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TITAN INTERNATIONAL INC - Quarter Report: 2009 March (Form 10-Q)

form10q.htm


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

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC. LOGO
 
FORM 10-Q
 

þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For Quarterly Period Ended: March 31, 2009

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 of Incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

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

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

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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). * Yes o  No o
  (* The registrant has not yet been phased into the interactive data file requirements at this time.)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

   
Shares Outstanding at
Class
 
April 24, 2009
     
Common stock, no par value per share
 
35,195,950

 
 

 

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
Page
Part I.
Financial Information
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
1
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of
March 31, 2009, and December 31, 2008
2
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Stockholders’
Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
3
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
4
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
5-15
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16-27
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
28
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
28
     
Part II.
Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
29
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
29
     
 
Signatures
29
 
 
 

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.                      Financial Statements
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands, except earnings per share data)
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales
  $ 232,604     $ 253,525  
Cost of sales
    202,541       221,181  
Gross profit
    30,063       32,344  
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    13,527       14,077  
Royalty expense
    2,459       2,147  
Income from operations
    14,077       16,120  
Interest expense
    (3,944 )     (3,984 )
Other income
    1,409       1,420  
Income before income taxes
    11,542       13,556  
Provision for income taxes
    4,501       5,422  
Net income
  $ 7,041     $ 8,134  
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic
  $ .20     $ .24  
Diluted
    .20       .23  
Average common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    34,624       34,264  
Diluted
    35,177       34,738  
                 

 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 
1

 

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
Assets
 
2009
   
2008
 
Current assets
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 20,230     $ 61,658  
Accounts receivable
    125,802       126,531  
Inventories
    167,631       147,306  
Deferred income taxes
    12,042       12,042  
Prepaid and other current assets
    19,860       21,662  
Total current assets
    345,565       369,199  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    261,077       248,442  
Goodwill
    11,702       11,702  
Deferred income taxes
    7,744       7,256  
Other assets
    18,285       18,183  
                 
Total assets
  $ 644,373     $ 654,782  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities
               
   Short-term debt
  $ 0     $ 25,000  
Accounts payable
    53,961       65,547  
Other current liabilities
    45,779       46,088  
Total current liabilities
    99,740       136,635  
                 
Long-term debt
    218,800       200,000  
Other long-term liabilities
    39,779       38,959  
Total liabilities
    358,319       375,594  
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock (no par, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 37,475,288 issued)
    30       30  
Additional paid-in capital
    299,772       300,024  
Retained earnings
    48,591       41,726  
Treasury stock (at cost, 2,303,764 and 2,443,604 shares, respectively)
    (21,077 )     (22,332 )
Treasury stock reserved for contractual obligations
    (5,501 )     (5,501 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (35,761 )     (34,759 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    286,054       279,188  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 644,373     $ 654,782  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 
2

 

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(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, 2009
    #35,031,684     $ 30     $ 300,024     $ 41,726     $ (22,332 )   $ (5,501 )   $ (34,759 )   $ 279,188  
                                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                                               
Net income
                            7,041                               7,041  
Pension liability adjustments, net of tax
                                                    679       679  
Unrealized loss on investment, net of tax
                                                    (1,681 )     (1,681 )
Comprehensive income
                                                            6,039  
Dividends on common stock
                            (176 )                             (176 )
Exercise of stock options
    125,000               (255 )             1,122                       867  
Issuance of treasury stock under 401(k) plan
    14,840               3               133                       136  
                                                                 
Balance March 31, 2009
    #35,171,524     $ 30     $ 299,772     $ 48,591     $ (21,077 )   $ (5,501 )   $ (35,761 )   $ 286,054  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 
3

 

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 7,041     $ 8,134  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
               
provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    7,966       7,153  
Deferred income tax provision
    0       5,386  
Gain on senior note repurchase
    (1,398 )     0  
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised
    (67 )     0  
Issuance of treasury stock under 401(k) plan
    136       127  
(Increase) decrease in assets:
               
Accounts receivable
    729       (35,426 )
Inventories
    (20,325 )     3,852  
Prepaid and other current assets
    1,802       1,266  
Other assets
    25       423  
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
    (11,586 )     18,664  
Other current liabilities
    (243 )     (2,179 )
Other liabilities
    1,916       1,423  
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
    (14,004 )     8,823  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (19,933 )     (20,873 )
Acquisition of shares of Titan Europe Plc
    (2,399 )     0  
Other
    12       9  
Net cash used for investing activities
    (22,320 )     (20,864 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repurchase of senior notes
    (4,726 )     0  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    800       1,448  
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised
    67       0  
Payment of financing fees
    (1,070 )     0  
Dividends paid
    (175 )     (137 )
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
    (5,104 )     1,311  
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (41,428 )     (10,730 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    61,658       58,325  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 20,230     $ 47,595  

 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 
4

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the opinion of Titan International, Inc. (Titan or the Company), the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature and necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2009, and the results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

Accounting policies have continued without significant change and are described in the Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies contained in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  These interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules for Form 10-Q’s and, therefore, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Certain amounts from prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

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.
 
