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

Form 10-K
(Mark One)  
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20142017
OrOR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                             to                            
Commission file number 001-10716

TRIMAS CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or
Organization)
 
38-2687639
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
3940038505 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130200
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)
(248) 631-5450
(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, $0.01 par value NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
         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 in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 and 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 for 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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of "accelerated filer," "large accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Fileraccelerated filer x
 
Accelerated Filerfiler o
 
Non-accelerated Filerfiler o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller Reporting Companyreporting company o
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 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 voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 20142017 was approximately $1.7 billion,$943.0 million, based upon the closing sales price of the Registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value, reported for such date on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. For purposes of this calculation only, directors, executive officers and the principal controlling shareholder or entities controlled by such controlling shareholder are deemed to be affiliates of the Registrant.
As of February 13, 201521, 2018, the number of outstanding shares of the Registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value, was 45,279,91145,724,453 shares.
Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent stated herein.
     




TRIMAS CORPORATION INDEX


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Forward-Looking Statements
This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 about our financial condition, results of operations and business. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “target,” “plan” or other comparable words, or by discussions of strategy that may involve risks and uncertainties.

These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results including, but not limited to, risksto: general economic and uncertainties with respect to: the Company's leverage; liabilities imposed by the Company's debt instruments; market demand; competitive factors; supply constraints;currency conditions; material and energy costs; risks and uncertainties associated with intangible assets, including goodwill or other intangible asset impairment charges; competitive factors; future trends; our ability to realize our business strategies; our ability to identify attractive acquisition candidates, successfully integrate acquired operations or realize the intended benefits of such acquisitions; the performance of our subcontractors and suppliers; supply constraints; market demand; technology factors; intellectual property factors; litigation; government and regulatory actions; our leverage; liabilities imposed by our debt instruments; labor disputes; changes to fiscal and tax policies; contingent liabilities relating to acquisition activities; information technology factors; the Company's accounting policies; future trends; general economic and currency conditions; various conditions specificdisruption of operations from catastrophic or extraordinary events, including natural disasters; the potential impact of Brexit; tax considerations relating to the Company's business and industry; the Company’s ability to integrate Allfast and attain the expected synergies, including that the acquisition is accretive; the Company’s ability to successfully execute the spin-off of the Cequent businesses within the expected time frame or at all; the taxable nature of the spin-off; our future prospects of the Company and Cequent as independent companies;prospects; and other risks whichthat are detailed underdiscussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors,." and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhereThe risks described in this report. Becausereport are not the statements are subject toonly risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties actualnot currently known to us or that we currently deemed to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations or cash flows.
The cautionary statements set forth above should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.issue. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake any obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.events, except as required by law.
We disclose important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations implied by our forward-looking statements under Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in this report. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributed to us or persons acting on our behalf. When we indicate that an event, condition or circumstance could or would have an adverse effect on us, we mean to include effects upon our business, financial and other conditions, results of operations, prospects and ability to service our debt.
Trademarks and Service Marks
We own or have rights to trademarks, service marks or trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our business. Solely for convenience, some of the copyrights, trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed without the ©, ® and ™ symbols, but we will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights to our copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names and domain names. The trademarks, service marks and trade names of other companies appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are, to our knowledge, the property of their respective owners.


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PART I

Item 1.    Business
Overview
We are a global designer,diversified industrial manufacturer of products for customers in the consumer products, aerospace, industrial, petrochemical, refinery and distributoroil and gas end markets. Our wide range of innovative and quality product solutions are engineered and applied products for commercial, industrial and consumer markets. Most ofdesigned to address application-specific challenges that our customers face. We believe our businesses share important and distinguishing characteristics, includingincluding: well-recognized and leading market positions, strong brand names broad product offerings in the focused markets we serve; established distribution networks, relatively high operating margins,networks; innovative product technologies and features; customer approved processes and qualified products; relatively low ongoing capital investment requirementsrequirements; strong cash flow conversion and both organic and acquisitionlong-term growth opportunities. We usemanufacture and supply products globally to a commonwide range of companies, with approximately 80% of our 2017 revenue generated from sales into North America. In addition, we generated more than 50% of our 2017 revenue from sales to less cyclical consumer product markets and aerospace markets with multi-year aircraft programs.
During 2017, our net sales were $817.7 million and our operating model acrossprofit was $88.5 million.
Our Competitive Strengths
TriMas operates businesses in four reportable segments: Packaging, Aerospace, Energy and Engineered Components. Our businesses include Rieke® (reported in Packaging), TriMas Aerospace™ (reported in Aerospace), Lamons® (reported in Energy) and Norris Cylinder™ and Arrow® Engine Company (both reported in Engineered Components). We believe TriMas is a uniquely positioned, diversified industrial manufacturer because of a number of competitive strengths, including:
Well-Recognized and Established Brands. We believe each of our businesses. Thego-to-market brands are well-recognized and firmly established in the focused markets we serve. We believe our brands represent high standards and a commitment to quality that our customers rely on when they make their supply chain and sourcing decisions. In most applications, the products we sell under our brands meet rigorous industry standards or customer qualifications, providing an advantage over a broad base of competitors. Moreover, we enhance our brands with ongoing investments in new products to help us capture additional customer share and identify new customer or market opportunities.
Innovative and Proprietary Manufacturing and Product Technologies. We believe each of our businesses is well-positioned through years of refined manufacturing know-how, innovative product development and application engineering and solutions design. We believe our manufacturing competencies and installed capital base would be difficult and costly to replicate, providing us an advantage over prospective competitors. We continue to place a priority on investing in innovation to protect our product designs, brand names and manufacturing methods. For example, we have launched a Global Innovation Center in India to augment existing Rieke innovation teams located in the United Kingdom and United States, and we believe we have a robust pipeline of solutions that we expect to commercialize in support of our growth strategies. A further example of innovation related to TriMas Operating Model isAerospace includes an investment in, and launch of, a new manufacturing location to support our expansion into a new-to-TriMas fastening product line supplied to aerospace OEMs. Additionally, our Lamons business introduced a new insulating gasket to prevent corrosion in water and waste water applications, thereby facilitating another avenue for long-term growth. TriMas continues to place a priority on driving growth through both product and process innovation within each of its businesses.
Customer-Focused Solutions Drive Deep and Long-Term Relationships. We work collaboratively with our customers to design new product applications that help them satisfy rapidly changing preferences in today’s consumer product marketplace. As a recognized leader in our markets, customers partner with us during both the frameworkproduct development and production lifecycle. This ongoing relationship, often developed over decades, coupled with our expertise in innovation and application engineering, positions us to win new and replacement business with our customers when they launch new products or programs. Customers look to TriMas’ businesses for these product innovations because of our long-standing, trusted partnerships, which have provided the enabling technologies for their existing products, and our commitment to collaborate with them on designs for their future products.

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Recent examples of customer-focused innovation within Rieke include a range of products designed to meet the requirements of the high-growth e-commerce retail channel and expand into new applications. These include a proprietary dispenser locking mechanism to protect the integrity of packages and prevent liquids from leaking during shipments, and a measured-dose dispenser that provides wherever possible givenexact doses of highly-concentrated liquids for the health and beauty market.
Well-Established, Extensive Distribution Channels. Each of our businesses provides products through established distribution channels that cater to the specific needs of our customers’ purchasing behaviors. We developed many of these channels over decades, and believe they are a competitive differentiator for us across the markets we serve. In many cases, we provide products to end markets through our captive branch and warehouse distribution locations, while in other cases we supply to large and small distribution companies that provide our customers with flexible purchasing solutions. For example, Rieke accesses its markets through direct sales to end-use customers, as well as through leading distributors, where it has enjoyed favorable, long-standing relationships. TriMas Aerospace provides fasteners directly to OEM customers and through well-established aerospace distribution partners. Norris Cylinder markets its steel cylinders both directly to packaged gas companies, as well as to distributors and resellers. Our Lamons business operates with a primary manufacturing facility in Texas and sales branches strategically located near petrochemical and refining complexes, allowing Lamons to offer a high level of service to its customer base. Enabled by its branch network and close proximity to its customers, we believe Lamons’ ability to deliver quick turn-around and customized solutions for its customers provides a competitive advantage.
TriMas Business Model. We believe the diverse nature of the businesses we own and industries we serve, coupled with our light capital investment model, provide significant cash conversion opportunities. We implemented the TriMas Business Model ("TBM") in late 2016 to improve the management of our businesses, commonalityThe TBM provides a platform to set near- and consistency across TriMas,long-term performance objectives and drives how we plan, budget,goals, including safety, financial, and talent development, measure review, incentthese against defined objectives, and reward our people. Itutilize a reliable communication and escalation process that provides the foundation for determining our priorities, executing our growthflexibility and productivity initiatives and allocating capital and resources.adjustments if market expectations change. We believe that a majoritythe TBM connects our operations, and allows us to benefit from sharing best practices across each of our 2014businesses. The TBM has helped to drive improvement in our performance. For example, since August 2016, we have rationalized 13 manufacturing, warehousing and office locations, streamlined fixed expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses in certain of our businesses experiencing softer end markets, and increased our focus on optimizing inventory levels. We believe actions driven by the TBM have provided an economic benefit to us and have augmented our cash conversion characteristics and performance overall. Specifically, we reduced our debt from $374.7 million at December 31, 2016 to $303.1 million at December 31, 2017. We will continue to rely on the TBM to drive continuous improvement and employee motivation to better manage our operations and to unlock TriMas’ value potential.
Our Strategies
Guided by our experienced management team and our commitment to operational excellence, we have pursued, and continue to advance, the following strategies:
Leverage our Businesses and Brands. Each of our businesses sells products under well-recognized brand names in the focused markets they serve. We intend to leverage our operations and well-recognized brands to expand our product offerings to current and new customers and to introduce innovative products and adjacent offerings that fit within our business model and meet customer needs. We believe this disciplined approach will allow us to defend and expand our product offerings and grow our business over the longer term.
Drive Performance through Continuous Improvement. A key tenet of the TBM is our commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. We adopted the use of Kaizen methodology within our operations, which is predicated on engaging our employees to improve all aspects of our operations. We believe our operating performance will continue to benefit from the use of Kaizen as a means to drive our decision-making processes.

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Relentless Commitment to Cash Conversion. Our operating and financial model, combined with management’s disciplined approach to capital allocation and other investments, are strategic imperatives that we will continue to execute. Through focused management, we believe we have the ability to generate substantial free cash flow for reinvestment in our businesses consistent with our capital allocation priorities. We will manage indebtedness consistent with our long-term net sales wereleverage target and invest in marketsorganic growth in which our products enjoymost compelling market segments. We also expect to consider strategic bolt-on acquisitions that would fit within our current product areas, as well as other capital actions consistent with our long-term, financial principles.
Accelerate Growth and Achieve Market Leading Returns. We use the number one or number two market position within their respective product categories.TBM to drive management’s decision-making processes to achieve our annual growth targets, as well as drive our businesses towards achieving market-leading returns. We believe our commitment to having well-defined strategies in place, setting and executing against annual goals and long-range targets, and operating in a data-driven environment will help us optimize our performance.
Our Reportable Segments
We operate through six reportablereport the results of our operations in four segments which had net sales and operating profit for the year ended December 31, 20142017 as follows: Packaging (net sales: $337.7 million;$344.6 million; operating profit: $77.9 million)$80.4 million), Aerospace (net sales: $184.3 million; operating profit: $26.2 million), Energy (net sales: $206.7 million;$161.6 million; operating loss: $6.7 million), Aerospace (net sales: $121.5 million; operating profit: $17.8 million),$5.4 million) and Engineered Components (net sales: $221.4 million;$127.3 million; operating profit: $34.1 million), Cequent APEA (net sales: $165.1 million; operating profit: $7.9 million) and Cequent Americas (net sales: $446.7 million; operating profit: $31.1 million)$15.7 million). For information pertaining to the net sales and operating profit attributed to our reportable segments, refer to Note 19, "Segment Information," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K.
Effective with the first quarter of 2018, we will realign our reportable segment structure from four segments to three. While there will be no changes to the current Packaging and Aerospace segments, we will combine the Energy and Engineered Components segments into a single segment, titled Specialty Products. This change is being made in connection with our recent business realignment efforts, to provide a more streamlined operating structure and to better leverage resources across the Lamons, Norris Cylinder and Arrow Engine businesses.
In addition to our reportable segments as presented, on June 30, 2015, we have discontinued certain linescompleted the spin-off of our Cequent businesses, overcomprised of the past three years as follows,former Cequent Americas and Cequent Asia Pacific Europe Africa ("Cequent APEA") reportable segments, creating a new independent publicly traded company, Horizon Global Corporation ("Horizon"), through the distribution of 100% of the Company's interest in Horizon to holders of the Company's common stock. The results of whichthe Cequent businesses are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the financial statements attached hereto:hereto.
During the third quarter of 2014, we ceased operationsEach of our NI Industries business. NI Industries manufactured cartridge cases forreportable segments is described in more detail on the defense industry and was party to a U.S. Government facility maintenance contract. We received approximately $6.7 million for the salefollowing pages.
Packaging (42% of certain intellectual property and related inventory and tooling. As a result2017 net sales)
Our Packaging segment is comprised primarily of discontinuing operations of NI Industries,Rieke, who we renamed the "Aerospace & Defense" reportable segment "Aerospace."
On December 8, 2014, our board of directors approved a plan to pursue a tax-free spin-off of the businesses that comprise our Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas reportable segments. We are targeting mid-2015 for completion of the proposed spin-off, although successful completion is contingent upon several factors, including but not limited to, final authorization and approval of our board of directors, receipt of governmental and regulatory approvals of the transactions contemplated by the spin-off, receipt of a tax opinion regarding the tax-free status of the spin-off, execution of intercompany agreements and the effectiveness of a registration statement with the SEC.
Each reportable segment has distinct products, distribution channels, strengths and strategies, which are described below.
Packaging
We believe Packaging is a leading designer manufacturer and distributormanufacturer of specialty, highly-engineered closure and dispensing systems for a range of end markets, including steel and plastic industrial and consumer packaging applications. We believe that Packaging is one of the largest manufacturers of steel and plastic industrial container closures and dispensing products in North America, with a significant presence in Europe, Asia and other geographic markets. PackagingRieke manufactures high-performance, value-added products that are designed to enhance its customers'customers’ ability to store, transport, process and dispense various products for the agricultural,industrial, food and beverage, cosmetic, food, householdand health, beauty and home care markets. These enhancements help to enable our customers to distinguish their products industrial, medical, nutraceutical, personal care and pharmaceutical markets. Packaging's products include steel and plastic closure caps, drum enclosures, and specialty plastic closure and dispensing systems, such as foamers, pumps and specialty sprayers.related applications from that of their competition.
Packaging is dual headquartered in the United Kingdom and Indiana. We believe our Packaging brands, which include Rieke®, Arminak & Associates®, Englass®, Innovative Molding™ and Stolz®, are well established and recognized in their respective markets.
Packaging'sRieke’s specialty closure portion of the business designs and manufactures industrial closure products under the Rieke and Stolz brands in North America, Europe and Asia. We believe Rieke has significant market share for many of its key products, such as steel drum enclosures, plastic drum closures, plastic pail dispensers and plugs and plastic enclosures for sub-20 liter-sized containers.

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The specialty dispensing portion of the business designs and manufactures products sold as Rieke, Arminak & Associates, Englass and Innovative Molding brands serving two primary markets:
In the health, beauty and home care market segments, the products include foamers, lotion pumps, fine mist sprayers and other packaging solutions for the cosmetic, personal care and household product markets in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Australia and Asia,Africa, and pharmaceutical and personal care dispensers sold primarily in Europe.Europe and Asia.
In the food and beverage markets, the products include specialty plastic closures for bottles and jars, and dispensing pumps for North America, Europe, Asia and Europe.Australia.

In the third quarter
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Competitive Strengths 
We believe PackagingRieke benefits from the following competitive strengths:
Strong Product Innovation. We believe that Rieke’s product development capability and new product focus is a competitive advantage. Rieke’s product development programs have provided innovative and proprietary product solutions, such as the Visegrip® steel flange and plug closure, and the all-plastic, environmentally safe, self-venting FlexSpout® flexible pouring spout. Recent examples of innovation within specialty dispensing include a range of products designed to meet the requirements of the high-growth e-commerce retail channel, a measured-dose dispenser which provides exact doses of highly-concentrated liquids in the health and beauty market, and customized product and branding solutions for customers in the global automotive aftermarket sector. Through its Global Innovation Center located near New Delhi, India as well as its centers in the United Kingdom and United States, Rieke is focused on driving innovation across a broad range of dispensing and closure solutions for its customers. Rieke’s emphasis on highly-engineered solutions and product development has yielded numerous issued and enforceable patents, with many other patent applications pending.. We believe that Packaging's research and development capability and new product focus is a competitive advantage. For more than 90 years, Packaging's product development programs have provided innovative and proprietary product solutions, such as the Visegrip® steel flange and plug closure, and the all-plastic, environmentally safe, self-venting FlexSpout® flexible pouring spout. Recent examples of innovation within specialty dispensing include hands-free foamer applications for soap, potable water dispenser systems for two-to-five gallon water containers and improved airless high-viscosity liquid dispensing systems to meet thick characteristics in personal care creamers. Packaging’s recent development of child resistant dispensers for the medical field is another example of our technical advancements. Packaging's emphasis upon highly-engineered packaging solutions and research and development has yielded numerous issued and enforceable patents, with many other patent applications pending. We believe that Packaging's innovative product solutions have enabled this segment to evolve our products to meet existing customers' needs, as well as attract new customers in a variety of consumer end markets such as beverage, cosmetic, food, medical, nutraceutical, personal care and pharmaceutical.

Customized Solutions that Enhance Customer Loyalty and Relationships. A significant portion of Packaging'sRieke’s products are customized designs for end-users, as Packaging's productsthat are often developed and engineered to address specific customer technical, marketing, and sustainability needs providing solutions for issues or problems. Packaging provides extensive in-house design, development and technical staff to provide solutions to customer requirements for closures and dispensing applications.help distinguish our customers’ product from that of their competitors. For example, the customization of specialty plastic caps and closures including branding, unique colors, collar sizes, lining and venting and branding at short-lead times providesresults in substantial customer loyalty. The continualsubstantial investment in flexible manufacturing cells allows PackagingRieke to offer both short lead-times for high volume products and extensive customization atfor low order volumes, providing awhich provides significant advantageadvantages to our consumer goods customer base. In addition, PackagingRieke provides customized dispensing solutions including unique pump design,designs, precision metering, unique colors and special collar sizes to fit the customer’s bottles. PackagingRieke has also been successful in promoting the sale of complementary products in an effort to create preferred supplier status.
Leading Market Positions and Global PresencePresence.. We believe that Packaging is a leading designer and manufacturer of plastic closure caps, drum enclosures, and dispensing systems, such as pumps, foamers and specialty sprayers. Packaging Rieke maintains a global network of manufacturing and distribution sites, reflectingto serve its global opportunities and increasingincreasingly global customer base. Packaging'sRieke’s global customers often wantdesire supply chain capability and a flexible manufacturing footprint close to their end market consumers.markets which result in shorter supply chains, reduced carbon footprint and better sustainability. To better serve our customers in Asia, we added to this global footprint by acquiring Lion Holdings Pvt. Ltd. ("Lion Holdings") in July 2014. Lion Holdings has increased ourhave design and manufacturing capacity forand offer highly engineered dispensing solutions through locations in China, India and Vietnam, and increased our Asian market sales coverage. AlsoAdditionally, Rieke opened a new facility in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico during 2014, we added specialty designing2017, to replace an older facility in Mexico City, Mexico and provide additional manufacturing capacity in China to better serve the domestic Chinese market.support growth. The majority of Packaging'sRieke’s manufacturing facilities around the world have technologically advanced injection molding machines required to manufacture industrial container closures and specialtyprecision engineered dispensing and packaging products,closure components, as well as automated, high-speed agileflexible assembly equipment for multiple componentmulti-component products.

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Strategies
We believe PackagingRieke has significant opportunities to grow, including:
Product InnovationInnovate New Products and New ApplicationsApplications. . PackagingRieke has focused its research andproduct development capabilities on consumer applications requiring special packaging forms, stylized containers and dispenserdispensing systems requiring a high degree of functionality and engineering, as well as continuously evolving its industrial applications. Many new product innovations take years to develop. PackagingRieke has a consistent pipeline of new products ready for launch. For example, 34 new patent filings42 patents were filed in 2014, with 21 new2017 and 41 patents were issued. Other recent examples include a dual component dispensing devicerange of products for the application of pre-operation surgical sterilization,high-growth e-commerce retail channel, as well as various foamers, pumps and sprayers.
Globalize Product Globalization OpportunitiesOpportunities.. Packaging Rieke successfully globalizes its products by localizing its expertise in product customizationcustomizing products to meet regional market requirements. Our global network of manufacturing and distribution sites ensures customers have a global product standard manufactured locally providing the shortest lead-time, to provide productsresulting in reduced order lead-times and product support where our customers need them. All salespeoplerequire. Our sales teams are aligned to serve customers in the organization are trained atindustrial, food and beverage, and health, beauty and home care markets, successfully selling all products inacross the Packaging group.Rieke business. We believe that, as compared with our competitors, PackagingRieke is able to offer a wider variety of products to our long-term North Americanglobal customers with enhanced service support and tooling support. We havehas entered into supply agreements with many of these customers based on our broad product offering.

