building and economic conditions.

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING
The Company’s research, development and engineering staff tests original designs and technologies and develops new manufacturing methods to improve product performance.  These services enhance the Company’s relationships with customers. Titan’s engineers recently introduced designs for giant OTR tires, which went into start-up production in second quarter 2008.  These giant tires employ an innovative steel radial construction technology, new to the OTR tire industry, to enhance performance and durability.  Titan’s engineers are also working on a new 15-degree tire and wheel design for OTR and farm radial assemblies.  This revolutionary technology will simplify maintenance to minimize downtime, provide better air retention, simplify mounting and increase service life.  The Company continues to work on sidewall improvements including the LSW (low sidewall) tire design.
 
 
7

 

CUSTOMERS
Titan’s 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 51% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to approximately 47% for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Net sales to Deere & Company in Titan’s agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets combined represented approximately 22% and 17% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Net sales to CNH Global N.V. in Titan’s three markets represented approximately 12% and 11% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  No other customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s net sales in 2008 or 2007.  Management believes the Company is not totally dependent on any single customer; however, certain products are dependent on a few customers.  While the loss of any substantial customer could impact Titan’s business, the Company believes that its diverse product mix and customer base may minimize a longer-term impact caused by any such loss.

ORDER BACKLOG
As of January 31, 2009, Titan estimates $201 million in firm orders compared to $208 million at January 31, 2008, for the Company’s operations.  Orders are considered firm if the customer would be obligated to accept the product if manufactured and delivered pursuant to the terms of such orders.  The Company believes that the majority of the current order backlog will be filled during the present year.
 
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, the Company records the Titan Europe Plc investment as an available-for-sale security and reports the investment at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.  Should the fair value decline below the cost basis, the Company would be required to determine if this decline is other than temporary.  If the decline in fair value were judged to be other than temporary, an impairment charge would be recorded.  The Company’s stock ownership interest in Titan Europe Plc was 17.2% at December 31, 2008 and 17.3% at December 31, 2007.  The fair value of the Company’s investment in Titan Europe Plc was $2.6 million and $34.5 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007.  Titan Europe Plc is publicly traded on the AIM market in London, England.
 
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 2008, the Company employed approximately 2,900 people in the United States.  Approximately 49% of the Company’s employees in the United States were covered by collective bargaining agreements.  In December 2005, the workers at the Des Moines, Iowa, and Freeport, Illinois, facilities ratified new labor agreements through November 2010.  The workers at the Bryan, Ohio, facility ratified a new labor agreement in July 2006 with the same November 2010 expiration date.  The Company believes employee relations are generally good.

EXPORT SALES
The Company had total aggregate export sales of approximately $128.8 million, $77.0 million and $57.4 million, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Exports to foreign markets are subject to a number of special risks, including but not limited to risks with respect to currency exchange rates, economic and political destabilization, other disruption of markets and restrictive actions by foreign governments (such as restrictions on transfer of funds, export duties and quotas and foreign customs).  Other risks include changes in foreign laws regarding trade and investment, difficulties in obtaining distribution and support, nationalization, reforms of laws and policies of the United States affecting trade, foreign investment and loans and foreign tax laws.  There can be no assurance that one, or a combination, of these factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to increase or maintain its export sales.

The Company purchases a portion of its raw materials from foreign suppliers.  The production costs, profit margins and competitive position of the Company are affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where Titan purchases goods, relative to the strength of the currencies in countries where the products are sold.  The Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position may be affected by fluctuations in foreign currencies.
 
 
8

 

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
In the ordinary course of business, like other industrial companies, Titan is subject to extensive and evolving federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, and has made provisions for the estimated financial impact of environmental cleanup.  The Company’s policy is to accrue environmental cleanup-related costs of a non-capital nature when those costs are believed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated.  Expenditures that extend the life of the related property, or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination, are capitalized. The Company does not currently anticipate any material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities.  The quantification of environmental exposures requires an assessment of many factors, including changing laws and regulations, advances in environmental technologies, the quality of information available related to specific sites, the assessment stage of the site investigation, preliminary findings and the length of time involved in remediation or settlement.  Due to the difficult nature of predicting future environmental costs, the Company cannot anticipate or predict the material adverse effect on its operations, cash flows or financial condition as a result of efforts to comply with, or its liabilities under, environmental laws.

COMPETITION
The Company competes with several domestic and international companies, some of which are larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than Titan.  The Company believes it is a primary source of steel wheels and rims to the majority of its North American customers.  Major competitors in the off-highway wheel market include Carlisle Companies Incorporated, GKN Wheels, Ltd., Topy Industries, Ltd. and certain other foreign competitors.  Significant competitors in the off-highway tire market include Bridgestone/Firestone, Carlisle Companies Incorporated, Michelin and certain other foreign competitors.

The Company competes primarily on the basis of price, quality, customer service, design capability and delivery time.  The Company’s ability to compete with international competitors may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations.  In addition, certain of the Company’s OEM customers could, under individual circumstances, elect to manufacture the Company’s products to meet their requirements or to otherwise compete with the Company.  There can be no assurance that the Company will not be adversely affected by increased competition in the markets in which it operates, or that competitors will not develop products that are more effective, less expensive or otherwise render certain of Titan’s products less competitive.  From time to time, certain of the Company’s competitors have reduced their prices in particular product categories, which has prompted Titan to reduce prices as well.  There can be no assurance that competitors of the Company will not further reduce prices in the future or that any such reductions would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE CERTIFICATION
The Company submitted to the New York Stock Exchange during fiscal 2008 the Annual CEO Certification required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports are made available, without charge, through the Company’s website located at www.titan-intl.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov website.  The following documents are also posted on the Company’s website:
 
·  
Corporate Governance Policy
 
·  
Business Conduct Policy
 
·  
Audit Committee Charter
 
·  
Compensation Committee Charter
 
·  
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Charter

Printed copies of these documents are available, without charge, by writing to:  Titan International, Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, 2701 Spruce Street, Quincy, IL 62301.

 
9

 

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

The Company is subject to various risks and uncertainties relating to or arising out of the nature of its business and general business, economic, financing, legal and other factors or conditions that may affect the Company. Realization of any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on Titan’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

 
·  
The Company operates in cyclical industries and, accordingly, its business is subject to the numerous and continuing changes in the economy.
 
·  
The Company’s debt and related interest expense may limit Titan’s financial and operating flexibility.
 
·  
The Company has incurred, and may incur in the future, net losses.
 
·  
The Company is exposed to price fluctuations of key commodities, which are primarily steel and rubber.
 
·  
The Company relies on a limited number of suppliers for key raw materials, which consist primarily of steel and rubber.
 
·  
Fluctuations in energy and transportation costs may affect Titan’s operating costs and the demand for the Company’s products.
 
·  
The Company’s revenues are seasonal due to Titan’s dependence on agricultural, construction and recreational industries, which are seasonal and typically have lower sales in the second half of the year.
 
·  
The Company may be adversely affected by changes in government regulations and policies, especially those related to farm and ethanol subsidies and those related to infrastructure construction.
 
·  
The Company is subject to corporate governance requirements, and costs related to compliance with, or failure to comply with, existing and future requirements could adversely affect Titan’s business.
 
·  
The Company’s customer base is relatively concentrated with Titan’s ten largest customers historically accounting for approximately 50% of sales.
 
·  
The Company’s giant OTR project may experience unforeseen obstacles, which may delay the project, increase costs and adversely affect Titan’s financial results.
 
·  
The Company faces substantial competition from domestic and international companies, some of which operate in low wage markets.
 
·  
The Company’s business could be negatively impacted if Titan fails to maintain satisfactory labor relations.
 
·  
Unfavorable outcomes of legal proceedings could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
·  
Acquisitions may require significant resources and/or result in significant unanticipated losses, costs or liabilities for the Company.
 
·  
The Company may be subject to product liability claims.
 
·  
The Company is subject to risks associated with environmental laws and regulations.
 
·  
The Company along with its customers and suppliers may be affected by the current banking and credit crisis.
 
 
ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 
10

 

ITEM 2 – PROPERTIES

The Company’s properties are detailed by the location, size and focus of each facility as provided in the table below:

   
Approximate square footage
     
Location
 
Owned
   
Leased
 
Use
Segment
Des Moines, Iowa
    2,047,000        
Manufacturing, distribution
All segments
Freeport, Illinois
    1,202,000       211,000  
Manufacturing, distribution
All segments
Quincy, Illinois
    1,134,000          
Manufacturing, distribution
All segments
Brownsville, Texas
    993,000          
Storage
See note (a)
Bryan, Ohio
    740,000          
Manufacturing, distribution
Earthmoving/Construction
Walcott, Iowa
    378,000          
Storage
See note (a)
Greenwood, S. Carolina
    110,000          
Storage
See note (a)
Dublin, Georgia
    20,000          
Distribution
All segments
Saltville, Virginia
    14,000       245,000  
Manufacturing, distribution
Earthmoving/Construction
Natchez, Mississippi
            1,203,000  
Storage
See note (a)
Pendergrass, Georgia
            120,000  
Distribution
All segments
Elko, Nevada
            4,000  
Distribution
Earthmoving/Construction

(a)  
The Brownsville, Greenwood and Natchez facilities are currently being used for storage.  The Company’s facilities in Brownsville, Texas; Greenwood, South Carolina; Natchez, Mississippi, and Walcott, Iowa, are not in operation.  The Company has a contract for sale on the Walcott building.

The Company considers each of its facilities to be in good condition and adequate for present use.  Management believes that the Company has sufficient capacity to meet current market demand with the active facilities.  The Company has no current plans to restart manufacturing at the storage facilities described in note (a) above.


ITEM 3 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is a party to routine legal proceedings arising out of the normal course of business.  Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these unresolved legal actions or the range of possible loss, the Company believes at this time that none of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.  However, due to the difficult nature of predicting unresolved and future legal claims, the Company cannot anticipate or predict the material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as a result of efforts to comply with or its liabilities pertaining to legal judgments.


ITEM 4 – SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to the vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2008.

 
11

 

PART II
 
ITEM 5 – MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol TWI.  Titan executed a five-for-four stock split effective August 15, 2008, for stockholders of record on July 31, 2008.  All share and per share data, except shares authorized, have been adjusted to reflect the effect of the stock split for all periods presented.  On February 23, 2009, there were approximately 600 holders of record of Titan common stock and an estimated 2,400 beneficial stockholders.  The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported on the NYSE, as well as information concerning per share dividends declared for the periods indicated.
 
2008
 
High
   
Low
   
Dividends
Declared
 
First quarter *
  $ 27.86     $ 19.36     $ 0.004  
Second quarter *
    36.31       24.53       0.004  
Third quarter *
    37.77       19.78       0.005  
Fourth quarter
    21.10       5.40       0.005  
                         
2007
                       
First quarter *
  $ 20.96     $ 15.92     $ 0.004  
Second quarter *
    27.88       20.26       0.004  
Third quarter *
    26.60       18.96       0.004  
Fourth quarter *
    28.23       19.30       0.004  

* Adjusted to reflect the five-for-four stock split that took place in 2008.

 
12

 

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON GRAPH
The following performance graph compares cumulative total return for the Company’s common stockholders over the past five years against the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 600 Construction and Farm Machinery and Heavy Trucks Index, and against the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index.  The graph depicts the value on December 31, 2008, of a $100 investment made on December 31, 2003, in Company common stock and each of the other two indices, with all dividends reinvested.  The Company’s common stock is currently traded on the NYSE under the symbol TWI.
 
 
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON GRAPH

 
 
   
 Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
 
Titan International, Inc.
  $ 100.00     $ 494.59     $ 565.78     $ 661.61     $ 1,027.09     $ 339.22  
S&P 600 Const. & Farm Machinery Index
    100.00       134.03       170.38       229.76       289.55       182.43  
S&P 500 Index
    100.00       110.88       116.33       134.70       142.10       89.53  

 
13

 

ITEM 6 – SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data presented below, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004, are derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements, as audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

(All amounts in thousands, except per share data)
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Net sales
  $ 1,036,700     $ 837,021     $ 679,454     $ 470,133     $ 510,571  
Gross profit
    139,714       84,131       72,778       64,210       79,500  
Income from operations
    73,321       24,838       22,011       11,999       33,322  
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
    (37,698 )     0       0       0       0  
Noncash debt conversion charge
    0       (13,376 )     0       (7,225 )     0  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    23,010       (3,884 )     8,574       (2,885 )     15,215  
Net income (loss)
    13,337       (7,247 )     5,144       11,042       11,107  
Net income (loss) per share – basic *
    .39       (.23 )     .21       .49       .50  
Net income (loss) per share – diluted *
    .38       (.23 )     .21       .48       .49  
Dividends declared per common share *
    .018       .016       .016       .016       .016  
* Adjusted to reflect the five-for-four stock split that took place in 2008.
 

       
(All amounts in thousands)
 
As of December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Working capital
  $ 232,564     $ 239,985     $ 247,009     $ 157,984     $ 114,898  
Current assets
    369,199       327,765       309,933       206,167       154,668  
Total assets
    654,782       590,495       585,126       440,756       354,166  
Long-term debt (a)
    200,000       200,000       291,266       190,464       169,688  
Stockholders’ equity
    279,188       272,522       187,177       167,813       106,881  
(a) Excludes amounts due within one year and classified as a current liability.
 

 
14

 

ITEM 7 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (MD&A) is designed to provide readers of these financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of the management of Titan International, Inc. (Titan or the Company) on Titan’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and other factors which may affect the Company’s future results.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding, among other items:
 
·  
Anticipated trends in the Company’s business
 
·  
Future expenditures for capital projects
 
·  
The Company’s ability to continue to control costs and maintain quality
 
·  
Ability to meet financial covenants and conditions of loan agreements
 
·  
The Company’s business strategies, including its intention to introduce new products
 
·  
Expectations concerning the performance and success of the Company’s existing and new products
 
·  
The Company’s intention to consider and pursue acquisitions and divestitures

Readers of this Form 10-K should understand that these forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control.

Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including:
 
·  
The effect of the current banking and credit crisis on the Company and its customers and suppliers
 
·  
Changes in the Company’s end-user markets as a result of world economic or regulatory influences
 
·  
Changes in the marketplace, including new products and pricing changes by the Company’s competitors
 
·  
Availability and price of raw materials
 
·  
Levels of operating efficiencies
 
·  
Actions of domestic and foreign governments
 
·  
Results of investments
 
·  
Fluctuations in currency translations
 
·  
Ability to secure financing at reasonable terms

Any changes in such factors could lead to significantly different results.  The Company cannot provide any assurance that the assumptions referred to in the forward-looking statements or otherwise are accurate or will prove to transpire.  Any assumptions that are inaccurate or do not prove to be correct could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve the results as indicated in forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this document will in fact transpire.

 
15

 

OVERVIEW
Titan International, Inc. and its subsidiaries are leading manufacturers of wheels, tires and assemblies for off-highway vehicles used in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.  Titan’s earthmoving/construction market also includes products supplied to the U.S. government, while the consumer market includes products for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and recreational/utility trailer applications.  Titan manufactures both wheels and tires for the majority of these market applications, allowing the Company to provide the value-added service of delivering complete wheel and tire assemblies.  The Company offers a broad range of products that are manufactured in relatively short production runs to meet the specifications of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and/or the requirements of aftermarket customers.

The Company’s major OEM customers include large manufacturers of off-highway equipment such as AGCO Corporation, Caterpillar Inc., CNH Global N.V., Deere & Company and Kubota Corporation, in addition to many other off-highway equipment manufacturers.  The Company distributes products to OEMs, independent and OEM-affiliated dealers, and through a network of distribution facilities.