Cash dividends
The Company declared cash dividends of $.005 and $.004 per share of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
2.  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Accounts receivable
  $ 132,647     $ 133,170  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (6,845 )     (6,639 )
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 125,802     $ 126,531  

The Company had net accounts receivable balance of $125.8 million at March 31, 2009, and $126.5 million at December 31, 2008.  These amounts are net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.8 million at March 31, 2009, and $6.6 million at December 31, 2008.
 
 
5

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

3.  INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Raw materials
  $ 69,814     $ 73,927  
Work-in-process
    22,245       26,820  
Finished goods
    80,211       56,488  
      172,270       157,235  
Adjustment to LIFO basis
    (4,639 )     (9,929 )
    $ 167,631     $ 147,306  

Inventories were $167.6 million at March 31, 2009, and $147.3 million at December 31, 2008.  At March 31, 2009, cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for approximately 72% of inventories and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for approximately 28% of the inventories.  At December 31, 2008, the FIFO method was used for approximately 78% of inventories and LIFO was used for approximately 22% of the inventories.  Included in the inventory balances were reserves for slow-moving and obsolete inventory of $3.8 million at both March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
4.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Land and improvements
  $ 3,343     $ 3,343  
Buildings and improvements
    99,852       99,650  
Machinery and equipment
    328,490       318,327  
Tools, dies and molds
    63,854       62,856  
Construction-in-process
    45,920       37,536  
      541,459       521,712  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (280,382 )     (273,270 )
    $ 261,077     $ 248,442  

At March 31, 2009, there was $35.2 million in construction-in-process related to the giant OTR mining tire project, including $0.7 million of capitalized interest.  Depreciation on fixed assets for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, totaled $7.3 million and $6.4 million, respectively.

 
6

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

5.  INVESTMENT IN TITAN EUROPE PLC

Investment in Titan Europe Plc consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Investment in Titan Europe Plc
  $ 2,462     $ 2,649  

Titan Europe Plc is publicly traded on the AIM market in London, England.  During the first quarter of 2009, the Company purchased $2.4 million of additional shares in Titan Europe Plc, thereby increasing its investment from 17.2% to a 22.9% ownership percentage.  The Company has considered the applicable guidance in APB 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock,” and FIN 35, “Criteria for Applying the Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock,” and has concluded that the Company’s investment in Titan Europe Plc should continue to be accounted for as an available-for-sale security and recorded at fair value in accordance with FAS 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.”  The Company has determined that the equity method of accounting for this investment is not appropriate after considering all of the facts and circumstances relating to the investment.  In particular, the Company has concluded that its inability to obtain the needed quarterly financial information from Titan Europe Plc is an indication that the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the financial and operating policies of this investee.  The investment in Titan Europe Plc is included as a component of other assets on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.  The reduced value in the Titan Europe Plc investment at March 31, 2009, was due to a decrease in the publicly quoted Titan Europe Plc market price.
 
6.  GOODWILL

The carrying amount of goodwill by segment consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Agricultural
  $ 6,912     $ 6,912  
Earthmoving/construction
    3,552       3,552  
Consumer
    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.  No goodwill charges were recorded in the first three months of 2009 or 2008.  There can be no assurance that future goodwill tests will not result in a charge to earnings.
 
7.  WARRANTY

Changes in the warranty liability consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
2009
   
2008
 
Warranty liability, January 1
  $ 7,488     $ 5,854  
Provision for warranty liabilities
    3,025       1,609  
Warranty payments made
    (2,971 )     (1,602 )
Warranty liability, March 31
  $ 7,542     $ 5,861  

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.  Warranty accruals are included as a component of other current liabilities on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

 
7

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

8.  REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Senior unsecured notes
  $ 193,800     $ 200,000  
Revolving credit facility
    25,000       25,000  
      218,800       225,000  
Less:  Amounts due within one year
    0       25,000  
    $ 218,800     $ 200,000  

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at March 31, 2009, were as follows (in thousands):
April 1 – December 31, 2009
  $ 0  
2010
    0  
2011
    0  
2012
    218,800  
Thereafter
    0  
 
  $ 218,800  
 
Senior unsecured notes
The Company’s 8% senior unsecured notes are due January 2012.  In the first quarter of 2009, the Company repurchased $6.2 million of principal value of senior notes for approximately $4.8 million resulting in a $1.4 million gain on the senior note repurchases.  The senior notes outstanding balance was $193.8 million at March 31, 2009.