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IncreasedIncrease Global PresencePresence. . Over the past few years, PackagingRieke has increased its international manufacturing and sales presence, with advanced manufacturing capabilities in China, India, Vietnam and Vietnam, as well as an increased sales presence in that region.Mexico. We have also increased our sales coverage in ChinaEurope and India.Asia. By maintaining a presence in international locations, Packaging hopes to continue to discoverRieke focuses on developing new markets and new applications for our products, capitalizing on our global design and to capitalize on lower-cost production opportunities.manufacturing capabilities.
Marketing, Customers and Distribution
PackagingRieke employs an internal sales force in North America, Europe and Asia. Rieke focuses its business and sales organization into the NAFTAindustrial, food and European regions,beverage, and health, beauty and home care end markets to better provide the breadth of its product portfolio and solutions to its customers. Rieke also uses third-party agents and distributors in key geographic markets, including Europe, South America and Asia. Packaging'sRieke’s agents and distributors primarily sell directly to container manufacturers and to users or fillers of containers. While the point of sale may be to a container manufacturer or bottle filling business, Packaging, via a “pull through” strategy, calls on the container user or filler and suggests that it specify that our product be used on its container.
To support its “pull-through” strategy, Packaging offers more attractive pricing on products purchased directly from us and on products in which the container users or fillers specify Packaging. Users or fillers that utilize or specify our products include agricultural chemical, food, industrial chemical, paint, personal care, petroleum, pharmaceutical and sanitary supply chemical companies such as BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, ICI Paints, Lucas Oil, McDonald's, PPG,BMW/Mini, McDonald’s, Mercedes, Pennzoil Quaker State, Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Healthcare and Sherwin-Williams, and Unilever, among others.
Packaging's primaryRieke’s end customers include, Bath & Body Works, Unilever, Costco,but are not limited to, Colgate, ConAgra Foods,Conagra Brands, Dial Corporation, Ecolab, L’Oreal, McDonald's, Method, Nestlé, Purna Pharmaceuticals, PZ Cussons, RB (formerly known as Reckitt Benckiser), Sherwin-Williams, Schering-PloughStarbucks, Thornton & Ross and Starbucks.Unilever. We also supply major container manufacturers around the world such as Berenfield, Berlin Packaging, BWAY,BWAY/Mauser, Cleveland Steel Container, Greif, and North Coast Container. PackagingContainer and Tricorbraun. Rieke maintains a customer service center that provides technical support as well as other technical assistance to customers to reduce overall production costs.customers.
Rieke has manufacturing and distribution facilities in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, India and Vietnam.
Competition
Since PackagingRieke has a broad range of products in both closures and dispensing systems, there areand therefore has various competitors in each of our product offerings. We do not believe that there is a single competitor that matches our entire product offering.
Depending on the product and customers served, Packaging'sRieke’s competitors include Albea, Aptar, Albea, Bericap, Mead-Westvaco, Berry Plastics,Global, Greif, Phoenix Closures, Silgan, Technocraft and Phoenix Closures.TKPC.
EnergyAerospace (22% of 2017 net sales)
We believe EnergyOur Aerospace segment is a leading manufacturer and distributorcomprised of metallic and non-metallic gaskets, bolts, industrial fasteners and specialty products for the petroleum refining, petrochemical, oil field and industrial markets.With operations principally in North America and newer locations in Europe, Asia and South America, Energy supplies gaskets and complementary fasteners to both maintenance repair operations and industrial original equipment manufacturers. Our companies and brands which comprise this segment include LamonsMonogram Aerospace Fasteners™, Allfast Fastening Systems®, South Texas Bolt & Fitting™ (“STBF”)Mac Fasteners™ and Martinic Engineering™, Gasket Vedações Técnicas Ltda (“GVT”), Wulfrun Specialised Fasteners ("Wulfrun") and Basrur Uniseal Private Limited™ ("Basrur").

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Competitive Strengths
collectively known as TriMas Aerospace. We believe Energy benefits from the following competitive strengths:
Established and Extensive Distribution Channels. Our business utilizes an established hub-and-spoke distribution system whereby our primary manufacturing facilities supply products to our own branches and highly knowledgeable network of worldwide distributors and licensees, which are located in close proximity to our primary customers. Our primary manufacturing facilities are in Houston, Texas; Hangzhou, China; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Faridabad and Bangalore, India; Wolverhampton, United Kingdom; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with company-owned branches strategically located around the world to serve our global customer base. This established network of branches, enhanced by third-party distributors, allows us to add new customers in various locations and to increase distribution to existing customers. Our experienced in-house sales support teams work with our global network of distributors and licensees to create a strong market presence in all aspects of the oil, gas and petrochemical refining industries.
Comprehensive Product Offering. We offer a full suite of gasket and bolt products to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, oil field and industrial markets. Our March 2013 acquisition of Wulfrun in the United Kingdom further expanded Energy's product offering to include custom-manufactured, specialty bolts of various sizes and made-to-order configurations and other CNC-machined components in Europe. In addition, Energy has expanded its engineered product offering with isolation kits and capabilities to produce high quality sheet jointing used in the manufacture of soft gaskets, along with the recent addition of filled PTFE for their chemical customers. While many of the competitors manufacture and distribute either gaskets or bolts, supplying both provides us with an advantage to customers who prefer to deal with fewer suppliers. Enabled by its branch network and close proximity to its customers, Energy'sability to provide quick turn-around and customized solutions for its customers is also a competitive strength.
Leading Market Positions and Strong Brand Names. We believe we are one of the largest gasket and bolt suppliers to the global energy market. We believe that Lamons, STBF, Wulrun and Basrur are known as quality brands and offer premium service to the industry, and our facilities have the latest proprietary technology and equipment to be able to produce urgent requirement gaskets and bolts locally to meet its customers' demands.
Strategies
We believe Energy has opportunities to grow, while optimizing its cost structure, including:
Pursuit of Lower-Cost Manufacturing and Sourcing Initiatives. We believe that there will be further opportunities to reduce the cost structures through ongoing manufacturing, overhead and administrative productivity initiatives, global sourcing and selectively shifting manufacturing capabilities to countries with lower costs. We recently announced a decision to move a portion of our gasket and fastener operations from our Houston facility to a new facility in Mexico. The move to Mexico is expected to improve our global operating model and enhance the competitiveness of the business, while increasing customer service. In addition to our core domestic manufacturing facility in Houston, we have advanced manufacturing facilities and sourcing capabilities in China and India. Multi-country manufacturing capabilities provides flexibility to move specific manufacturing requirements amongst facilities to leverage lower cost opportunities and better serve our customers. We believe expanding our new Matrix® product and India capacity will further increase profitability, as we manufacture our own sheet product compared to reliance for comparable product on our competitors.
Growth in Newer Geographies. Energy has been replicating its U.S branch strategy around the world. Over the past several years, Energy has targeted additional locations outside of the U.S. in close proximity of our global customers, following plans to further penetrate Europe, Asia and North and South America. Opening locations within close proximity of these customers increases ourability to provide better service and meet their quick turn-around needs. We have also opened additional branches in North America to better penetrate under-served markets. We believe we will continue to benefit over time as we expand our market presence in these new geographies.
Expansion of Engineered and Specialty Product Offering. Over the past couple of years, we have launched several new highly-engineered and specialty products and have broadened our specialty bolt offering. Examples of new products include: WRI-LP gaskets, a hydrofluoric ("HF") acid gasket solution; inhibitor gaskets designed to prevent corrosion in offshore platform flanges; IsoTekTM Gaskets, an engineered sealing solution for flanged pipe connections; and intelligent bolts which provide more reliable load indication. Most recently, Energy was the first in Europe approved to manufacture the API 20E fasteners used in subsea critical applications, and the first in the world approved to manufacture to API 6A, 17D, 20E and Q1 quality systems. Inaddition to providing revenue growth opportunities, specialty products tend to have higher margins than their standard counterparts.

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Marketing, Customers and Distribution
Energy relies upon a combination of direct sales forces and established networks of independent distributors and licensees with familiarity of the end users. Gaskets and bolts are supplied directly to major customers through our sales and service facilities in major regional markets, or through a large network of independent distributors/licensees. The sales and distribution network's close proximity to the customer makes it possible for Energy to respond to customer-specific engineered applications and provide a high degree of customer service. Our overseas sales are made either through newer sales and service facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom, licensees or through our many distributors. Significant Energy customers include Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, Ferguson, LyondellBasell, MRC, DNOW and Valero.
Competition
Energy's primary competitors include ERIKS, Flexitallic Group, Garlock (EnPro), Klinger, Lone Star and Teadit. Most of Energy's competitors supply either gaskets or bolts. We believe that providing both gaskets and bolts, as well as our hub-and-spoke distribution model, gives us a competitive advantage with many customers. We believe that ourbroader product portfolio and strong brand name enables us to maintain our market leadership position as one of the largest gasket and bolt suppliers to the energy market.
Aerospace
We believeTriMas Aerospace is a leading designer and manufacturer of a diverse range of products, including highly-engineered fasteners, collars, blind bolts, rivets and precision-machined components, for use in focused markets within the aerospace industry. In general, Aerospace'sthese products are highly-engineered, customer-specific items thatand are sold into focused markets with few competitors.
Aerospace's brands include Monogram Aerospace Fasteners™, Martinic Engineering™, Mac Fasteners™manufactured utilizing customer-qualified and Allfast Fastening Systems®, whichproprietary processes. The products also satisfy rigorous customer approvals or meet unique aerospace industry standards, and as such, we believe there are a limited set of competitors.
We provide products to commercial, maintenance and repair ("MRO"), and military aerospace applications and platforms through sales to OEMs, supply chain distributors, MRO/aftermarket providers and tier one suppliers. Our customer-specified and/or qualified products are used in production of significant long-term aircraft programs, including several Boeing and Airbus commercial jetliner programs. Based on Boeing and Airbus' future aircraft delivery projections, it is estimated that commercial production will remain at strong levels through at least 2020.
We believe our brands are well established and recognized in their markets.
MonogramAerospace Fasteners.We believe Monogram Aerospace Fasteners (“Monogram”) is a leading manufacturer ofleader in permanent blind bolts and temporary fasteners used in commercial, business and military aircraft construction and assembly. Certain Monogram products contain patent protection, with additional patents pending. We believe Monogram is a leader in the development of blind bolt fastener technology for the aerospace industry, specifically in high-strength, rotary-actuated blind bolts that allow sections of aircraft to be joined together when access is limited to only one side of the airframe, providing certain cost efficiencies over conventional two piece fastening devices.

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Allfast Fastening Systems. Acquired in October 2014,We believe Allfast Fastening Systems Inc. (“Allfast”) is a leading global manufacturerbrand of solid and blind rivets, blind bolts, temporary fasteners and installation tools for the aerospace industry with content on substantially all commercial, defensemilitary and generalbusiness aviation platforms in production and in service. Certain Allfast products contain patent protection.
Mac FastenersFasteners. . Acquired in October 2013,The Mac Fasteners manufacturesbrand consists of alloy and distributes stainless steel aerospace fasteners, globally utilized by original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"),OEMs, aftermarket repair companies and commercial and military aircraft producers.
Martinic EngineeringEngineering. . Acquired in January 2013,The Martinic Engineering manufactures(“Martinic”) brand consists of highly-engineered, precision machined, complex machine-to-print parts for commercial and military aerospace applications, including auxiliary power units, as well as electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Competitive Strengths
We believe TriMas Aerospace benefits from the following competitive strengths:
Broad Product Portfolio of Established Brands. We believe that TriMas Aerospace is a leading designer and manufacturer of fasteners and other complex, machined components for the aerospace industry. The combination of the Monogram, Allfast and Mac Fasteners brands enables TriMas Aerospace to offer a wide range of fastener products which address a broad scope of customer requirements, providing scale to customers who continue to rationalize their supply base. In several of the product categories, including rotary-actuated blind bolts and blind and solid rivets, TriMas Aerospace has a meaningful market share with well-known and established brands.
Product Innovation. We believe that TriMas Aerospace’s engineering, research and development capability and new product focus are competitive advantages. For many years, TriMas Aerospace’s product development programs have provided innovative and proprietary product solutions, such as a new Composi-Lite™ derivative affording significant installed weight savings in concert with fuel efficient aircraft designs. We believe our customer-focused approach to provide cost-effective technical solutions will drive the development of new products and create new opportunities for growth.
Leading Manufacturing Capabilities and Processes. We believe that TriMas Aerospace is a leading manufacturer of precision engineered components for the aerospace industry. Given industry regulatory as well as customer requirements, these products need to be manufactured within tight tolerances and specifications, often out of hard-to-work-with materials including titanium, inconel and specialty steels. Many of TriMas Aerospace’s products, facilities and manufacturing processes are required to be qualified and/or certified. Key certifications in TriMas Aerospace include: AS9100:2009 Revision D; ISO9001:2008; TSO; and NADCAP for non-destructive testing, heat treatment, wet processes and materials testing. While proprietary products and patents are important, having proprietary manufacturing processes and capabilities makes TriMas Aerospace’s products difficult to replicate. We believe TriMas Aerospace’s manufacturing processes, capabilities and quality focus create a competitive strength for the business.
Strategies
We believe the businesses within theTriMas Aerospace segment havehas significant opportunities to grow, and improve margins, based on the following strategies:
Develop, Qualify, and Commercialize New Fastener Products. TriMas Aerospace has a history of successfully developing and introducing new products and there are currently new product initiatives underway. We focus on expanding our current products into new applications on the aircraft, as well as securing qualified products onto new programs. TriMas Aerospace products contain patent protection, with additional patents pending, and are manufactured using proprietary manufacturing processes and “know-how.” Monogram has developed new fastener products that offer a flush break upon installation and is developing and testing other fasteners designs which offer improved clamping characteristics on composite structures. TriMas Aerospace has also expanded its fastener offerings to include other fastening product applications on current aircraft, including a suite of collar families used in traditional two-sided assembly. The close working relationship between our sales and engineering teams and our customers’ engineering teams is key to developing future products desired and required by our customers.

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Leverage Strengths and Integrate Across theTriMas Aerospace BusinessesBrands. The combined product sets of Monogram, Allfast and Mac Fasteners uniquely position us to benefit from platform-wide supply opportunities and grow at a level in excess of industry aircraft build rates.opportunities. In addition, our aerospace platform willshould benefit from expected synergistic cost savings, including leveraging combined purchasing activities and other back-office functions indirect labor, joint commercial initiatives,and product development efforts, and sharing of betterbest practices betweenamong previously separate businesses. We have proprietary products and processes, as well as strong application engineering and product development capabilities focused on solving customer problems.TriMas Aerospace customers will benefit from a combined product portfolio of proprietary products and product development efforts.

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Develop New Products. The Aerospace segment has a history of successfully creating and introducing new products and there are currently several significant product initiatives underway. Certain Aerospace products contain patent protection, with additional patents pending. Monogram has developed Through the next generation Composi-Lok®, offering a flush break upon installation, a new "lite" derivative affording significant installed weight savings in concert with today's fuel efficient aircraft designs, and is developing and testing an enlarged footprint versionapplication of the Composi-Lok®, offering improved clamping characteristics on composite structures. Monogram has developed the next generation of temporary fasteners, which is targetedTriMas Business Model to have load clamping capabilities in the range of a permanent fastener. We believe the strategy of offering a variety of custom engineered variants has been very well received by Monogram's customer basefurther integrate our sales teams and is increasing our share of custom-engineered purchases. Our close working relationship between our technical sales and engineering groups and our customers' engineering teams is key to developing future products desired and required by our customers.
Entry into New Markets and Development of New Customers. The Aerospace segment has significant opportunities to grow its businesses by offering its products to new customers and new markets. In addition, Monogram is focused on expanding its geographic presence and is selling its products through an office in Beijing, China. The addition of Allfast, Martinic Engineering and Mac Fasteners products to the portfolio enables this segment to reach additional customers, including tier one suppliers to airframe OEMs and aftermarket repair companies, respectively.leverage best practices, Monogram and Allfast can also cross-sell products into each other'sother’s legacy set of customers.
Expansion of Product Line Offerings. Aerospace continues to expand its fastener offerings to include other aerospace fastening products, including a suite of collar families used in traditional non-blind assembly, and is increasing its applications and content on airplanes. Monogram's blind bolt fasteners, which allow for one-sided bolt installation, provide additional advantages as aircraft manufacturers increase automation in aircraft assembly. This trend increases the potential for the expanded use of Monogram's blind fasteners into non-traditional applications. Monogram's Composi-Lok®, Composi-Lok®II, and the new Composi-Lok®3, are designed to solve unique fastening problems associated with the assembly of composite aircraft structures, and are therefore particularly well-suited to take advantage of the increasing use of composite materials in aircraft construction. Our recent aerospace acquisitions also expand opportunities for additional content on aircraft.
Marketing, Customers and Distribution
Aerospace's customers operate primarily in the aerospace industry, servingTriMas Aerospace serves both OE and aftermarket customers on a wide variety of platforms. Given the focused nature of many of our products, theTriMas Aerospace segment relies upon a combinationglobal sales force that is knowledgeable of direct sales forcesboth OE customers and the established networksnetwork of independent distributors with familiarity of the end-users.distributors. Although the overall marketmarkets for fasteners and metallurgical services iscomplex machine components are highly competitive, these businesseswe provide products and services primarily for specialized markets, and compete principally ason technology, quality and service-oriented suppliers in their respective markets. Aerospace's products are sold to manufacturers and distributors within the commercial, business and military aerospace industry, both domestic and foreign. While products are sold to both manufacturers and distributors,service. TriMas Aerospace works directly with aircraft manufacturers to develop and test new products and improve existing products. The addition of Allfast, Martinic EngineeringTriMas Aerospace’s primary customers include OEMs such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and MacEmbraer; supply chain distributors such as Adept Fasteners, products to the portfolio enables this segment to reach additional customers, includingKLX, Inc., Peerless Aerospace Fasteners and Wesco Aircraft Hardware; tier one suppliers to airframe OEMs and aftermarket repair companies, respectively. Aerospace's OEM, distribution and other customers include Airbus, Boeing, B/E Aerospace, Bombardier, Embraer,such as Hamilton Sunstrand Parker Hannifin, Peerless Aerospace Fasteners,(United Technologies Corp.), Parker-Hannifin, and Spirit Aero Systems, United Technologies (UTC), Wesco Aircraft Hardware,Systems; and the U.S. Department of Defense.United States government.
TriMas Aerospace's manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, and it exports products to Europe, South America and Asia.
Competition
This segment'sDepending on the product and customers served, our primary competitors include AHG France, Alcoa Fastening Systems,Ateliers de la Haute Garonne ("AHG"), Arconic, Inc., Cherry Aerospace (PCC)(Precision Castparts Corp.) and LISI Aerospace. We believe that we are a leader in the blind bolt market with significant market share in all blind fastener product categories in which it competes. Aerospace companies supply highly engineered, non-commodity, customer-specific products that principally have large shareswe compete.
Energy (20% of small markets supplied by a limited number2017 net sales)
Our Energy segment is comprised primarily of competitors.
Engineered Components
WeLamons, who we believe Engineered Components is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-pressureindustrial sealing, fastener and low-pressurespecialty products for the petrochemical, petroleum refining, oil field, water/waste water treatment and other industrial markets. These products are used in recurring MRO activities, as well as in the construction of new facilities or capacity expansions for industrial OEMs. Our sealing and fastener solutions typically represent a low-cost element of an overall project spend, but many times are needed with quick-turn capabilities to minimize our customers' facility down-time, as well as operate in harsh conditions with severe consequences of failure. As a result, we believe customers often choose to work with Lamons, given its long-standing, reputable brand name, known for quality products and expedited customer service.
Competitive Strengths
We believe Lamons benefits from the following competitive strengths:
Comprehensive Product Offering. We offer a full suite of custom and standard metallic and nonmetallic gasket and bolt products to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, oil field and industrial markets. Over the years, Lamons has expanded its product offering to include custom-manufactured, specialty bolts of various sizes and made-to-order configurations and other CNC-machined components, isolation gasket kits, capabilities to produce high quality sheet jointing used in the manufacture of soft gaskets, and PTFE for our chemical customers. While many competitors manufacture and distribute either gaskets or bolts, supplying both provides us with an advantage to customers who prefer to deal with fewer suppliers.

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Established and Extensive Distribution Channels. Lamons utilizes an established hub-and-spoke distribution system whereby our primary manufacturing facility supplies products to our own branches and a highly knowledgeable network of worldwide distributors and licensees, which are located in close proximity to our primary customers. Our primary manufacturing facility is in Houston, Texas with company-managed branches strategically located around the world to serve our global customer base. Enabled by its branch network and close proximity to its customers, Lamons' ability to provide quick turn-around and customized solutions for its customers provides a competitive advantage. This established network of branches, enhanced by third-party distributors, allows us to add new customers in various locations and to increase distribution to existing customers. Our experienced in-house sales support teams work with our global network of distributors and licensees to create a strong market presence in all aspects of the oil, gas and petrochemical refining industries.
Leading Market Positions and Strong Brand Name. We believe we are one of the largest gasket and bolt suppliers to the energy market. We believe that Lamons is known as a quality brand and offers premium service to the industry. We also believe that our facilities have the latest proprietary technology and equipment to be able to produce urgent requirement gaskets and bolts locally to meet our customers’ demands.
Strategies
Lamons, similar to other market participants, has been faced with several market challenges including a reduction of its upstream oil production business as a result of the decline in oil prices, as well as downstream business postponement of refinery shutdowns and customer capital expenditures. We believe Lamons has opportunities to improve its margins, while maintaining its market leadership, including:
Optimizing its Footprint to Drive Lower-Costs. Over the past 18 months, we have continued to work through reducing our cost structure through ongoing manufacturing, overhead and administrative productivity initiatives, and global sourcing of certain higher volume, standard products. We have performed a comprehensive review of our physical footprint and have closed or consolidated locations to reduce and realign our fixed cost structure to current market demand levels. We have also reconfigured our Texas facility to increase efficiency and reduce our operating cost structure, allowing for incremental capacity. In addition to our core domestic manufacturing facility in Houston, we have sourcing capabilities in China. We believe expanding our new Matrix® product will further increase profitability, as we manufacture our own sealing material domestically in the U.S. compared to reliance on comparable products from our competitors.
Improve Operational Efficiency at all Locations. We believe that there are additional opportunities to improve our operational efficiency through continued implementation of lean-based manufacturing initiatives. Through improved production planning, inventory management, and order fulfillment processes, we believe Lamons can improve its margins, while reducing product lead-times and increasing customer fill-rates.
Expand Engineered and Specialty Products Offering. Over the past few years, we have launched several new highly-engineered and specialty products and have broadened our specialty bolt offering. Examples of new products include: WRI-LP gaskets, a hydrofluoric acid gasket solution; inhibitor gaskets designed to prevent corrosion in offshore platform flanges; IsoTekTM Gaskets, an engineered sealing solution for flanged pipe connections; hose products; and intelligent bolts which provide more reliable load indication. In addition to providing revenue growth opportunities, specialty products tend to have higher margins than the equivalent standard product.
Marketing, Customers and Distribution
Lamons relies upon a combination of a direct sales force and an established network of independent distributors and licensees with familiarity of our end user customers. Sealing and fastening products are supplied directly to major customers through our sales and service facilities in major regional markets, or through a large network of independent distributors/licensees. The close proximity of the sales and distribution network to the customer makes it possible for Lamons to respond to customer-specific engineered applications and provide a high degree of customer service. We sell to our international customers either through our newer sales and service facilities located in region, licensees or through our many distributors. Our primary customers include BP, Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, DNOW, MRC and Valero.

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Lamons' primary manufacturing facility and certain branches are located in the United States, with additional international branch locations in Belgium, Canada, Singapore, Spain and Thailand.
Competition
Lamons’s primary competitors include ERIKS, Flexitallic Group, Garlock (EnPro), GHX, Klinger and Lone Star. Most of Lamons’ competitors supply either gaskets or bolts. We believe that providing both gaskets and bolts, as well as our hub-and-spoke distribution model, provides us a competitive advantage with many customers. We believe that our broader product portfolio and strong brand name enables us to maintain our market leadership position as one of the largest gasket and bolt suppliers to the energy market.
Engineered Components (16% of 2017 net sales)
Our Engineered Components segment is comprised of Norris Cylinder and Arrow Engine Company. We believe Norris Cylinder is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of highly-engineered steel cylinders for the transportation, storageuse in industrial end markets. We believe Arrow Engine Company is a leading designer, manufacturer and dispensingdistributor of compressed gases, as well as a variety of natural gas powered wellhead engines, compressors and replacement parts gas compressors, gas production equipment, meter runs, engine electronics and chemical pumps all engineered for use in oil and natural gas production. In general, these products are highly-engineered, customer-specific items that are sold into focused markets with few competitors.