The following table provides highlights for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to 2007 (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
 
Net sales
  $ 1,036,700     $ 837,021       24 %
Income from operations
    73,321       24,838       195 %
Net income (loss)
    13,337       (7,247 )  
 

The Company recorded sales of $1,036.7 million for 2008, which were 24% higher than the previous year sales of $837.0 million.  The record sales level was attributed to exceptionally strong demand in the Company’s agricultural market, which reported higher sales of approximately 42% for 2008 when compared to the previous year.

Income from operations was $73.3 million for 2008, compared to $24.8 million for previous year.  The income from operations reflected a significant improvement, as the Company continues its efforts to improve efficiencies and align sale prices with production cost.  Titan’s net income was $13.3 million for 2008 as compared to a net loss of $(7.2) million in 2007.  Basic earnings per share were $.39 in 2008, compared to loss per share of $(.23) in 2007.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Titan Europe Plc additional share purchase
In January 2009, the Company purchased additional shares of Titan Europe Plc, resulting in a 22.9% ownership position.  As a result of this higher ownership position, the Company will account for its interest in Titan Europe Plc as an equity method investment in accordance with APB 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock,” going forward.

Revolving credit facility amendment & restatement
On January 30, 2009, Titan International, Inc. amended and restated its revolving credit facility (credit facility) with Bank of America, N.A.  The amendment included a multi-year extension that extended the credit facility termination date to January 2012 from the previous October 2009 date.  The amendment created an accordion feature within the credit facility that set the initial loan availability at $150 million with the ability to request increases up to a maximum availability of $250 million.  The amendment adjusted the borrowing rates within a pricing grid that includes a minimum 1½% LIBOR rate.
 
16

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the Company’s statement of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.  This table and subsequent discussions should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
 


   
As a Percentage of Net Sales
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    86.5       89.9       89.3  
Gross profit
    13.5       10.1       10.7  
                         
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    5.5       6.4       6.7  
Royalty expense
    0.9       0.7       0.7  
Income from operations
    7.1       3.0       3.3  
                         
Interest expense
    (1.5 )     (2.3 )     (2.5 )
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
    (3.6 )     0.0       0.0  
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge
    0.0       (1.6 )     0.0  
Other income, net
    0.2       0.4       0.5  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    2.2       (0.5 )     1.3  
Provision for income taxes
    0.9       0.4       0.5  
Net income (loss)
    1.3 %     (0.9 )%     0.8 %

In addition, the following table sets forth components of the Company’s net sales classified by segment for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Agricultural
  $ 729,895     $ 515,642     $ 421,096  
Earthmoving/Construction
    281,008       277,206       183,357  
Consumer
    25,797       44,173       75,001  
Total
  $ 1,036,700     $ 837,021     $ 679,454  


 
17

 

STOCK SPLIT
In June 2008, Titan’s Board of Directors approved a five-for-four stock split with a record date of July 31, 2008, and a payable date of August 15, 2008.  The Company gave five shares for every four shares held as of the record date.  Stockholders received one additional share for every four shares owned as of the record date and received cash in lieu of fractional shares.  All share and per share data, except shares authorized, have been adjusted to reflect the effect of the stock split for all periods presented.

GIANT OTR PROJECT
In May 2007, Titan’s Board of Directors approved funding for the Company to increase giant OTR mining tire production capacity to include 57-inch and 63-inch giant radial tires (the “Giant OTR Project”).  The Company began start-up production of these giant mining tires in July 2008.

ACQUISITION OF OTR ASSETS
On July 31, 2006, Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired the off-the-road (OTR) tire assets of Continental Tire North America, Inc. (Continental) in Bryan, Ohio.  Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan purchased the assets of Continental’s tire facility for approximately $53 million in cash proceeds.  The assets purchased included plant, property and equipment located in Bryan, Ohio, inventory and other current assets.  The acquisition included an agreement to use the General trademark on OTR tires.  In addition, the Company recorded intangibles related to the acquisition as noncurrent assets and assumed warranty liabilities.  This acquisition expanded Titan’s product offering into larger earthmoving, construction and mining tires and added the manufacturing capacity of the Bryan, Ohio, facility.
 
SENIOR UNSECURED CONVERTIBLE NOTES CONVERSION
In January 2007, the Company filed a registration statement relating to an offer to the holders of its 5.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due 2009 to convert their notes into Titan’s common stock at an increased conversion rate (the “Offer”).  Per the Offer, each $1,000 principal amount of notes was convertible into 81.0000 shares of common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $12.35 per share. Prior to the Offer, each $1,000 principal amount of notes was convertible into 74.0741 shares of common stock, which was equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $13.50 per share.

The registration statement relating to the shares of common stock to be offered was declared effective February 2007.  In March 2007, the Company announced 100% acceptance of the conversion offer and the $81,200,000 of accepted notes were converted into 6,577,200 shares of Titan common stock.  Titan recognized a noncash charge of $13.4 million in connection with this exchange in accordance with SFAS No. 84, “Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt.”
 
 
18

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance, as well as the use of estimates.  The Company’s application of these policies involves assumptions that require difficult subjective judgments regarding many factors, which, in and of themselves, could materially impact the financial statements and disclosures.  A future change in the estimates, assumptions or judgments applied in determining the following matters, among others, could have a material impact on future financial statements and disclosures.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method in 2008 for approximately 78% of inventories and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for approximately 22% of inventories.  The major rubber material inventory and related work-in-process and their finished goods are accounted for under the FIFO method.  The major steel material inventory and related work-in-process and their finished goods are accounted for under the LIFO method.  Market value is estimated based on current selling prices.  Estimated provisions are established for excess and obsolete inventory, as well as inventory carried above market price based on historical experience.  Should experience change, adjustments to the estimated provisions would be necessary.

Impairment of Goodwill
The Company reviews goodwill to assess recoverability from future operations during the fourth quarter of each annual reporting period, and whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable.  The Company’s goodwill was $11.7 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007.  Based on a discounted cash flow method, the Company’s computation showed no impairment at December 31, 2008.  See Note 8 for additional information.  Significant assumptions relating to future operations must be made when estimating future cash flows in analyzing goodwill for impairment.  Should unforeseen events occur or operating trends change significantly, impairment losses could occur.
 
Valuation of Investment Accounted for as Available-for-Sale Security
The Company has an investment in Titan Europe Plc that was valued at $2.6 million as of December 31, 2008, representing a 17.2% ownership position, at that time.  Titan Europe Plc is publicly traded on the AIM market in London, England.  This investment is recorded as “Investment in Titan Europe Plc” on the consolidated balance sheet.  In accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” the Company records the Titan Europe Plc investment as an available-for-sale security and reports this investment at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax.  Should the fair value decline below the cost basis, the Company would be required to determine if this decline is other than temporary.  If the decline in fair value were judged to be other than temporary, an impairment charge would be recorded.  Declared dividends on this investment are recorded in income as a component of other income.
 
The December 31, 2008, fair value of $2.6 million was below the Company’s cost basis of $40.3 million.  The Company recorded an other than temporary impairment charge of $37.7 million at year end 2008.  The impairment charge was due to a substantial decline in Titan Europe Plc’s publicly quoted price on the AIM market in London, England at year end 2008.
 
Recent Development
In January 2009, the Company purchased additional shares of Titan Europe Plc, resulting in a 22.9% ownership position.  As a result of this higher ownership position, the Company will account for its interest in Titan Europe Plc as an equity method investment accordance with APB 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock,” going forward.
 
 
19

 

Income Taxes
Deferred income tax provisions are determined using the liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities.  The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax asset positions in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”

Asset and Business Acquisitions
The allocation of purchase price for asset and business acquisitions requires management estimates and judgment as to expectations for future cash flows of the acquired assets and business and the allocation of those cash flows to identifiable intangible assets in determining the estimated fair value for purchase price allocations.  If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in determining the purchase price allocations, impairment losses could occur relating to any intangibles recorded in the acquisition.  To aid in establishing the value of any intangible assets at the time of acquisition, the Company typically engages a professional appraisal firm.

Retirement Benefit Obligations
Pension benefit obligations are based on various assumptions used by third-party actuaries in calculating these amounts.  These assumptions include discount rates, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates and other factors.  Revisions in assumptions and actual results that differ from the assumptions affect future expenses, cash funding requirements and obligations.  The Company has three frozen defined benefit pension plans and one defined benefit plan that purchased a final annuity settlement in 2002.  Titan expects to contribute approximately $1 million to these frozen defined benefit pension plans in 2009.  For more information concerning these costs and obligations, see the discussion of the “Pensions” and Note 21 to the Company’s financial statements.

The effect of hypothetical changes to selected assumptions on the Company’s frozen pension benefit obligations would be as follows (in thousands):
         
December 31, 2008
   
2009
 
         
Increase
   
Increase
   
Increase
 
   
Percentage
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
Assumptions
 
Change
   
PBO (a)
   
Equity
   
Expense
 
Pension
                       
Discount rate
    +/-.5     $ (4,244)/$4,617     $ 4,244/$(4,617)     $ (242)/$256  
Expected return on assets
    +/-.5                     $ (290)/$290  

(a)  
Projected benefit obligation (PBO) for pension plans.
 
 
20

 

FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2007

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to 2007 (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
 
Net sales
  $ 1,036,700     $ 837,021       24 %
Cost of sales
    896,986       752,890       19 %
Gross profit
    139,714       84,131       66 %
Gross profit percentage
    13.5 %     10.1 %        

Net Sales
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008, were $1,036.7 million compared to $837.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The large sales improvement of $199.7 million, or 24%, for the year ended December 31, 2008, was attributed to strong demand in the Company’s agricultural market, which reported higher sales of approximately 42% for 2008 as compared to the previous year.  Titan believes it has benefited in 2008 from a preliminary ruling from the U.S. Department of Commerce, affirming that exporters of Chinese-manufactured tires have been selling certain off-the-road tires in the U.S.A. at less than normal value and received subsidies, resulting in duties being imposed on certain imported tires.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
Cost of sales was $897.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $752.9 million in 2007.  The higher cost of sales resulted from the record sales levels achieved in 2008.  Additional costs recorded during the year related to expenses associated with hiring and training workers to be utilized in giant OTR production, which were estimated to be approximately $6 million for 2008.

Gross profit for the year 2008 was $139.7 million, or 13.5% of net sales, compared to $84.1 million, or 10.1% of net sales, for 2007.  The gross profit margin for 2008 showed a significant improvement of over three percentage points compared to the previous year, as the Company continues its efforts to improve efficiencies and align sale prices with production cost.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
 
Selling, general and administrative
  $ 57,151     $ 53,138       8 %
Percentage of net sales
    5.5 %     6.3 %        

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $57.2 million, or 5.5% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $53.1 million, or 6.3% of net sales, for 2007.  Research and development (R&D) expenses, which are included in SG&A expenses, were $3.5 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  SG&A expense rose primarily as the result of higher selling costs of approximately $3 million year over year.  SG&A percentage of net sales improved nearly one percentage point due to the Company’s SG&A expenses remaining relatively unchanged while sales achieved record levels.

Royalty Expense
Royalty expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
 
Royalty expense
  $ 9,242     $ 6,155       50 %

The Goodyear North American farm tire asset acquisition included a license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America under the Goodyear name.  Royalty expenses were $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $6.2 million in 2007.  The higher royalty expense was the result of the strong sales in the agricultural segment.
 
 
21

 

Income from Operations
Income from operations was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
 
Income from operations
  $ 73,321     $ 24,838       195 %
Percentage of net sales
    7.1 %     3.0 %        

Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2008, was $73.3 million, or 7.1% of net sales, compared to $24.8 million, or 3.0% of net sales, in 2007.  Income from operations was affected by the items previously discussed in the sales, cost of sales, SG&A and royalty line items.

Interest Expense
Interest expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Decrease
 
Interest expense
  $ 15,122     $ 18,710       (19 )%

Interest expense for the year 2008 was $15.1 million compared to $18.7 million in 2007.  The reduction in interest costs was primarily the result of capitalization of interest of $3.2 million related to the giant OTR project in 2008.  In 2007, the Company capitalized $0.4 million of interest costs for the giant OTR project.
 
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge was as follows (amounts in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
 
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
  $ (37,698 )   $ 0       n/a  

The unrealized loss on the Titan Europe Plc investment was $37.7 million.  The unrealized loss was due to a substantial decline in Titan Europe Plc’s publicly quoted price on the AIM market in London, England at year end 2008.  A noncash charge of $37.7 million was recorded at year end December 31, 2008.
Noncash Convertible Debt Conversion Charge
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Decrease
 
Noncash debt conversion charge
  $ 0     $ 13,376       (100 )%

In March 2007, the Company converted $81.2 million of 5.25% senior convertible notes into 6,577,200 shares of Titan common stock.  Titan recognized a noncash charge of $13.4 million in connection with this exchange in accordance with SFAS No. 84, “Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt.”

Other Income
Other income was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Decrease
 
Other income
  $ 2,509     $ 3,364       (25 )%

Other income was $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $3.4 million in 2007.  The major items included in other income are:  (i) dividend income from the Titan Europe Plc investment was $1.7 million and $1.8 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, (ii) interest income was $1.4 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and (iii) other expense of $(0.6) million and $(1.1) million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The reduction in interest income was primarily the result of lower interest rates.


 
22

 
 
Income Tax Expense
Income taxes were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
 
Income taxes
  $ 9,673     $ 3,363       188 %

The Company recorded an income tax expense of $9.7 million in 2008 and $3.4 million in 2007.   The Company’s effective tax rate was 42.0% in 2008 and (87)% in 2007.  The Company’s 2007 income tax expense and rate differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of the $13.4 million noncash charge taken in connection with the Company’s convertible debt.  This noncash charge was not deductible for income tax purposes.
 
Net Income (Loss)
Net income (loss) was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 13,337     $ (7,247 )     n/a  

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2008, was $13.3 million, compared to net loss of $(7.2) million in 2007.  Basic income per share was $.39 for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to basic loss per share of $(.23) in 2007.  Diluted income per share was $.38 for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to basic loss per share of $(.23) in 2008.  The Company’s net income and earnings per share improvements were due to the items detailed above.

Agricultural Segment Results
Agricultural segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
 
Net sales
  $ 729,895     $ 515,642       42 %
Gross profit
    89,782       35,742       151 %
Income from operations
    74,241       25,324       193 %

Net sales in the agricultural market were $729.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $515.6 million in 2007.  The robust agricultural segment sales were the result of significantly higher demand from the Company’s customers, an effect of record farm income and crop prices.

Gross profit in the agricultural market was $89.8 million for the year 2008, as compared to $35.7 million in 2007.  Income from operations in the agricultural market was $74.2 million for the year 2008, as compared to $25.3 million in 2007.  The significant improvement in gross profit and income from operations in the agricultural market was attributed to robust farm equipment sales and the Company continuing to align sales prices with production costs.

Earthmoving/Construction Segment Results
Earthmoving/construction segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% Increase
(Decrease)
 
Net sales
  $ 281,008     $ 277,206       1 %
Gross profit
    46,047       47,848       (4 )%
Income from operations
    38,422       40,833       (6 )%

The Company’s earthmoving/construction market net sales were $281.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $277.2 million in 2007.  The increase of $3.8 million primarily resulted from the continued strong earthmoving and mining sales.

Gross profit in the earthmoving/construction market was $46.0 million for the year 2008, as compared to $47.8 million in 2007.  The Company’s earthmoving/construction market income from operations was $38.4 million for the year 2008, as compared to $40.8 million in 2007.  The Company’s gross profit was negatively impacted by costs associated with hiring and training workers to be utilized in giant OTR production, estimated to be approximately $6 million for 2008.