Revolving credit facility
The Company’s $150 million revolving credit facility (credit facility) with agent Bank of America, N.A. has a January 2012 termination date and is collateralized by a first priority security interest in certain assets of Titan and its domestic subsidiaries.  At March 31, 2009, the borrowings under the credit facility bore an approximate 3¼% interest rate.

Cash borrowings under this credit facility were $25.0 million and outstanding letters of credit were $5.0 million at March 31, 2009, leaving $120.0 million of unused availability on the credit facility.

The credit 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 March 31, 2009.

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.
 
 
8

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

9.  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.

At March 31, 2009, future minimum commitments under noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of at least one year were as follows (in thousands):
April 1 – December 31, 2009
  $ 1,334  
2010
    1,430  
2011
    691  
2012
    40  
Thereafter
    1  
Total future minimum lease payments
  $ 3,496  
 
10.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has three frozen defined benefit pension plans and one defined benefit plan that purchased a final annuity settlement in 2002.  The Company also sponsors four 401(k) retirement savings plans.

The components of net periodic pension cost (income) consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest cost
  $ 1,364     $ 1,324  
Expected return on assets
    (1,234 )     (1,954 )
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    34       34  
Amortization of unrecognized deferred taxes
    (14 )     (14 )
Amortization of net unrecognized loss
    1,076       397  
Net periodic pension cost (income)
  $ 1,226     $ (213 )

The Company expects to contribute approximately $1 million to the pension plans during the remainder of 2009.
 
11.  ROYALTY EXPENSE

Royalty expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Royalty expense
  $ 2,459     $ 2,147  

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 were $2.5 million and $2.1 million for the first quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 
9

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

12.  OTHER INCOME

Other income consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Gain on senior note repurchases
  $ 1,398     $ 0  
Interest income
    64       515  
Other (expense) income
    (53 )     905  
    $ 1,409     $ 1,420  

The gain on senior note repurchases of $1.4 million resulted from the Company’s repurchase of $6.2 million of principal value of senior notes for approximately $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2009.
 
13.  INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Income tax expense
  $ 4,501     $ 5,422  

The Company recorded income tax expense of $4.5 million and $5.4 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The Company’s effective income tax rate was 39% and 40% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

14.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company’s comprehensive income consisted of the following:  (i) for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, net income of $7.0 million, amortization of pension adjustments of $0.7 million and unrealized loss on the Titan Europe Plc investment of $(1.7) million for a total comprehensive income of $6.0 million; (ii) for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, net income of $8.1 million, amortization of pension adjustments of $0.3 million and unrealized loss on the Titan Europe Plc investment of $(1.1) million for a total comprehensive income of $7.3 million.

15.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share (EPS) were as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2008
 
   
Net
Income
   
Weighted average shares
   
Per share amount
   
Net
Income
   
Weighted average shares
   
Per share amount
 
Basic EPS
  $ 7,041       34,624     $ .20     $ 8,134       34,264     $ .24  
Effect of stock options/trusts
    0       553               0       474          
Diluted EPS
  $ 7,041       35,177     $ .20     $ 8,134       34,738     $ .23  
 
 
10

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

16.  SEGMENT INFORMATION

The table below presents information about certain revenues and income from operations used by the chief operating decision maker of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Revenues from external customers
           
Agricultural
  $ 187,328     $ 173,486  
Earthmoving/construction
    39,927       73,833  
Consumer
    5,349       6,206  
    $ 232,604     $ 253,525  
                 
Gross profit
               
Agricultural
  $ 24,920     $ 19,693  
Earthmoving/construction
    4,884       11,911  
Consumer
    788       1,049  
Unallocated corporate
    (529 )     (309 )
    $ 30,063     $ 32,344  
                 
Income from operations
               
Agricultural
  $ 20,085     $ 16,443  
Earthmoving/construction
    3,840       9,802  
Consumer
    637       869  
Unallocated corporate
    (10,485 )     (10,994 )
Consolidated income from operations
    14,077       16,120  
Interest expense
    (3,944 )     (3,984 )
Other income, net
    1,409       1,420  
Income before income taxes
  $ 11,542     $ 13,556  

Assets by segment were as follows (in thousands):
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
Total Assets
 
2009
   
2008
 
Agricultural
  $ 399,652     $ 360,030  
Earthmoving/construction
    182,559       188,486  
Consumer
    12,276       9,401  
Unallocated corporate
    49,886       96,865  
Consolidated totals
  $ 644,373     $ 654,782  
 
17.  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 affect 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.