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Engineered Components' brands include Arrow® EngineWe believe Norris Cylinder and Norris Cylinder™ which we believeArrow Engine are well established and recognized in their respective markets.
We believe that Norris Cylinder is a leading provider of a complete line of large, intermediate and small size, high and low-pressure steel cylinders for the transportation, storage and dispensing of compressed gases. Norris Cylinder’s large high-pressure seamless gas cylinders are used principally for shipping, storing and dispensing oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium and other compressed gases for industrial and health care markets. In addition, Norris Cylinder offers a complete line of steel cylinders used to contain and dispense acetylene gas for the welding and cutting industries. Norris Cylinder's products meet the rigorous standards required by the Department of Transportation ("DOT") or International Standards Organization ("ISO"), which certifies a cylinder's adequacy to perform in specific applications. Norris Cylinder markets cylinders primarily to domestic and international industrial gas producers and distributors, welding equipment distributors and equipment manufacturers. Given this customer base, Norris Cylinder tends to grow in times of increased industrial and infrastructure investment.
Arrow Engine. We believe that Arrow Engineis a market leading provider of natural gas powered wellhead engines, compressors and parts. Arrow Engine also provides gas compressors, gas production, meter runs, engine electronics and chemical pumps,replacement parts, all engineered for use in oil and natural gas production and other industrial and commercial markets. As Arrow's engines can operate from the natural gas produced at the wellhead, we believe Arrow is uniquely positioned to provide its products for remote pump jack installations. Arrow Engine distributes its products through a worldwide distribution network with a particularly strong presence in the U.S.United States and Canada. Arrow Engine owns the original equipment manufacturing rights to distribute enginesmanufactures its own engine line and replacement parts for four main OEM engine lines andalso offers a wide variety of spare parts for an additional six engine lines, which are widely used in the energy industry and other industrial applications. Arrow Engine has developed a new line of products in the area of industrial engine spare parts for various industrial engines not manufactured by Arrow Engine, including selected engines manufactured and sold under the Caterpillar®, Waukesha®, and Ajax® and Gemini®brands. Arrow Enginehas expanded its product line to include compressors and compressor packaging, as well as certain gas production equipment, meter runs and other electronic products.equipment.
Norris Cylinder. Norris Cylinder is a leading provider of a complete line of large and intermediate/small size, high-pressure and low-pressure steel cylinders for the transportation, storage and dispensing of compressed gases. Norris Cylinder's large high-pressure seamless compressed gas cylinders are used principally for shipping, storing and dispensing oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium and other gases for industrial and health care markets. In addition, Norris Cylinder offers a complete line of low-pressure steel cylinders used to contain and dispense acetylene gas for the welding and cutting industries. Norris Cylinder markets cylinders primarily to major domestic and international industrial gas producers and distributors, welding equipment distributors and buying groups, as well as equipment manufacturers.
Strategies
We believe the businesses within the Engineered Components segment have opportunities to grow, based on the following:
Strong Product Innovation. InnovationThe Engineered Components segment has. Norris Cylinder and Arrow Engine have a history of successfully creating and introducing new products and there are currently several significant product initiatives underway. Norris Cylinder developed a process for manufacturing ISO cylinders from higher tensile strength steel, which allows for a lighter weight cylinder at the same gas service pressure. Norris Cylinder was the first to gain United Nations certification by the US Department of Transportation for its ISO cylinders, and as such remains the first manufacturer approved to distribute ISO cylinders domestically. Norris Cylinder has also created new designs for seamless acetylene applications in marine and international markets. Arrow Engine continues to introduce new products in the area of industrial engine spare parts for various industrial engines not manufactured by Arrow Engine, including selected engines manufactured and sold under the Caterpillar®, Waukesha®, and Ajax® and Gemini®brands. Arrow Engine has also launched an offering of customizable compressors and gas production and meter run equipment, which are used by existing end customers in the oil and natural gas extraction market,markets, as well as development ofdeveloped a natural gas compressor used for compressed natural gas (“CNG”("CNG") filling stations. Norris Cylinder developed a process for manufacturing ISO cylinders capable of holding higher pressure gases and has been awarded a United Nations certification for its ISO cylinders, making Norris Cylinder the first manufacturer approved to distribute ISO cylinders domestically. Norris Cylinder has also created new designs for seamless acetylene applications in marine and international markets.

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Entry into New Markets and Development of New Customers. Customers. Engineered Components has opportunities to grow its businesses by offering its products to new customers, markets and geographies. In November 2013, Norris Cylinder acquired the assets of Worthington Cylinder's Tilbury, Ontario and Jefferson, Ohio facilities, making Norris Cylinderis the only manufacturer of steel high-pressurehigh and acetylenelow-pressure steel cylinders in North America. Norris Cylinder is also expanding international sales ofselling its ISO cylinders tointernationally primarily into Europe, South Africa, and South and Central America, and the Asia Pacific region as well as pursuing new end markets such as cylinders for use at cell towers (hydrogenas hydrogen fuel cells)cells in storage (cell towers) and transport (fork trucks), in mine safety (breathingbreathing air and rescue chambers)applications and in fire suppression. Arrow Engine continues to expand its product portfolio to serve new customers and new applications for oil and natural gas production in all areas of the industry, including shale drilling. Although tempered by lower drilling levels over the past few years, Arrow Engine ishas also been focused on expanding its international sales, particularly in Mexico, Indonesia and Venezuela.
Manage Capacity to Reflect Expected Demand Levels. Norris Cylinder has deployed previously acquired assets in both its Huntsville, Alabama and Longview, Texas facilities to mitigate risk, improve efficiency and support its future expected growth, increasing its manufacturing flexibility for both large and small high pressure cylinders. Norris Cylinder is in process of installing equipment to produce higher volume cylinders more efficiently, which will allow higher technology products to be produced on the existing forge asset. Norris Cylinder also flexes its operating cost structure in coordination with movements in demand. Arrow Engine has been unfavorably impacted by reductions in drilling activity driven by the decline in oil prices. In response, we re-aligned Arrow Engine's business to reflect the current demand levels by lowering costs and maximizing resources until the end market recovers, including closing or consolidating four of its former locations. We have also variablized Arrow Engine's cost structure to respond quickly to end market changes and enhance flexibility, driving low cost sourcing efforts, and focusing on additional productivity and Lean initiatives.
Marketing, Customers and Distribution
Customers of our Engineered Components' customersComponents businesses operate in the oil, gas, industrial and commercial industries.end markets. Given the focused nature of many of our products, the Engineered Components segment relieswe rely upon a combination of a direct sales forcesforce and an established networksnetwork of independent distributors with familiarity of the end-users. In many of the markets this segment serves, its companies'companies’ brand names are virtually synonymous with product applications. The narrow end-user base of many of these products makes it possible for this segment to respond to customer-specific engineered applications and provide a high degree of customer service. Engineered Components'Our OEM and aftermarket customers include Airgas, Airgas/Air Liquide, Chesapeake, DNOW, Kidde-Fewal,Kidde-Fenwal, Natural Gas Compression Systems, Praxair and Weatherford.

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TableTotal Operations and Production Services ("TOPS"). In years with higher levels of Contentsdrilling activity, DNOW and Weatherford were larger customers of engines, parts and compressor products.

Engineering Components manufacturing facilities are located are in the United States.

Competition
Arrow Engine tends to compete against natural gas powered, lower horsepower, multi-cylinder engines from manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Chevy, Cummins and Ford industrial engines and electric motors. Norris Cylinder competes against Worthington, Beijing Tianhai Industry Co., Faber and Vitkovice Cylinders. In May 2012, the U.S. International Trade Commission made a unanimous final determination that Norris Cylinder had been materially injured by imports of DotDOT high pressure steel cylinders that were being subsidized by the Government of China, as well as being dumped in the U.S. market by producers in China, and asChina. As a result, imposed antidumping and countervailing duties were imposed on the subject imports for a five year period to create a fairer competitive environment in the United States. Engineered Components' companiesThe duties were extended for an additional five year period during 2017, and will be subject to renewal in 2022. Arrow Engine tends to compete against natural gas powered, lower horsepower, multi-cylinder engines from manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Chevy, Cummins and Ford industrial engines and electric motors. In general, Norris Cylinder and Arrow Engine supply highly engineered, non-commodity, customer-specific products with large shares of small markets supplied by a limited number of competitors.
Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas
We believe Cequent, which includes our Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas reportable segments, is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of a wide variety of high quality, custom-engineered towing, trailer and cargo management products and other accessories. These products, which are similar for both Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas, are designed to support OEM, original equipment suppliers ("OES") and aftermarket customers within the agricultural, automotive, construction, horse/livestock, industrial, marine, military, recreational, trailer and utility markets. We believe that Cequent's brand names and product lines are among the most recognized and extensive in the industry.
Cequent APEA focuses its sales and manufacturing efforts in the Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa regions of the world, while Cequent Americas is focused on the North and South American markets. Cequent Americas consists of two businesses: Cequent Performance Products ("CPP"), a leading manufacturer of aftermarket and OEM towing and trailer products and accessories, and Cequent Consumer Products ("CCP"), a leading provider of towing, trailer, vehicle protection and cargo management solutions serving the end-user through retailers.
Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas have positioned their product portfolios to create pricing options for entry-level to premium products across all of our market channels. We believe that no other competitor features a comparable array of components and recognized brand names. Cequent's brand names include Aqua Clear™, Bulldog®, BTM™, DHF™, Draw-Tite®, Engetran™, Fulton®, Harper®,Hayman-Reese™, Hidden Hitch®, Highland®, Kovil™, Laitner™, Parkside®, Pro Series®, Reese®, Reese CarryPower™, Reese Outfitter®, Reese Power Sports™, Reese® Towpower™, ROLA®, Tekonsha®, TriMotive®, Trojan®, Wesbarg® and Witter Towbar Systems™.

Our broad range of products include hitches (including fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches), jacks, winches, couplers, tubular side steps and sports bars, weight distribution systems, ball mounts, brake controls, wiring harnesses, interior and exterior vehicle lighting, draw bars, towbars, locks and other towing accessories. Our cargo management products include bike racks, roof cross bar systems, cargo carriers, luggage boxes, car care appearance and interior protective products, rope, tie-downs, tarps, tarp straps, bungee cords, loading ramps and soft travel interior organizers. In addition, Cequent offers a complete brush and cleaning product line. Cequent sells these products through a broad range of distribution channels including independent installers, distributors, dealers, OEMs (trailer, recreational vehicle and automotive), retailers and online.
Competitive Strengths
Broad Product Portfolio of Strong Brand Names. Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas both benefit from a broad range of product offerings and do not solely rely upon any single item. By offering a wide range of products, the Cequent businesses are able to provide a complete solution to satisfy their customers' towing and cargo management needs, as well as serve diverse channels through effective brand management. We believe that the various brands mentioned above are well-known in their respective product areas and channels. In addition, we believe many of the products within Cequent APEA or Cequent Americas have leading market positions.
Value Engineering. Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas have extensive engineering and performance capability, enabling these segments to continue their product innovation, improve product reliability and reduce manufacturing costs. The businesses within these segments conduct extensive testing of their products in an effort to assure high quality and reliable product performance. Engineering, product design and fatigue testing are performed utilizing computer-aided design and finite element analysis.
Established Distribution Channels. Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas utilize several distribution channels for sales, including OEM for trailers, OEM for vehicles, OES for vehicles, wholesale distribution, dealers, installers, specialty retailers, internet resellers and mass merchandisers. The businesses are positioned to meet all delivery requirements specified by our diverse group of customers.

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Flexibility in Supply. As a result of significant restructuring activity completed over the past few years, Cequent has reduced its cost structure and improved its supply flexibility, allowing for quicker and more efficient responses to changes in the end market demand. Cequent Americas has the ability to produce low-volume, customized products in-house, quickly and efficiently at manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Brazil. Cequent Americas also outsources certain high-volume production to lower cost supply partners in Southeast Asia. Extensive sourcing arrangements with suppliers in low-cost environments enable the flexibility to choose to manufacture or source products based on end-market demand or product cost characteristics. Cequent APEA has manufacturing facilities in Australia, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom. In recent years, Cequent APEA opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Melbourne, Australia to improve efficiency and customer service, and to replace the two former Melbourne facilities.
Strategies
We believe that Cequent has opportunities to increase sales and margins as a result of the following strategies, including the following:
Enhanced Towing Solutions and Strong Product Innovation. As a result of its broad product portfolio, Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas are well positioned to provide customers with solutions for trailering, towing and cargo management needs. Due to both segments' product breadth and depth, we believe the Cequent businesses can provide customers with compelling value propositions with superior features and convenience. Cequent Americas has a history of successfully developing and launching new products with patented features. Newer introductions include customer vehicle and trailer connectivity products, Velocity Series jacks, zero contact interface trailer light power modules, F2® aluminum trailer winch, powered RV 5th wheel trailer landing gear, an ASAE compliant and newly redesigned 5th wheel hitch family, custom harnesses, programmable converters, high intensity LED work lighting and electrical accessories, and a patented and improved gooseneck coupler. In addition, Cequent is continually refreshing its existing retail products with new designs, features, innovative packaging and merchandising. Cequent APEA also continues to evolve its products and recently expanded its tubular vehicle protection product line.
Cross-Selling Products. We believe that Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas both have significant opportunities to further introduce products into new distribution channels. Cequent has developed strategies to introduce its products into new channels, including the Asian automotive manufacturer market, the retail sporting goods market, the independent bike dealer, the ATV and motorcycle market, the military and within select international markets. In many instances, Cequent can offer more competitive pricing by providing complete sets of product rather than underlying components separately. We believe this merchandising strategy also enhances the segment's ability to better compete in markets where its competitors have narrower product lines and are unable to provide “one stop shopping” to customers. More specifically, Cequent APEA is focused on selling the whole product range through all channels, leveraging strong brands to broaden the local product offering and expanding its business with Thailand-based automotive OEMs.
Geographic Expansion. Cequent APEA has continued to expand globally, while maintaining its strong presence in Australia. Over the past several years, we have introduced products into the local market in Thailand after launching our local plant there. Throughout 2013, Cequent APEA acquired businesses in Europe, with locations in Germany and the United Kingdom, to enter the towbars and towing accessories market in that region and be able to offer its global customers a local supply solution. In 2012, the Cequent APEA business acquired Trail Com Limited, a market leading distributor for towing accessories and trailer components headquartered in New Zealand, as well as an acquisition in South Africa the prior year. In both 2013 and 2012, Cequent Americas expanded its global footprint and product portfolio in Brazil by acquiring DHF SoluçõesAutomotivas Ltda and Engetran Engenharia, Indústria, e Comércio de Peças e Acessórios Veiculares Ltda, respectively. We believe these expansions into new geographies provide additional opportunities for growth, while supporting existing and new customers in these markets. Cequent continues to evaluate sales opportunities outside of its existing markets.

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Margin Improvement. Cequent Americas and Cequent APEA have been focused on positioning themselves for future margin expansion. Cequent has been establishing new plants and lower cost countries and moving some production locations in order to increase capacity, better support our global customers in new locations, drive productivity and better leverage a more efficient cost structure. During 2013, Cequent Americas relocated a significant portion of its manufacturing from the Goshen, Indiana Cequent facility to the existing Cequent facility in Reynosa, Mexico. While the physical move of production is complete, Cequent Americas has been working on moving the supporting supply to Mexico, as well as fine-tuning its newer distribution center which was established closer to the production in Mexico. We believe these investments and actions will improve margins over time as Cequent Americas becomes more efficient. Both Cequent Americas and Cequent APEA are also working on leveraging their past acquisitions to increase the profitability of these businesses. As with the majority of our businesses, our Cequent teams are focused on simplifying and integrating their businesses, and implementing productivity and lean programs to reduce complexity and costs to drive margin expansion.
Marketing, Customers and Distribution
Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas employ a dedicated sales force in each of the primary channels, including automotive aftermarket, automotive OEM, industrial, military, power sports, recreational vehicle dealers, and retail including mass merchants, auto specialty, marine specialty, hardware/home centers and catalogs. The businesses rely upon strong historical relationships, custom engineering capability, significant brand heritage, broad product offerings, superior distribution and strong merchandising methodologies to bolster its towing, trailer and accessory product sales through the OEM channel and in all aftermarket segments. Cequent Americas serves customers such as Etrailer, Ford, LKQ, Redneck, Toyota and U-Haul, and is also well represented in mass merchant retailers like Wal-Mart, specialty retailers such as Tractor Supply, hardware home centers such as Home Depot and Lowe's, and specialty auto retailers including AutoZone. Cequent APEA's customers include many automotive manufacturers and suppliers, including FHI/Subaru, Ford, GM, Mazda and Toyota.
Competition
The competitive environment for towing products is highly fragmented and is characterized by numerous smaller suppliers, even the largest of which tends to focus in narrow product categories. Significant trailer competitors include Pacific Rim, Dutton-Lainson, Shelby, Ultra-Fab, Sea-Sense and Atwood. Significant electrical competitors include Hopkins Manufacturing, Peterson Industries, Grote, Optronics and Pollack. Significant towing competitors include Curt Manufacturing, B&W, Buyers and Camco. The retail channel presents a different set of competitors that are typically not seen in our installer, OEM and distributor channels, including Masterlock, Buyers, Allied, Keeper, Bell, Smart Straps and Axius. In addition, competition in the cargo management product category primarily comes from Thule and Yakima.
TriMas' Acquisition Strategy
We believe that our businesses haveTriMas has significant opportunities to grow through disciplined, strategic acquisitions that enhance the strengths of our core businesses. We typically seek "bolt-on" acquisitions, in which we acquire another industry participant or adjacent product lines that expand our existing product offerings;offerings, gain access to new customers, end markets and distribution channels;channels, expand our geographic footprint;footprint and/or capitalize on scale and cost efficiencies. Strategically, our primary focus is primarily on bolt-on acquisition targetscandidates in the Packaging and Aerospace segments,segment, as evidenced by our 2014 acquisitions of Allfast Fastening Systems in Aerospace, and Lion Holdings and the remaining 30% interest in Arminak & Associates in Packaging, as these segments havethis segment has a higher growth and margin profiles. However,profile. While we willwould also consider opportunistic bolt-on acquisitions in our other segments, although such transactions are likely to be more modest in terms of target size and transaction value.secondary focus.
Materials and Supply Arrangements
Our largest raw material purchases are for steel, copper, aluminum, titanium, polyethylene and other resins.resins, aluminum, titanium and copper. Raw materials and other supplies used in our operations are normally available from a variety of competing suppliers. In addition to raw materials, we purchase a variety of components and finished products from low-cost sources in China, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan,Mexico, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.
Steel is purchased primarily from steel mills and service centers with pricing contracts principally in the three-to-six month time frame. Changing global dynamics for steel production and supply will continue to present a challenge to our business. Polyethylene is generally a commodity resin with multiple suppliers capable of providing product globally. While both steel and polyethylene are readily available from a variety of competing suppliers, our business has
Historically, we have experienced and we believe will continue to experience, volatility in the costs of theseour raw materials.material purchases, and have worked with our suppliers to manage costs and disruptions in supply. We also utilize pricing programs to pass increased steel, resin and other raw material costs to customers. Although we may experience delays in our ability to implement price increases, we have been generally able to recover such increased costs.

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Employees and Labor Relations
As of December 31, 2014,2017, we employed approximately 7,0004,000 people, of which approximately 61%46% were located outside the United States and 18%16% were unionized. We currently have collective bargaining agreements covering 14five facilities worldwide, two of which are in the United States. Employee relations have generally been satisfactory.
On January 5, 2015, we finalized the decision to move a portionTwo of the gasketthree facilities outside the United States with collective bargaining agreements are associated with state-controlled unions.
We believe employee relations are good and fastener operations fromare not aware of any present active union organizing activities at any of our Energyother facilities. We cannot predict the impact of any further unionization of our workplace. Our labor agreement with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America at our TriMas Aerospace facility in HoustonCommerce, California expires in August 2018 and we expect to a new facility in Mexico. This announcement impacts approximately 10% of facility's current unionized work force. The decision to move a portion ofenter into timely negotiations regarding the manufacturing is the resultextension of our effort to improve our Energy global operating model and enhance the competitiveness of the business. This transition is expected to be completed over the next 12 to 18 months.agreement.
Seasonality and Backlog
There is some seasonality in the businesses within our Cequent reportable segments, primarily within Cequent Americas, where sales of towing and trailering products are generally stronger in the second and third quarters, as trailer OEMs, distributors and retailers acquire product for the spring and summer selling seasons. No other reportable segment experiencesOur business does not experience significant seasonal fluctuation, other than our fourth quarter, which has tended to be the lowest net sales quarter of the year given holiday shutdowns by certain of our customers and other customers deferring capital spending to the new year. We do not consider sales order backlog to be a material factor in itsour businesses. InOur TriMas Aerospace our customers often provide a forward view of build rates and needsneed for products, but firm orders do not extend for more than a few months, and often times are not guaranteed and couldsubject to change. We do not consider sales order backlog to be a material factor in our businesses.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges and chemical and hazardous waste management and disposal. Some of these environmental laws hold owners or operators of land or businesses liable for their own and for previous owners' or operators' releases of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes. Other environmental laws and regulations require the obtainment and compliance with environmental permits. To date, costs of complying with environmental, health and safety requirements have not been material. However, the nature of our operations and our long history of industrial activities at certain of our current or former facilities, as well as those acquired, could potentially result in material environmental liabilities.
While we must comply with existing and pending climate change legislation, regulation and international treaties or accords, currentCurrent laws and regulations have not had a material impact on our business, capital expenditures or financial position. However, we must comply with existing and pending climate change legislation, regulation and international treaties or accords. Future events, including those relating to climate change or greenhouse gas regulation could require us to incur expenses related to the modification or curtailment of operations, installation of pollution control equipment or investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites.

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Intangible Assets
Our identified intangible assets, consisting of customer relationships, trademarks and trade names and technology, are recorded at approximately $363.9$194.2 million at December 31, 2014,2017, net of accumulated amortization. The valuation of each of the identified intangibles was performed using broadly accepted valuation methodologies and techniques.
Customer Relationships. We have developed and maintained stable, long-term selling relationships with customer groups for specific branded products and/or focused market product offerings within each of our businesses. Useful lives assigned to customer relationship intangibles range from five to 25 years and have been estimated using historic customer retention and turnover data. Other factors considered in evaluating estimated useful lives include the diverse nature of focused markets and products of which we have significant share, how customers in these markets make purchases and these customers' position in the supply chain. We also monitor and evaluate the impact of other evolving risks including the threat of lower cost competitors and evolving technology.
Trademarks and Trade Names. Each of our operating groupsbusinesses designs and manufactures products for focused markets under various trade names and trademarks (see discussion above by reportable segment). Our trademark/trade name intangibles are well-established and considered long-lived assets that require maintenance through advertising and promotion expenditures. Because it is our practice and intent to maintain and to continue to support, develop and market these trademarks/trade names for the foreseeable future, we consider our rights in these trademarks/trade names to have an indefinite life, except as otherwise dictated by applicable law.