 
23

 

Consumer Segment Results
Consumer segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
% (Decrease) 
Increase
 
Net sales
  $ 25,797     $ 44,173       (42 )%
Gross profit
    3,938       3,431       15 %
Income from operations
    3,303       2,546       30 %

Consumer market net sales were $25.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $44.2 million in 2007.  The Goodyear farm tire acquisition agreement included an off-take/mixing agreement for certain product sales to Goodyear.  The reduction in consumer market sales was primarily related to lower sales to The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of approximately $15 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the previous year.

Gross profit from the consumer market was $3.9 million in 2008 as compared to $3.4 million in 2007.  Consumer market income from operations was $3.3 million for the year 2008 as compared to $2.5 million in 2007.  The improvement in gross profit and income from operations in the consumer segment was the result of a shift to higher margin products.

Segment Summary
(Amounts in thousands)
 
2008
 
Agricultural
   
Earthmoving/
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Corporate
 Expenses
   
Consolidated
 Totals
 
Net sales
  $ 729,895     $ 281,008     $ 25,797     $ 0     $ 1,036,700  
Gross profit (loss)
    89,782       46,047       3,938       (53 )     139,714  
Income (loss) from operations
    74,241       38,422       3,303       (42,645 )     73,321  
                                         
2007
                                       
Net sales
  $ 515,642     $ 277,206     $ 44,173     $ 0     $ 837,021  
Gross profit (loss)
    35,742       47,848       3,431       (2,890 )     84,131  
Income (loss) from operations
    25,324       40,833       2,546       (43,865 )     24,838  

Corporate Expenses
Income from operations on a segment basis does not include corporate expenses or depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment carried at the corporate level totaling $42.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $43.9 million in 2007.

Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008, were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $20 million and administrative expenses of approximately $23 million.

Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007, were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $17 million and administrative expenses of approximately $27 million.

The higher selling and marketing expenses for 2008 as compared to the previous year resulted from the record sales levels and the associated selling costs.  The lower administrative costs resulted primarily from a reduction in management incentives.

 
24

 

FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2006

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 2006 (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Increase
 
Net sales
  $ 837,021     $ 679,454       23 %
Cost of sales
    752,890       606,676       24 %
Gross profit
    84,131       72,778       16 %
Gross profit percentage
    10.1 %     10.7 %        

Net Sales
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007, were $837.0 million compared to $679.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.  The large sales improvement of $157.6 million, or 23%, for the year ended December 31, 2007, was attributed to the expanded agricultural product offering of Goodyear branded farm tires and the expanded earthmoving, construction and mining product offering of General branded OTR tires, along with added manufacturing capacity from the Bryan, Ohio, facility, which was acquired on July 31, 2006.  In addition, the Company has experienced strong demand in the agricultural segment.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
Cost of sales was $752.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $606.7 million in 2006.  Gross profit for the year 2007 was $84.1 million, or 10.1% of net sales, compared to $72.8 million, or 10.7% of net sales, for 2006.  Due to capacity constraints at Titan’s Bryan, Ohio, OTR tire facility, the Company is adding OTR tire capacity at its Freeport, Illinois, and Des Moines, Iowa, tire facilities.  Titan is aligning synergies, which includes retooling, retraining personnel and movement of equipment at the Bryan, Freeport and Des Moines facilities.

These OTR realignment costs lowered the Company’s gross profit for 2007 and for the fourth quarter of 2006, as labor costs that are normally dedicated to making products were instead used for retooling, retraining and movement of equipment.  The Company estimates realignment costs to be approximately $22 million to $24 million for 2007 and approximately $9 million to $11 million in 2006.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Increase
 
Selling, general and administrative
  $ 53,138     $ 45,766       16 %
Percentage of net sales
    6.3 %     6.7 %        

SG&A expenses were $53.1 million, or 6.3% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $45.8 million, or 6.7% of net sales, for 2006.  R&D expenses, which are included in SG&A expenses, were $1.7 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The higher SG&A expenses for 2007 are primarily the result of the higher selling and marketing expenses related to higher sales and the CEO and executive incentives.  Selling and marketing expenses were approximately $5 million higher in 2007, when compared to 2006.  Expenses recorded for CEO and executive incentives were approximately $4 million higher in 2007, when compared to 2006.

Royalty Expense
Royalty expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Increase
 
Royalty expense
  $ 6,155     $ 5,001       23 %

The Goodyear North American farm tire asset acquisition included a license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America under the Goodyear name.  Royalty expenses were $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $5.0 million in 2006.  The increase in royalty expenses is directly attributable to higher sales levels.

 
25

 

Income from Operations
Income from operations was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Increase
 
Income from operations
  $ 24,838     $ 22,011       13 %
Percentage of net sales
    3.0 %     3.2 %        

Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2007, was $24.8 million, or 3.0% of net sales, compared to $22.0 million, or 3.2% of net sales, in 2006.  Income from operations was affected by the items previously discussed in the cost of sales, administrative and royalty line items.

Interest Expense
Interest expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Increase
 
Interest expense
  $ 18,710     $ 17,001       10 %

Interest expense for the year 2007 was $18.7 million compared to $17.0 million in 2006.  The increase in interest expense in 2007 as compared to 2006 was the result of a higher average interest rate of approximately 1% in 2007.  In 2007, the Company capitalized $0.4 million of interest costs for the giant OTR project.

Noncash Convertible Debt Conversion Charge
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Increase
 
Noncash debt conversion charge
  $ 13,376     $ 0       n/a  

In March 2007, the Company converted $81.2 million of 5.25% senior convertible notes into 6,577,200 shares of Titan common stock.  Titan recognized a noncash charge of $13.4 million in connection with this exchange in accordance with SFAS No. 84, “Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt.”

Other Income
Other income was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Decrease
 
Other income
  $ 3,364     $ 3,564       (6 %)

Other income was $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $3.6 million in 2006.  Interest income included in other income was $2.7 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  In addition, dividend income from the Titan Europe investment of $1.8 million in 2007 and $1.3 million in 2006 was recorded in other income.  The year ended December 31, 2007, also included a loss of approximately $(1.1) million on foreign exchange and other expense items.

Income Tax Expense
Income taxes were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Decrease
 
Income taxes
  $ 3,363     $ 3,430       (2 %)

The Company recorded an income tax expense of $3.4 million in 2007 and 2006.   The Company’s effective tax rate was (87%) in 2007 and 40% in 2006.  The Company’s 2007 income tax expense and rate differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of the $13.4 million noncash charge taken in connection with the Company’s convertible debt.  This noncash charge is not deductible for income tax purposes.

 
26

 

Net (Loss) Income
Net (loss) income was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Decrease
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,247 )   $ 5,144       n/a  

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2007, was $(7.2) million, compared to net income of $5.1 million in 2006.  Basic and diluted loss per share was $(.23) for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to basic and diluted income per share of $.21 in 2006.  The Company’s net income and earnings per share decreased due to the items detailed above and as a result of the $13.4 million noncash convertible debt conversion charge.

Agricultural Segment Results
Agricultural segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Increase (Decrease)
 
Net sales
  $ 515,642     $ 421,096       22 %
Gross profit
    35,742       42,511       (16 %)
Income from operations
    25,324       27,351       (7 %)

Net sales in the agricultural market were $515.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $421.1 million in 2006.  The increase in agricultural segment sales was the result of increased demand from the Company’s customers, which resulted from record farm income in 2007.

Gross profit in the agricultural market was $35.7 million for the year 2007, as compared to $42.5 million in 2006.  Income from operations in the agricultural market was $25.3 million for the year 2007, as compared to $27.4 million in 2006.  The decrease in gross profit and income from operations in the agricultural market was primarily attributed to the related disruption to production in Titan’s agricultural products resulting from the OTR realignment initiative.

Earthmoving/Construction Segment Results
Earthmoving/construction segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% Increase
 
Net sales
  $ 277,206     $ 183,357       51 %
Gross profit
    47,848       28,099       70 %
Income from operations
    40,833       21,837       87 %

The Company’s earthmoving/construction market net sales were $277.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $183.4 million in 2006.  The expanded product offering of the General brand for OTR tires, along with added manufacturing capacity from the Bryan, Ohio, facility and the OTR realignment initiative accounted for the higher sales levels in the earthmoving/construction market in 2007.

Gross profit in the earthmoving/construction market was $47.8 million, as compared to $28.1 million in 2006.  The Company’s earthmoving/construction market income from operations was $40.8 million for the year 2007, up from $21.8 million in 2006.  The Bryan, Ohio, facility produces OTR tires for earthmoving, construction, and mining machinery in sizes larger than the Company was able to produce before this facility was acquired on July 31, 2006.  The increase in gross profit and income from operations in the earthmoving/construction segment is the result of margins realized on these larger earthmoving, construction and mining tires and additional OTR capacity.

 
27

 

Consumer Segment Results
Consumer segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
% (Decrease)
Increase
 
Net sales
  $ 44,173     $ 75,001       (41 %)
Gross profit
    3,431       2,771       24 %
Income from operations
    2,546       1,655       54 %

Consumer market net sales were $44.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $75.0 million in 2006.  The Goodyear farm tire acquisition agreement included an off-take/mixing agreement for certain product sales to Goodyear.  The decrease in consumer market sales was primarily related to a reduction in sales to The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of approximately $24 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, as compared to 2006.

Gross profit from the consumer market was $3.4 million as compared to $2.8 million in 2006.  Consumer market income from operations was $2.5 million for the year 2007 as compared to $1.7 million in 2006.  The increase in gross profit and income from operations in the consumer segment was the result of a shift to higher margin products.

Segment Summary
(Amounts in thousands)
 
2007
 
Agricultural
   
Earthmoving/
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Corporate
 Expenses
   
Consolidated
 Totals
 
Net sales
  $ 515,642     $ 277,206     $ 44,173     $ 0     $ 837,021  
Gross profit (loss)
    35,742       47,848       3,431       (2,890 )     84,131  
Income (loss) from operations
    25,324       40,833       2,546       (43,865 )     24,838  
                                         
2006
                                       
Net sales
  $ 421,096     $ 183,357     $ 75,001     $ 0     $ 679,454  
Gross profit (loss)
    42,511       28,099       2,771       (603 )     72,778  
Income (loss) from operations
    27,351       21,837       1,655       (28,832 )     22,011  

Corporate Expenses
Income from operations on a segment basis does not include corporate expenses or depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment carried at the corporate level totaling $43.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $28.8 million in 2006.

Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007, were composed of the following:  (i) selling and marketing expenses of approximately $17 million; (ii) CEO and executive incentives of approximately $7 million; and (iii) administrative expenses of approximately $20 million.

Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2006, were composed of the following:  (i) selling and marketing expenses of approximately $12 million; (ii) CEO and executive incentives of approximately $3 million; and (iii) administrative expenses of approximately $14 million.

The increase of approximately $5 million in selling and marketing expenses in 2007 as compared to 2006 resulted primarily from the higher sales levels.  The increase of approximately $4 million in the CEO and executive incentives is primarily related to the substantial appreciation in Titan’s stock price during 2007.  The increase of approximately $6 million in administrative costs in 2007 was primarily related to higher professional fees.
 
 
28

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $61.7 million of cash balances within various bank accounts.  This cash balance increased by $3.3 million from December 31, 2007, due to the following cash flow discussion items.

(amounts in thousands)
 
Year ended December 31,
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
Change
 
Cash
  $ 61,658     $ 58,325     $ 3,333  
 

Operating Cash Flows
Summary of cash flows from operating activities:
(amounts in thousands)
 
Year ended December 31,
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
Change
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 13,337     $ (7,247 )   $ 20,584  
Depreciation and amortization
    30,368       28,620       1,748  
Deferred income tax provision
    13,987       1,995       11,992  
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
    24,504       0       24,504  
Noncash debt charge
    0       13,376       (13,376 )
Accounts receivable
    (28,137 )     (24,512 )     (3,625 )
Inventories
    (19,258 )     26,556       (45,814 )
Accounts payable
    21,555       18,108       3,447  
Other current liabilities
    6,393       16,668       (10,275 )
Other operating activities
    (11,579 )     2,429       (14,008 )
Cash provided by operating activities
  $ 51,170     $ 75,993     $ (24,823 )

 
For the year ended December 31, 2008, operating activities provided cash of $51.2 million.  This cash was primarily provided by net income of $13.3 million and increases of $21.6 million in accounts payable.  Positive cash flows were offset by increases in accounts receivable of $28.1 million and inventories of $19.3 million.  Included as a reduction to net income were noncash charges of $30.4 million for depreciation and amortization and $24.5 million for the noncash Titan Europe Plc charge.

In comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2007, operating activities provided cash of $76.0 million.  This cash was primarily provided by a decrease in inventories of $26.6 million and increases of $18.1 million in accounts payable and $16.7 million in other current liabilities.  Positive cash flows were offset by net loss of $(7.2) million and an increase in accounts receivable of $24.5 million.  Included as a reduction to net income were noncash charges of $28.6 million for depreciation and amortization and $13.4 million for a debt conversion charge.

Operating cash flows decreased $24.8 million from the year ended December 31, 2007, to December 31, 2008.  This reduction was largely the result of cash flows from inventories decreasing $45.8 million and 2008 including a reduction to net income for the noncash Titan Europe Plc charge, while 2007 included a reduction to income for a noncash debt conversion charge of $13.4 million.  The decreases were offset by a rise in net income of $20.6 million.  The higher inventory balances in 2008 were primarily due to raw materials.  Raw materials inventories were increased in 2008 to support Titan’s all-time record sales levels.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2006, cash of $5.3 million was used for operating activities.  This usage was primarily the result of increases in accounts receivable and inventories of $26.8 million and $19.5 million, respectively, offset by an increase in other current liabilities of $13.4 million and net income of $5.1 million.  Included as a reduction to net income were noncash charges for depreciation and amortization of $26.9 million.

Operating cash flows increased $81.3 million from the year ended December 31, 2006, to December 31, 2007.  This increase was largely the result of cash flows from inventories increasing $46.1 million and cash flows from accounts payable increasing by $16.7 million.  In 2007, the Company was successful in lowering the finished goods inventory at the recently acquired facilities in Freeport, Illinois, and Bryan, Ohio.  Accounts payable increased in 2007 as a result of higher purchases resulting from higher sales levels.

 
29

 

Investing Cash Flows
Summary of cash flows from investing activities:
(amounts in thousands)
 
Year ended December 31,
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
Change
 
Capital expenditures
  $ (79,953 )   $ (38,048 )   $ (41,905 )
Acquisition of off-the-road (OTR) assets
    0       (8,900 )     8,900  
Other investing activities
    104       532       (428 )
Cash used for investing activities
  $ (79,849 )   $ (46,416 )   $ (33,433 )
 
Net cash used for investing activities was $79.8 million in 2008, as compared to $46.4 million in 2007 and $52.7 million in 2006.  The Company invested a total of $80.0 million in capital expenditures in 2008, compared to $38.0 million in 2007 and $8.3 million in 2006.  The 2008 capital expenditures include approximately $60 million for the giant OTR project and the 2007 capital expenditures include approximately $22 million for the Giant OTR project.  The remaining capital expenditures in 2008 and 2007 were used primarily for updating manufacturing equipment, expanding manufacturing capacity and for further automation at the Company’s facilities.  Titan invested $44.6 million for the Continental OTR tire acquisition in 2006.