 
11

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

18.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The adoption of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, effective January 1, 2009, did not have a material impact on Titan’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or 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 March 31, 2009
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Investment in Titan Europe Plc
  $ 2,462     $ 2,462     $ 0     $ 0  
Investments for contractual obligations
    4,322       4,322       0       0  
Total
  $ 6,784     $ 6,784     $ 0     $ 0  
 
19.  RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 141 (revised 2007)
In January 2009, the Company adopted, SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations.”  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.  The adoption of SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) had no material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

FASB Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1
In April 2009, FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” was issued.  This FSP amends FASB Statement No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,’ to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements.  This FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods.  This FSP is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.

FASB Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2
In April 2009, FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” was issued.  This FSP amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  This FSP does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities.  This FSP is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company is evaluating the effect the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
 
12

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
20.  SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company’s 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)
     
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
             
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
             
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ 0     $ 232,604     $ 0     $ 0     $ 232,604  
Cost of sales
    221       202,320       0       0       202,541  
Gross (loss) profit
    (221 )     30,284       0       0       30,063  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    4,691       8,834       2       0       13,527  
Royalty expense
    0       2,459       0       0       2,459  
(Loss) income from operations
    (4,912 )     18,991       (2 )     0       14,077  
Interest expense
    (3,944 )     0       0       0       (3,944 )
Other income
    1,296       113       0       0       1,409  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (7,560 )     19,104       (2 )     0       11,542  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (2,948 )     7,450       (1 )     0       4,501  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    11,653       0       0       (11,653 )     0  
Net income (loss)
  $ 7,041     $ 11,654     $ (1 )   $ (11,653 )   $ 7,041  


   
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Operations
 
(Amounts in thousands)
     
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
             
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
             
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ 0     $ 253,525     $ 0     $ 0     $ 253,525  
Cost of sales
    59       221,122       0       0       221,181  
Gross (loss) profit
    (59 )     32,403       0       0       32,344  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    5,396       8,668       13       0       14,077  
Royalty expense
    0       2,147       0       0       2,147  
(Loss) income from operations
    (5,455 )     21,588       (13 )     0       16,120  
Interest expense
    (3,984 )     0       0       0       (3,984 )
Other income (expense)
    1,500       (81 )     1       0       1,420  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (7,939 )     21,507       (12 )     0       13,556  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (3,176 )     8,603       (5 )     0       5,422  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    12,897       0       0       (12,897 )     0  
Net income (loss)
  $ 8,134     $ 12,904     $ (7 )   $ (12,897 )   $ 8,134  

 
13

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

 
   
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheets
 
(Amounts in thousands)
                             
   
March 31, 2009
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
             
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
             
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Assets
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 20,011     $ 18     $ 201     $ 0     $ 20,230  
Accounts receivable
    (296 )     126,098       0       0       125,802  
Inventories
    0       167,631       0       0       167,631  
Prepaid and other current assets
    13,932       17,970       0       0       31,902  
  Total current assets
    33,647       311,717       201       0       345,565  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    7,171       253,906       0       0       261,077  
Investment in subsidiaries
    37,959       0       0       (37,959 )     0  
Other assets
    16,807       18,461       2,463       0       37,731  
Total assets
  $ 95,584     $ 584,084     $ 2,664     $ (37,959 )   $ 644,373  
                                         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 4,343     $ 49,618     $ 0     $ 0     $ 53,961  
Other current liabilities
    2,443       42,336       1,000       0       45,779  
  Total current liabilities
    6,786       91,954       1,000       0       99,740  
Long-term debt
    218,800       0       0       0       218,800  
Other long-term liabilities
    4,331       35,448       0       0       39,779  
Intercompany accounts
    (420,387 )     450,379       (29,992 )     0       0  
Stockholders’ equity
    286,054       6,303       31,656       (37,959 )     286,054  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 95,584     $ 584,084     $ 2,664     $ (37,959 )   $ 644,373  


   
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 subsidiaries
    31,474       0       0       (31,474 )     0  
Other assets
    15,842       18,650       2,649       0       37,141  
Total assets
  $ 129,477     $ 551,529     $ 5,250     $ (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
    (392,308 )     419,738       (27,430 )     0       0  
Stockholders’ equity
    279,188       (206 )     31,680       (31,474 )     279,188  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 129,477     $ 551,529     $ 5,250     $ (31,474 )   $ 654,782  