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Technology. We hold a number of U.S.United States and foreign patents, patent applications, and proprietary product and process-oriented technologies within all sixfour of our reportable segments. We have, and will continue to dedicate, technical resources toward the further development of our products and processes in order to maintain our competitive position in the industrial, commercial and consumer end markets that we serve. Estimated useful lives for our technology intangibles range from one to 30 years and are determined in part by any legal, regulatory or contractual provisions that limit useful life. For example, patent rights have a maximum limit of 20 years in the U.S.United States. Other factors considered include the expected use of the technology by the operating groups, the expected useful life of the product and/or product programs to which the technology relates, and the rate of technology adoption by the industry.
International Operations
Approximately 20.8%14.0% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 20142017 were derived from sales by our subsidiariesbusinesses located outside of the United States, and we may significantly expand our international operations through organic growth actions and acquisitions. In addition, approximately 21.2%16.2% of our operating netlong-lived assets as of December 31, 20142017 were located outside of the United States. We operate manufacturing facilities in Australia, Brazil,Belgium, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.Kingdom and Vietnam. In addition to the net sales derived from sales by our subsidiariesbusinesses located outside of the United States, we also generated approximately $131.8$79.8 million of export sales from the United States. For information pertaining to the net sales and operating netlong-lived assets attributed to our international operations, refer to Note 19, "Segment Information," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K.
Website Access to Company Reports
We use our Investor Relationscorporate website, www.trimascorp.com,, as a channel for routine distribution of important information, including news releases, analyst presentationscompany presentation, links to our businesses' websites and financial information. We post filings as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC,Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our annual, quarterly, and current reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, our proxy statements and any amendments to those reports or statements. All such postings and filings are available onunder our Investor RelationsInvestors section of the website free of charge. The SEC also maintains a website, www.sec.gov,, that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The content on any website referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K unless expressly noted.


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Item 1A.    Risk Factors
You should carefully consider each of the risks described below, together with information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents we file with the SEC. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material, but are not the only risks and uncertainties facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may also impact our business operations, financial results and liquidity.
Risks Relating to our Business
Our businesses depend upon general economic conditions and we serve some customers in highly cyclical industries; as such, we may be subject to the loss of sales and margins due to an economic downturn or recession.
Our financial performance depends, in large part, on conditions in the markets that we serve in both the U.S. and global economies. Some of the industries that we serve are highly cyclical, such as the automotive, construction,consumer products, industrial equipment, energy,goods, petrochemical, oil and gas and aerospace industries. When combined with ongoing customer consolidation activity and electrical equipment industries. We may experience a reductionperiodic inventory initiatives, an uncertain macro-economic and political climate could lead to reduced demand from our customers, variations in timing of sales and margins as a result of a downturn in economic conditions or other macroeconomic factors. Lower demandto our customers, increased price competition for our products, increased risk of excess and obsolete inventories, uncollectible receivables, and higher overhead costs as a percentage of revenue, all of which could impact our operating margins. If our customers are adversely affected by these factors, we may also negatively affectexperience lower product volume orders, which could have an unfavorable impact on our revenue and operating profit. Our inability to forecast precisely the capacity utilizationlevel of our customers’ orders can cause inefficiencies within our installed manufacturing capacity and result in sub-optimal business and financial results.
We are dependent on our manufacturing facilities for the production of our highly engineered products, which subjects us to risks associated with disruptions and changing technology and manufacturing techniques that could place us at a competitive disadvantage.
If our manufacturing facilities become unavailable either temporarily or permanently due to labor disruptions or circumstances beyond our control, such as geopolitical developments or logistical complications arising from acts of war, cyber-attacks, weather, global climate change, earthquakes or other natural disasters, we may be unable to shift production to other facilities or to make up for lost production. For example, our Aerospace manufacturing facilities are predominately located in southern California, an area known for earthquakes, and are thus vulnerable to damage. Any new facility would need to comply with the necessary regulatory requirements, satisfy our specialized manufacturing requirements and require specialized equipment. Even though we carry business interruption insurance policies, any business interruption losses could exceed the coverage available or be excluded from our insurance policies. Any disruption of our ability to operate our business could result in a material decrease in our revenues or significant additional costs to replace, repair or insure our assets, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we believe that our customers rigorously evaluate their suppliers on the basis of price competitiveness, product quality, reliability and timeliness of delivery, technical expertise and development capability, new product innovation, product design capability, manufacturing expertise, operational flexibility, customer service and overall management. Our success depends on our ability to continue to meet our customers’ changing expectations with respect to these criteria. We may further reducebe unable to install, maintain and certify equipment needed to produce products or upgrade or transition our operating margins.manufacturing facilities without impacting production rates or requiring other operational efficiency measures at our facilities. We anticipate that we will remain committed to product research and development, advanced manufacturing techniques and service to remain competitive, which entails significant costs; however, we may be unable to address technological advances, implement new and more cost-effective manufacturing techniques, or introduce new or improved products, whether in existing or new markets, so as to maintain our businesses’ competitive positions or to grow our businesses as desired.
Many of the markets we serve are highly competitive, which could limit the volume of products that we sellsales volumes and reduce our operating margins.
Many of our products are sold in competitive markets. We believe that the principal points of competition in our markets are price, product quality, and price,delivery performance, design and engineering capabilities, product development, conformity to customer specifications, reliability and timeliness of delivery, customer service and effectiveness of distribution. Maintaining and improving our competitive position will require continued investment by us in manufacturing, engineering, quality standards, marketing, customer service and support of our distribution networks. We may have insufficient resources in the future to continue to make such investments and, even if we make such investments, we may not be able to maintain or improve our competitive position. We also face the risk of lower-cost foreign manufacturers located in China, Southeast Asia, India and other regions competing in the markets for our products and we may be driven as a consequence of this competition to increase our investment overseas. Making overseas investments can be highly complicated and we may not always realize the advantages we anticipate from any such investments. Competitive pressure may limit the volume of products that we sell and reduce our operating margins.
Our growth strategy includes the impact
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We may be unable to successfully implement our business strategies.
We have a long history of acquisitions and divestitures, and we continuously evaluate strategic opportunities and other investment activities. From time to time, we may engage in one or more strategic transactions. If we are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates, successfully integrate acquired operationsdo so, it may or realizemay not meet the intended benefits of our acquisitions, westrategic objective. These strategic transactions may be adversely affected.
One of our principal growth strategies is to pursue strategic acquisition opportunities. We have completed 26 acquisitions, primarily bolt-on businesses to our existing platforms, over the past five years. Each of these acquisitions requiredrequire integration expense and actions that may negatively impactedaffect our results of operations and that could not have been fully anticipated beforehand. In addition, attractive acquisition candidatesstrategic transaction opportunities may not be identified and acquiredor pursued in the future, financing for acquisitionsstrategic transactions may be unavailable on satisfactory terms and we may be unable to accomplish our strategic objectives in effecting a particular acquisition.strategic transaction. We may encounter various risks in acquiring other companies,pursuing such strategic transactions, including the possible inability to integrate an acquired business into our operations, the disruption of our ongoing business, diversion of management'smanagement’s attention, andincreased expenses, increased debt obligations to finance such strategic transactions, unanticipated problems or liabilities, the failure of such transactions to be completed, or the failure to realize the financial and strategic benefits contemplated at the time of a transaction, some or all of which could materially and adversely affect our business strategy and financial condition and results of operations.
Trends in oil and natural gas prices may affect the demand for, and profitability of, our energy-related products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition.
The oil and gas industry historically has experienced periodic downturns. Demand for our energy-related products, such as pump jack engines and compressors, gaskets, fasteners, hoses and compression products is sensitive to the level of production activity of, and the corresponding capital spending by, oil and natural gas companies. The level of production activity is directly affected by trends in oil (and related derivatives) and natural gas prices, which have been at lower levels over the past two years, and may continue to remain at depressed levels and be subject to future volatility.
Prices for oil and natural gas are subject to large fluctuations in response to changes in the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, market uncertainty, geopolitical developments, alternative production methods and a variety of other factors that are beyond our control. Even the perception of longer-term lower oil and natural gas prices can reduce or defer major capital expenditures by our customers in the oil and gas industry. Given the long-term nature of many large-scale development projects, a significant or extended downturn in the oil and gas industry could result in the reduction in demand for our energy-related products, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.
Compliance with and changes in tax laws, including recently enacted tax reform legislation in the United States, could materially and adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to extensive tax liabilities, including federal, state and foreign income taxes and transactional taxes such as excise, sales and use, payroll, franchise, withholding and property taxes. Many tax liabilities are subject to periodic audits by taxing authorities, and such audits could subject us to additional tax as well as interest and penalties. New tax laws and regulations and changes in existing tax laws and regulations could result in increased expenditures by us for tax liabilities in the future and could materially and adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Recently enacted tax reform legislation in the United States includes substantial changes to U.S. tax law, including a reduction in the corporate tax rate, a limitation on deductibility of interest expense, a limitation on the use of net operating losses to offset future taxable income, the allowance of immediate expensing of capital expenditures and deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. The Company made a reasonable estimate of the effects on the existing deferred tax balances and one-time transition tax; however, the ultimate impact of this tax reform is uncertain due to subsequent clarification of the tax law and refinement of estimated amounts and the Company's business and financial condition could be adversely affected.


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Our business may be unableexposed to successfully implementrisks associated with an increasingly concentrated customer base.
While no individual customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated net sales for 2017, 2016 or 2015, our customer base has become, and may further become, increasingly concentrated as a result of customer consolidations and/or through our sales growth to new and existing customers. In 2017, our Packaging, Aerospace and Engineered Components reportable segments each had either one or two customers that comprised more than 10% of its segment revenue. As a result of these factors, certain customers may expose our business strategies. Our abilityand results of operations to realizegreater volatility. The mix and type of customers, and sales to any single customer, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year, and have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If customers do not place orders, or they substantially reduce, delay or cancel orders, we may not be able to replace the business, strategieswhich may be limited.
Our businesses operate in relatively mature industrieshave a significant adverse impact on our results of operations and itfinancial condition. Major customers may be difficultalso seek pricing, payment, intellectual property-related, or other commercial terms that are less favorable to successfully pursueus, which may have a negative impact on our growth strategies and realize material benefits therefrom. Even if we are successful, otherbusiness. The concentration of our customer base also increases our risks attendantrelated to the financial condition of our businessescustomers, and the economy generally may substantiallydeterioration in financial condition of customers or entirely eliminate the benefits. While wefailure of customers to perform their obligations could have successfully utilized somea material adverse effect on our results of these strategies in the past, our growth has principally come through acquisitions.operations and cash flows.
Increases in our raw material or energy costs or the loss of critical suppliers could adversely affect our profitability and other financial results.
We are sensitive to price movements in our raw materials supply base. Our largest material purchases are for steel, copper, aluminum, titanium, polyethylene and other resins.resins, aluminum, titanium and copper. Prices for these products fluctuate with market conditions, and have generally increased over time. We may be unable to completely offset the impact with price increases on a timely basis due to outstanding commitments to our customers, competitive considerations or our customers’ resistance to accepting such price increases and our financial performance maycould be adversely impacted by further price increases.impacted. A failure by our suppliers to continue to supply us with certain raw materials or component parts on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on us. To the extent there are energy supply disruptions or material fluctuations in energy costs, our margins could be materially adversely impacted.

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TableOur ability to deliver products that satisfy customer requirements is dependent on the performance of Contentsour subcontractors and suppliers, as well as on the availability of raw materials and other components.


TrendsWe rely on other companies, including subcontractors and suppliers, to provide and produce raw materials, integrated components and sub-assemblies and production commodities included in, oil and natural gas prices may affector used in the demand for, and profitabilityproduction of, our energy productsproducts. If one or more of our suppliers or subcontractors experiences delivery delays or other performance problems, we may be unable to meet commitments to our customers or incur additional costs and services, whichpenalties. In some instances, we depend upon a single source of supply. Any service disruption from one of these suppliers, either due to circumstances beyond the supplier’s control, such as geopolitical developments or logistical complications due to weather, global climate change, earthquakes or other natural disasters, or as a result of performance problems or financial difficulties, could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidatedability to meet commitments to our customers or increase our operating costs.
We have significant goodwill and intangible assets, and future impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets could have a material negative impact on our financial results.
At December 31, 2017, our goodwill and intangible assets were approximately $513.6 million and represented approximately 49.7% of our total assets. Based on the results of operations,our annual goodwill and consolidated financial condition.
The oilindefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests, we recorded pre-tax goodwill and gas industry historically has experienced periodic downturns. Demand forindefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges in 2016 of approximately $98.9 million within our energy-relatedAerospace reporting unit. Due to a significant decline in profitability levels in our Energy and engine products such as engines, gasketsreporting units, we recorded pre-tax goodwill and fasteners, is sensitive to the levelindefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges in 2015 of drillingapproximately $75.7 million. If we experience declines in sales and production activity of,operating profit or do not meet our current and the corresponding capital spending by, oil and natural gas companies. The level of drilling and production activity is directly affected by trends in oil and natural gas prices, which have been recently volatile andforecasted operating budget, we may continue to be volatile.
Prices for oil and natural gas are subject to large fluctuations in response to changesadditional goodwill and/or other intangible asset impairments in the supplyfuture. While the fair value of and demand for oil and natural gas, market uncertainty, geopolitical developments and a varietyour remaining goodwill exceeds its carrying value, significantly worse financial performance of other factors that are beyond our control. Even the perceptionbusinesses, significantly different assumptions regarding future performance of longer-term lower oil and natural gas prices can reduceour businesses or defer major capital expenditures bysignificant declines in our customers in the oil and gas industry. Given the long-term nature of many large-scale development projects, a significant downturn in the oil and gas industrystock price could result in future impairment losses. Because of the reduction in demand forsignificance of our energy-related products,goodwill and intangible assets, and based on the magnitude of historical impairment charges, any future impairment of these assets could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our products are typically highly engineered or customer-driven and we are subject to risks associated with changing technology and manufacturing techniques that could place us at a competitive disadvantage.
We believe that our customers rigorously evaluate their suppliers on the basis of product quality, price competitiveness, technical expertise and development capability, new product innovation, reliability and timeliness of delivery, product design capability, manufacturing expertise, operational flexibility, customer service and overall management. Our success depends on our ability to continue to meet our customers’ changing expectations with respect to these criteria. We anticipate that we will remain committed to product research and development, advanced manufacturing techniques and service to remain competitive, which entails significant costs. We may be unable to address technological advances, implement new and more cost-effective manufacturing techniques, or introduce new or improved products, whether in existing or new markets, so as to maintain our businesses’ competitive positions or to grow our businesses as desired.
We depend on the services of key individuals and relationships, the loss of which could materially harm us.
Our success will depend, in part, on the efforts of our senior management, including our chief executive officer. Our future success will also depend on, among other factors, our ability to attract and retain other qualified personnel. The loss of the services of any of our key employees or the failure to attract or retain employees could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our reputation, ability to do business, and results of operations may be impaired by improper conduct by any of our employees, agents, or business partners.
While we strive to maintain high standards, we cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will always protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, or business partners that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws or fail to protect our confidential information, including the laws governing payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, anti-kickback and false claims rules, competition, export and import compliance, money laundering, and data privacy laws, as well as the improper use of proprietary information or social media. Any such allegations, violations of law or improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions, could lead to substantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties, and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to increased costs of compliance, could damage our reputation and could have a material effect on our financial statements.results.
We have debt principal and interest payment requirements that may restrict our future operations and impair our ability to meet our obligations.
As of December 31, 2014,2017, we have approximately $639.3$303.1 million of outstanding debt. After consideration ofWe are subject to variable interest rates on our interest rate swap agreement (see Note 13, "Derivative Instruments," included in Item 8, "Financial Statementsrevolving credit and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for additional information), approximately 75% of our debt bears interest at variable rates.accounts receivable facilities. We may experience increases in our interest expense as a result of general increases in interest rate levels. Our debt service payment obligations in 2014 were approximately $19.6 million, and basedBased on amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2014,2017, a 1% increase in the per annum interest rate for our variable rate debt would increase our interest expense by approximately $4.8$0.1 million annually.

18



Our degree of leverage and level of interest expense may have important consequences, including:
our leverage may place us at a competitive disadvantage as compared with our less leveraged competitors and make us more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in general economic conditions or in any of our businesses;
our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our businesses and the industries in which we operate may be limited;

17



a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations will be dedicated to the payment of interest and principal on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available to us for operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, future business opportunities or obligations to pay rent in respect of our operating leases; and
our operations are restricted by our debt instruments, which contain certain financial and operating covenants, and those restrictions may limit, among other things, our ability to borrow money in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, rent expense or other purposes.
Our ability to service our debt and other obligations will depend on our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow, and future financings may not be available to provide sufficient net proceeds, to meet these obligations or to successfully execute our business strategies. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Restrictions in our debt instruments and accounts receivable facility limit our ability to take certain actions and breaches thereof could impair our liquidity.
Our revolving credit agreement containsfacility and the indenture governing our senior notes contain covenants that restrict our ability to:
pay dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock;
incur additional indebtedness and grant liens;
make acquisitions and joint venture investments; and
sell assets; and
make capital expenditures.assets.
Our credit agreementdebt instruments also requiresrequire us to comply with financial covenants relating to, among other things, interest coverage and leverage. Our accounts receivable facility contains covenants similar to those in our credit agreement and includes additional requirements regarding our receivables. We may not be able to satisfy these covenants in the future or be able to pursue our strategies within the constraints of these covenants. Substantially all of the assets of our domestic subsidiaries (other than our special purpose receivables subsidiary) are pledged as collateral pursuant to the terms of our credit agreement.collateral. Borrowings under the foreign currency sub limit are secured by a pledge of the assets of the foreign subsidiary borrowers that are party to our revolving credit agreement.facility. A breach of a covenant contained in our debt instruments could result in an event of default under one or more of our debt instruments, our accounts receivable facility and our lease financing arrangements. Such breaches would permit the lenders under our credit agreement to declare all amounts borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, and the commitments of such lenders to make further extensions of credit could be terminated. In addition, such breach may cause a termination of our accounts receivable facility. Each of these circumstances could materially and adversely impair our liquidity.
We have significant goodwill and intangible assets, and future impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets could have a material negative impact on our financial results.
At December 31, 2014, our goodwill and intangible assets were approximately $830.6 million and represented approximately 50.0% of our total assets. If we experience declines in sales and operating profit or do not meet our current and forecasted operating budget, we may be subject to future goodwill and/or other intangible asset impairments. Historically, included within our net losses were pre-tax, non-cash goodwill and indefinite-lived impairment charges of approximately $459.9 million, which were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2006 through December 31, 2008. While the fair value of our remaining goodwill exceeds its carrying value, and we have not recorded goodwill or intangible asset impairment charges since 2008, significantly worse financial performance of our businesses, significantly different assumptions regarding future performance of our businesses or significant declines in our stock price could result in future impairment losses. Because of the significance of our goodwill and intangible assets, and based on the magnitude of historical impairment charges, any future impairment of these assets could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

18



We may face liability associated with the use of products for which patent ownership or other intellectual property rights are claimed.
We may be subject to claims or inquiries regarding alleged unauthorized use of a third party'sparty’s intellectual property. An adverse outcome in any intellectual property litigation could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require us to license technology or other intellectual property rights from others, require us to comply with injunctions to cease marketing or using certain products or brands, or require us to redesign, re-engineer, or re-brand certain products or packaging, any of which could affect our business, financial condition and operating results. If we are required to seek licenses under patents or other intellectual property rights of others, we may not be able to acquire these licenses on acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, the cost of responding to an intellectual property infringement claim, in terms of legal fees and expenses and the diversion of management resources, whether or not the claim is valid, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

19



We may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property.
While we believe that our patents, trademarks, know how and other intellectual property have significant value, it is uncertain that this intellectual property or any intellectual property acquired or developed by us in the future, will provide a meaningful competitive advantage. Our patents or pending applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by competitors or rights granted thereunder may not provide meaningful proprietary protection. Moreover, competitors may infringe on our patents or successfully avoid them through design innovation. Policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and expensive, and we may not be able to, or have the resources to, prevent misappropriation of our proprietary rights, particularly in countries where the laws may not protect such rights as fully as in the U.S. The cost of protecting our intellectual property may be significant and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and future results of operations.operations
We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability, recall and warranty claims that may be brought against us.
We are subject to a variety of litigation incidental to our businesses, including claims for damages arising out of use of our products, claims relating to intellectual property matters and claims involving employment matters and commercial disputes.
We currently carry insurance and maintain reserves for potential product liability claims. However, our insurance coverage may be inadequate if such claims do arise and any liability not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business. Although we have been able to obtain insurance in amounts we believe to be appropriate to cover such liability to date, our insurance premiums may increase in the future as a consequence of conditions in the insurance business generally or our situation in particular. Any such increase could result in lower net incomeoperating profit or cause the need to reduce our insurance coverage. In addition, a future claim may be brought against us that could have a material adverse effect on us. Any product liability claim may also include the imposition of punitive damages, the award of which, pursuant to certain state laws, may not be covered by insurance. Our product liability insurance policies have limits that, if exceeded, may result in material costs that could have an adverse effect on our future profitability. In addition, warranty claims are generally not covered by our product liability insurance. Further, any product liability or warranty issues may adversely affect our reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality, safe products, divert management'smanagement’s attention, and could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, the Lamons business within our Energy reportable segment is a party to lawsuits related to asbestos contained in gaskets formerly manufactured by it or its predecessors. Some of this litigation includes claims for punitive and consequential as well as compensatory damages. We are not able to predict the outcome of these matters given that, among other things, claims may be initially made in jurisdictions without specifying the amount sought or by simply stating the minimum or maximum permissible monetary relief, and may be amended to alter the amount sought. Of the 7,9925,256 claims pending at December 31, 2014, 1172017, 49 set forth specific amounts of damages (other than those stating the statutory minimum or maximum). See Note 15,14, "Commitments and Contingencies," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for additional information.

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Total settlement costs (exclusive of defense costs) for all such cases, some of which were filed over 20 years ago, have been approximately $7.4 million.$8.5 million. All relief sought in the asbestos cases is monetary in nature. To date, approximately 40% of our costs related to settlement and defense of asbestos litigation have been covered by our primary insurance. Effective February 14, 2006, we entered into a coverage-in-place agreement with our first level excess carriers regarding the coverage to be provided to us for asbestos-related claims when the primary insurance is exhausted. The coverage-in-place agreement makes asbestos defense costs and indemnity insurance coverage available to us that might otherwise be disputed by the carriers and provides a methodology for the administration of such expenses. Nonetheless, we believe it is likely that there will be a period within the next one or two years,12 months, prior to the commencement of coverage under this agreement and following exhaustion of our primary insurance coverage, during which we likely will be solely responsible for defense costs and indemnity payments, the duration of which would be subject to the scope of damage awards and settlements paid. We alsoDuring this period, we may incur significant litigation costs in defending these matters in the future.matters. We also may be required to incur additional defense costs and pay damage awards or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies in the future that could adversely affect our businesses.
Our business may be materially and adversely affected by compliance obligations and liabilities under environmental laws and regulations.
We are subject to increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges and chemical and hazardous waste management and disposal. Some of these environmental laws hold owners or operators of land or businesses liable for their own and for previous owners'owners’ or operators'operators’ releases of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes. Other environmental laws and regulations require the obtainment and compliance with environmental permits. To date, costs of complying with environmental, health and safety requirements have not been material. However, the nature of our operations and our long history of industrial activities at certain of our current or former facilities, as well as those acquired, could potentially result in material environmental liabilities.