The Company estimates that costs related to the Giant OTR Project at this time are approximately $100 million, of which approximately $82 million was disbursed from inception of the Giant OTR Project through December 31, 2008.  Capital expenditures for 2009 are forecasted to be approximately $25 million to $35 million.  Approximately $15 million to $20 million of this amount may be spent on the giant OTR project and the remainder is anticipated to be used to enhance the Company’s existing facilities and manufacturing capabilities.

Investing cash flows decreased $33.4 million from the year ended December 31, 2007, to December 31, 2008.  This decrease was primarily the result of additional cash being used for capital expenditures related to the Giant OTR project.
 
Financing Cash Flows
Summary of cash flows from financing activities:
(amounts in thousands)
 
Year ended December 31,
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
Change
 
Proceeds on revolving credit facility
  $ 25,000     $ 0     $ 25,000  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    3,536       6,631       (3,095 )
Excess tax benefit from stock options
    4,131       0       4,131  
Payment on debt
    0       (10,164 )     10,164  
Other financing activities
    (655 )     (1,131 )     476  
Cash provided by (used for) activities
  $ 32,012     $ (4,664 )   $ 36,676  
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $32.0 million in 2008.  This cash was provided primarily by revolving credit facility proceeds of $25.0 million.  Also, the exercise of stock options provided $3.5 million and excess tax benefit from stock options exercised provided $4.1 million.  Net cash used by financing activities was $4.7 million in 2007.  This cash use was primarily used for payment of debt of $10.2 million offset by proceeds of $6.6 million from the exercise of stock options.  Net cash provided by financing activities in 2006 was $90.8 million.  This cash was primarily provided by $88.9 million of net debt proceeds.  In addition, the exercise of stock options provided $5.4 million in cash and the payment of financing fees used $3.7 million of cash.

Financing cash flows increased $36.7 million from the year ended December 31, 2007, to the year ended December 31, 2008.  Also, financing cash flows decreased $95.5 million from the year ended December 31, 2006, to December 31, 2007.  The large changes from year to year are primarily the result of changes in total debt borrowings.

 
30

 

Debt Covenants
The Company’s revolving credit facility contains various covenants and restrictions.  The financial covenants in this agreement require that:
 
·  
Collateral coverage be equal to or greater than 1.2 times the outstanding revolver balance.
 
·  
If the 30-day average of the outstanding revolver balance exceeds $225 million, the fixed charge coverage ratio be equal to or greater than a 1.0 to 1.0 ratio.

Restrictions include:
 
·  
Limits on payments of dividends and repurchases of the Company’s stock.
 
·  
Restrictions on the ability of the Company to make additional borrowings, or to consolidate, merge or otherwise fundamentally change the ownership of the Company.
 
·  
Limitations on investments, dispositions of assets and guarantees of indebtedness.
 
·  
Other customary affirmative and negative covenants.
 
These covenants and restrictions could limit the Company’s ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments, to raise additional debt or equity capital, to pay dividends or to take advantage of business opportunities, including future acquisitions.  The failure by Titan to meet these covenants could result in the Company ultimately being in default on these loan agreements.

The Company is in compliance with these covenants and restrictions as of December 31, 2008.  The collateral coverage was calculated to be approximately 15 times the outstanding revolver balance at December 31, 2008.

The fixed charge coverage ratio did not apply for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.  The credit facility usage was $30.0 million at December 31, 2008, consisting of cash borrowings of $25.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of $5.0 million.

Other Items
The Company’s business is subject to seasonal variations in sales that affect inventory levels and accounts receivable balances.  Historically, Titan tends to experience higher sales demand in the first and second quarters.

LIQUIDITY OUTLOOK
At December 31, 2008, the Company had $61.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $220.0 million of unused availability under the terms of its revolving credit facility (credit facility).  The availability under the Company’s $250 million credit facility was reduced by $25.0 million for cash borrowings and $5.0 million for outstanding letters of credit.  The Company expects to contribute approximately $1 million to its frozen defined benefit pension plans during 2009.

In May 2007, Titan’s Board of Directors approved funding for the Company to increase giant OTR mining tire production capacity to include 57-inch and 63-inch giant radial tires (the “Giant OTR Project”).  The Company estimates that current commitments related to the Giant OTR Project at this time are approximately $100 million, of which approximately $82 million was disbursed from inception of the Giant OTR Project through December 31, 2008.  Additional capital expenditure commitments will be incurred through 2009 as the Giant OTR Project moves to completion.  The final cost of these additional OTR capital items have not been finalized at this time.

The Company currently anticipates that cash on hand and anticipated internal cash flows from operations will allow the Company sufficient funds for completion of the Giant OTR Project.  Capital expenditures for 2009 are forecasted to be approximately $25 million to $35 million.  Approximately $15 million to $20 million of this amount may be spent on the giant OTR project and the remainder is anticipated to be used to enhance the Company’s existing facilities and manufacturing capabilities.

Cash on hand, anticipated internal cash flows from operations and utilization of remaining available borrowings are expected to provide sufficient liquidity for working capital needs and capital expenditures.  If the Company were to exhaust all currently available working capital sources or not meet the financial covenants and conditions of its loan agreements, the Company’s ability to secure additional funding may be negatively impacted.
 
 
31

 

INFLATION
The Company is subject to the effect of price fluctuations.  During 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company realized price increases for purchases of steel and rubber used in the manufacture of its products.  While the cost outlook for commodities used in the Company’s production is not certain, management believes it can manage these inflationary pressures by introducing appropriate sales price adjustments.  However, these price adjustments usually lag the inflationary pressures.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The Company’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2008, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
Payments due by period
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than 1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
More than 5 years
 
Debt
  $ 225,000     $ 25,000     $ 0     $ 200,000     $ 0  
Interest expense (a)
    49,322       16,655       32,000       667       0  
Operating leases
    2,816       1,267       1,510       39       0  
Purchase obligations
    4,690       1,860       2,677       153       0  
Other long-term liabilities (b)
    28,700       1,000       12,000       11,200       4,500  
Royalty payment (c)
    36,000       9,000       18,000       9,000       0  
Total
  $ 346,528     $ 54,782     $ 66,187     $ 221,059     $ 4,500  

(a)  
Interest expense is estimated based on the Company’s year-end 2008 debt balances, maturities and interest rates.  The estimates assume no additional revolver borrowings or repayments.  The Company’s actual debt balances and interest rates may fluctuate in the future.  Therefore, actual interest payments may vary from those payments detailed in the above table.

(b)  
Other long-term liabilities represent the Company’s estimated funding requirements for the frozen defined benefit pension plans. The Company’s liability for pensions is based on a number of assumptions, including discount rates, rates of return on investments, mortality rates and other factors.  Certain of these assumptions are determined with the assistance of outside actuaries.  Assumptions are based on past experience and anticipated future trends and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and may lead to significantly different pension liability funding requirements.

(c)  
The Company pays a royalty relating to a license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America.  Under this agreement, royalty trademark payments would cease immediately if Titan discontinued using the Goodyear trademark.  Titan currently plans to continue using the Goodyear trademark until circumstances require a change.  Titan’s royalty payment to Goodyear for the next four years, the current term of the agreement, using the annual 2008 royalty payment of approximately $9 million as an estimate would total approximately $36 million.  The actual royalty amount paid to Goodyear in the future will vary based on the sales of certain off-highway tires in North America and the continuation of the license agreement.


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has no material off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
32

 
MARKET RISK SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS
Exchange Rate Sensitivity
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the British pound and Euro world currencies.  Titan does not hedge foreign currency transaction or translation exposures.  The Company’s net investment in foreign entities translated into U.S. dollars was $2.6 million at December 31, 2008, and $34.5 million at December 31, 2007.  The hypothetical potential loss in value of the Company’s net investment in foreign entities resulting from a 10% adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates at December 31, 2008, would amount to approximately $0.3 million.

Commodity Price Sensitivity
The Company does not generally enter into long-term commodity contracts and does not use derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposures to commodity market price fluctuations.  Therefore, the Company is exposed to price fluctuations of its key commodities, which consist primarily of steel and rubber.  The Company attempts to pass on certain material price increases and decreases to its customers, depending on market conditions.

Interest Rate Sensitivity
The Company has a $250 million credit facility that has a variable interest rate.  If the credit facility were fully drawn, a change in the interest rate of 100 basis points, or 1%, would change the Company’s interest expense by approximately $2.5 million.  At December 31, 2008, the Company had $25.0 million of cash borrowings on the credit facility.

At December 31, 2008, the fair value of the 8% senior unsecured notes, based on market prices obtained through independent pricing sources, was approximately $147 million, compared to a carrying value of $200 million.

MARKET CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK
Titan experienced strong demand for its agricultural and earthmoving/construction products throughout 2008.  The continued strength of the agricultural market, resulting from high commodity prices and a gradual increase in the use of biofuels, contributed to the increase in sales.  Tire shortages and strong demand in mining products such as oil, iron ore and aggregates contributed to the rise in earthmoving/construction product demand.  These trends are expected to continue through the first part of 2009.  However, the housing market decline, recession, and banking and credit crisis are affecting Titan’s customers.  The degree to which these items will affect Titan’s customers in 2009 and the future is difficult to estimate because of the uncertainty in the resolution of these financial conditions.

In May 2007, Titan’s Board of Directors approved funding for the Company to increase giant OTR mining tire production capacity to include 57-inch and 63-inch giant radial tires.  The Company began start-up production of these giant mining tires in July 2008.  Titan continues to add giant OTR tire capacity at the Bryan, Ohio, facility as the Company brings new equipment online.

Energy, raw material and petroleum-based product costs have been volatile and increases in these costs may negatively impact the Company’s margins.  Many of Titan’s overhead expenses are fixed; therefore, lower seasonal trends may cause negative fluctuations in quarterly profit margins and affect the financial condition of the Company.

AGRICULTURAL MARKET OUTLOOK
Agricultural market sales are forecasted to remain strong for 2009.  Commodity prices have declined from recent highs, but remain at healthy levels.  If oil prices remain lower, farmers will benefit from lower input costs for fuel and fertilizer.  The available stock of many farm crops is at low levels, which should sustain future production.  The gradual increase in the use of biofuels should also sustain future production.  In April 2008, Titan signed a three-year agreement to supply farm tires to various John Deere affiliates.  Many variables, including weather, grain prices, export markets and future government policies and payments can greatly influence the overall health of the agricultural economy.

 
33

 

EARTHMOVING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET OUTLOOK
Sales for the earthmoving/construction market are expected to remain stable in 2009.  Metals, oil and gas prices have retreated from recent highs as a result of the worldwide economic downturn.  However, in the long-term, these prices are expected to remain at levels that are attractive for continued investment, which will maintain support for earthmoving and mining sales.  The significant decline in the United States housing market continues to cause a decline in equipment used for housing construction.  The giant OTR project will add significant capacity for giant mining tires in 2009.  The additional sales of these giant OTR tires are expected to more than offset any softness in other areas of the earthmoving/construction market.  The earthmoving/construction market is affected by many variables, including commodity prices, road construction, infrastructure, government appropriations, housing starts and the current banking and credit crisis.

CONSUMER MARKET OUTLOOK
The current overall uncertainty in consumer spending resulting from the current banking and credit crisis, housing market decline, and high energy and food costs has affected the Company’s consumer market sales.  Titan’s sales in the consumer market include sales to Goodyear, which includes an off-take/mixing agreement.  This agreement includes mixed stock, which is a prepared rubber compound used in tire production.  The Company’s consumer market sales will fluctuate significantly related to sales volumes under the off-take/mixing agreement with Goodyear.  The Company expects challenging conditions for the consumer market for 2009.  Many factors affect the consumer market including weather, competitive pricing, energy prices and consumer attitude.

PENSIONS
The Company has three frozen defined benefit pension plans and one defined benefit plan that purchased a final annuity settlement in 2002.  These plans are described in Note 21 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company’s recorded liability for pensions is based on a number of assumptions, including discount rates, rates of return on investments, mortality rates and other factors.  Certain of these assumptions are determined by the Company with the assistance of outside actuaries.  Assumptions are based on past experience and anticipated future trends.  These assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and revised when appropriate.  Revisions in assumptions and actual results that differ from the assumptions affect future expenses, cash funding requirements and the carrying value of the related obligations.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, the Company contributed cash funds of $0.2 million to the frozen defined benefit pension plans.  Titan expects to contribute approximately $1 million to these frozen defined benefit pension plans during 2009.

In October 2007, the Titan Tire Bryan pension plan, adopted at the date of the Continental OTR asset acquisition and frozen from its inception, received cash transfers of approximately $25 million from Continental Tire North America’s frozen pension plan for the Bryan, Ohio, location.  The amount transferred into the frozen plan was actuarially approved to be a fully funded plan.

Titan’s projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2008, was $90.5 million as compared to $95.4 million at December 31, 2007.  The Company’s defined benefit pension plans were underfunded by $28.7 million at December 31, 2008.  During 2008, the Company recorded net periodic pension income of $0.9 million.  Accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded for defined benefit pension plans, net of tax, was $33.6 million and $15.6 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Other comprehensive income is recorded as a direct charge to stockholders’ equity and does not affect net income.  Titan will be required to record net periodic pension cost in the future; these costs may fluctuate based upon revised assumptions and could negatively affect the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

 
34

 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 141 (revised 2007)
In December 2007, SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” was issued.  This statement requires an acquirer to recognize assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at their fair values on the acquisition date, with goodwill being the excess value over the net identifiable assets acquired.  This statement is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 160
In December 2007, SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements,” was issued.  This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements.  This statement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 
35

 

 
ITEM 7A – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Reference is made to Item 7, Part II of this report.


ITEM 8 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Reference is made to Item 15, Part IV of this report, “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.”


ITEM 9 – CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.


ITEM 9A – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures.

Changes in Internal Controls
There were no material changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluations of the effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


ITEM 9B – OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 
36

 

PART III

ITEM 10 – DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors
The information required by this item regarding the Company’s directors is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2009 Proxy Statement under the captions “Election of Mr. Billig and Mr. Soave as Directors,” “Directors Continuing in Office,” “Committees and Meetings of the Board of Directors” and “Corporate Governance.”

Executive Officers
The names, ages and positions of all executive officers of the Company are listed below, followed by a brief account of their business experience during the past five years.  Officers are normally appointed annually by the Board of Directors at a meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.  The Chief Executive Officer and Secretary are brother and sister.  There is no arrangement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which an officer was selected.

Maurice M. Taylor Jr., 64, has been Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company since 1990, when Titan was acquired in a management-led buyout by investors, including Mr. Taylor.  Mr. Taylor served as President of the Company from 1990 to 2005 and was appointed Chairman in 2005.

Kent W. Hackamack, 50, served as Corporate Controller of the Company from 1994 to 1996.  Mr. Hackamack was appointed Vice President of Finance and Treasurer in 1996.

Cheri T. Holley, 61, joined the Company in 1994 as General Counsel and Secretary.  Ms. Holley was appointed Vice President in 1996.

Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance
The information required by this item regarding beneficial ownership reporting compliance is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2009 Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Business conduct policy
The Company adopted a business conduct policy, which is applicable to directors, officers and employees.  The Company has also adopted corporate governance guidelines.  The business conduct policy and corporate governance guidelines are available under the investor information category of the Company’s website, www.titan-intl.com.  The Company intends to satisfy disclosure requirements regarding amendments to or waivers from its business conduct policy by posting such information on its website.  A printed copy of the business conduct policy and corporate governance guidelines are available, without charge, by writing to:  Titan International, Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, 2701 Spruce Street, Quincy, IL 62301.


ITEM 11 – EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2009 Proxy Statement under the caption “Compensation of Executive Officers.”