 
14

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


   
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
(Amounts in thousands)
                       
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
       
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
       
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
  $ (32,630 )   $ 18,613     $ 13     $ (14,004 )
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
  Capital expenditures
    (1,266 )     (18,667 )     0       (19,933 )
  Acquisition of shares of Titan Europe Plc
    0       0       (2,399 )     (2,399 )
  Other, net
    0       12       0       12  
    Net cash used for investing activities
    (1,266 )     (18,655 )     (2,399 )     (22,320 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
  Payment on senior note
    (4,726 )     0       0       (4,726 )
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    800       0       0       800  
  Payment of financing fees
    (1,070 )     0       0       (1,070 )
  Other, net
    (108 )     0       0       (108 )
    Net cash used for financing activities
    (5,104 )     0       0       (5,104 )
                                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (39,000 )     (42 )     (2,386 )     (41,428 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    59,011       60       2,587       61,658  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 20,011     $ 18     $ 201     $ 20,230  


   
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
(Amounts in thousands)
                       
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
 
   
Titan
         
Non-
       
   
Intl., Inc.
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
       
   
(Parent)
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
  $ (10,082 )   $ 18,947     $ (42 )   $ 8,823  
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
  Capital expenditures
    (1,873 )     (19,000 )     0       (20,873 )
  Other, net
    0       9       0       9  
    Net cash used for investing activities
    (1,873 )     (18,991 )     0       (20,864 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    1,448       0       0       1,448  
  Other, net
    (137 )     0       0       (137 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities
    1,311       0       0       1,311  
                                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (10,644 )     (44 )     (42 )     (10,730 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    57,285       63       977       58,325  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 46,641     $ 19     $ 935     $ 47,595  

 
 
15

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (MD&A) is designed to provide a reader 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.  The MD&A in this quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the MD&A in Titan’s 2008 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2009.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-Q 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-Q 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.

 
16

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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 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.

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.

Earthmoving/Construction Market:  The Company manufactures rims, wheels and tires for various types of off-the-road (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.

Consumer Market:  Titan builds a variety of products for all-terrain vehicles (ATV), turf, golf and trailer applications.  Titan’s sales in the consumer market include sales to Goodyear, which are under an off-take/mixing agreement.  This agreement includes mixed stock, which is a prepared rubber compound used in tire production.  The Company provides wheels/tires and assembles brakes, actuators and components for the domestic boat, recreational and utility trailer markets.

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 quarter ended March, 2009, compared to 2008 (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
% Decrease
 
Net sales
  $ 232,604     $ 253,525       (8 )%
Gross profit
    30,063       32,344       (7 )%
Income from operations
    14,077       16,120       (13 )%
Net income
    7,041       8,134       (13 )%

The Company recorded sales of $232.6 million for the first quarter of 2009, which were 8% lower than the first quarter 2008 sales of $253.5 million.  The lower sales were the result of reduced demand in the Company’s earthmoving/construction market, a consequence of the worldwide recession.

The following operating results were primarily related to the lower sales levels.  The Company’s income from operations was $14.1 million for the first quarter of 2009, compared to $16.1 million in 2008.  Net income was   $7.0 million for the quarter, compared to $8.1 million in 2008.  Basic earnings per share were $.20 in the first quarter of 2009, compared to $.24 in 2008.

 
17

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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 lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for approximately 72% of inventories and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for approximately 28% 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 slow-moving and obsolete inventory, as well as inventory carried above market price based on historical experience.  Should experience change, adjustments to 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 had goodwill of $11.7 million at March 31, 2009.  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.

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.”  The Company recognizes and measures uncertain tax positions in accordance with FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in 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 pension plans during the remainder of 2009.  For more information concerning these costs and obligations, see the discussion of the “Pensions” and Note 21 to the Company’s financial statements on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

 
18

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to 2008 (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales
  $ 232,604     $ 253,525  
Cost of sales
    202,541       221,181  
Gross profit
  $ 30,063     $ 32,344  
Gross profit margin
    12.9 %     12.8 %

Net Sales
Net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, were $232.6 million, compared to $253.5 million in 2008.  The lower sales levels were primarily the result of reduced demand in the Company’s earthmoving/construction market, a major consequence of the worldwide recession.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
Cost of sales was $202.5 million for the first quarter of 2009, compared to $221.2 million in 2008.  The cost of sales decreased by approximately the same percentage as the net sales.

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2009 was $30.1 million or 12.9% of net sales, compared to $32.3 million or 12.8% of net sales for the first quarter of 2008.  The gross profit margin showed a slight improvement despite the reduction in sales.

Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Selling, general and administrative
  $ 13,527     $ 14,077  
Percentage of net sales
    5.8 %     5.6 %

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2009 were $13.5 million or 5.8% of net sales, compared to $14.1 million or 5.6% of net sales for 2008.  The Company continues to strive to achieve low administrative expenses.

Royalty Expense
Royalty expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Royalty expense
  $ 2,459     $ 2,147  

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 $2.5 million and $2.1 million for the first quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The higher royalty expense was the result of strong sales in the agricultural segment.

 
19

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Income from Operations
Income from operations was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Income from operations
  $ 14,077     $ 16,120  
Percentage of net sales
    6.1 %     6.4 %

Income from operations for the first quarter of 2009 was $14.1 million or 6.1% of net sales, compared to $16.1 million or 6.4% in 2008.  The slight reduction in income from operations was the net result of the items previously discussed in the sales, cost of sales, administrative and royalty line items.

Interest Expense
Interest expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest expense
  $ 3,944     $ 3,984  

Interest expense was $3.9 million for the first quarter of 2009, compared to $4.0 million in 2008.  The Company’s first quarter 2009 interest expense has remained relatively consistent with that of the previous year’s quarter.

Other Income
Other income was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Other income
  $ 1,409     $ 1,420  

Other income for the first quarter of 2009 was $1.4 million, compared to $1.4 million in 2008.  A gain on senior note repurchases of $1.4 million was included in other income for the first quarter of 2009.  Interest income included in other income was $0.1 million and $0.5 million for three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Income Taxes
Income taxes were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Income tax expense
  $ 4,501     $ 5,422  

The Company recorded income tax expense of $4.5 million and $5.4 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The Company’s effective income tax rate was 39% and 40% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 
20

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Net Income
Net income was as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net income
  $ 7,041     $ 8,134  

Net income for the first quarter of 2009 was $7.0 million, compared to $8.1 million in 2008.  Basic earnings per share were $.20 for the first quarter of 2009, compared to $.24 in the first quarter of 2008.  Diluted earnings per share were $.20 for the first quarter of 2009, compared to $.23 in 2008.  The Company’s net income and earnings per share decreased due to the items detailed above.

Agricultural Segment Results
Agricultural segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales
  $ 187,328     $ 173,486  
Gross profit
    24,920       19,693  
Income from operations
    20,085       16,443  

Net sales in the agricultural market were $187.3 million for the first quarter of 2009, as compared to $173.5 million in 2008.  The strong agricultural segment sales were the result of continued high demand from the Company’s customers, an effect of record farm income.  A primary driver for the higher sales in the agricultural segment was the high demand for large agricultural equipment.

Gross profit in the agricultural market was $24.9 million for the first quarter of 2009, compared to the $19.7 million in 2008.  Income from operations in the agricultural market was $20.1 million for the first quarter of 2009, compared to $16.4 million for the first quarter of 2008.  The increase in gross profit and income from operations in the agricultural market was primarily attributed to the continued strong farm equipment sales.
 
Earthmoving/Construction Segment Results
Earthmoving/Construction segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales
  $ 39,927     $ 73,833  
Gross profit
    4,884       11,911  
Income from operations
    3,840       9,802  

The Company’s earthmoving/construction market net sales were $39.9 million for the first quarter of 2009, as compared to $73.8 million in 2008.  The major sales contraction in earthmoving/construction resulted from significantly reduced demand for earthmoving/construction machinery, a consequence of the worldwide recession and global economic crisis.  A primary reason for the decline in this segment was the monumental reduction in the construction areas related to commercial, residential and infrastructure.

Gross profit in the earthmoving/construction market was $4.9 million for the first quarter of 2009, as compared to $11.9 million in 2008.  Income from operations in the earthmoving/construction market was $3.8 million for the first quarter of 2009 versus $9.8 million in 2008.  Gross profit and income from operations declined as a result of the major sales reduction.

 
21

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Consumer Segment Results
Consumer segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales
  $ 5,349     $ 6,206  
Gross profit
    788       1,049  
Income from operations
    637       869  

Consumer market net sales were $5.3 million for the first quarter of 2009, as compared to $6.2 million in 2008.  The Goodyear farm tire acquisition agreement included an off-take/mixing agreement for certain product sales to Goodyear.  The reduction in consumer market sales is related to lower sales to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company of approximately $0.7 million quarter over quarter.

Gross profit from the consumer market was $0.8 million for the first quarter of 2009, as compared to $1.0 million in 2008.  Consumer market income from operations was $0.6 million for the first quarter of 2009, as compared to $0.9 million for 2008.  Gross profit and income from operations declined proportionately with sales in the consumer market.