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While we must comply with existing and pending climate change legislation, regulation and international treaties or accords, current laws and regulations have not had a material impact on our business, capital expenditures or financial position. Future events, including those relating to climate change or greenhouse gas regulation, could require us to incur expenses related to the modification or curtailment of operations, installation of pollution control equipment or investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites.
Our borrowing costs may be impacted by our credit ratings developed by various rating agencies.
Two major ratings agencies, Standard & Poor'sPoor’s and Moody's,Moody’s, evaluate our credit profile on an ongoing basis and have each assigned ratings for our long-term debt. If our credit ratings were to decline, our ability to access certain financial markets may become limited, the perception of us in the view of our customers, suppliers and security holders may worsen and as a result, we may be adversely affected.
We have significant operating lease obligations and our failure to meet those obligations could adversely affect our financial condition.
We lease many of our manufacturing and distribution branch facilities, and certain capital equipment. Our rental expense in 20142017 under these operating leases was approximately $31.5 million.$16.7 million. A failure to pay our rental obligations would constitute a default allowing the applicable landlord to pursue any remedy available to it under applicable law, which would include taking possession of our property and, in the case of real property, evicting us. These leases are categorized as operating leases and are not considered indebtedness for purposes of our debt instruments.
We may be subject to further unionization and work stoppages at our facilities or our customers may be subject to work stoppages, which could seriously impact the profitability of our business.
As of December 31, 2014,2017, approximately 18%16% of our work force was unionized under several different unions and bargaining agreements. We currently have collective bargaining agreements covering 14five facilities worldwide, two of which are in the United States.
On September 25, 2014, we concluded, without work stoppage or strike, a three year extension of our labor agreement with the United Steel, Paper, and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union at our energy facility in Texas.
On January 5, 2015, we finalized the decision to move a portion of the gasket and fastener operations from our Energy reportable segment's Houston facility to a new facility in Mexico. This announcement impacts approximately 10% of this facility's current unionized work force. The decision to move a portion of the manufacturing is a result of our effort to improve our global operating model and enhance the competitiveness of the business. This transition is expected to be completed over the next 12 to 18 months.

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We are not aware of any present active union organizing drives at any of our other facilities. We cannot predict the impact of any further unionization of our workplace. Our labor agreement with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America at our Aerospace facility in Los Angeles, California, expires in August 2018 and we expect to enter into timely negotiations regarding its extension.
Many of our direct or indirect customers have unionized work forces. Strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns experienced by these customers or their suppliers could result in slowdowns or closures of assembly plants where our products are included. In addition, organizations responsible for shipping our customers' products may be impacted by occasional strikes or other activity. Any interruption in the delivery of our customers' products couldmay reduce demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our healthcareHealthcare costs for active employees and future retirees may exceed our projections and may negatively affect our financial results.
We maintain a range of healthcare benefits for our active employees and a limited number of retired employees pursuant to labor contracts and otherwise. Healthcare benefits for active employees and certain retirees are provided through comprehensive hospital, surgical and major medical benefit provisions or through health maintenance organizations, all of which are subject to various cost-sharing features. Some of these benefits are provided for in fixed amounts negotiated in labor contracts with the respective unions. If our costs under our benefit programs for active employees and retirees exceed our projections, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, foreign competitors and many domestic competitors provide fewer benefits to their employees, and retirees, and this difference in cost could adversely impact our competitive position.
A growing portion of our sales may be derived from international sources, which exposes us to certain risks which may adversely affect our financial results and impact our ability to service debt.
We have extensive operations outside of the United States. Approximately 20.8%14.0% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 20142017 were derived from sales by our subsidiaries located outside of the U.S. In addition, we may significantly expand our international operations through internal growth andor acquisitions. International operations, particularly sales to emerging markets and manufacturing in non-U.S. countries, are subject to risks whichthat are not present within U.S. markets, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
volatility of currency exchange between the U.S. dollar and currencies in international markets;

changes in local government regulations and policies including, but not limited to, foreign currency exchange controls or monetary policy, governmental embargoes, repatriation of earnings, expropriation of property, duty or tariff restrictions, investment limitations and tax policies;
       
political and economic instability and disruptions, including labor unrest, civil strife, acts of war, guerrilla activities, insurrection and terrorism;

21



       
legislation that regulates the use of chemicals;
       
disadvantages of competing against companies from countries that are not subject to U.S. laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA");
       
compliance with international trade laws and regulations, including export control and economic sanctions, such as anti-dumping duties;
       
difficulties in staffing and managing multi-national operations;
       
limitations on our ability to enforce legal rights and remedies;

tax inefficiencies in repatriating cash flow from non-U.S. subsidiaries that could affect our financial results and reduce our ability to service debt;        

reduced protection of intellectual property rights; and
       
other risks arising out of foreign sovereignty over the areas where our operations are conducted.

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TableExisting free trade laws and regulations, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, provide certain beneficial duties and tariffs qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and other requirements. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of Contentsforeign trade, and in particular increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where we manufacture or purchase products could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.


In addition, we could be adversely affected by violations of the FCPA and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws as well as export controls and economic sanction laws. The FCPA and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business.
Our acquisition and disposition agreements by which we have acquired or sold companies, include indemnification provisions that may not fully protect us and may result in unexpected liabilities.
Certain of the agreements related to the acquisition and disposition of businesses require indemnification against certain liabilities related to the operations of the company for the previous owner. We cannot be assured that any of these indemnification provisions will fully protect us, and as a result we may incur unexpected liabilities that adversely affect our profitability and financial position.
IncreasedA major failure of our information systems could harm our business; increased IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our systems, networks, and products.

IncreasedWe depend on integrated information systems to conduct our business. We may experience operating problems with our information systems as a result of system failures, viruses, computer hackers or other causes. Any significant disruption or slowdown of our systems could cause customers to cancel orders or cause standard business processes to become inefficient or ineffective.

In addition, increased global IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and communications. While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including employee training, comprehensive monitoring of our networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and protective systems, our networks and systems remain potentially vulnerable to advanced persistent threats. Depending on their nature and scope, such threats could potentially lead to the compromising of confidential information and communications, improper use of our systems and networks, manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes and operational disruptions, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness and results of operations.

A major failure of our information systems could harm our business.

We depend on integrated information systems to conduct our business. We may experience operating problems with our information systems as a resultthe services of system failures, viruses, computer hackers or other causes. Any significant disruption or slowdownkey individuals and relationships, the loss of which could materially harm us.
Our success will depend, in part, on the efforts of our systems could cause customerskey leadership, including key technical, commercial and manufacturing personnel. Our future success will also depend on, among other factors, our ability to cancel ordersretain or cause standard business processes to become inefficient or ineffective.

Our stock price may be subject to significant volatility due to our own results or market trends.
If our revenue, earnings or cash flows inattract other qualified personnel. The loss of the services of any quarter fail to meet the investment community's expectations, there could be an immediate negative impact on our stock price. Our stock price could also be impacted by broader market trends and world events unrelated to our performance.
Risks Relating to our Proposed Spin-off of our Cequent Businesses
The proposed spin-off of our Cequent businesses is contingent uponkey employees or the satisfaction offailure to retain or attract employees could have a number of conditions, may require significant time and attention of our management and may have anmaterial adverse effect on us even if not completed.us.
On December 8, 2014,
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The results of the United Kingdom’s referendum on withdrawal from the European Union may have a negative effect on global economic conditions, financial markets and our boardbusiness. 
In June 2016, a majority of directors approvedvoters in the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the European Union in a plannational referendum.
In March 2017, the United Kingdom government initiated the exit process under Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union, commencing a period of up to pursuetwo years for the United Kingdom and the other European Union member states to negotiate the terms of the withdrawal. Uncertainty exists over the terms of the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union and the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, including with respect to the laws and regulations that will apply as the United Kingdom determines which European Union laws to replace or replicate. The results of the referendum have adversely affected the British Pound and may continue to have an impact on other foreign currencies. The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union has given rise to calls for the governments of other European Union member states to consider withdrawal. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, have had and may continue to have a tax-free spin-off of our Cequent businesses. The proposed spin-off is subject to variousmaterial adverse effect on global economic conditions and may be affected by unanticipated developments or changes in market conditions. Completionthe stability of the spin-off will be contingent upon several factors, including but not limited to, authorization and approval of our board of directors, receipt of governmental and regulatory approvals of the transactions contemplated by the spin-off, receipt of a tax opinion regarding the tax-free status of the spin-off, execution of intercompany agreements and the effectiveness of a registration statement with the SEC. For these and other reasons, the spin-off may not be completed as expected during 2015, if at all.
Even if the spin-off is not completed, our ongoing businesses may be adversely affected and we may be subject to certain risks and consequences, including but not limited to, the following:
execution of the proposed spin-off will require significant time and attention from management, which may postpone the execution of other initiatives that may have been beneficial to us;
we will be required to pay certain costs and expenses relating to the spin-off, such as legal, accounting and other professional fees, whether or not it is completed; and
we may experience negative reactions from theglobal financial markets, if we failand may significantly reduce global market liquidity and restrict the ability of key market participants to complete the spin-off.
operate in certain financial markets. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our access to capital, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations cash flows and reduce the price of our commonequity shares.

22

Table We operate manufacturing facilities internationally, including in the United Kingdom. Accordingly, the results of Contentsthe referendum may have an adverse impact on our international operations, particularly in the United Kingdom.


WeOur reputation, ability to do business, and results of operations may be unableimpaired by legal compliance risks.
While we strive to achieve somemaintain high standards, our internal controls and compliance systems may not always protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, or allbusiness partners that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws or adequately protect our confidential information, including the laws governing payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, anti-kickback and false claims rules, competition, export and import compliance, money laundering, and data privacy laws, as well as the improper use of proprietary information or social media. Any such allegations, violations of law or improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the benefits that we expectU.S. and in other jurisdictions, could lead to achieve fromsubstantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties, and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to increased costs of compliance, could damage our reputation and could have a material effect on our financial statements.
If the spin-off.Cequent spin-off does not qualify as a tax-free transaction, the Company and its shareholders could be subject to substantial tax liabilities.
Although we believe that separatingThe separation of our former Cequent businesses from TriMas will provide financial, operational, managerial and other benefits to us and our shareholders, the spin-off may not provide such results on the scope or scale we anticipate, and we may not realize the assumed benefits of the spin-off. In addition, we will incur one-time costs in connection with the spin-off that may exceed our estimates and negate some of the benefits we expect to achieve. If we do not realize these assumed benefits, we could suffer a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
If the proposed spin-off of our Cequent businesses is completed, the trading price of our common shares will decline.
We expect the trading price of our common stock immediately following the spin-off to be significantly lower than immediately preceding the spin-off, as the trading price of our common stock will no longer reflect the value of our Cequent businesses.
Following the spin-off, the value of your common stock in: (a) the Company and (b) the Cequent businesses may collectively trade at an aggregate price less than what the Company's common stock might trade at had the spin-off not occurred.
The common stock of: (a) the Company and (b) the Cequent businesses that you may hold following the spin-off may collectively trade at a value less than the price at which the Company’s common stock might have traded at had the spin-off not occurred. These reasons include the future performance of either the Company or the Cequent businesses as separate, independent companies, and the future shareholder base and market for the Company’s common stock and those of the Cequent businesses and the prices at which these shares individually trade.
The spin-off could result in substantial tax liability.
The spin-off iswas conditioned on our receipt of an opinion from our tax advisors, in form and substance satisfactory to us, that the distribution of shares of our Cequent businesses in the spin-off will qualifyqualifies as tax-free to the Cequent businesses, the Company and our shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) and related provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code)“Code”), the Company and other members of our consolidated tax reporting group. The opinion will relyrelied on, among other things, various assumptions and representations as to factual matters made by the Company and the Cequent businesses which, if inaccurate or incomplete in any material respect, could jeopardize the conclusions reached by suchour advisor in its opinion. The opinion willis not be binding on the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"(“IRS”), or the courts, and there can beis no assurance that the IRS or the courts will not challenge the qualification of the spin-off as a transaction under Sections 355 and 368(a) of the Code or that any such challenge would not prevail.

If notwithstanding receipt of the opinion from our advisor, the spin-off were determined not to qualify under Section 355 of the Code, each U.S. holder of our common shares who receivesreceived shares of the Cequent businesses in connection with the spin-off would generally be treated as receivinghaving received a taxable distribution of property in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of the Cequent businesses that arewere received. That distribution would be taxable to each such shareholder as a dividend to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. For each such shareholder, any amount that exceeded our earnings and profits would be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of such shareholder’s tax basis in his or her common shares of the Company with any remaining amount being taxed as a capital gain. We would be subject to tax as if we had sold common shares in a taxable sale for their fair market value and we would recognize taxable gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of such common shares over our tax basis in such common shares, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Certain members of our board of directors and management may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their ownership of shares of the Cequent businesses or their relationships with the Cequent businesses following the spin-off.
Certain members of our board of directors and management are expected to own shares of the Cequent businesses and/or options to purchase shares of the Cequent businesses, which could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when our directors and executive officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for the Company and the Cequent businesses. It is possible that some of our directors might also be directors of the Cequent businesses following the spin-off. This may create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest if these directors are faced with decisions that could have different implications for the Cequent businesses then the decisions have for the Company.



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Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2.    Properties
Properties
Our principal manufacturing facilities range in size from approximately 10,000 square feet to approximately 255,000 square feet. Except as set forth in the table below, all of our manufacturing facilities are owned. The leases for our manufacturing facilities have initial terms that expire from 20152018 through 20242029 and are allgenerally renewable, at our option, for various terms, provided that we are not in default under the lease agreements. Substantially all of our owned U.S. real properties are subject to liens in connection with our credit facility. Our executive offices are located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan under a lease through June 2017.February 2028. Our buildings have been generally well maintained, are in good operating condition and are adequate for current production requirements.
The following list sets forth the location of our principal owned and leased manufacturing and other facilities used in continuing operations and identifies the principal reportable segment utilizing such facilities as of December 31, 20142017:
Packaging EnergyAerospace AerospaceEnergy 
Engineered 
Components
United States: 
Cequent
APEA
AlabamaHuntsville
Arkansas 
Cequent
Americas
United States:
Arkansas:
Atkins
(1)
California:
   Azusa(1)
   Rohnert Park(1)
Indiana:
   Auburn
   Hamilton
(1)
Ohio:
   New Albany(1)
International:
Germany:
   Neunkirchen
Mexico:
    Mexico City
United Kingdom:
    Leicester
China:
    Hangzhou
(1)
Haining City(1)
India:
    Greater Noida
    Baddi
Vietnam:
    Thu Dau Mot(1)
United States:
Texas:
    Houston
(1)
International:
Brazil:
    Rio de Janeiro (1)
Canada:
    Sarnia,
    Ontario
(1)
China:
    Hangzhou
(1)
India:
Faridabad
(1)
    Bangalore(1)
The Netherlands:
Rotterdam
(1)
Thailand:
    Muang Rayong(1)
United Kingdom:
    Wolverhampton(1)
United States:
California:
    Commerce(1)
Stanton(1)
 City of Industry
Kansas:
     Ottawa(1)
Arkansas:
      Paris(1)
United States:
Alabama:
    Huntsville
Oklahoma:
    Tulsa
Texas:
    Longview
International:
Australia:
    Keysborough,
      Victoria(1)
    Perth, Western
     Australia(1)
 Brisbane,
       Queensland(1)
South Africa:
Pretoria
(1)
Thailand:
    Chon Buri(1)
New Zealand:
     Auckland(1)
Finland:
     Savonlinna(1)
 Germany:
     Hartha(1) United Kingdom:
     Deeside
(1)

 
United States:
Indiana:
Arizona
    South BendTempe(1)
Tolleson
California
Irwindale(1)
Rohnert Park
(1)
Iowa:
    Fairfield(1)
Michigan:
    PlymouthCity of Industry
Commerce
(1)
TekonshaStanton(1)
Ohio:
Indiana
    SolonAuburn
Hamilton
(1)
International:
Canada:
    Mississauga,
KansasOttawa
Ohio
       OntarioNew Albany(1)
OklahomaTulsa
Texas
Houston(1)
Mexico:
    Ciudad Juarez(1)
    Reynosa(1)
Brazil:
    Itaquaquecetuba,
        São Paulo(1)
Longview
     
International:
Belgium
Geel, Antwerp(1)
Canada
Sarnia, Ontario(1)
China
Haining City(1)
Hangzhou(1)
GermanyNeunkirchen
India
Baddi
New Delhi(1)
Mexico
San Miguel de Allende(1)
Singapore
Singapore(1)
Thailand
Muang Rayong(1)
United KingdomLeicester
Vietnam
Thu Dau Mot(1)

__________________________
(1) 
Represents a leased facility. All such leases are operating leases.

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Item 3.    Legal Proceedings
See Note 1514, "Commitments and Contingencies" included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K.
Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

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Supplementary Item. Executive Officers of the Company
As of December 31, 2014,2017, the following were executive officers of the Company:

David M. Wathen.Thomas A. Amato. Mr. Wathen,Amato, age 62, has served as54, was appointed the Company's president and chief executive officer of the Company since 2009. Hein July 2016. Previously, he served as president and chief executive officer and president of Balfour Beatty, Inc. (U.S. operations),Metaldyne, LLC, an engineering, construction and building management servicesinternational engineered products manufacturing company, from 2003 until 2007. Prior to his Balfour Beatty appointment, he was a principal member2009 through 2015, and co-president and chief integration officer of Questor, a private equity firm, from 2000 to 2002. Mr. Wathen held management positions from 1977 to 2000 with General Electric, a diversified technology and financial services company, Emerson Electric,Metaldyne Performance Group, a global manufacturing company formed in mid-2014 and technology company, Allied Signal, an automotive partstaken public in the same year, from August 2014 through December 2015. Prior to 2009, he served as chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Metaldyne Corporation, a global components manufacturer, and Eaton Corporation,co-chief executive officer of Asahi Tec, a diversified power managementJapanese casting and forging company. Prior to this, Mr. Amato worked at MascoTech in positions of increasing responsibility, and successfully completed several acquisitions and divestitures. During this time, one of his roles was vice president of corporate development for TriMas. From 1987 to 1994, Mr. Amato worked at Imperial Chemical Industries, a large multinational chemical company, as an applications development engineer and, eventually, a group leader.

Robert J. Zalupski. Mr. Zalupski, age 55,58, was appointed the Company’s chief financial officer of the Company in January 2015. Prior to his appointment as chief financial officer,Previously, he served as vice president, finance and treasurer forof the Company since 2003 and assumed responsibility for corporate development in March 2010. He joined the Company as director of finance and treasury in 2002, prior to which he worked in the Detroit office of Arthur Andersen. From 1996 through 2001, Mr. Zalupski was a partner in the audit and business advisory services practice of Arthur Andersen providing audit, business consulting, and risk management services to both public and privately held companies in the manufacturing, defense, and automotive industries. Prior to 1996, Mr. Zalupski held various positions of increasing responsibility within the audit practice of Arthur Andersen serving public and privately held clients in a variety of industries.

A. Mark Zeffiro. Mr. Zeffiro, age 48, was appointed group president of Cequent in January 2015. Prior to his appointment as group president of Cequent, he served as chief financial officer of the Company since June 2008, and executive vice president since May 2013. Before joining the Company, Mr. Zeffiro held various financial management and business positions with General Electric Company, a diversified technology and financial services company (“GE”), and Black and Decker Corporation, a global manufacturer of quality power tools and accessories, hardware, home improvement products and fastening systems (“Black & Decker”). From 2004, during Mr. Zeffiro’s four-year tenure with Black & Decker, he was vice president of finance for the global consumer product group and Latin America. In addition, Mr. Zeffiro was directly responsible for and functioned as general manager of Black and Decker’s factory store business unit. From 2003 to 2004, Mr. Zeffiro was chief financial officer of First Quality Enterprises, a private company producing consumer products for the health care market. From 1988 through 2002, he held a series of operational and financial leadership positions with GE, the most recent of which was chief financial officer of their medical imaging manufacturing division.

Thomas M. Benson. Mr. Benson, age 59, has been president of the Company’s Cequent Performance Products, Inc. subsidiary since 2008. Prior to his appointment in 2005 as president of Cequent Towing Products, Inc., Mr. Benson held various management positions within the Cequent business, including president of Draw-Tite, Inc. Before joining the Company in 1984, Mr. Benson held the position of manager warranty systems at Ford Motor Company, an automotive manufacturer and financial vehicle services company, from 1978 to 1984.

Joshua A. Sherbin. Mr. Sherbin, age 51,54, was appointed the Company’s general counsel and corporate secretary in 2005, and vice president and chief compliance officer in May 2008, priorand senior vice president in March 2016. Prior to whichjoining the Company, he was employed as the North American corporate counsel and corporate secretary for Valeo, a diversified Tier 1 international automotive supplier headquartered in Europe. Prior to joining Valeo in 1997, Mr. Sherbin was senior counsel, assistant corporate secretary for Kelly Services, Inc., an employment staffing company, from 1995 to 1997. From 1988 until 1995, he was an associate with the law firm Butzel Long in its general business practice.



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PART II
Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "TRS." As of February 13, 2015,21, 2018, there were 584250 holders of record of our common stock.
Our credit agreement restrictsand the indenture governing our senior notes restrict the payment of dividends on common stock, as such we did not pay dividends in 20142017 or 20132016. Our current policy is to retain earnings to repay debt and finance our operations and acquisitions. See the discussion under Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Note 1211 to the Company's financial statements captioned "Long-term Debt," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K.
The high and low sales prices per share of our common stock by quarter, as reported on the NASDAQ through December 31, 20142017, are shown below:
 
Price range of
common stock
 
Price range of
common stock
 High Price Low Price High Price Low Price
Year ended December 31, 2014    
Year ended December 31, 2017    
4th Quarter $33.23
 $23.68
 $28.85
 $24.50
3rd Quarter $39.16
 $24.32
 $27.20
 $20.10
2nd Quarter $38.51
 $30.80
 $23.55
 $19.75
1st Quarter $39.92
 $30.73
 $24.25
 $20.00
Year ended December 31, 2013    
Year ended December 31, 2016    
4th Quarter $42.09
 $35.23
 $24.10
 $17.26
3rd Quarter $40.79
 $34.69
 $20.12
 $17.00
2nd Quarter $37.39
 $27.16
 $18.74
 $15.63
1st Quarter $32.69
 $27.54
 $18.62
 $14.76
Please see Item 12, "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters," for securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.

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Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return from December 31, 20072012 through December 31, 20142017 for TriMas common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and a peer group(1) of companies we have selected for purposes of this comparison.the S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Industrials Index. We have assumed that dividends have been reinvested (and taking into account the value of Horizon Global shares distributed in the spin-off) and returns have been weighted-averaged based on market capitalization. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 20072012 in each of TriMas common stock, the stocks comprising the Russell 2000 Index and the stocks comprising the peer group.S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Industrials Index.
______________
(1)


Includes Actuant Corporation, Carlisle Companies Inc., Crane Co., Dover Corporation, IDEX Corporation, Illinois Tool Works, Inc., SPX Corporation, Teleflex, Inc. and Kaydon Corp (included in peer group 2007-2012, due to being acquired during 2013).