 
37

 

ITEM 12 – SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Except for the information concerning equity compensation plans, the information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2009 Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

The following table provides information about shares of Titan common stock that may be issued under Titan’s equity compensation plans, as of December 31, 2008:
 
 
 
 
 
Plan Category
 
(i)
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   
 
(ii)
Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
(iii)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (i))
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    560,536 (a)       8.98         1,217,720  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
      0          n/a         0  
Total
    560,536       8.98       1,217,720  

(a)  
Amount includes outstanding stock options under the Company’s 1993 Stock Incentive Plan, 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan and 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
For additional information regarding the Company’s stock option plans, please see Note 22 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


ITEM 13 – CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2009 Proxy Statement under the caption “Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” and also appears in Note 26 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


ITEM 14 – PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2009 Proxy Statement under the caption “Audit and Other Fees.”

 
38

 

PART IV
 
ITEM 15 –
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     
   (a) 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements and Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
F-1
     
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
F-3
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007
F-4
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008
F-5
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
F-6
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7 through F-33
     
2.
Financial Statement Schedule
 
     
 
Schedule II – Valuation Reserves
S-1
     
3.
Exhibits
 
     
 
The accompanying Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.
 

 
39

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
(Registrant)


Date:  
February 26, 2009
By:  
/s/  MAURICE M. TAYLOR JR.
     
Maurice M. Taylor Jr.
     
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 26, 2009.

Signatures
Capacity
   
/s/  MAURICE M. TAYLOR JR.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
         Maurice M. Taylor Jr.
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
   
/s/  KENT W. HACKAMACK                                                              
Vice President of Finance and Treasurer
         Kent W. Hackamack
(Principal Financial Officer and
 
Principal Accounting Officer)
   
/s/  J. MICHAEL A. AKERS                                                   
Director
         J. Michael A. Akers
 
   
/s/  ERWIN H. BILLIG                                        
Director
         Erwin H. Billig
 
   
/s/  RICHARD M. CASHIN JR.
Director
Richard M. Cashin Jr.
 
   
   /s/  ALBERT J. FEBBO                                                              
Director
Albert J. Febbo
 
   
/s/  MITCHELL I. QUAIN                                                   
Director
Mitchell I. Quain
 
   
/s/  ANTHONY L. SOAVE                                                   
Director
Anthony L. Soave
 

 
40

 


TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Exhibit Index
Annual Report on Form 10-K

Exhibit
 
   No.
DESCRIPTION
3.1 (a)
Amended Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company
3.2 (b)
Bylaws of the Company
4.1 (c)
Indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated December 28, 2006
10.1 (d)
1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
10.2 (d)
1993 Stock Incentive Plan
10.3 (e)
Credit Agreement dated July 23, 2004, among the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association and General Electric Capital Corporation
10.4 (f)
First Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association and General Electric Capital Corporation dated February 16, 2005
10.5 (g)
2005 Equity Incentive Plan
10.6 (h)
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association dated October 21, 2005
10.7 (i)
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association dated June 28, 2006
10.8 (j)
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association dated February 8, 2007
10.9 (k)
Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Company and LaSalle Bank National Association dated December 12, 2007
10.10 (l)
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Company and Bank of America, N.A. dated as of January 30, 2009
21*
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23*
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1*
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32*
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
*Filed herewith

(a)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998 (No. 001-12936).
(b)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 33-69228).
(c)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Form S-4 (No. 333-141865).
(d)  
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-61743).
(e)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004 (No. 001-12936).
(f)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (No. 001-12936).
(g)  
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 30, 2005.
(h)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 24, 2005.
(i)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2006.
(j)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2007.
(k)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2007.
(l)  
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2009.

 
41

 

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.  Management believes that the consolidated financial statements fairly reflect the transactions and the financial statements reasonably present the Company’s financial position and results of operations in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Board of Directors of the Company has an Audit Committee comprised entirely of outside directors who are independent of management.  The Committee meets periodically with management, the internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm to review accounting control, auditing and financial reporting matters.  The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm and approval of their fees.

The independent registered public accounting firm audits the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2008, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
F-1

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of
Titan International, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index under item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Titan International Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing on page F-1.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, MO
February 26, 2009

 
F-2

 

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(All amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net sales
  $ 1,036,700     $ 837,021     $ 679,454  
Cost of sales
    896,986       752,890       606,676  
Gross profit
    139,714       84,131       72,778  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    57,151       53,138       45,766  
Royalty expense
    9,242       6,155       5,001  
Income from operations
    73,321       24,838       22,011  
Interest expense
    (15,122 )     (18,710 )     (17,001 )
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
    (37,698 )     0       0  
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge
    0       (13,376 )     0  
Other income, net
    2,509       3,364       3,564  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    23,010       (3,884 )     8,574  
Provision for income taxes
    9,673       3,363       3,430  
Net income (loss)
  $ 13,337     $ (7,247 )   $ 5,144  
Earnings (loss) per common share *:
                       
  Basic
  $ .39     $ (.23 )   $ .21  
  Diluted
    .38       (.23 )     .21  
Average common shares and equivalents outstanding *:
                       
  Basic
    34,410       32,081       24,627  
  Diluted
    34,838       32,081       25,055  

* Adjusted to reflect the five-for-four stock split that took place in 2008.
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
F-3

 

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(All amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
   
December 31,
 
Assets
 
2008
   
2007
 
Current assets
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 61,658     $ 58,325  
  Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $6,639 and $5,258, respectively)
    126,531       98,394  
  Inventories
    147,306       128,048  
  Deferred income taxes
    12,042       25,159  
  Prepaid and other current assets
    21,662       17,839  
    Total current assets
    369,199       327,765  
                 
  Property, plant and equipment, net
    248,442       196,078  
  Investment in Titan Europe Plc
    2,649       34,535  
  Goodwill
    11,702       11,702  
  Deferred income taxes
    7,256       0  
  Other assets
    15,534       20,415  
                 
Total assets
  $ 654,782     $ 590,495  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities
               
  Short-term debt
  $ 25,000     $ 0  
  Accounts payable
    65,547       43,992  
  Other current liabilities
    46,088       43,788  
    Total current liabilities
    136,635       87,780  
                 
  Long-term debt
    200,000       200,000  
  Deferred income taxes
    0       14,044  
  Other long-term liabilities
    38,959       16,149  
Total liabilities
    375,594       317,973  
                 
Commitments and contingencies: Notes 13, 23 and 24
               
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
  Common stock (no par, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 37,475,288 issued)
    30       30  
  Additional paid-in capital
    300,024       303,908  
  Retained earnings
    41,726       29,012  
  Treasury stock (at cost, 2,443,604 and 3,229,055 shares, respectively)
    (22,332 )     (29,384 )
  Treasury stock reserved for contractual obligations
    (5,501 )     0  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (34,759 )     (31,044 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    279,188       272,522  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 654,782     $ 590,495  
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
F-4

 

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(All amounts in thousands, except share data)

   
 
Number of common shares
   
 
 
Common Stock
   
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
   
 
 
Retained earnings
   
 
 
Treasury
stock
   
Treasury stock reserved for contractual obligations
   
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
 
 
 
Total
 
Balance January 1, 2006
    #24,377,115     $ 30     $ 255,299     $ 32,053     $ (99,817 )   $ 0     $ (19,752 )   $ 167,813  
                                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                               
Net income
                            5,144                               5,144  
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax
                                                    6,126       6,126  
Minimum pension liability, net of tax
                                                    3,225       3,225  
Comprehensive income
                                                            14,495  
Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158, net of tax
                                                    (1,061 )     (1,061 )
Dividends paid on common stock
                            (395 )                             (395 )
Exercise of stock options
    477,738               2,647               3,432                       6,079  
Issuance of treasury stock under 401(k) plan
    16,882               125               121                       246  
Balance December 31, 2006
    24,871,735       30       258,071       36,802       (96,264 )     0       (11,462 )     187,177  
                                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                               
Net loss
                            (7,247 )                             (7,247 )
Unrealized loss on investment, net of tax
                                                    (20,375 )     (20,375 )
Pension liability adjustments, net of tax
                                                    793       793  
Comprehensive loss
                                                            (26,829 )
Dividends paid on common stock
                            (543 )                             (543 )
Note conversion
    8,221,500               35,240               59,049                       94,289  
Exercise of stock options
    555,663               2,640               3,991                       6,631  
Issuance of treasury stock for funding contractual obligations on employee contracts
    267,500               4,184               1,921                       6,105  
Issuance of treasury stock for pension plans
    250,000               3,536               1,796                       5,332  
Issuance of treasury stock under 401(k) plan
    17,086               237               123                       360  
Balance December 31, 2007
    34,183,484       30       303,908       29,012       (29,384 )     0       (31,044 )     272,522  
                                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                               
Net income
                            13,337                               13,337  
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
                                                    14,249       14,249  
Pension liability adjustments, net of tax
                                                    (17,964 )     (17,964 )
Comprehensive income
                                                            9,622  
Dividends paid on common stock
                            (623 )                             (623 )
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
                    (10,471 )                                     (10,471 )
Cash paid for fractional shares resulting from stock split
                    (70 )                                     (70 )
Exercise of stock options
    313,463               5,389               2,278                       7,667  
Issuance of treasury stock for funding contractual obligations on employee contracts
    512,640               898               4,603       (5,501 )             0  
Issuance of treasury stock under 401(k) plan
    22,097               370               171                       541  
Balance December 31, 2008
    #35,031,684     $ 30     $ 300,024     $ 41,726     $ (22,332 )   $ (5,501 )   $ (34,759 )   $ 279,188  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
F-5

 

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(All amounts in thousands)
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 13,337     $ (7,247 )   $ 5,144  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                       
provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    30,368       28,620       26,850  
Deferred income tax provision
    13,987       1,995       2,597  
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
    24,504       0       0  
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge
    0       13,376       0  
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised
    (4,131 )     0       (646 )
Issuance of treasury stock under 401(k) plan
    541       360       246  
(Increase) decrease in assets:
                       
Accounts receivable
    (28,137 )     (24,512 )     (26,770 )
Inventories
    (19,258 )     26,556       (19,509 )
Prepaid and other current assets
    (3,823 )     (1,738 )     (3,675 )
Other assets
    575       (1,566 )     (3,525 )
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable
    21,555       18,108       1,449  
Other current liabilities
    6,393       16,668       13,443  
Other liabilities
    (4,741 )     5,373       (898 )
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
    51,170       75,993       (5,294 )
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures
    (79,953 )     (38,048 )     (8,282 )
Acquisition of off-the-road (OTR) assets
    0       (8,900 )     (44,642 )
Other
    104       532       198  
Net cash used for investing activities
    (79,849 )     (46,416 )     (52,726 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from borrowings
    0       0       200,000  
Payment on debt
    0       (10,164 )     (11,995 )
Proceeds (payment) on revolving credit facility, net
    25,000       0       (99,100 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    3,536       6,631       5,407  
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised
    4,131       0       646  
Payment of financing fees
    (70 )     (625 )     (3,725 )
Dividends paid
    (585 )     (506 )     (393 )
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    32,012       (4,664 )     90,840  
                         
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    3,333       24,913       32,820  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    58,325       33,412       592  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 61,658     $ 58,325     $ 33,412  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
F-6

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business
Titan International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Titan or the Company) are leading manufacturers of wheels, tires and assemblies for off-highway vehicles used in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.  Titan’s earthmoving/construction market also includes products supplied to the U.S. military and other government entities, while the consumer market includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and recreational/utility trailer applications.  Titan manufactures both wheels and tires for the majority of these market applications, allowing the Company to provide the value-added service of delivering complete wheel and tire assemblies.  The Company offers a broad range of products that are manufactured in relatively short production runs to meet the specifications of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and/or the requirements of aftermarket customers.

Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries.  Titan records its investment in each unconsolidated affiliated company (20% to 49% ownership) at its related equity in the net assets of such affiliate, as adjusted for equity earnings and losses.  Investments of less than 20% of non-publicly traded entities are carried at cost.  Investments of less than 20% of publicly traded entities are carried at fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.”  The Company records change of interest gains and losses directly to equity.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Stock split
In June 2008, Titan’s Board of Directors approved a five-for-four stock split. Titan executed a five-for-four stock split that became effective August 15, 2008, for stockholders of record on July 31, 2008.  The Company gave five shares for every four shares held as of the record date.  Stockholders received one additional share for every four shares owned as of the record date and received cash in lieu of fractional shares.  All share and per share data, except shares authorized, have been adjusted to reflect the effect of the stock split for all periods presented.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method in 2008 for approximately 78% of inventories and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for approximately 22% of inventories.  The major rubber material inventory and related work-in-process and their finished goods are accounted for under the FIFO method.  The major steel material inventory and related work-in-process and their finished goods are accounted for under the LIFO method.  Market value is estimated based on current selling prices.  Estimated provisions are established for excess and obsolete inventory, as well as inventory carried above market price based on historical experience.

Fixed assets
Property, plant and equipment have been recorded at cost.  Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the related assets:

   
Years
 
Building and improvements
    25  
Machinery and equipment
    10  
Tools, dies and molds
    5  

Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.  When property, plant and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated, and any gain or loss on disposition is included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Interest is capitalized on fixed asset projects which are constructed over a period of time.  The amount of interest capitalized is determined by applying a weighted average interest rate to the average amount of accumulated expenditures for the asset during the period.  The interest rate used is based on the rates applicable to borrowings outstanding during the period.

 
F-7

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Deferred financing costs
Deferred financing costs are costs incurred in connection with the Company’s revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes. The costs associated with the revolving credit facility are being amortized over the remaining term of the facility.  The costs associated with the senior unsecured notes are amortized straight line over five years, the term of the notes.  Amortization of deferred financing costs for the debt facilities approximates the effective interest rate method.

Fair value of financial instruments
The Company records all financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable, other accruals and notes payable at cost, which approximates fair value.  Investments in marketable equity securities are recorded at fair value.  The senior unsecured notes are the only significant financial instrument of the Company with a fair value different from the recorded value.  At December 31, 2008, the fair value of the senior unsecured notes, based on market prices obtained through independent pricing sources, was approximately $147 million, compared to a carrying value of $200 million.

Available-for-sale securities
The Company has an investment in Titan Europe Plc that was valued at $2.6 million as of December 31, 2008, representing a 17.2% ownership position, at that time.  Titan Europe Plc is publicly traded on the AIM market in London, England.  This investment is recorded as “Investment in Titan Europe Plc” on the consolidated balance sheet.  In accordance with SFAS No. 115, the Company records the Titan Europe Plc investment as an available-for-sale security and reports this investment at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  Should the fair value decline below the cost basis, the Company would be required to determine if this decline is other than temporary.  If the decline in fair value were judged to be other than temporary, an impairment charge would be recorded.  Declared dividends on this investment are recorded in income as a component of other income.  See Note 7 for additional information.

Impairment of fixed assets
The Company reviews fixed assets to assess recoverability from future operations whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable.  Impairment losses are recognized in operating results when expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset.  Impairment losses are measured as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over the discounted expected future cash flows or the estimated fair value of the asset.

Foreign currency translation
The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated to United States currency in accordance with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.”  Assets and liabilities are translated to United States dollars at period-end exchange rates.  Income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the period.  Translation adjustments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in stockholders’ equity.  As of December 2008, the Company’s investment in Titan Europe Plc was classified as available-for-sale securities and this investment is recorded as “Investment in Titan Europe Plc” on the consolidated balance sheet.  Gains and losses that result from foreign currency transactions are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Impairment of goodwill
The Company reviews goodwill to assess recoverability from future operations during the fourth quarter of each annual reporting period, and whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable, as required by the adoption of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.  The carrying amount of $11.7 million of goodwill by segment at December 31, 2008, was (i) agricultural of $6.9 million, (ii) earthmoving/construction of $3.6 million and (iii) consumer of $1.2 million.  Based on a discounted cash flow method, the Company’s computation showed no impairment at December 31, 2008.  See Note 8 for additional information.