Segment Summary (amounts in thousands)
Three months ended
March 31, 2009
 
Agricultural
   
Earthmoving/
Construction
   
Consumer
   
Corporate
 Expenses
   
Consolidated
 Totals
 
Net sales
  $ 187,328     $ 39,927     $ 5,349     $ 0     $ 232,604  
Gross profit (loss)
    24,920       4,884       788       (529 )     30,063  
Income (loss) from operations
    20,085       3,840       637       (10,485 )     14,077  
                                         
Three months ended
March 31, 2008
                                       
Net sales
  $ 173,486     $ 73,833     $ 6,206     $ 0     $ 253,525  
Gross profit (loss)
    19,693       11,911       1,049       (309 )     32,344  
Income (loss) from operations
    16,443       9,802       869       (10,994 )     16,120  

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 $10.5 million for the first quarter of 2009, as compared to $11.0 million for the first quarter of 2008.

Corporate expenses for the first quarter of 2009 were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $5 million and administrative expenses of approximately $5.5 million.

Corporate expenses for the first quarter of 2008 were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $5 million and administrative expenses of approximately $6 million.

 
22

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

MARKET RISK SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Company’s risks related to foreign currencies, commodity prices and interest rates are consistent with those for 2008.  For more information, see the “Market Risk Sensitive Instruments” discussion in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows
As of March 31, 2009, the Company had $20.2 million of cash balances within various bank accounts.  This cash balance decreased by $41.4 million from December 31, 2008, due to the following cash flow items.
(amounts in thousands)
     
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash
  $ 20,230     $ 61,658  

Operating cash flows
Summary of cash flows from operating activities (amounts in thousands):
   
Three months ended March 31,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
Net income
  $ 7,041     $ 8,134     $ (1,093 )
Depreciation and amortization
    7,966       7,153       813  
Deferred income tax provision
    0       5,386       (5,386 )
Accounts receivable
    729       (35,426 )     36,155  
Inventories
    (20,325 )     3,852       (24,177 )
Accounts payable
    (11,586 )     18,664       (30,250 )
Other operating activities
    2,171       1,060       1,111  
Cash (used for) provided by operating activities
  $ (14,004 )   $ 8,823     $ (22,827 )

For the first quarter of 2009, operating activities used cash of $14.0 million.  This cash was primarily used by increases in inventory of $20.3 million and decreases in accounts payable of $11.6 million offset by net income of $7.0 million.  Included in net income were $8.0 million of noncash charges for depreciation and amortization.

In the first quarter of 2008, operating activities provided cash of $8.8 million.  This cash was primarily provided by net income of $8.1 million and increases of $18.7 million in accounts payable.  Included in net income were noncash charges of $7.2 million for depreciation and amortization and a $5.4 million deferred income tax provision.  Positive cash flows were offset by an increase in accounts receivable balance of $35.4 million.

Operating cash flows decreased $22.8 million when comparing the first quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2008.  When comparing the first quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2008, cash flows from inventory changes decreased $24.2 million and cash flows from accounts payable decreased $30.3 million.  Also, when comparing the first quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2008, cash flows from accounts receivable increased $36.2 million.  This is the result of a large accounts receivable increase in the first quarter of 2008, as sales increased approximately 24% when comparing the first quarter of 2008 to the previous quarter (fourth quarter of 2007).  In the first quarter of 2009, sales were more in line with the previous quarter.

 
23

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Investing cash flows
Summary of cash flows from investing activities:
(amounts in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
Capital expenditures
  $ (19,933 )   $ (20,873 )   $ 940  
Other investing activities
    (2,387 )     9       (2,396 )
Cash used for investing activities
  $ (22,320 )   $ (20,864 )   $ (1,456 )
 
Net cash used for investing activities was $22.3 million in the first quarter of 2009, as compared to $20.9 million in the first quarter of 2008.  The Company invested a total of $19.9 million in capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2009, compared to $20.9 million in 2008.  Of the $19.9 million of capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2009, approximately $12 million relates to the Company’s giant OTR mining tire project.  The remaining expenditures represent various equipment purchases and improvements to enhance production capabilities.  Other investing activities in the first quarter of 2009 relate primarily to the Company’s $2.4 million purchase of additional shares in Titan Europe Plc.

The Company estimates that costs related to the Giant OTR Project at this time are approximately $104 million, of which approximately $95 million was disbursed from inception of the Giant OTR Project through March 31, 2009.  In addition to the OTR Project, the Company estimates that its capital expenditures for other projects for the remainder of 2009 could range from $6 million to $8 million.