2728



Item 6.    Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth our selected historical financial data from continuing operations for the five years ended December 31, 2014. The financial data for each of the five years presented has been derived from our financial statements and notes to those financial statements, for which the years ended December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012 were audited by KPMG LLP and the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP. The following data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and our audited financial statements included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K. The following tables set forth our selected historical financial data from continuing operations for the five years ended December 31, 2017 (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data).
 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
Statement of Income Data:          
Statement of Operations Data:          
Net sales $1,499,080
 $1,388,600
 $1,267,510
 $1,068,800
 $878,220
 $817,740
 $794,020
 $863,980
 $887,300
 $799,700
Gross profit 384,940
 351,060
 342,420
 314,520
 263,840
 219,140
 210,480
 236,110
 237,010
 226,040
Operating profit 124,550
 119,600
 128,070
 129,980
 105,200
Income from continuing operations 66,730
 78,950
 36,430
 50,320
 36,340
Operating profit (loss) (a)
 88,490
 (44,000) (4,250) 86,650
 97,210
Income (loss) from continuing operations (a)
 30,960
 (39,800) (28,660) 46,890
 59,240
Per Share Data:                    
Basic:                    
Continuing operations $1.47
 $1.82
 $0.90
 $1.47
 $1.08
Continuing operations (a)
 $0.68
 $(0.88) $(0.64) $1.03
 $1.34
Weighted average shares 44,882
 40,926
 37,521
 34,246
 33,761
 45,683
 45,407
 45,124
 44,882
 40,926
Diluted:                    
Continuing operations $1.46
 $1.80
 $0.89
 $1.44
 $1.05
Continuing operations (a)
 $0.67
 $(0.88) $(0.64) $1.02
 $1.32
Weighted average shares 45,269
 41,396
 37,949
 34,780
 34,435
 45,990
 45,407
 45,124
 45,269
 41,396
  Year ended December 31,
  2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
  (dollars in thousands)
Statement of Cash Flows Data:          
Cash flows provided by (used for)          
Operating activities $123,400
 $87,610
 $73,220
 $95,810
 $94,960
Investing activities (410,090) (130,340) (133,000) (25,230) (37,850)
Financing activities 284,110
 49,150
 (8,560) (28,030) (20,220)
Balance Sheet Data:          
Total assets $1,661,750
 $1,300,780
 $1,130,960
 $991,900
 $925,720
Total debt 639,330
 305,740
 422,440
 469,900
 494,650
Goodwill and other intangibles 830,590
 529,190
 477,100
 371,030
 365,800
  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Balance Sheet Data:          
Total assets (b), (c)
 $1,033,200
 $1,051,650
 $1,170,300
 $1,625,430
 $1,268,990
Total debt (b), (c)
 303,080
 374,650
 419,630
 630,810
 294,620
Goodwill and other intangibles (a), (c)
 513,610
 529,000
 652,790
 757,500
 445,840
__________________________
(a)
During 2016 and 2015, we recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges totaling approximately $98.9 million and $75.7 million, respectively. See Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for further information.
(b)
During 2015, we completed the spin-off of our Cequent businesses, thereby reducing the amount of our total assets and total debt as compared to prior periods. See Note 5, "Discontinued Operations" included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for further information.
(c)
During 2014, we acquired 100% of the equity interest in Allfast Fastening Systems, thereby increasing the amount of our total assets, total debt and goodwill and other intangibles.

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Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The statements in the discussion and analysis regarding industry outlook, our expectations regarding the performance of our business and the other non-historical statements in the discussion and analysis are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A "Risk Factors." Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements. You should read the following discussion together with Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Introduction
We are a globaldiversified industrial manufacturer and distributor of products for commercial,customers in the consumer products, aerospace, industrial, petrochemical, refinery and consumeroil and gas end markets. Our wide range of innovative and quality product solutions are engineered and designed to address application-specific challenges that our customers face. We believe our businesses share important and distinguishing characteristics, including: well-recognized and leading brand names in the focused markets we serve; established distribution networks; innovative product technologies and features; customer approved processes and qualified products; relatively low ongoing capital investment requirements; strong cash flow conversion and long-term growth opportunities. We manufacture and supply products globally to a wide range of companies. We are principally engaged in sixfour reportable segments: Packaging, Aerospace, Energy Aerospace,and Engineered Components, Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas.Components.
On December 8, 2014, our board of directors approved a plan to pursue a tax-freeJune 30, 2015, we completed the spin-off of the businesses that comprise our Cequent APEA and Cequent Americas reportable segments. We are targeting mid-2015businesses, creating a new independent publicly-traded company, Horizon Global Corporation ("Horizon"). On June 30, 2015, our stockholders received two shares of Horizon common stock for completionevery five shares of TriMas common stock that they held as of the proposed spin-off, although successful completion is contingent upon several factors, including but not limited to, final authorizationclose of business on June 25, 2015. The financial position, results of operations and approvalcash flows of our board of directors, receipt of governmental and regulatory approvalsHorizon are reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented through the date of the transactions contemplated by the spin-off, receipt of a tax opinion regarding the tax-free status of the spin-off, execution of intercompany agreements and the effectiveness of a registration statement with the SEC.spin-off.
Key Factors and Risks Affecting Our Reported Results.Results
Our businesses and results of operations depend upon general economic conditions and we serve some customers in cyclical industries that are highly competitive and are themselves significantly impacted by changes in economic conditions. Global economic conditions, while remaining a bit choppy, have stabilized over the past 18 to 24 months, albeit with little or noThere has been low overall economic growth, particularly in the United States. Thus, while we experienced some organic growth in 2014, the majority of our growth in 2014 compared to 2013 came via acquisition sales. Based on the implementation of our organic and acquisition growth strategies, we generated year-over-year net sales increases in all six of our reportable segments.
During 2014, we took significant actions in our Energy reportable segment to reassess, restructure and optimize our manufacturing and sales footprints. While net sales increased in 2014 versus 2013, due primarily to a 16.2% increase in fourth quarter 2014 versus 2013 sales levels, demand levels had been lower than historical levels for the past five quarters, starting in the third quarter of 2013, both in the United States, and abroad, as petrochemical plants and refinery customers deferred shutdown activity, plus we experienced decreases in engineering and construction and original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") customer activity. The demand challenges also resulted in operating margins declines from historical levels. Given the reduced demand and resulting profitability challenges, we announced the closure of a sales branch in China, a manufacturing facility in Brazil and the move of certain longer lead-time standard products from our Houston, Texas manufacturing facility to a new facility in Mexico. We continue to monitor our business needs, and may need to evaluate further actions should the negative trend in sales and profitability levels continue.
Over the past few years, weglobal economic conditions have executed on our growth strategies via bolt-on acquisitions and geographic expansion within our existing platforms in each of our reportable segments. We have also proceeded with footprint consolidation projects within our Cequent reportable segments and the aforementioned moves in our Energy reportable segment, moving toward more efficient facilities and lower cost country production. While our growth strategies have significantly contributed to increased net sales levels over this time period, our earnings margins over the period of execution have declined from historical levels, primarily due to the incurrence of duplicate move, acquisition diligence and integration costs, resulting from the acquisition of businesses with historically lower margins than our legacy businesses and due to increasing business in new markets to TriMas, where we make pricing decisions to penetrate new markets and do not yet have volume leverage. In addition to the energy end-market challenges, we have also incurred significant costs related to manufacturing inefficiencies associated with changes in aerospace customer demand, with the trend toward smaller lot sizes and less consistent order patternsbeen relatively stable over the past few quarters. While these challengescouple of years.
During 2017, there were three significant factors impacting our reported results.
The first factor was the enactment of the Tax Cuts and endeavors haveJobs Act (the "Tax Reform Act") on December 22, 2017. There were two primary sections of the Tax Reform Act that impacted our 2017 results: a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings, for which we recorded a charge of $9.0 million, and the revaluation our net deferred tax assets to the new 21% corporate tax rate, for which we recorded a charge of $3.7 million. These two charges significantly impacted margins,increased our income tax provision and effective tax rate in 2017. The Company should, however, benefit from the prospective impacts of the Tax Reform Act in 2018 and beyond, primarily as a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The second factor affecting our 2017 results was the refinancing of our long-term debt in September 2017, whereby we issued $300 million principal of 4.875% senior unsecured notes due October 2025 ("Senior Notes") at par value in a private placement offering. Proceeds from the Senior Notes offering were used to repay all outstanding obligations of our former senior secured term loan A facility due 2020 ("Term Loan A Facility"), repay a portion of outstanding obligations under our accounts receivable facility and pay fees and expenses related to the refinancing. In connection with the Senior Notes offering, we also amended our existing credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") to increase the level of permitted foreign currency borrowings, resize our revolving loan commitments and extend the maturity to September 2022. We believe that the marginsrefinancing enhances our capital structure, while also extending maturity dates and locking-in fixed rate debt at favorable long-term rates. We paid fees and expenses of approximately $10.8 million in these businesses will moderateconnection with refinancing-related activities, of which approximately $6.0 million was capitalized as deferred financing fees and $4.8 million was expensed, which was primarily related to historical levels over time (and have in Packaging, for example, where the Innovative Molding and Arminak & Associates acquisitions have been integrated) astermination of interest rate swap agreements. In addition, we integrate our acquisitions into our businesses, right-size our facilities and staffing levelsrecorded non-cash charges of approximately $2.0 million related to current and expected demand levels and patterns and capitalize on productivity initiatives and volume efficiencies.the write-off of previously capitalized deferred financing fees.

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The third factor affecting our 2017 results was Hurricane Harvey, which primarily impacted our Energy reportable segment.  While we sustained limited structural damage, our manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas was closed for one week at the end of August, and certain of our branch locations in Texas and Louisiana were closed for up to two weeks following the storm due to flooding in the surrounding region.  When we initially resumed operations, our facilities did not operate at full capacity or efficiency.  In addition, many of our customers’ facilities were temporarily idled as these companies evaluated the impact of the storm before resuming operations. We increased our staffing levels in mid-September to ensure we could meet our customers' requirements as they assessed the condition of their facilities and product requirements.  While we were able to respond to the immediate customer demand and achieve expected sales levels, we also incurred higher-than-normal operating costs due to the inability to efficiently plan and schedule required production. In addition, customer demand was for standard products rather than our more highly-engineered products, and previously scheduled refinery turnaround maintenance activity was deferred into 2018, both of which resulted in a less favorable product sales mix.  As a result of lower absorption due to the lost production days, the higher cost of production when we resumed operations, and the less favorable product sales mix, we estimate our operating profit was negatively impacted by approximately $4 million for 2017.  
In addition to these 2017 events, the most significant external factor affecting our financial results has been the impact of lower oil prices, which declined beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014, and have not recovered to prior levels. This decline has most directly impacted the Arrow Engine business within our Engineered Components reportable segment, which serves the upstream oil and natural gas markets at the well site. Arrow Engine has experienced a more than 75% decline in net sales from pre-2015 levels as a result of the low oil-related activity and end-market demand, although 2017 sales were slightly higher than 2016 given some stabilization in oil prices and increased oil-related activity. We expect net sales to remain at a low level compared with historical levels until the price of oil increases and remains higher over a sustained period where our customers decide to increase their activity levels and related well-site investments. In response to the reduced demand, we have lowered the cost structure of Arrow Engine over the past two years to align with current demand levels, which allowed it to attain approximately break-even operating profit during both 2016 and 2017.
Low oil prices have also impacted the Lamons business within our Energy reportable segment. Historically, a portion of the Lamons business has served the upstream market, in addition to primarily serving petrochemical facilities and oil refineries in the downstream oil and gas markets. There have been minimal upstream sales in our Energy reportable segment in the past two years. In addition to the impact of lower oil prices, petrochemical plants and refinery customers have extended the time between planned maintenance shutdown activity, and we experienced decreases in engineering and construction ("E&C") customer activity. Our sales and margin levels over the past few years have declined from historical levels due to the mix of product sales and inefficiencies that resulted from the shift in activity levels. The current lower oil prices have continued to place further pressure on the top-line and predictability of customer order patterns. Given these factors, we have been realigning the business and its fixed cost structure with the current business environment, aggressively closing and consolidating facilities and seeking alternate lower-cost sources for input costs, including exits in 2017 of our Wolverhampton, United Kingdom and Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facilities, as well as a branch location in British Columbia, Canada. We are now realizing the benefit of the cost savings and operational efficiencies associated with leveraging the new lower fixed cost structure and other initiatives, as evidenced by our improvement in year-over-year operating profit in 2017, albeit tempered in 2017 by the impact of Hurricane Harvey. We will continue to evaluate the cost structure and physical footprint of the business.
One other recent factor impacting our businesses was within our Aerospace reportable segment, where in 2016 we experienced a reduction in sales and significantly lower profit margins compared to the prior year. These reductions resulted from production and scheduling challenges in one of our Aerospace fastener facilities, significantly lower fixed cost absorption and manufacturing inefficiencies as we adjusted to changes in demand levels and customer order patterns, and integration costs associated with our November 2015 machined components facility acquisition. We established plans to address these matters, and have been executing against those plans, as evidenced by improved operating profit margins in 2017 compared to 2016.
Each year, our businesses target cost savings from continuous improvement and productivity initiatives in an effort to lower input costs or improve throughput and yield rates with a goal of at least covering inflationary and market cost increases. In addition, we continuously review our costs to ensure alignment between current demand and cost structure.
Critical factors affecting our ability to succeed include: our ability to create organic growth through product development, cross selling and extending product-line offerings, and our ability to quickly and cost-effectively introduce new products; our ability to acquire and integrate companies or products that supplement existing product lines, add new distribution channels, expand our geographic coverage or enable better absorption of overhead costs; our ability to manage our cost structure more efficiently via supply basechain management, internal sourcing and/or purchasing of materials, selective outsourcing and/or purchasing of support functions, working capital management, and greater leverage of our administrative functions. If we are unable

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Our overall business does not experience significant seasonal fluctuation, other than our fourth quarter, which has tended to do anybe the lowest net sales quarter of the foregoing successfully,year given holiday shutdowns by certain customers or other customers deferring capital spending to the new year. Given the short-cycle nature of most of our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted.
There is some seasonality in the businesses, within our Cequent reportable segments, primarily within Cequent Americas, where sales of towing and trailering products are generally stronger in the second and third quarters, as trailer OEMs, distributors and retailers acquire product for the spring and summer selling seasons. No other reportable segment experiences significant seasonal fluctuation. Wewe do not consider sales order backlog to be a material factor in our business.factor. A growing portion of our sales is derived from international sources, which exposes us to certain risks, including currency risks.
The demand for some of our products, particularly in our two Cequent reportable segments, is heavily influenced by consumer sentiment. Despite the sales increases in the past few years, we recognize that consumer sentiment and the end market conditions remain unstable, primarily for Cequent Americas, given continued uncertainties in employment levels and consumer credit availability, both of which significantly impact consumer discretionary spending.
We are sensitive to price movements in our raw materials supply base. Our largest material purchases are for steel, copper, aluminum, polypropylene, polyethylene and other resins and utility-related inputs. Historically, we have experienced increasingvolatility in costs of steel and resin and have worked with our suppliers to manage cost pressurescosts and disruptions in supply. We also utilize pricing programs to pass increased steel, copper, aluminum and resin costs to customers. Although we may experience delays in our ability to implement price increases, we have, over time, been generally able to recover suchmitigate the impact of increased costs. We may experience disruptions in supply in the future and may not be able to pass along higher costs associated with such disruptions to our customers in the form of price increases.
In addition to the aforementioned price movements in significant raw materials, certainCertain of our businesses are sensitive to oil price movements. OurAs noted earlier, our Arrow Engine business is most directly impacted by significant changesvolatility in oil prices. Arrow'sArrow Engine's pumpjack and other engine sales and related parts, which comprise a significant portion of the business, are impacted by oil and gas drilling levels, rig counts, well completion activities and commodity pricing. The decline of oil prices in late fourth quarter and into 2015 has significantly impacted demand levels in this business. Our other businesses may be impacted by volatile oil prices, but not as directly. For example,In addition, a small portion of our Energy reportable segmentLamons business serves upstream customers at oil well sites that may be more quicklyhave been impacted by changes inlower oil prices, while theprices. The majority of the segment provides partsthis business supplies products for refineries and chemical plants which, in times of fluctuating oil prices, may or may not choosedecide to deferincur capital expenditures for preventive maintenance or changeover production stock,capacity expansion activities, both of which would require retooling withuse of our gaskets and bolts, in times of fluctuations in oil prices.bolts. Our Packaging reportable segment may be impacted by oil prices, as it is a significant driver of resin pricing,cost, although we generally are able to maintain profit levels when oil prices change due to escalator/de-escalator clauses in contracts with many of our customers. Lastly, our Cequent businesses rely on consumer discretionary spending levels and confidence, which may be impacted when oil and gasoline prices are volatile.
We report shipping and handling expenses associated with our Cequent Americas reportable segment's distribution network as an element of selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of income. As such, gross margins for the Cequent Americas reportable segment may not be comparable to those of our other reportable segments, which primarily rely on third party distributors, for which all costs are included in cost of sales.


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Segment Information and Supplemental Analysis
The following table summarizes financial information for our sixfour reportable segments:segments (dollars in thousands):
 Year ended December 31,
 2014 As a Percentage of Net Sales 2013 As a Percentage of Net Sales 2012 As a Percentage of Net Sales Year ended December 31,
 (dollars in thousands) 2017 As a Percentage of Net Sales 2016 As a Percentage of Net Sales 2015 As a Percentage of Net Sales
Net Sales                     ��  
Packaging $337,710
 22.5 % $313,220
 22.6% $275,160
 21.7% $344,570
 42.1 % $341,340
 43.0 % $334,270
 38.7 %
Aerospace 184,310
 22.5 % 174,920
 22.0 % 176,480
 20.4 %
Energy 206,720
 13.8 % 205,580
 14.8% 190,210
 15.0% 161,580
 19.8 % 158,990
 20.0 % 193,390
 22.4 %
Aerospace 121,510
 8.1 % 95,530
 6.9% 73,180
 5.8%
Engineered Components 221,360
 14.8 % 185,370
 13.3% 200,000
 15.8% 127,280
 15.6 % 118,770
 15.0 % 159,840
 18.5 %
Cequent APEA 165,110
 11.0 % 151,620
 10.9% 128,560
 10.1%
Cequent Americas 446,670
 29.8 % 437,280
 31.5% 400,400
 31.6%
Total $1,499,080
 100.0 % $1,388,600
 100.0% $1,267,510
 100.0% $817,740
 100.0 % $794,020
 100.0 % $863,980
 100.0 %
Gross Profit                        
Packaging $118,210
 35.0 % $111,930
 35.7% $92,850
 33.7% $116,590
 33.8 % $120,980
 35.4 % $120,610
 36.1 %
Aerospace 48,690
 26.4 % 35,390
 20.2 % 58,580
 33.2 %
Energy 35,660
 17.3 % 46,170
 22.5% 48,190
 25.3% 30,110
 18.6 % 29,690
 18.7 % 23,720
 12.3 %
Aerospace 34,710
 28.6 % 34,650
 36.3% 30,510
 41.7%
Engineered Components 48,430
 21.9 % 33,300
 18.0% 40,200
 20.1% 23,750
 18.7 % 24,420
 20.6 % 33,200
 20.8 %
Cequent APEA 31,380
 19.0 % 30,780
 20.3% 26,140
 20.3%
Cequent Americas 116,550
 26.1 % 94,230
 21.5% 104,530
 26.1%
Total $384,940
 25.7 % $351,060
 25.3% $342,420
 27.0% $219,140
 26.8 % $210,480
 26.5 % $236,110
 27.3 %
Selling, General and Administrative                        
Packaging $38,490
 11.4 % $38,540
 12.3% $35,300
 12.8% $38,510
 11.2 % $42,770
 12.5 % $41,990
 12.6 %
Aerospace 22,370
 12.1 % 27,170
 15.5 % 29,700
 16.8 %
Energy 40,600
 19.6 % 37,150
 18.1% 30,340
 16.0% 31,100
 19.2 % 42,420
 26.7 % 46,790
 24.2 %
Aerospace 16,860
 13.9 % 11,800
 12.4% 9,490
 13.0%
Engineered Components 14,190
 6.4 % 13,600
 7.3% 12,460
 6.2% 7,760
 6.1 % 8,870
 7.5 % 11,750
 7.4 %
Cequent APEA 23,490
 14.2 % 18,920
 12.5% 13,870
 10.8%
Cequent Americas 84,750
 19.0 % 85,380
 19.5% 77,150
 19.3%
Corporate expenses 37,500
 N/A
 37,840
 N/A
 36,020
 N/A
 29,830
 N/A
 32,480
 N/A
 32,120
 N/A
Total $255,880
 17.1 % $243,230
 17.5% $214,630
 16.9% $129,570
 15.8 % $153,710
 19.4 % $162,350
 18.8 %
Operating Profit (Loss)                        
Packaging $77,850
 23.1 % $83,770
 26.7% $57,550
 20.9% $80,380
 23.3 % $77,840
 22.8 % $78,470
 23.5 %
Aerospace 26,190
 14.2 % (90,810) (51.9)% 28,320
 16.0 %
Energy (6,660) (3.2)% 8,620
 4.2% 17,810
 9.4% (5,410) (3.3)% (13,840) (8.7)% (97,160) (50.2)%
Aerospace 17,830
 14.7 % 22,830
 23.9% 21,020
 28.7%
Engineered Components 34,080
 15.4 % 19,450
 10.5% 27,990
 14.0% 15,740
 12.4 % 15,300
 12.9 % 18,240
 11.4 %
Cequent APEA 7,860
 4.8 % 13,920
 9.2% 12,300
 9.6%
Cequent Americas 31,090
 7.0 % 8,850
 2.0% 27,420
 6.8%
Corporate (37,500) N/A
 (37,840) N/A
 (36,020) N/A
 (28,410) N/A
 (32,490) N/A
 (32,120) N/A
Total $124,550
 8.3 % $119,600
 8.6% $128,070
 10.1% $88,490
 10.8 % $(44,000) (5.5)% $(4,250) (0.5)%
Capital Expenditures                        
Packaging $13,730
 4.1 % $11,010
 3.5% $15,470
 5.6% $17,140
 5.0 % $19,880
 5.8 % $13,670
 4.1 %
Aerospace 3,370
 1.8 % 3,950
 2.3 % 5,010
 2.8 %
Energy 2,690
 1.3 % 5,250
 2.6% 5,210
 2.7% 3,090
 1.9 % 2,800
 1.8 % 7,610
 3.9 %
Aerospace 4,430
 3.6 % 4,810
 5.0% 3,210
 4.4%
Engineered Components 1,690
 0.8 % 2,190
 1.2% 4,090
 2.0% 3,740
 2.9 % 4,670
 3.9 % 2,320
 1.5 %
Cequent APEA 6,910
 4.2 % 9,650
 6.4% 8,290
 6.4%
Cequent Americas 4,530
 1.0 % 5,610
 1.3% 9,670
 2.4%
Corporate 470
 N/A
 970
 N/A
 180
 N/A
 9,460
 N/A
 30
 N/A
 50
 N/A
Total $34,450
 2.3 % $39,490
 2.8% $46,120
 3.6% $36,800
 4.5 % $31,330
 3.9 % $28,660
 3.3 %
Depreciation            
Packaging $12,240
 3.6 % $12,390
 3.6 % $11,110
 3.3 %
Aerospace 5,900
 3.2 % 5,460
 3.1 % 4,380
 2.5 %
Energy 5,170
 3.2 % 2,810
 1.8 % 3,100
 1.6 %
Engineered Components 3,460
 2.7 % 3,450
 2.9 % 3,640
 2.3 %
Corporate 180
 N/A
 280
 N/A
 340
 N/A
Total $26,950
 3.3 % $24,390
 3.1 % $22,570
 2.6 %
Amortization            
Packaging $9,390
 2.7 % $9,730
 2.9 % $9,810
 2.9 %
Aerospace 8,630
 4.7 % 8,630
 4.9 % 8,910
 5.0 %
Energy 1,380
 0.9 % 1,470
 0.9 % 1,690
 0.9 %
Engineered Components 520
 0.4 % 640
 0.5 % 560
 0.4 %
Corporate 
 N/A
 