 
F-8

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Revenue recognition
The Company records sales revenue when products are shipped to customers and both title and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred.  Provisions are established for sales returns and uncollectible accounts based on historical experience.  Should trends change, adjustments would be necessary to the estimated provisions.
 
Cost of sales
Cost of sales is comprised primarily of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing of the Company’s products, as well as manufacturing labor, depreciation expense and overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into a finished product.  Cost of sales also includes all purchasing, receiving, inspection, internal transfers, and related distribution costs.

Selling, general and administrative expense
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense is comprised primarily of sales commissions, marketing expense, selling and administrative wages, information system costs, legal fees, bank charges, audit fees, research and development, depreciation and amortization expense on non-manufacturing assets, and other administrative items.

Research and development expense
Research and development (R&D) expenses are expensed as incurred and included as part of selling, general and administrative expense.  R&D costs were $3.5 million, $1.7 million and $1.3 million for the years of 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Advertising
Advertising expenses are included in SG&A expense and are expensed as incurred.  Advertising costs were approximately $2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, and less than $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Warranty costs
The Company provides limited warranties on workmanship on its products in all market segments.  The provision for estimated warranty costs is made in the period when such costs become probable and is based on past warranty experience.  See Note 11.

Income taxes
Deferred income tax provisions are determined using the liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities.  The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax asset positions to determine if a valuation allowance is necessary.

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing consolidated net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing adjusted consolidated net earnings by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the weighted average number of potential common shares outstanding.  Potential common shares consist of outstanding options under the Company’s stock option plans and the conversion of the Company’s senior unsecured convertible notes.

Cash equivalents
The Company considers short-term debt securities with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Interest paid
The Company paid $16.6 million, $10.2 million and $15.6 million for interest in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


 
F-9

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Income taxes paid
Titan paid $8.0 million, $2.4 million and $0.2 million for income taxes in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Global market risk
The Company manufactures and sells products and purchases goods in the United States and foreign countries.  The Company is potentially subject to foreign currency exchange risk relating to receipts from customers and payments to suppliers in foreign currencies.  As a result, the Company’s financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the foreign markets in which the Company conducts business.  Gains and losses arising from the settlement of foreign currency transactions are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the related period.  Translation adjustments arising from the translation of foreign subsidiary financial statements are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Environmental liabilities
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate.  Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to current or future revenue are expensed.  Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and can be reasonably estimated.

Stock-based compensation
At December 31, 2008, the Company has three stock-based compensation plans, which are described in Note 22.  The Company granted no stock options in 2008, 2007 or 2006.

Reclassification
Certain amounts from prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of estimates
The policies utilized by the Company in the preparation of the financial statements conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and require management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual amounts could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Recently issued accounting standards

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 141 (revised 2007)
In December 2007, SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” was issued.  This statement requires an acquirer to recognize assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at their fair values on the acquisition date, with goodwill being the excess value over the net identifiable assets acquired.  This statement is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 160
In December 2007, SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements,” was issued.  This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements.  This statement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
 
F-10

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.  
ACQUISITION OF OTR ASSETS
 
On July 31, 2006, Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan, a subsidiary of Titan International, Inc., acquired the off-the-road (OTR) tire assets of Continental Tire North America, Inc. (Continental) in Bryan, Ohio.  Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan purchased the assets of Continental’s OTR tire facility for approximately $53 million in cash proceeds, including an initial cash payment of approximately $44 million and subsequent payment, made in the third quarter of 2007, of approximately $9 million.  The assets purchased included Continental’s OTR plant, property and equipment located in Bryan, Ohio, inventory and other current assets.  In addition, the Company recorded intangibles related to the acquisition as noncurrent assets and assumed certain warranty liabilities.  This acquisition expanded Titan’s product offering into larger earthmoving, construction and mining tires and added the manufacturing capacity of the Bryan, Ohio, facility.

The allocation of the Continental OTR asset acquisition was as follows (in thousands):
Inventory
  $ 11,053  
Prepaid and other current assets
    1,350  
Property, plant and equipment
    42,197  
Noncurrent assets
    742  
Liabilities assumed
    (1,800 )
    $ 53,542  

Pro forma financial information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information gives effect to the acquisition of Continental’s OTR assets as if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2006.  The pro forma information for the Bryan, Ohio, facility was derived from a carve-out of Continental’s OTR historical accounting records.

Pro forma information for the year (in thousands, except per share data):
   
2006
 
Net sales
  $ 761,796  
Income before income taxes
    21,786  
Net income
    13,072  
Diluted earnings per share *
    .49  

* Adjusted to reflect the five-for-four stock split that took place in 2008.

The pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2006, nor is it necessarily indicative of Titan’s future consolidated results of operations or financial position.  No pro forma information is presented for 2008 or 2007 as the acquisition was included in the consolidated results for the full year.
 
 
F-11

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.  
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Accounts receivable
  $ 133,170     $ 103,652  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (6,639 )     (5,258 )
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 126,531     $ 98,394  

The Company had net accounts receivable of $126.5 million and $98.4 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  These amounts are net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.6 million and $5.3 million for the years ended 2008 and 2007, respectively.

4.  
INVENTORIES

Inventories at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Raw material
  $ 73,927     $ 50,368  
Work-in-process
    26,820       21,533  
Finished goods
    56,488       61,880  
      157,235       133,781  
Adjustment to LIFO basis
    (9,929 )     (5,733 )
    $ 147,306     $ 128,048  
 
The Company had inventories of $147.3 million and $128.0 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Included in the above inventory balances at year-end 2008 and 2007 are reserves for slow-moving and obsolete inventory of $3.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

5.  
PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Prepaid and other current assets at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Prepaid supplies
  $ 12,436     $ 10,023  
Other
    9,226       7,816  
    $ 21,662     $ 17,839  

Prepaid and other current assets consist primarily of prepaid supplies, which were $12.4 million and $10.0 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
 
F-12

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.  
 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Land and improvements
  $ 3,343     $ 3,098  
Buildings and improvements
    99,650       78,462  
Machinery and equipment
    318,327       276,326  
Tools, dies and molds
    62,856       53,873  
Construction-in-process
    37,536       31,801  
      521,712       443,560  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (273,270 )     (247,482 )
    $ 248,442     $ 196,078  
 
Depreciation on fixed assets for the years 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled $27.5 million, $26.1 million, and $24.3 million, respectively.

7.  
INVESTMENT IN TITAN EUROPE

Investment in Titan Europe Plc at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Investment in Titan Europe Plc
  $ 2,649     $ 34,535  
 
The Company owned a 17.2% ownership in Titan Europe Plc.  In accordance with SFAS No. 115, the Company records the Titan Europe Plc investment as an available-for-sale security and reports the investment at fair value.
 
The fair value of the Company’s investment in Titan Europe Plc was $2.6 million and $34.5 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Titan Europe is publicly traded on the AIM market in London, England.  The December 31, 2008, fair value of $2.6 million was below the Company’s cost basis of $40.3 million.  The Company recorded an other than temporary impairment charge of $37.7 million at year end 2008.  The impairment charge was due to a substantial decline in Titan Europe Plc’s publicly quoted price on the AIM market in London, England at year end 2008.

Cash dividends received from Titan Europe Plc were $1.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Subsequent Event
In January 2009, the Company purchased additional shares of Titan Europe Plc, resulting in a 22.9% ownership position.  As a result of this higher ownership position, the Company will account for its interest in Titan Europe Plc as an equity method investment in accordance with APB 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock,” going forward.

 
F-13

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8.  
GOODWILL

The carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Agricultural segment
  $ 6,912     $ 6,912  
Earthmoving/construction segment
    3,552       3,552  
Consumer segment
    1,238       1,238  
    $ 11,702     $ 11,702  
 
The Company reviews goodwill to assess recoverability from future operations during the fourth quarter of each annual reporting period, and whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable as required by the adoption of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.  Based on a discounted cash flow method, the Company’s computation showed no impairment at December 31, 2008.  There can be no assurance that future goodwill tests will not result in an impairment charge.

9.  
OTHER ASSETS

Other assets at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Contractual obligations
  $ 4,426     $ 6,277  
Deferred financing
    3,260       4,897  
Other receivable
    2,400       2,700  
Other
    5,448       6,541  
    $ 15,534     $ 20,415  

The contractual obligations asset of $4.4 million and $6.3 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, represents assets held in trusts to provide contractual obligations to certain executive officers that are due upon retirement or voluntary termination of employment.

10.  
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Other current liabilities at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Wages and commissions
  $ 11,765     $ 10,850  
Accrued interest
    7,554       7,487  
Warranty
    7,488       5,854  
Insurance
    6,161       4,250  
Utilities
    3,103       3,599  
Other
    10,017       11,748  
    $ 46,088     $ 43,788  

Other current liabilities were $46.1 million and $43.8 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 
F-14

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11.  
WARRANTY COSTS

Changes in the warranty liability consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Warranty liability, January 1
  $ 5,854     $ 4,688  
   Provision for warranty liabilities
    13,567       8,901  
   Warranty payments made
    (11,933 )     (7,735 )
Warranty liability, December 31
  $ 7,488     $ 5,854  

The Company provides limited warranties on workmanship on its products in all market segments.  The majority of the Company’s products have a limited warranty that ranges from zero to ten years with certain products being prorated after the first year.  The Company calculates a provision for warranty expense based on past warranty experience.  The higher warranty provision in 2008 was partially due to the record sales levels.  Warranty accruals are included as a component of other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

12.  
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Accrued pension liabilities
  $ 29,291     $ 2,092  
Accrued employment liabilities
    7,218       11,726  
Other
    2,450       2,331  
    $ 38,959     $ 16,149  

Accrued employment liabilities includes liabilities for contractual and performance obligations for certain executive officers of approximately $4 million and approximately $8 million for December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

13.  
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt at December 31, 2008 and 2007, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Senior unsecured notes
  $ 200,000     $ 200,000  
Revolving credit facility
    25,000       0  
      225,000       200,000  
Less amounts due within one year
    25,000       0  
    $ 200,000     $ 200,000  

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):
2009
  $ 25,000  
2010
    0  
2011
    0  
2012
    200,000  
Thereafter
    0  
    $ 225,000  
 

 
F-15

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Senior unsecured notes
The Company’s $200 million 8% senior unsecured notes are due January 2012.

Revolving credit facility
The Company’s $250 million revolving credit facility (credit facility) with agent Bank of America has an October 2009 termination date and is collateralized by a first priority security interest in certain assets of Titan and its domestic subsidiaries.  At December 31, 2008, any borrowings under the credit facility would have borne interest at a floating rate of prime rate plus 0% to 1% or LIBOR plus 1% to 2%.

Cash borrowings under this credit facility were $25.0 million and outstanding letters of credit on the facility were $5.0 million at December 31, 2008, leaving $220.0 million of unused availability on the credit facility.  The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s borrowings outstanding under the credit facility was approximately 3¼% as of December 31, 2008.

The facility contains certain financial covenants, restrictions and other customary affirmative and negative covenants.  The Company is in compliance with these covenants and restrictions as of December 31, 2008.

Recent development - Revolving credit facility amendment & restatement
On January 30, 2009, Titan International, Inc. amended and restated its credit facility with Bank of America, N.A.  The amendment included a multi-year extension that extended the credit facility termination date to January 2012 from the previous October 2009 date.  The amendment created an accordion feature within the credit facility that set the initial loan availability at $150 million with the ability to request increases up to a maximum availability of $250 million.  The amendment adjusted the borrowing rates within a pricing grid that includes a minimum 1½% LIBOR rate.

14.  
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
   
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Investments
   
Unrecognized
Losses and
Prior Service
Cost
   
 
 
Total
 
Balance at January 1, 2007
  $ (1,183 )   $ 6,126     $ (16,405 )   $ (11,462 )
Unrealized loss on investment, net of tax of $10,971
    0       (20,375 )     0       (20,375 )
Defined benefit pension plan entries:
                               
  Plan acquisition, net of tax of $481
    0       0       785       785  
  Unrecognized prior service cost, net of tax of $53
    0       0       84       84  
  Unrecognized net loss, net of tax of $26
    0       0       (42 )     (42 )
  Unrecognized deferred tax liability, net of tax of $22
    0       0       (34 )     (34 )
Balance at December 31, 2007
    (1,183 )     (14,249 )     (15,612 )     (31,044 )
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
    0       14,249       0       14,249  
Defined benefit pension plan entries:
                               
  Unrecognized prior service cost, net of tax of $52
    0       0       85       85  
  Unrecognized net loss, net of tax of $11,041
    0       0       (18,014 )     (18,014 )
  Unrecognized deferred tax liability, net of tax of $21
    0       0       (35 )     (35 )
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ (1,183 )   $ 0     $ (33,576 )   $ (34,759 )
 

 
F-16

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


15.  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Company is authorized by the Board of Directors to repurchase up to 2.5 million common shares subject to debt agreement covenants.  The Company repurchased no Titan common shares in 2008, 2007, or 2006.  The Company has no plans at this time to repurchase any Titan common stock.  Titan paid cash dividends of $.018 per share of common stock for 2008 and $.016 per share for common stock for 2007 and 2006.  Dividends paid totaled $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

In March 2007, the Company converted 100% of the 5.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due 2009 into Titan common stock at an increased conversion rate.   The exchange resulted in a decrease in treasury stock of $59.0 million and an increase to additional paid-in-capital of approximately $35.2 million.  Stockholder’s equity increased by $80.9 million in total as a result of this exchange.  See Note 18 for additional information.

16.  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In September 2006, SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” was issued.  This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.  FASB Staff Position (FSP) 157-2 amended SFAS No. 157 to delay the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.

The adoption of SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and financial liabilities, effective January 1, 2008, did not have a material impact on Titan’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  The Company is evaluating the effect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

SFAS No. 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.  These tiers include:  Level 1 – defined as quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments; Level 2 – defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 – defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2008
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Investments for contractual obligations
  $ 4,426     $ 4,426     $ 0     $ 0  
Investment in Titan Europe Plc
    2,649       2,649       0       0  
Total
  $ 7,075     $ 7,075     $ 0     $ 0  
 
17.  
ROYALTY EXPENSE

Royalty expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Royalty expense
  $ 9,242     $ 6,155     $ 5,001  

The Goodyear North American farm tire asset acquisition included a license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America under the Goodyear name.  Royalty expenses recorded for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, were $9.2 million, $6.2 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

 
F-17

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18.  
NONCASH CONVERTIBLE DEBT CONVERSION CHARGE

Noncash convertible debt conversion charge consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Noncash convertible debt charge
  $ 0     $ 13,376     $ 0  

In January 2007, the Company filed a registration statement relating to an offer to the holders of its 5.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due 2009 to convert their notes into Titan’s common stock at an increased conversion rate (the “Offer”).  Per the Offer, each $1,000 principal amount of notes was convertible into 81.0000 shares of common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $12.35 per share.

Prior to the Offer, each $1,000 principal amount of notes was convertible into 74.0741 shares of common stock, which was equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $13.50 per share.  The registration statement relating to the shares of common stock to be offered was declared effective February 2007.  In March 2007, the Company announced 100% acceptance of the conversion offer and the $81.2 million of accepted notes were converted into 6,577,200 shares of Titan common stock.