Financing cash flows
Summary of cash flows from financing activities:
(amounts in thousands)
 
Three months ended March 31,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
Repurchase of senior notes
  $ (4,726 )   $ 0     $ (4,726 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    800       1,448       (648 )
Payment of financing fees
    (1,070 )     0       (1,070 )
Other financing activities
    (108 )     (137 )     29  
Cash (used for) provided by financing activities
  $ (5,104 )   $ 1,311     $ (6,415 )
 
For the first quarter of 2009, $5.1 million of cash was used for financing activities.  This cash was primarily used for repurchase of senior notes of $4.7 million.

In the first quarter of 2008, $1.3 million of cash was provided by financing activities.  This cash was primarily provided by $1.4 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Financing cash flows decreased $6.4 million when comparing the first quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2008.  This decrease resulted primarily from the payment on senior notes in the first quarter of 2009.

 
24

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Debt Covenants
The Company’s revolving credit facility (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 $125 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 March 31, 2009.  The collateral coverage was calculated to be approximately 14.5 times the outstanding revolver balance at March 31, 2009.

The fixed charge coverage ratio did not apply for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.  The credit facility usage was $30.0 million at March 31, 2009, consisting of $25.0 million of cash borrowings and $5.0 million of outstanding letters of credit.

Other Issues
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 March 31, 2009, the Company had $20.2 million of cash and cash equivalents and $120.0 million of unused availability under the terms of its credit facility.  The availability under the Company’s $150 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 the remainder of 2009.

The Company estimates that current commitments related to the Giant OTR Project for 57-inch and 63-inch giant radial tires at this time are approximately $104 million, of which approximately $95 million was disbursed from inception of the Giant OTR Project through March 31, 2009.  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.  In addition to the OTR Project, the Company estimates that its capital expenditures for other projects for remainder of 2009 could range from $6 million to $8 million.

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.

 
25

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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 in the 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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.  Titan expects to contribute approximately $1 million to these frozen defined pension plans during the remainder of 2009.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 141 (revised 2007)
In January 2009, the Company adopted, SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations.”  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.  The adoption of SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) had no material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

FASB Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1
In April 2009, FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” was issued.  This FSP amends FASB Statement No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,’ to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements.  This FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods.  This FSP is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.

FASB Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2
In April 2009, FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” was issued.  This FSP amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  This FSP does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities.  This FSP is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company is evaluating the effect the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 
26

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

MARKET CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK
Titan continued to experience strong demand for the Company’s agricultural products during the first quarter of 2009.  This strong demand is expected to continue through the first half of 2009.  However, the Company’s earthmoving/construction market has seen major declines resulting from the worldwide economic crisis.  The magnitude and duration of this crisis make it extremely difficult to forecast future sales levels.

Energy, raw material and petroleum-based product costs have been exceptionally 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 relatively strong through the first half of 2009.  Commodity prices have declined from last year’s highs, but remain at healthy levels.  Farmers should benefit from lower input costs for fuel and fertilizer.  The gradual increase in the use of biofuels may help sustain future production.  However, the magnitude and duration of the worldwide economic crisis make it extremely difficult to forecast future sales levels.  Many variables, including weather, grain prices, export markets and future government policies and payments can greatly influence the overall health of the agricultural economy.
 
EARTHMOVING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET OUTLOOK
Sales for the earthmoving/construction market are expected to be lower in 2009 as a result of the worldwide economic crisis.  The magnitude and duration of this crisis make it extremely difficult to forecast future sales levels.  Metals, oil and gas prices have retreated from last year’s highs as a result of the economic crisis.  In the long-term, these prices are expected to return to levels that are attractive for continued investment, which should help support future earthmoving and mining sales.  However, many producers are currently delaying new investments affecting current year sales.  The large decline in the United States housing market continues to cause a decline in demand for equipment used for construction.  The earthmoving/ construction segment 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 may fluctuate significantly related to sales volumes under the off-take/mixing agreement with Goodyear.  The Company expects challenging conditions for the consumer market for the remainder of 2009.  Many factors affect the consumer market including weather, competitive pricing, energy prices and consumer attitude.

 
27

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

See the Company’s 2008 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K (Item 7A).  There has been no material change in this information.

Item 4.  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-Q 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 first 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.


 
28

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                      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 affect 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 6.                      Exhibits

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

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements 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:  
April 28, 2009
By:  
/s/ MAURICE M. TAYLOR JR.
   
Maurice M. Taylor Jr.
   
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 

 
 
By:  
/s/ KENT W. HACKAMACK
   
Kent W. Hackamack
   
Vice President of Finance and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
29