 N/A
 
 N/A
Total $19,920
 2.4 % $20,470
 2.6 % $20,970
 2.4 %

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  Year ended December 31,
  2014 As a Percentage of Net Sales 2013 As a Percentage of Net Sales 2012 As a Percentage of Net Sales
  (dollars in thousands)
Depreciation and Amortization            
Packaging $20,410
 6.0% $18,960
 6.1% $17,970
 6.5%
Energy 4,600
 2.2% 3,820
 1.9% 3,600
 1.9%
Aerospace 7,630
 6.3% 3,790
 4.0% 2,630
 3.6%
Engineered Components 4,460
 2.0% 4,270
 2.3% 3,860
 1.9%
Cequent APEA 7,520
 4.6% 5,770
 3.8% 3,840
 3.0%
Cequent Americas 11,410
 2.6% 13,680
 3.1% 12,780
 3.2%
Corporate 440
 N/A
 260
 N/A
 160
 N/A
Total $56,470
 3.8% $50,550
 3.6% $44,840
 3.5%


Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 20142017 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 20132016
The principal factors impacting us during the year ended December 31, 20142017, compared with the year ended December 31, 20132016 were:
the impact of improved throughput and productivity in our various acquisitions during 2014Aerospace reportable segment, enabling this segment to achieve higher sales and 2013 (see below for profit levels in 2017;
the impact by reportable segment);
business unit restructuringcontinued benefits of the realigned footprint within our Energy reportable segment, under which we incurred approximately $13.2 millionwith lower ongoing operating costs following several facility consolidations and closures;
the impact of costs during 2014;Hurricane Harvey, primarily within our Energy reportable segment;
continued economic strengththe impact of fees and expenses related to our issuance of Senior Notes and other refinancing activities in certain2017;
the impact of the marketsTax Reform Act, primarily impacting our businesses serve2017 income tax expense; and
approximately $98.9 million goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges in 2014 compared to 2013, contributing to increased net sales2016 in all six of our Aerospace reportable segments;
the sale of our business in Italy within the Packaging reportable segment during 2013, for which we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $10.5 million;
our equity offering during 2013, where we issued 5,175,000 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $174.7 million;
manufacturing and distribution footprint consolidation and relocation projects within our Cequent Americas reportable segments, under which we incurred approximately $3.6 million of costs during 2014, as compared to $25.6 million of such costs during 2013; and
our fourth quarter 2014 amendment to our Credit Agreement to add a $275.0 million incremental senior secured term loan A facility, and our amendment of our new credit agreement in 2013, which allowed us to reduce interest costs.segment.
Overall, net sales increased approximately $110.523.7 million, or approximately 8.0%3.0%, to $1.5 billion817.7 million in 20142017, as compared to $1.4 billion794.0 million in 2013. During 20142016, netas sales increased in all six of ourfour reportable segments. Of the sales increase,Sales within our Aerospace reportable segment increased approximately $84.4$9.4 million, wasprimarily as a result of improved manufacturing throughput to meet customer demand levels. Sales in our Engineered Components reportable segment increased approximately $8.5 million due to increased U.S. industrial and oilfield activity. Sales within our recent acquisitions. The remainder of the increase in sales levels between years was due toPackaging reportable segment increased by approximately $5.0 million, excluding the impact of continued economic strengthcurrency exchange, primarily due to increased demand for our industrial closures and food and beverage products in certainNorth America. Sales within our Energy reportable segment increased approximately $2.3 million, excluding the impact of currency exchange, as higher sales in North America resulting from improved delivery performance were partially offset by lower sales in Europe as a result of the closure of our end markets, primarily in our Packaging, Engineered Components and Cequent Americas reportable segments, our expansion in international markets,Wolverhampton, United Kingdom facility. These increases were partially offset by approximately $1.4 million of net unfavorable currency exchange, primarily in our Packaging reportable segment, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were negatively impacted as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies.
Gross profit margin (gross profit as a percentage of sales) approximated 26.8% and 26.5% in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Gross profit margin increased primarily due to improved manufacturing efficiency levels and reduced manufacturing spend, primarily within our new product introductionsAerospace reportable segment, and related growth, primarily inas a result of the footprint realignment actions within our Engineered Components and Cequent APEAEnergy reportable segments. These sales increases weresegment. This increase was partially offset by costs associated with the closure and consolidation of manufacturing facilities in India and Mexico within our Packaging reportable segment, and the Mexico facility within our Energy reportable segment. In addition, gross profit was impacted by approximately $6.3$0.8 million of unfavorable currency exchange, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were negatively impacted as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies, primarily in our Cequent APEA reportable segment.

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GrossOperating profit (loss) margin (gross(operating profit (loss) as a percentage of sales) approximated 25.7%10.8% and 25.3%(5.5)% in 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively. The grossOperating profit marginincreased $132.5 million, to $88.5 million in our Cequent Americas reportable segment increased2017, as compared to 2013,an operating loss of $44.0 million in 2016. Operating profit and margin increased primarily due to approximately $19.9$98.9 million ofin goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges associated within our manufacturing facility footprint consolidation and relocation projects recorded during 2013Aerospace reportable segment in 2016 that did not repeat in 2014. Gross2017. Operating profit and margin also increased due to continued productivity, cost reductions and automation efforts primarily in our Engineered Components, Packaging and Cequent Americas reportable segments. The increases in gross profit margin were partially offset byas a less favorable productresult of higher sales mix, primarily in our Energy, Aerospace, Cequent APEA and Packaginglevels across all reportable segments increased freight costs in our Cequent Americas reportable segment, manufacturing inefficienciesand productivity initiatives to improve scheduling and throughput, particularly in our Aerospace reportable segment, and the impact of the restructuring inour footprint realignment activities within our Energy reportable segment. In addition, we continue to experience an overall less favorable product sales mix inThese factors were partially offset by the reportable segments with recent acquisitions, as the acquired businesses tend to have lower margins than our historical businesses, plus we incur purchase accounting charges and integration costs in the first several quarters of ownership.
Operating profit margin (operating profit as a percentage of sales) approximated 8.3% and 8.6% in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Operating profit increased$5.0 million, or 4.1%, to $124.6 million in 2014 as compared to $119.6 million in 2013, primarily as a result of higher sales levels. Operating profit margin decreased primarily due the impact of the restructuring in our Energy reportable segment, a less favorable product sales mix, primarily in our Energy, Aerospace, Cequent APEA and Packaging reportable segments and as a result of the newly acquired companies comprising a larger percentage of sales and having lower margins than our legacy businesses and manufacturing inefficiencies in our Aerospace reportable segment. In addition, our operating profit margin decreased due to a $10.5 million gain recognized within our Packaging reportable segment on the sale of the Italian business, including $7.9 million related to the release of historical currency translation adjustments into net income, and a $2.1 million gain recognized within our Cequent APEA reportable segment on the sale of a facility in Australia during 2013, that did not recur in 2014. Partially offsetting the decreases in operating profit margin were a decrease in costs incurred in 2017 associated with our manufacturing facility footprint consolidation and relocation projects in our Cequent Americas reportable segment, continued productivity, cost reductions and automation efforts primarily in our Packaging, Engineered Components and Cequent Americas reportable segments as well as operating leverage gained on the higher sales levels primarily inwithin our Packaging and Engineered ComponentsEnergy reportable segments.
Interest expense decreasedincreased approximately $3.3$0.7 million,, to $15.0$14.4 million in 2014,2017, as compared to $18.3$13.7 million in 2013.2016. The decreaseincrease in interest expense was primarily due to a reductionan increase in our overall interest rates, duewhich more than offset lower average borrowings. Our weighted average borrowings decreased to the refinancing of our Credit Agreement at lower interest ratesapproximately $381.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. Interest expense further declined due to a decrease2017, from approximately $454.1 million in our2016. The effective weighted average interest rate on our outstanding variable rate borrowings, including our Credit Agreement and accounts receivable facilities, increased to approximately 1.9%2.8% for 2014, from 2.7% in 2013, and a decrease in our weighted-average variable rate borrowings to approximately $512.3 million in 2014,2017, from approximately $514.2 millionand 2.2% for 2016. In addition, in 2013September 2017, we repaid our former Term Loan A facility with proceeds from the Senior Notes, which bear interest at 4.875%.
We incurred debt financing and related expenses of approximately $3.4$6.6 million in 20142017 related to our incremental term loan A facility used to fundcosts associated with the Allfast acquisition. During 2013, we incurred debt extinguishment costs of approximately $2.5 million related to the refinanceissuance of our U.S. bank debt.Senior Notes, repayment of all outstanding obligations of the Term Loan A Facility, termination of the interest rate swaps and the amendment of our Credit Agreement.

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Other expense, net increased approximately $4.90.7 million to $6.61.2 million in 20142017, from $1.70.5 million in 20132016. The increase was primarily relateddue to a bargain purchase gain of approximately $2.8 million on the acquisition of certain towing technology and business assets of AL-KO within our Cequent APEA reportable segment during 2013 that did not repeat, a reduction of certain indemnification assets related to uncertain tax liabilities and higheran increase in losses on transactions denominated in foreign currencies.
Income tax expense increased approximately $53.7 million, to $35.3 million of tax expense in 2017, as compared to $18.4 million of tax benefit in 2016. The effective income tax rate for 20142017 was 33.0%53.2%, compared to 18.7%31.7% for 20132016. During 20142017, we reported domestic and foreign pre-tax income of approximately $85.0$50.8 million and $14.6$15.5 million, respectively, and recognized tax benefits of approximately $2.4$2.0 million due to a change in an uncertain tax position for which the statute of limitations expired and certainresearch and manufacturing tax holidays.  In addition, weincentives. We also recognized approximately $12.7 million of income tax expense as a result of the Tax Reform Act, including $3.7 million of provisional expense related to revaluing our net deferred tax assets at the lower U.S. corporate tax rate, and $9.0 million of provisional tax expense related to the deemed repatriation of approximately $110.0 million of undistributed non-U.S. subsidiary earnings. We also incurred tax charges of approximately $3.3$0.5 million during 2014 directly attributable to increases in valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets including foreign tax operating loss carryforwards. In 20132016, we reported domestic pre-tax losses of approximately $69.9 million and foreign pre-tax income of approximately $49.5$11.6 million, and $47.6 million, respectively, and recognized tax benefits of approximately $9.1$2.2 million primarily attributabledue to international restructuring events completed in 2013, a change in an uncertain tax position for which the statute of limitations expired and research and manufacturing tax incentives.  In addition, we were unable to record tax benefit of approximately $5.1 million related to tax holidays.pre-tax goodwill impairment charges in the U.S. We also incurred tax charges of approximately $4.2$2.1 million during 2013 directly attributable to increases in valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets including foreign tax operating loss carryforwards and international restructuring events.carryforwards. 
Income from continuing operations decreasedNet income (loss) increased approximately $12.3$70.8 million to income of $66.731.0 million in 20142017, from a loss of $79.039.8 million in 20132016. The decreaseincrease was primarily the result of a $14.7an approximately $132.5 million increase in operating profit, partially offset by an increase in income tax expense plus a $4.9of approximately $53.7 million, increase in other expenses and a $0.9 millionan increase in debt financing and extinguishment costs, partially offset by a $5.0related expenses of approximately $6.6 million in connection with the refinancing of our our long-term debt, an increase in operating profitinterest expense of approximately $0.7 million and a $3.3 million reductionincreases in interest expense.

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Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was $0.8 million in 2014, compared to $4.5 million in 2013. The income relates to our 70% acquisition in Arminak & Associates LLC ("Arminak") in February 2012, which represents the 30% interest not attributed to TriMas Corporation. On March 11, 2014, we acquired the remaining 30% interest in Arminak. See Note 5, "Acquisitions," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K.approximately $0.7 million.
See below for a discussion of operating results by reportable segment.
Packaging.  Net sales increased approximately $24.53.3 million, or 7.8%0.9%, to $337.7344.6 million in 20142017, as compared to $313.2341.3 million in 2013. Sales of our specialty systems products increased by approximately $22.0 million, primarily due to increases in demand from our major customers in North America and Europe, as well as continued growth in our revenue base in Asia. Sales further increased approximately $4.8 million as a result of the acquisition of Lion Holdings Pvt. Ltd. ("Lion Holdings") in the third quarter of 2014.2016. Sales of our industrial closures declined byincreased approximately $3.9$2.7 million primarily as a resultdue to higher demand in North America and Europe. Sales of the loss ofour food and beverage products increased approximately $10.2$2.3 million of sales associated with our Italian rings and levers business solddue to increased demand in the third quarter of 2013, which was partially offset by increasedNorth America. Additionally, sales of our other industrial closures, primarily in our U.S. markets. In addition, sales also increased by approximately $1.6 million as a result of a net favorable currency exchange, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were positively impacted as a result of a weaker U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies.
Packaging's gross profit increased approximately $6.3 million to $118.2 million, or 35.0% of sales in 2014, as compared to $111.9 million, or 35.7% of sales in 2013, primarily due to the higher sales levels. Gross profit margin decreased from the prior year as ongoing productivityhealth, beauty and automation initiatives and increased sales in certain higher-margin industrialhome care products were more than offset by a less favorable product mix shift, with sales of our lower margin specialty products comprising a larger percentage of overall sales,flat year-over-year, as well as cost incurredhigher demand in Asia as we add capacity to meet expected demand.
Packaging's selling, general and administrative expenses remained flat at $38.5 million, or 11.4% of sales in 2014, as compared to $38.5 million, or 12.3% of sales in 2013. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percent of sales, as a $2.0 million reduction in the Arminak & Associates contingent liability to estimated fair valueEurope was offset by increased selling, general and administrative costs associated with the continued investment in growth initiatives, including costs associated with the Lion Holdings acquisition.
Packaging's operating profit decreased approximately $5.9 million to $77.9 million, or 23.1% of sales in 2014, as compared to $83.8 million, or 26.7% of sales, in 2013. Operating profit decreased primarily due an approximately $10.5 million gain recognized on the sale of the Italian business in the third quarter of 2013, which included approximately $7.9 million related to the release of historical currency translation adjustments into net income. In addition to the impact of the Italian business gain in 2013, operating profit margin decreased further as ongoing productivity initiatives and operating leverage gained were more than offset by a less favorable product sales mix and costs associated with the Lion Holdings acquisition, including approximately $1.7 million of charges associated with the disposal of equipment which was rendered obsolete as part of our recent acquisitions.
Energy.    Net sales in 2014increased approximately $1.1 million, or 0.6%, to $206.7 million, as compared to $205.6 million in 2013. Sales increased by approximately $6.1 million due to our acquisitions in 2013, including Wulfrun Specialised Fasteners ("Wulfrun") and substantially all the business assets of Tat Lee (Thailand) Ltd. ("Tat Lee"), as well as growth in our U.S. markets as a result of increased sales of standard gaskets and bolts, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2014. These increases were partially offset by decreased sales of approximately $4.5 million in China and Brazil as a result of our facility closure and restructuring activities in those regions in the second quarter of 2014, approximately $1.1 million as a result of lower branch sales in Europe and lower demand in certain Canadian markets.
Gross profit within Energy decreased approximately $10.5 million to $35.7 million, or 17.3% ofNorth America. The sales in 2014, as compared to $46.2 million, or 22.5% of sales, in 2013, primarily due to approximately $6.7 million of charges associated with the closure of our China sales branch and Brazilian manufacturing facility, including a charge of approximately $3.9 million for the estimated future unrecoverable lease obligation on our Brazilian manufacturing facility. In addition, gross profit margin declined as a result of a less favorable product sales mix, with a higher percentage of sales being generated by lower margin standard gaskets and bolts, as well as labor inefficiencies associated with our footprint, restructuring and optimization efforts and additional sales being generated by our recent acquisitions, which have lower margins than the historical business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses within Energy increased approximately $3.4 million to $40.6 million, or 19.6% of net sales, in 2014, as compared to $37.2 million or 18.1% of net sales, in 2013, as we continued to invest in our growth initiatives, including approximately $1.3 million for the normal operating selling, general and administrative costs of our recent acquisitions. In addition, we incurred approximately $4.9 million of expense in the current year related to both the remaining operating charges and exit costs associated with the facility closure and restructuring activities, including approximately $1.9 million as a result of the reduction in value of certain intangible assets, offset by reduced spending the the back half of 2014 due to the closure of the facilities.

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Operating profit within Energy decreased approximately $15.3 million to a $6.7 million loss, or 3.2% of sales, in 2014, as compared to profit of $8.6 million, or 4.2% of sales, in 2013. Operating profit and profit margin decreased primarily due to approximately $13.2 million of charges associated with our China sales branch and Brazil manufacturing facility restructuring activity, including an approximately $1.3 million loss related to the release of historical currency translation adjustments into net income, a higher percentage of our sales being generated by our recent acquisitions, which have lower margins than our historical business and increased normal selling, general and administrative costs.
Aerospace.    Net sales increased approximately $26.0 million, or 27.2%, to $121.5 million in 2014, as compared to $95.5 million in 2013. Sales increased approximately $27.0 million due to the acquisition of Allfast Fastening Systems, Inc. ("Allfast") in the fourth quarter of 2014, Mac Fasteners, Inc. ("Mac") in the fourth quarter of 2013, and Martinic Engineering, Inc. ("Martinic") in the first quarter of 2013. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales in our legacy aerospace business.
Gross profit within Aerospace remained flat at $34.7 million, or 28.6% of sales, in 2014, from $34.7 million, or 36.3% of sales, in 2013. Gross profit margins declined due to approximately $1.2 million of incremental inventory step-up costs and approximately $0.5 million of incremental ongoing intangible asset amortization costs related to our recent acquisitions. Gross profit margins also declined due to manufacturing and labor inefficiencies resulting from increased change-over and processing related to smaller customer order quantities, less predictable than expected order patterns associated with our large OE and distribution customers and a less favorable product sales mix. Additionally, gross profit margin declined due to our Mac and Martinic acquisitions, which have lower gross margin than our legacy aerospace business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $5.1 million to $16.9 million, or 13.9% of sales, in 2014, as compared to $11.8 million, or 12.4% of sales, in 2013, primarily due to higher ongoing selling, general and administrative costs of approximately $2.1 million associated with our Allfast, Mac and Martinic acquisitions, and approximately $1.6 million of incremental intangible asset amortization costs and legal and professional fees associated with consummating the acquisitions. Selling, general and administrative costs increased in our legacy aerospace business, primarily due to an approximately $1.1 million charge for resolution of a customer claim. In addition, we incurred approximately $0.7 million in additional employee related costs in 2014 associated with changes in leadership.
Operating profit within Aerospace decreased approximately $5.0 million to $17.8 million, or 14.7% of sales, in 2014, as compared to $22.8 million, or 23.9% of sales, in 2013, primarily due to manufacturing and labor inefficiencies, a less favorable product sales mix, lower profit margins associated with our recent acquisitions and higher selling, general and administrative expenses in support of our growth initiatives, which more than offset the impact of higher sales levels.
Engineered Components.    Net sales in 2014increased approximately $36.0 million, or 19.4%, to $221.4 million, as compared to $185.4 million in 2013. Sales in our industrial cylinder business increased by approximately $26.0 million, due primarily to approximately $17.0 million in sales being generated from our November 2013 cylinder asset acquisition, as well as continued growth projects related to both new product sales of fire suppressant and aviation cylinders, and growth in our Mexico and South America markets.  Sales in our engine business increased approximately $10.0 million, with approximately $5.6 million of the increase related to a large order for compressor packages by a significant customer in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, sales increased in our gas compression products by approximately $7.2 million resulting from both growth in our existing customer base and new customers. These increases were partially offset by an approximate $2.9 million decrease in our slow speed and compressor engine and related products business, primarily due to a reduced demand of our single cylinder engines and the impact of falling oil prices in late 2014.
Gross profit within Engineered Components increased approximately $15.1 million to $48.4 million, or 21.9% of sales, in 2014, from $33.3 million, or 18.0% of sales, in 2013, primarily due to margin improvement, as well as higher sales levels in both of our industrial cylinder and engine businesses. Gross profit margin in our engine business increased, as the lower fixed cost absorption we experienced during the third quarter of 2013, primarily a result of lower production and procurement levels, did not recur in 2014, and as a result of a more favorable product sales mix and continued productivity initiatives. Gross profit margin in our industrial cylinder business remained flat, as increased gross profit margin due to continued productivity initiatives and operating leverage gained on the recent cylinder asset acquisition was offset by a less favorable product sales mix.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $0.6 million to $14.2 million, or 6.4% of sales, in 2014, as compared to $13.6 million, or 7.3% of sales, in 2013, as a result of the increased sales in both our engine and industrial cylinder businesses, with lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales as a result of additional operating leverage gained on the higher sales levels, primarily in our engine business, as well as reduced legal fees in our industrial cylinder business, which was partially offset by increased amortization of the intangible assets associated with the fourth quarter 2013 cylinder asset acquisition.