The Company recognized a noncash charge of $13.4 million in connection with this exchange in accordance with SFAS No. 84, “Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt.”  This charge does not reflect $1.0 million of interest previously accrued on the notes.  The shares issued for the conversion were issued out of treasury shares.  The exchange resulted in a decrease in treasury stock of $59.0 million and an increase to additional paid-in capital of approximately $35.2 million.  Stockholder’s equity increased by $80.9 million in total as a result of this exchange.

19.  
OTHER INCOME, NET

Other income consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Dividend income – Titan Europe Plc
  $ 1,711     $ 1,768     $ 1,281  
Interest income
    1,352       2,717       1,681  
Other (expense) income
    (554 )     (1,121 )     602  
    $ 2,509     $ 3,364     $ 3,564  

Other income recorded for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, was $2.5 million, $3.4 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
 
 
F-18

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20.  
INCOME TAXES
 
Income (loss) before income taxes, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Domestic
  $ 21,727     $ (6,306 )   $ 5,310  
Foreign
    1,283       2,422       3,264  
    $ 23,010     $ (3,884 )   $ 8,574  

The provision (benefit) for income taxes, was as follows (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Current
                 
  Federal
  $ 7,814     $ 562     $ 120  
  State
    34       547       475  
  Foreign
    1,031       1,574       183  
      8,879       2,683       778  
Deferred
                       
  Federal
    811       2,725       2,442  
  State
    (17 )     408       210  
  Foreign
    0       (2,453 )     0  
      794       680       2,652  
Provision for income taxes
  $ 9,673     $ 3,363     $ 3,430  

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to pre-tax income (loss) as a result of the following:
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Statutory U.S. federal tax rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Nondeductible debt conversion charge
    0.0       (120.6 )     0.0  
Irish capital gains tax
    0.0       29.3       0.0  
Repatriation of foreign earnings
    1.9       (29.2 )     11.6  
Foreign taxes, net
    (1.9 )     18.8       (12.0 )
State taxes, net
    4.8       (16.0 )     6.2  
Other, net
    2.2       (3.9 )     (0.8 )
Effective tax rate
    42.0 %     (86.6 )%     40.0 %

Federal income taxes are provided on earnings of foreign subsidiaries except to the extent that such earnings are expected to be indefinitely reinvested abroad.

 
F-19

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2008 and 2007, are as follows (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
   Unrealized loss on available-for-sale security
  $ 13,194     $ 2,034  
   Pension
    11,130       529  
   Employee benefits and related costs
    4,044       4,197  
   Warranty
    2,862       2,224  
   Allowance for bad debts
    2,523       1,998  
   Net operating loss carryforwards
    2,004       7,062  
   Inventory
    1,970       1,417  
   EPA reserve
    1,121       1,201  
   Other
    5,396       7,043  
      Deferred tax assets
    44,244       27,705  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
   Fixed assets
    (24,946 )     (16,590 )
      Deferred tax liabilities
    (24,946 )     (16,590 )
                 
      Net deferred tax asset
  $ 19,298     $ 11,115  

The Company recorded an income tax expense of $9.7 million, $3.4 million and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The Company’s 2007 income tax expense and rate differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of the $13.4 million noncash charge taken in connection with the 100% conversion of the Company’s convertible debt.  This noncash debt charge is not deductible for income tax purposes.  The Company has various state net operating loss carryforwards which are subject to expiration from 2019 to 2026.

The Company has applied the provisions of FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, for the year ended December 31, 2008.  No adjustment was made to retained earnings in adopting FIN 48 in 2007 and at this time the Company does not expect any significant increases or decreases to its unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of this reporting date.  Titan has identified its federal tax return and its Illinois state tax return as “major” tax jurisdictions.  The Company is subject to (i) federal tax examinations for periods 2004 to 2008 and (ii) Illinois state income tax examinations for years 2005 to 2008.

 
F-20

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21.  
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Pension plans
The Company has a frozen defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees of Titan Tire Corporation (Titan Tire) and has a frozen defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees of Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan (Bryan).  In October 2007, the Bryan pension plan, adopted at the date of the Continental OTR asset acquisition and frozen from its inception, received cash transfers of approximately $25 million from Continental Tire North America’s frozen pension plan for the Bryan, Ohio, location.  The amount transferred into the frozen plan was actuarially approved to be a fully funded plan.  The Company also has a frozen contributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain former eligible bargaining employees of its Walcott, Iowa, facility (Walcott).  Additionally, the Company maintains a contributory defined benefit plan that covered former eligible bargaining employees of Dico, Inc (Dico).  This Dico plan purchased a final annuity settlement contract in October 2002.  The Company’s policy is to fund pension costs as required by law, which is consistent with the funding requirements of federal laws and regulations.

The Company’s defined benefit plans have been aggregated in the following table.  Included in the December 31, 2008, presentation are the Titan Tire, Bryan and Walcott plans which have a projected benefit obligation of $90.5 million, exceeding the fair value of plan assets of $61.3 million at December 31, 2008.  Included in the December 31, 2007, presentation are the Titan Tire and Walcott plans which have a projected benefit obligation of $71.2 million, exceeding the fair value of plan assets of $69.1 million at December 31, 2007.

The projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation are the same amount since the Plans are frozen and there are no future compensation levels to factor into the obligations.  The Company absolved itself from the liabilities associated with the Dico plan with the purchase of a final annuity settlement contract in October 2002.  Therefore, the plan no longer maintains a projected or accumulated benefit obligation.  The fair value of the Dico plan assets was $0.5 million at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

The following table provides the change in benefit obligation, change in plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet of the defined benefit pension plans as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):
Change in benefit obligation:
 
2008
   
2007
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 95,362     $ 68,844  
Acquisition
    0       23,948  
Interest cost
    5,295       4,109  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (3,507 )     4,898  
Benefits paid
    (6,605 )     (6,437 )
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 90,545     $ 95,362  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 94,499     $ 60,666  
Acquisition
    0       25,214  
Actual return on plan assets
    (26,323 )     8,822  
Employer contributions
    225       6,234  
Benefits paid
    (6,605 )     (6,437 )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 61,796     $ 94,499  
                 
Unfunded status at end of year
  $ (28,749 )   $ (863 )
                 
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet:
               
Noncurrent assets
  $ 542     $ 1,229  
Noncurrent liabilities
    (29,291 )     (2,092 )
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
  $ (28,749 )   $ (863 )


 
F-21

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
       
   
2008
   
2007
 
Plan acquisition
  $ 0     $ 1,266  
Unrecognized prior service cost
    (1,438 )     (1,574 )
Unrecognized net loss
    (52,886 )     (25,098 )
Deferred tax effect of unrecognized items
    20,748       9,794  
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (33,576 )   $ (15,612 )

The weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computation that derived the benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows:
 
2008
   
2007
 
  Discount rate
    6.25 %     5.75 %
  Expected long-term return on plan assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %


The following table provides the components of net periodic pension cost for the plans, settlement cost and the assumptions used in the measurement of the Company’s benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):
Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income
                 
Net periodic benefit cost:
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
  Interest cost
  $ 5,295     $ 4,109     $ 3,934  
  Assumed return on assets
    (7,828 )     (5,561 )     (4,673 )
  Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    137       137       137  
  Amortization of unrecognized deferred taxes
    (56 )     (56 )     (56 )
  Amortization of net unrecognized loss
    1,588       1,593       1,848  
Net periodic pension (income) cost
  $ (864 )   $ 222     $ 1,190  

The estimated net loss, prior service cost, and deferred taxes that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $4.3 million, $0.1 million and $(0.1) million, respectively.

The weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computation that derived net periodic pension cost for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
  Discount rate
    5.75 %     5.75 %     5.75 %
  Expected long-term return on plan assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %     8.50 %

 
F-22

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The allocation of the fair value of plan assets was as follows:
   
Percentage of Plan Assets
at December 31,
   
Target
Allocation
 
Asset Category
 
2008
   
2007
   
2009
 
U.S. equities (a)
    53 %     56 %    
40% - 80
%
Fixed income
    34 %     27 %     20% - 50 %
Cash and cash equivalents
    8 %     6 %     0% - 20 %
International equities (a)
    5 %     11 %     0% - 16 %
      100 %     100 %        

(a)  
Total equities may not exceed 80% of total plan assets.

The Company invests in a diversified portfolio consisting of an array of asset classes in an attempt to maximize returns while minimizing risk.  These asset classes include U.S. equities, fixed income, cash and cash equivalents, and international equities.  The investment objectives are to provide for the growth and preservation of plan assets on a long-term basis through investments in: (i) investment grade securities that provide investment returns that meet or exceed the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and (ii) investment grade fixed income securities that provide investment returns that meet or exceed the Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index.  The U.S. equities asset category included the Company’s common stock in the amount of $1.5 million (approximately two percent of total plan assets) and $5.1 million (approximately five percent of total plan assets) at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The long-term rate of return for plan assets is determined using a weighted-average of long-term historical returns on cash and cash equivalents, fixed income securities, and equity securities considering the anticipated investment allocation within the plans.  The expected return on plan assets is anticipated to be 8.5% over the long-term.  This rate assumes historical returns of 10% for equities and 7% for fixed income securities using the plans’ target allocation percentages.  Professional investment firms, none of which are Titan employees, manage the plan assets.

Although the 2009 minimum pension funding calculations are not finalized, the Company estimates those funding requirements will be approximately $1 million.

Projected benefit payments from the plans as of December 31, 2008, are estimated as follows (in thousands):
2009
  $ 6,490  
2010
    6,528  
2011
    6,597  
2012
    6,746  
2013
    6,872  
2014-2018
    35,936  

401(k)
The Company sponsors four 401(k) retirement savings plans.  One plan is for the benefit of substantially all employees who are not covered by a collective bargaining arrangement.  Titan provides a 25% matching contribution in the form of the Company’s common stock on the first 6% of the employee’s contribution in this plan.  The Company issued 22,097 shares, 17,086 shares and 16,883 shares of treasury stock in connection with this 401(k) plan during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Expenses to the Company related to this common stock matching contribution were $0.6 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006.

The other three 401(k) plans are for employees covered by collective bargaining arrangements at (i) Titan Tire Corporation; (ii) Titan Tire Corporation of Freeport; and (iii) Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan.  These plans do not include a Company matching contribution.  Employees are fully vested with respect to their contributions.

 
F-23

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22.  
STOCK OPTION PLANS

The Company accounts for stock options using SFAS 123(R), “Share-Based Payment.”  No stock-based compensation expense was recorded during 2008, 2007, or 2006.  The Company granted no stock options during 2008, 2007 or 2006.  All previously granted stock options were fully vested before January 1, 2006.

Stock Incentive Plan
The Company adopted the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) to provide grants of stock options as a means of attracting and retaining qualified employees for the Company.  There will be no additional issuance of stock options under this plan as it has expired.  Options previously granted were fully vested in 2005 and expire 10 years from the grant date of the option.

Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
The Company adopted the 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the Director Plan) to provide for grants of stock options as a means of attracting and retaining qualified independent directors for the Company.  There will be no additional issuance of stock options under this plan as it has expired.  Options previously granted were fully vested in 2005 and expire 10 years from the grant date of the option.

2005 Equity Incentive Plan
The Company adopted the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan to provide stock options as a means of attracting and retaining qualified independent directors and employees for the Company.  A total of 2.1 million shares are reserved for the plan.  The exercise price of stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant.  The vesting and term of each option is set by the Board of Directors.  In 2008, 2007 and 2006 no stock options were granted under this plan.

Stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2008, were as follows:
       
Options Outstanding
   
Options Exercisable
 
   
Weighted Average
 
Number of
   
Weighted Average
   
Number of
   
Weighted Average
 
Price Range
 
Contractual Life
 
Options
   
Exercise Price
   
Options
   
Exercise Price
 
 
$  3.63 - $  5.35
 
2.2 years
    112,500     $ 4.45       112,500     $ 4.45  
  $  6.40 - $  7.60  
 0.2 years
    170,000     $ 6.72       170,000     $ 6.72  
  $10.68 - $13.74  
 6.7 years
    278,036     $ 12.20       278,036     $ 12.20  
                                       
            560,536     $ 8.98       560,536     $ 8.98  


 
F-24

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a summary of activity in the stock option plans for 2006, 2007 and 2008:
   
Shares Subject
to Option
   
Weighted- Average
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2006
    1,934,388     $ 10.82  
  Granted
    0       -  (a)
  Exercised
    (477,738 )     11.32  
  Canceled/Expired
    (19,075 )     12.80  
Outstanding, December 31, 2006
    1,437,575       10.63  
  Granted
    0       -  (a)
  Exercised
    (555,663 )     11.94  
  Canceled/Expired
    (7,913 )     10.50  
Outstanding, December 31, 2007
    873,999       9.81  
  Granted
    0       -  (a)
  Exercised
    (313,463 )     11.29  
  Canceled/Expired
    0       -  
Outstanding, December 31, 2008
    560,536     $ 8.98  

(a)  
The Company granted no stock options during 2006, 2007 or 2008.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2008 was $5.1 million.  Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $3.5 million for 2008.  The tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised was $4.1 million for 2008.

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised in 2007 was $5.2 million.  Cash received from the exercise of options was $6.6 million for 2007.  There was no tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised for 2007.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2006 was $1.7 million.  Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $5.4 million for 2006.  The tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised was $0.6 million for 2006.

The Company currently uses treasury shares to satisfy any stock option exercises.  At December 31, 2008, the Company had 2.4 million shares of treasury stock.

23.  
 LITIGATION

The Company is a party to routine legal proceedings arising out of the normal course of business.  Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these unresolved legal actions or the range of possible loss, the Company believes at this time that none of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.  However, due to the difficult nature of predicting unresolved and future legal claims, the Company cannot anticipate or predict the material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as a result of efforts to comply with or its liabilities pertaining to legal judgments.
 
 
F-25

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24.  
LEASE COMMITMENTS

The Company leases certain buildings and equipment under operating leases.  Certain lease agreements provide for renewal options, fair value purchase options, and payment of property taxes, maintenance and insurance by the Company.  Total rental expense was $2.9 million, $3.0 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

At December 31, 2008, future minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):
2009
  $ 1,267  
2010
    930  
2011
    580  
2012
    39  
Thereafter
    0  
Total future minimum lease payments
  $ 2,816  

25.  
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

Net sales to Deere & Company in Titan’s agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets represented 22% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008, and 17% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.  Net sales to CNH Global N.V. in Titan’s three markets represented 12% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008, and 11% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.  No other customer accounted for more than 10% of Titan’s net sales in 2008, 2007 or 2006.

26.  
 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company sells products and pays commissions to companies controlled by persons related to the chief executive officer of the Company.  During 2008, 2007 and 2006, sales of Titan product to these companies were approximately $6.2 million, $5.1 million and $6.4 million, respectively.  On other sales referred to Titan from these manufacturing representative companies, commissions were approximately $2.0 million, $1.8 million and $2.0 million during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  These sales and commissions were made in the ordinary course of business and were made on terms no less favorable to Titan than comparable sales and commissions to unaffiliated third parties.  At both December 31, 2008 and 2007, Titan had trade receivables of approximately $0.2 million due from these companies.

27.  
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

The Company has aggregated its operating units into reportable segments based on its three customer markets: agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer.  These segments are based on the information used by the chief executive officer to make certain operating decisions, allocate portions of capital expenditures and assess segment performance.  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, “Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies.”  Segment external revenues, expenses and income from operations are determined on the basis of the results of operations of operating units of manufacturing facilities.  Segment assets are generally determined on the basis of the tangible assets located at such operating units’ manufacturing facilities and the intangible assets associated with the acquisitions of such operating units.  However, certain operating units’ goodwill and property, plant and equipment balances are carried at the corporate level.

Titan is organized primarily on the basis of products being included in three marketing segments, with each reportable segment including wheels, tires and wheel/tire assemblies.

 
F-26

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The table below presents information about certain revenues and expenses, income (loss) from operations and segment assets used by the chief operating decision maker of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Revenues from external customers
                 
   Agricultural
  $ 729,895     $ 515,642     $ 421,096  
   Earthmoving/construction
    281,008       277,206       183,357  
   Consumer
    25,797       44,173       75,001  
    $ 1,036,700     $ 837,021     $ 679,454  
Gross profit
                       
   Agricultural
  $ 89,782     $ 35,742     $ 42,511  
   Earthmoving/construction
    46,047       47,848       28,099  
   Consumer
    3,938       3,431       2,771  
   Unallocated corporate
    (53 )     (2,890 )     (603 )
    $ 139,714     $ 84,131     $ 72,778  
Income (loss) from operations
                       
   Agricultural
  $ 74,241     $ 25,324     $ 27,351  
   Earthmoving/construction
    38,422       40,833       21,837  
   Consumer
    3,303       2,546       1,655  
   Unallocated corporate
    (42,645 )     (43,865 )     (28,832 )
Consolidated income from operations
    73,321       24,838       22,011  
Interest expense
    (15,122 )     (18,710 )     (17,001 )
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
    (37,698 )     0       0  
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge
    0       (13,376 )     0  
Other income, net
    2,509       3,364       3,564  
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 23,010     $ (3,884 )   $ 8,574  
                         
Capital expenditures
                       
   Agricultural
  $ 10,946     $ 11,267     $ 5,184  
   Earthmoving/construction
    67,203       22,950       2,192  
   Consumer
    406       1,654       339  
   Unallocated corporate
    1,398       2,177       567  
    $ 79,953     $ 38,048     $ 8,282  
Depreciation & amortization
                       
   Agricultural
  $ 16,004     $ 14,255     $ 15,324  
   Earthmoving/construction
    10,831       10,330       7,402  
   Consumer
    594       1,320       1,409  
   Unallocated corporate
    2,939       2,715       2,715  
    $ 30,368     $ 28,620     $ 26,850  
Total assets
                       
   Agricultural
  $ 360,030     $ 257,005     $ 273,787  
   Earthmoving/construction
    188,486       176,144       145,964  
   Consumer
    9,401       22,515       22,678  
   Unallocated corporate
    96,865       134,831       142,697  
    $ 654,782     $ 590,495     $ 585,126  

 
 
F-27

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The table below presents information by geographic area.  Revenues from external customers were determined based on the location of the selling subsidiary.  Geographic information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was as follows (in thousands):
2008
 
United States
   
Other Countries
   
Consolidated
Totals
 
Revenues from external customers
  $ 1,036,700     $ 0     $ 1,036,700  
Long-lived assets
    260,144       0       260,144  
                         
2007
                       
Revenues from external customers
  $ 837,021     $ 0     $ 837,021  
Long-lived assets
    207,780       0       207,780  
                         
2006
                       
Revenues from external customers
  $ 679,454     $ 0     $ 679,454  
Long-lived assets
    196,318       0       196,318  
 
 
28.  
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Titan Europe Plc additional share purchase
 
In January 2009, the Company purchased additional shares of Titan Europe Plc, resulting in a 22.9% ownership position.  As a result of this higher ownership position, the Company will account for its interest in Titan Europe Plc as an equity method investment in accordance with APB 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock,” going forward.

Revolving credit facility amendment & restatement
 
On January 30, 2009, Titan International, Inc. amended and restated its credit facility with Bank of America, N.A.  The amendment included a multi-year extension that extended the credit facility termination date to January 2012 from the previous October 2009 date.  The amendment created an accordion feature within the credit facility that set the initial loan availability at $150 million with the ability to request increases up to a maximum availability of $250 million.  The amendment adjusted the borrowing rates within a pricing grid that includes a minimum 1½% LIBOR rate.
 
 
F-28

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

29.  
EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share for 2008, 2007 and 2006, are (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data):
2008
 
Net income (loss)
   
Weighted-
average shares
   
Per share
 amount
 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 13,337       34,409,754     $ .39  
Effect of stock options/trusts
    0       428,474          
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 13,337       34,838,228     $ .38  
                         
2007
                       
Basic and diluted loss per share (a)
  $ (7,247 )     32,081,268     $ (.23 )
                         
2006
                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 5,144       24,627,017     $ .21  
Effect of stock options
    0       428,357          
Diluted earnings per share (b)
  $ 5,144       25,055,374     $ .21  

(a)  
The effect of stock options has been excluded as they were anti-dilutive.  The weighted-average share amount excluded for stock options totaled 555,162 shares.  The effect of convertible notes has not been included as they were anti-dilutive.  The weighted-average share amount excluded for convertible notes totaled 1,627,296 shares.

(b)  
The effect of convertible notes has not been included as they were anti-dilutive.  The weighted-average share amount excluded for convertible notes totaled 7,518,519 shares.


30.  
 SUPPLEMENTARY DATA – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
All amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
Quarter ended
 
March 31
   
June 30
   
September 30
   
December 31
   
Year ended
December 31
 
                               
2008
                             
Net sales
  $ 253,525     $ 269,114     $ 255,463     $ 258,598     $ 1,036,700  
Gross profit
    32,344       41,946       37,423       28,001       139,714  
Net income (loss)
    8,134       13,306       10,303       (18,406 ) (c)      13,337  
Per share amounts: (a)
                                       
  Basic
    .24       .39       .30       (.53 ) (c)     .39  
  Diluted
    .23       .38       .30       (.53 ) (c)     .38  
                                         
2007
                                       
Net sales
  $ 226,278     $ 210,333     $ 195,472     $ 204,938     $ 837,021  
Gross profit
    27,191       27,311       18,294       11,335       84,131  
Net (loss) income
    (2,483 ) (b)     4,962       (878 )     (8,848 )     (7,247 )
Per share amounts: (a)
                                       
  Basic
    (.10 ) (b)     .15       (.03 )     (.26 )     (.23 )
  Diluted
    (.10 ) (b)     .14       (.03 )     (.26 )     (.23 )
 
(a)  
As a result of changes in outstanding share balances, year-end per share amounts do not agree to the sum of the quarters.
Adjusted to reflect the five-for-four stock split that took place in 2008.

(b)  
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge of $13.4 million was included in the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

(c)  
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge of $24.5 million, net of tax, was included in the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

 
F-29

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31.  
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company’s $200 million 8% senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by each of Titan’s current and future wholly owned domestic subsidiaries other than its immaterial subsidiaries (subsidiaries with total assets less than $250,000 and total revenues less than $250,000). The note guarantees are full and unconditional, joint and several obligations of the guarantors. Non-guarantors consist primarily of foreign subsidiaries of the Company, which are organized outside the United States of America. The following condensed consolidating financial statements are presented using the equity method of accounting.
 
   
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Operations
 
(Amounts in thousands)
     
   
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
             
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
             
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ 0     $ 1,036,700     $ 0     $ 0     $ 1,036,700  
Cost of sales
    (922 )     897,908       0       0       896,986  
Gross profit
    922       138,792       0       0       139,714  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    20,349       36,724       78       0       57,151  
Royalty expense
    0       9,242       0       0       9,242  
(Loss) income from operations
    (19,427 )     92,826       (78 )     0       73,321  
Interest expense
    (15,122 )     0       0       0       (15,122 )
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
    (37,698 )     0       0       0       (37,698 )
Other income (expense)
    832       (33 )     1,710       0       2,509  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (71,415 )     92,793       1,632       0       23,010  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (30,024 )     39,011       686       0       9,673  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    54,728       0       0       (54,728 )     0  
Net income
  $ 13,337     $ 53,782     $ 946     $ (54,728 )   $ 13,337  

   
Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
             
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
             
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ 0     $ 837,021     $ 0     $ 0     $ 837,021  
Cost of sales
    1,905       750,985       0       0       752,890  
Gross (loss) profit
    (1,905 )     86,036       0       0       84,131  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    19,572       33,364       202       0       53,138  
Royalty expense
    0       6,155       0       0       6,155  
(Loss) income from operations
    (21,477 )     46,517       (202 )     0       24,838  
Interest expense
    (18,707 )     (3 )     0       0       (18,710 )
Intercompany interest income (expense)
    11,472       (12,324 )     852       0       0  
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge
    (13,376 )     0       0       0       (13,376 )
Other income (expense)
    1,925       (333 )     1,772       0       3,364  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (40,163 )     33,857       2,422       0       (3,884 )
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (10,423 )     12,866       920       0       3,363  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    22,493       0       0       (22,493 )     0  
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,247 )   $ 20,991     $ 1,502     $ (22,493 )   $ (7,247 )


 
 
F-30

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 


   
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Operations
 
(Amounts in thousands)
     
   
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
             
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
             
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ 0     $ 1,036,700     $ 0     $ 0     $ 1,036,700  
Cost of sales
    (922 )     897,908       0       0       896,986  
Gross profit
    922       138,792       0       0       139,714  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    20,349       36,724       78       0       57,151  
Royalty expense
    0       9,242       0       0       9,242  
(Loss) income from operations
    (19,427 )     92,826       (78 )     0       73,321  
Interest expense
    (15,122 )     0       0       0       (15,122 )
Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge
    (37,698 )     0       0       0       (37,698 )
Other income (expense)
    832       (33 )     1,710       0       2,509  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (71,415 )     92,793       1,632       0       23,010  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (30,024 )     39,011       686       0       9,673  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    54,728       0       0       (54,728 )     0  
Net income
  $ 13,337     $ 53,782     $ 946     $ (54,728 )   $ 13,337  

 

   
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheets
 
(Amounts in thousands)
                             
   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
             
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
             
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Assets
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 59,011     $ 60     $ 2,587     $ 0     $ 61,658  
Accounts receivable
    (127 )     126,658       0       0       126,531  
Inventories
    0       147,306       0       0       147,306  
Prepaid and other current assets
    17,117       16,573       14       0       33,704  
Total current assets
    76,001       290,597       2,601       0       369,199  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    6,160       242,282       0       0       248,442  
Investment in Titan Europe Plc
    (37,698 )     0       40,347       0       2,649  
Investment in subsidiaries
    31,474       0       0       (31,474 )     0  
Other assets
    15,842       18,650       0       0       34,492  
Total assets
  $ 91,779     $ 551,529     $ 42,948     $ (31,474 )   $ 654,782  
                                         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                                       
Short-term debt
  $ 25,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 25,000  
Accounts payable
    3,106       62,441       0       0       65,547  
Other current liabilities
    10,548       34,540       1,000       0       46,088  
Total current liabilities
    38,654       96,981       1,000       0       136,635  
Long-term debt
    200,000       0       0       0       200,000  
Other long-term liabilities
    3,943       35,016       0       0       38,959  
Intercompany accounts
    (430,006 )     419,738       10,268       0       0  
Stockholders’ equity
    279,188       (206 )     31,680       (31,474 )     279,188  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 91,779     $ 551,529     $ 42,948     $ (31,474 )   $ 654,782  


 
 
F-31

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


   
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheets
 
(Amounts in thousands)
     
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
             
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
             
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Assets
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 57,285     $ 63     $ 977     $ 0     $ 58,325  
Accounts receivable
    (458 )     98,852       0       0       98,394  
Inventories
    0       128,048       0       0       128,048  
Prepaid and other current assets
    26,898       16,100       0       0       42,998  
Total current assets
    83,725       243,063       977       0       327,765  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,291       193,787       0       0       196,078  
Investment in Titan Europe Plc
    (5,812 )     0       40,347       0       34,535  
Investment in subsidiaries
    18,714       0       0       (18,714 )     0  
Other assets
    12,256       19,861       0       0       32,117  
Total assets
  $ 111,174     $ 456,711     $ 41,324     $ (18,714 )   $ 590,495  
                                         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 2,059     $ 41,933     $ 0     $ 0     $ 43,992  
Other current liabilities
    10,456       33,347       (15 )     0       43,788  
Total current liabilities
    12,515       75,280       (15 )     0       87,780  
Long-term debt
    200,000       0       0       0       200,000  
Other long-term liabilities
    22,931       7,262       0       0       30,193  
Intercompany accounts
    (396,794 )     386,883       9,911       0       0  
Stockholders’ equity
    272,522       (12,714 )     31,428       (18,714 )     272,522  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 111,174     $ 456,711     $ 41,324     $ (18,714 )   $ 590,495  
 

   
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
(Amounts in thousands)
                       
   
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
       
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
       
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
  $ (25,759 )   $ 75,319     $ 1,610     $ 51,170  
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Capital expenditures
    (4,534 )     (75,419 )     0       (79,953 )
Other, net
    7       97       0       104  
Net cash used for investing activities
    (4,527 )     (75,322 )     0       (79,849 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Proceeds on revolving credit facility
    25,000       0       0       25,000  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    3,536       0       0       3,536  
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised
    4,131       0       0       4,131  
Other, net
    (655 )     0       0       (655 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    32,012       0       0       32,012  
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    1,726       (3 )     1,610       3,333  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    57,285       63       977       58,325  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 59,011     $ 60     $ 2,587     $ 61,658  


 
F-32

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


   
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
(Amounts in thousands)
     
   
Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
       
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
       
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 38,364     $ 36,775     $ 854     $ 75,993  
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Capital expenditures
    (1,402 )     (36,646 )     0       (38,048 )
Acquisition off-the-road (OTR) assets
    (8,900 )     0       0       (8,900 )
Asset disposals
    3       529       0       532  
Net cash used for investing activities
    (10,299 )     (36,117 )     0       (46,416 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Payment of debt
    (9,500 )     (664 )     0       (10,164 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    6,631       0       0       6,631  
Other, net
    (1,131 )     0       0       (1,131 )
Net cash used for financing activities
    (4,000 )     (664 )     0       (4,664 )
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    24,065       (6 )     854       24,913  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    33,220       69       123       33,412  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 57,285     $ 63     $ 977     $ 58,325  


   
Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
       
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
       
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
  $ (69,433 )   $ 64,500     $ (361 )   $ (5,294 )
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Acquisition off-the-road (OTR) assets
    0       (44,642 )     0       (44,642 )
Capital expenditures
    (390 )     (7,892 )     0       (8,282 )
Other, net
    149       49       0       198  
Net cash used for investing activities
    (241 )     (52,485 )     0       (52,726 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Proceeds from borrowings
    200,000       0       0       200,000  
Payment of debt
    0       (11,995 )     0       (11,995 )
Payment on revolving credit facility, net
    (99,100 )     0       0       (99,100 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    5,407       0       0       5,407  
Excess tax benefits from stock options exercised
    646       0       0       646  
Payment of financing fees
    (3,725 )     0       0       (3,725 )
Dividends paid
    (393 )     0       0       (393 )
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    102,835       (11,995 )     0       90,840  
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    33,161       20       (361 )     32,820  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    59       49       484       592  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 33,220     $ 69     $ 123     $ 33,412  


 
 
 
F-33

 

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION RESERVES

 
Description
 
Balance at beginning
of year
   
Additions to costs and expenses
   
 
Deductions
   
Balance
at end
of year
 
Year ended December 31, 2008
                       
Reserve deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which it applies
                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 5,258,000     $ 1,489,000     $ (108,000 )   $ 6,639,000  
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2007
                               
Reserve deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which it applies
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 4,818,000     $ 461,000     $ (21,000 )   $ 5,258,000  
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2006
                               
Reserve deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which it applies
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 5,654,000     $ 1,596,000     $ (2,432,000 )   $ 4,818,000  

 
S-1