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Operating profit within Engineered Components increased approximately $14.6 million to $34.1 million, or 15.4% of sales, in 2014, as compared to $19.5 million, or 10.5% of sales, in 2013, primarily due to the increased sales levels, with margin improvement resulting from improved fixed cost absorption in our engine business, continued productivity and cost reduction initiatives, as well as the additional operating leverage gained on selling, general and administrative expenses.
Cequent APEA.    Net sales increased approximately $13.5 million, or 8.9%, to $165.1 million in 2014, as compared to $151.6 million in 2013. Sales increased approximately $22.6 million as a result of the incremental sales associated with the acquisitions of C.P. Witter Limited ("Witter"), in April 2013, and the towing technology and associated assets of AL-KO, in July 2013. In addition, sales increased due to both additional market share gains and new products in both our South Africa and New Zealand businesses. The increase was partially offset by relatively equal declines in Thailand and Australia. The declines in Australia were related to general economic conditions resulting in reduced consumer and business confidence, lower sales in Thailand related to the loss of an OEM product line contract and the unfavorable impact of currency exchange of approximately $6.0 million, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were negatively impacted as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies.
Cequent APEA's gross profit increased approximately $0.6 million to $31.4 million, or 19.0% of net sales in 2014, from approximately $30.8 million, or 20.3% of net sales, in 2013, primarily due to higher sales levels and the impact of approximately $1.2 million of purchase accounting-related adjustments recorded during 2013 related to the step-up in value and subsequent amortization of inventory in connection with our European acquisitions that did not recur. Gross profit margin decreased due to a less favorable product and regional sales mix, as sales growth in the recently acquired European businesses and the growth initiatives in the retail and industrial channels yield lower margins than the legacy business, and the impact of foreign currency as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies.
Cequent APEA's selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $4.6 million to $23.5 million, or 14.2% of sales in 2014, as compared to $18.9 million, or 12.5% of sales in 2013, primarily in support of our growth initiatives, including approximately $5.0 million of incremental ongoing selling, general and administrative costs related to the acquired European businesses, offset by a decline of approximately $1.1 million of legal and professional fees associated with consummating the aforementioned acquisitions in the prior year.
Cequent APEA's operating profit decreased approximately $6.0 million to $7.9 million, or 4.8% of sales, in 2014, from $13.9 million, or 9.2% of net sales in 2013, as the higher operating profit generated by the increased sales from acquisitions was more than offset by the impact of a $2.1 million gain on the sale of facility in Australia in 2013 as well as less favorable product mix and higher selling, general and administrative expenses incurred during the year.
Cequent Americas.    Net sales increased approximately $9.4 million, or 2.1%, to $446.7 million in 2014, as compared to $437.3 million in 2013, primarily due to year-over-year increases within our aftermarket and retail channels. Net sales within our aftermarket channel increased approximately $7.3 million, primarily due to our Brazilian operations, which generated approximately $6.9 million of incremental net sales within our aftermarket channel during the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales within our retail channel increased approximately $3.1 million, primarily due to increased demand from existing customers for towing accessories and ramp products, higher sales of our broom and brush product line, and growth in internet sales. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of approximately $1.4 million in our industrial channel due to supply constraints of manufactured and sourced product during the peak selling season.
Cequent Americas' gross profit increased approximately $22.3 million to $116.6 million, or 26.1% of sales, in 2014, from approximately $94.2 million, or 21.5% of sales, in 2013, with the most significant driver being the closure of our Goshen, Indiana manufacturing facility and the relocation of the production therefrom to our lower cost country facilities, for which we recorded approximately $21.1 million in charges during 2013 that did not recur in 2014. Additionally, gross profit margin increased due to continued productivity projects, including labor savings on the production now moved from Goshen to our lower cost country facilities, vendor cost reductions and higher margins from our broom and brush product line as compared to the year ended December 31, 2013. The increases in gross profit dollars and margin were partially offset by approximately $2.0 million of costs recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily related to higher freight costs due to split shipments resulting from our footprint changes and inefficiencies resulting from ramp-up of production in our lower cost country facilities.

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Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $0.6 million to $84.8 million, or 19.0% of sales, in 2014, as compared to $85.4 million, or 19.5% of sales, in 2013, primarily due to approximately $3.1 million of costs incurred during 2013 related to the relocation of production from our Goshen facility to lower cost country facilities that did not recur in 2014. The decrease was partially offset by approximately $0.8 million in incremental selling costs in 2014 incurred on single orders being shipped from multiple or less proximate distribution centers to the customer due to inventory quantity dislocation in connection with the reorganization of our distribution footprint following the closure of our Goshen facility. In addition, we experienced approximately $0.9 million of on-going higher transportation costs related to crossing the U.S. - Mexican border as a result of the move to our lower cost country facilities, which were expected to partially offset the labor savings from the facility move. Additionally, we incurred approximately $0.7 million higher sales promotion expenses within our aftermarket channel and higher sales commissions as a result of increased sales.
Cequent Americas' operating profit increased approximately $22.2 million to $31.1 million, or 7.0% of sales, in 2014, from $8.9 million, or 2.0% of net sales, in 2013, due to higher sales levels, costs incurred during 2013 in connection with the footprint consolidation and relocation project that did not recur, productivity projects, including labor savings in our lower cost country facilities and vendor cost reductions.
Corporate Expenses.    Corporate expenses included in operating profit consist of the following:
 Year ended December 31,
 2014 2013
 (in millions)
Corporate operating expenses$15.5
 $14.9
Employee costs and related benefits22.0
 22.9
     Corporate expenses$37.5
 $37.8
Corporate expenses included in operating profit decreased approximately $0.3 million to $37.5 million in 2014, from $37.8 million in 2013. The decrease between years is primarily attributed to a reduction in costs associated with our long-term incentive programs due to year-over-year reductions in estimated attainment for certain of our performance awards, which was partially offset by an increase in costs related to acquisition due diligence.
Discontinued Operations.    The results of discontinued operations consists of the cessation of operations of the NI Industries business during September 2014 and our precision tool cutting and specialty fitting lines of business, which were sold in December 2011. Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense, was $2.6 million and $1.1 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 6, "Discontinued Operations," to our consolidated financial statements attached herein.

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2012
The principal factors impacting us during the year ended December 31, 2013 compared with the year ended December 31, 2012 were:
the impact of our various acquisitions during 2013 and 2012 (see below for the impact by reportable segment);
market share gains and increased demand in certain of our reportable segments in 2013;
continued economic strength in certain of the markets our businesses serve in 2013 compared to 2012, contributing to increased net sales in five of six of our reportable segments;
the sale of our business in Italy within the Packaging reportable segment, for which we recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $10.5 million;
our equity offering during 2013, where we issued 5,175,000 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $174.7 million;
footprint consolidation and relocation projects within our Cequent Americas reportable segments, under which we incurred approximately $25.6 million of severance, unrecoverable future lease obligation, manufacturing inefficiency, facility move and duplicate costs during 2013, as compared to $7.5 million of such costs during 2012; and
entry into our new Credit Agreement in 2013, as compared to the refinance and our former amended and restated credit agreement completed in 2012.

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Overall, net sales increased approximately $121.1 million, or approximately 9.6%, to $1.4 billion in 2013, as compared to $1.3 billion in 2012. During 2013, net sales increased in all of our reportable segments except for Engineered Components. Of the sales increase, approximately $83.9 million was due to our recent acquisitions. The remainder of the increase in sales levels between years was due to the impact of continued economic strength in certain of our end markets, primarily in our Aerospace, Packaging and Cequent Americas reportable segments, our expansion in international markets, primarily in our Packaging and Cequent APEA reportable segments and our new product introductions and related growth, primarily in our Cequent Americas and Aerospace reportable segments. These sales increases were partially offset by approximately $9.1$1.7 million of unfavorable currency exchange, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were negatively impacted as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies,currencies.
Packaging's gross profit decreased approximately $4.4 million to $116.6 million, or 33.8% of sales, in 2017, as compared to $121.0 million, or 35.4% of sales, in 2016. While sales increased, gross profit dollars and margin decreased, primarily as a result of costs associated with facility moves. During 2017, we ramped up production in our new manufacturing facility in Mexico, incurring approximately $1.9 million higher costs than in the former, and now closed Mexican facility in 2016, as costs related to the capacity expansion plus inefficiencies and start-up costs more than offset initial move costs incurred in 2016. In addition, we incurred approximately $1.1 million of costs in 2017 to consolidate manufacturing facilities in India. Gross profit also declined due to an unfavorable product sales mix in North America and by approximately $0.9 million due to unfavorable currency exchange, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were negatively impacted as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies.
Packaging's selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $4.3 million to $38.5 million, or 11.2% of sales, in 2017, as compared to $42.8 million, or 12.5% of sales, in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to higher costs incurred in 2016 in connection with re-organizing our go-to-market strategy based on global product categories, as well as generally lower go-forward spending levels resulting from this reorganization. Additionally, we recognized approximately $1.0 million of severance and other costs related to the move of our Mexican facilities during 2016, and recorded an approximate $1.0 million charge in 2017 to reserve an outstanding accounts receivable amount for a European customer who filed for bankruptcy.
Packaging's operating profit increased approximately $2.5 million to $80.4 million, or 23.3% of sales, in 2017, as compared to $77.8 million, or 22.8% of sales, in 2016. Operating profit increased primarily due to lower ongoing selling, general and administrative expenses associated with our re-organization efforts as well as an approximate $2.5 million gain on the sale of the former Mexico facility. These impacts were partially offset by the charge recorded in 2017 to reserve an outstanding accounts receivable amount, costs associated with our India facility consolidation and new facility in Mexico and approximately $0.6 million of unfavorable currency exchange.

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Aerospace.    Net sales increased approximately $9.4 million, or 5.4%, to $184.3 million in 2017, as compared to $174.9 million in 2016. We continued to improve production scheduling and manufacturing efficiencies, which enabled us to increase daily production rates and ship higher levels of net sales in 2017 as compared to 2016. Sales to our distribution customers increased approximately $7.0 million, as order patterns from our customers continued to stabilize and increase in 2017 as compared to the lower and more volatile levels throughout 2016. Sales to our OE customers increased approximately $2.4 million.
Gross profit within Aerospace increased approximately $13.3 million to $48.7 million, or 26.4% of sales, in 2017, from $35.4 million, or 20.2% of sales, in 2016, primarily as a result of higher sales levels. Further, in 2016, we incurred additional costs and experienced lower fixed cost absorption associated with production scheduling and manufacturing inefficiencies, primarily in our Commerce, California facility. We have improved the efficiency levels during 2017 and reduced manufacturing spend levels despite higher demand level in this facility.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $4.8 million to $22.4 million, or 12.1% of sales, in 2017, as compared to $27.2 million, or 15.5% of sales, in 2016, primarily due to approximately $2.0 million of lower estimated uncollectable accounts receivable expenses as a result of collection of previously reserved customer balances and approximately $2.8 million of reduced professional fees and certain administrative support costs.
Operating profit (loss) within Aerospace increased approximately $117.0 million to an operating profit of $26.2 million, or 14.2% of sales, in 2017, as compared to an operating loss of $90.8 million, or 51.9% of sales, in 2016. Operating profit and related margin increased primarily due to approximately $98.9 million in goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges in our Aerospace reportable segment in 2016 that did not repeat in 2017. Operating profit also increased as a result of higher sales levels, improved production scheduling and manufacturing efficiencies and lower selling, general and administrative expenses.
Energy.    Net sales increased approximately $2.6 million, or 1.6%, to $161.6 million in 2017, as compared to $159.0 million in 2016. Sales increased approximately $6.6 million in North America and by approximately $0.3 million in Asia primarily due to increased customer demand following improvements in our on-time delivery and increasing our share of turnaround activity. These increases were more than offset by a decrease in net sales of approximately $4.3 million in Europe, primarily due to exiting our facility in the United Kingdom.
Gross profit within Energy increased approximately $0.4 million to $30.1 million, or 18.6% of sales, in 2017, as compared to $29.7 million, or 18.7% of sales, in 2016. Gross profit increased due to higher sales levels and savings achieved from ongoing footprint realignment initiatives, the impact of which was muted by higher costs, inefficiencies and a less favorable product sales mix as a result of Hurricane Harvey. In addition, we recorded approximately $1.6 million higher facility closure costs in 2017 than in 2016, primarily related to costs incurred in 2017 to close our Mexico facility and costs incurred in 2016 to close our United Kingdom facility.
Selling, general and administrative expenses within Energy decreased approximately $11.3 million to $31.1 million, or 19.2% of sales, in 2017, as compared to $42.4 million, or 26.7% of net sales, in 2016. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $7.2 million as a result of elimination of costs related to closed facilities and by approximately $1.0 million as a result of an increase in reserves for past due accounts receivable in 2016 that did not repeat in 2017. The remaining $3.1 million decrease was primarily due to lower ongoing costs associated with the Company's current operating footprint following completion of significant realignment activities.
Operating loss within Energy decreased approximately $8.4 million to a $5.4 million loss, or 3.3% of sales, in 2017, as compared to a $13.8 million loss, or 8.7% of sales, in 2016, primarily as a result of lower selling, general and administrative expenses related to prior footprint realignment activities.
Engineered Components.    Net sales in 2017increased approximately $8.5 million, or 7.2%, to $127.3 million, as compared to $118.8 million in 2016. Sales of our oil-field engines and compression-related products increased by approximately $4.4 million primarily due to increases in drilling activity in the United States and Canada and the continued stabilization of oil prices. Sales of our industrial cylinders increased by approximately $4.1 million, primarily due to increased U.S. industrial activity and enhanced responsiveness to support shorter customer order lead-times.
Gross profit within Engineered Components decreased approximately $0.6 million to $23.8 million, or 18.7% of sales, in 2017, from $24.4 million, or 20.6% of sales, in 2016. Gross profit from sales of our engines and compression-related products increased approximately $1.1 million due to higher sales levels and leveraging our lower fixed cost structure. Gross profit and related margin from sales of our industrial cylinders decreased approximately $1.7 million as a result of higher steel costs and a less favorable product mix.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $1.1 million to $7.8 million, or 6.1% of sales, in 2017, as compared to $8.9 million, or 7.5% of sales, in 2016, primarily due to lowering our ongoing operating costs consistent with current demand levels.

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Operating profit within Engineered Components increased approximately $0.4 million to $15.7 million, or 12.4% of sales, in 2017, as compared to $15.3 million, or 12.9% of sales, in 2016. Operating profit improved primarily due to increased sales levels of our oil-field engines and compression-related products and better leveraging of our lower fixed cost structure, while operating profit margin as a percentage of sales decreased due to due to higher steel costs and a less favorable product mix of industrial cylinders sales.
Corporate Expenses.    Corporate expenses included in operating profit consist of the following (dollars in millions):
 Year ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Corporate operating expenses$10.0
 $14.6
Employee costs and related benefits18.4
 17.9
     Corporate expenses$28.4
 $32.5
Corporate expenses included in operating profit decreased approximately $4.0 million to $28.4 million in 2017, from $32.5 million in 2016. Corporate operating expenses decreased $4.6 million, primarily due to separation costs incurred in 2016 associated with the change in our President and CEO as well as elimination of several corporate positions during 2017. Employee costs and related benefits increased approximately $0.5 million, primarily due to an increase in expense related to the timing and estimated attainment of our incentive compensation plans.

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2015
The principal factors impacting us during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with the year ended December 31, 2015 were:
the impact of lower oil prices, primarily impacting sales and profit levels in our Engineered Components and Energy reportable segments;
costs incurred and savings achieved from our Financial Improvement Plan ("FIP") and other cost savings actions, spread across all of our reportable segments, with the largest amounts within our Energy reportable segment;
the impact of production and scheduling costs and inefficiencies, as well as the impact of lower distribution customer sales, all within our Aerospace reportable segment;
the impact of a November 2015 acquisition of the Tolleson, Arizona machined components facility from Parker-Hannifin Corporation within our Aerospace reportable segment;
the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, primarily in our Packaging and Energy reportable segments;
the spin-off of the Cequent businesses in 2015, including costs incurred to affect and reclassifying to discontinued operations for all periods presented, and amending our credit agreement; and
an approximate $98.9 million goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge in 2016 in our Aerospace reportable segment and an approximate $74.1 million goodwill impairment charge in 2015 within our Energy and Cequent APEAEngineered Components reportable segments.
Overall, net sales decreased approximately $70.0 million, or approximately 8.1%, to $794.0 million in 2016, as compared to $864.0 million in 2015, primarily as a result of the impact of lower oil prices and oil-related activity on our Energy and Engineered Components reportable segments, which more than offset growth in our Packaging reportable segment and $10.6 million of additional sales from the recent acquisition in our Aerospace reportable segment. Our Energy and Engineered Components reportable segments had a combined sales decrease of approximately $74.3 million (excluding the effects of foreign currency), primarily as a result of lower oil prices and related activity. Sales within our Aerospace reportable segment declined approximately $1.6 million, as declines in distribution and OE sales were mostly offset by the acquisition-related sales. Sales were further impacted by approximately $8.6 million of unfavorable currency exchange, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were negatively impacted as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies. These decreases were partially offset by approximately $14.5 million in increased sales within our Packaging reportable segment, excluding the impact of foreign currency, primarily due to sales growth of our health, beauty and home care end market products.

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Gross profit margin (gross profit as a percentage of sales) approximated 25.3%26.5% and 27.0%27.3% in 20132016 and 2012,2015, respectively. The grossGross profit margindecreased $25.6 million, to $210.5 million in our Packaging reportable segment increased2016, as compared to 2012,$236.1 million in 2015. Of this decrease in gross profit, approximately $17.4 million is primarily due to improvements in manufacturing productivity related to labor efficienciesoverall lower sales levels and automation and a reduction in purchase accounting charges from 2012 levels. Gross profit marginsless favorable product sales mix in our other reportable segments were flat or declined, with the most significant driver being the manufacturing facility footprint consolidation and relocation projects in our Cequent Americas reportable segment, where we recorded incremental charges of approximately $16.5 million during 2013 compared to 2012. We also experienced manufacturing inefficiencies and lower fixed costs absorption in our Aerospace Energy and Engineered Components reportable segments. In addition, we continuewithin our Aerospace reportable segment, gross profit decreased by approximately $7.7 million due to experience an overall less favorable product sales mix in the reportable segments with recent acquisitions,manufacturing inefficiencies and lower fixed cost absorption and approximately $5.5 million to adjust certain inventory parts to estimated net realizable value as well as the acquired businesses tendresult of a higher year-over-year physical inventory shrink and scrap rate. Partially offsetting these impacts was an increase of gross profit within our Energy reportable segment of approximately $6.0 million, primarily due to have lower margins than our historical businesses, plus we incur purchase accounting charges and integrationrestructuring costs inas compared to the first several quarters of ownership. While we continue to generate significant savings from capital investments, productivity projects and lean initiatives across all of our businesses, the savings from those projects has primarily been offset by economic cost increases and our investment in growth initiatives.prior year.
Operating profitloss margin (operating profitloss as a percentage of sales) approximated 8.6%5.5% and 10.1%0.5% in 20132016 and 2012,2015, respectively. Operating profit decreased$8.5loss increased approximately $39.7 million,, or 6.6%, to $119.6$44.0 million in 20132016, as compared to $128.1$4.3 million in 2012. Operating profit dollars and margin decreased2015, primarily due to approximately $18.0$98.9 million of incremental costs incurred associated with our manufacturing facility footprint consolidationin goodwill and relocation projectsintangible asset impairment charges in our Cequent AmericasAerospace reportable segment in 2016 as compared to $74.1 million in goodwill impairment charges in our Energy and Engineered Components reportable segments in 2015. In addition, operating loss increased due to our $25.6 million decrease in gross profit. These impacts were partially offset by a less favorable product sales mix as a resultreduction of the newly acquired companies comprising a larger percentage of sales and having lower margins than our legacy businesses and increased selling, general and administrative expenses in supportof $8.7 million, primarily due to costs savings associated with the execution of our acquisitionsFIP and our continued growth initiatives. These decreases were partially offset by a $10.5 million gain recognizedother cost savings actions within our PackagingEnergy and Engineered Components reportable segment on the sale of the Italian business, including $7.9 million related to the release of historical currency translation adjustments into net income, and a $2.1 million gain recognized within our Cequent APEA reportable segment on the sale of a facility in Australia.segments.
Interest expense decreased approximately $17.5$0.4 million,, to $18.3$13.7 million in 2013,2016, as compared to $35.8$14.1 million in 2012.2015. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to a reductiondecrease in our overall interest ratesweighted average variable rate borrowings to approximately $454.1 million in 2016, from approximately $631.8 million in 2015, primarily due to the third quarter 2012 redemption of our former 93/4% senior secured notes due 2017 ("Senior Notes") (face value of $250.0 million) anddistribution from Horizon to the refinancing of our Credit Agreement at lower interest rates. Interest expense further declined dueCompany in connection with the Cequent spin-off in June 2015, which the Company used to a decrease in ourreduce outstanding borrowings. The effective weighted average interest rate on our outstanding variable rate borrowings, including our Credit Agreement and accounts receivable facilities, towas approximately 2.6%2.2% for 2013, from 3.5% in 2012. Partially offsetting these reductions was an increase in our weighted-average variable rate borrowings to approximately $514.2 million in 2013, from approximately $321.7 million in 2012, primarily due to2016 and 1.9% for 2015. Historically, a shift in our debt structure to all bank debt with the redemptionportion of our higher-interest Senior Notes.interest expense was allocated to the Cequent businesses and was recorded as discontinued operations.
We incurred debt extinguishment costsfinancing and related expenses of approximately $2.5$2.0 million in 20132015 related to the redemptionamendment of our Senior Notes and refinanceCredit Agreement in conjunction with the spin-off of our U.S. bank debt. In 2013, we incurred approximately $46.8 millionthe Cequent businesses during the second quarter of debt extinguishment costs related to the refinance of our former U.S. bank debt.2015.
Other expense, net decreased approximately $1.3$1.3 million to $1.7$0.5 million in 2013,2016, from $3.0$1.8 million in 2012. The change was primarily related to a bargain purchase gain of approximately $2.8 million recorded in 2013 on the acquisition of certain towing technology and business assets of AL-KO within our Cequent APEA reportable segment.2015. The decrease was partially offset by approximately $2.1 millionprimarily due to the impact of incremental costs attributable to a reductionrealized currency gains and losses and reductions of certain indemnification assets related to uncertain tax liabilities.

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The effective income tax rate for 20132016 was 18.7%31.7%, compared to 14.3%(29.6)% for 2012.2015. During 2013,2016, we reported domestic and foreign pre-tax incomelosses of approximately $49.5$69.9 million and $47.6$11.6 million, respectively, and recognized tax benefits of approximately $9.1$2.2 million attributabledue to certain gains not subject to tax, a change in an uncertain tax position for which the statute of limitations expired and certainresearch and manufacturing tax holidays.incentives. In addition, we incurredwere unable to record tax chargesbenefit of approximately $4.2$5.1 million during 2013 directly attributable to increases in valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets including foreign tax operating loss carryforwards and international restructuring events. In 2012, we reported domestic and foreign pre-tax income of approximately $12.2 million and $30.3 million, respectively, and recognized tax benefits of approximately $4.9 million primarily attributable to international restructuring events completed in 2012, a change in an uncertain tax position for which the statute of limitations expired and related to tax holidays.pre-tax goodwill impairment charges in the U.S. We also incurred tax charges of approximately $1.6$2.1 million during 2012 directly attributable to increases in valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets including foreign tax operating loss carryforwards. In 2015, we reported domestic and foreign pre-tax losses of approximately $(3.2) million and $(19.0) million, respectively, and recognized tax benefits of approximately $3.1 million due to a change in an uncertain tax position for which the statute of limitations expired and research and manufacturing tax incentives. In addition, we were unable to record tax benefit of approximately $11.4 million related to pre-tax goodwill impairment charges in the U.S. and certain other jurisdictions. We also incurred tax charges of approximately $3.8 million directly attributable to increases in valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets including foreign tax operating loss carryforwards.   
IncomeLoss from continuing operations increaseddecreased approximately $42.6$11.1 million to $79.0$39.8 million in 2013,2016, from $36.4a loss of $28.7 million in 2012.2015. The increasedecrease was primarily the result of a $44.4 million reduction in debt extinguishment costs year-over-year, plus a $17.5 million reduction in interest expense, plus a $1.3 million reduction in other expense, net, less a $12.1 million increase in income tax expense, less a $8.5an approximately $39.7 million decrease in operating profit.
Netprofit, which includes an approximate $23.2 million increase in goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges. The decrease was partially offset by a decrease in income attributable to noncontrollingtax benefit (expense) of approximately $24.9 million, a decrease in debt financing and related expenses of approximately $2.0 million, decreases in other expenses, net of approximately $1.3 million and a decrease in interest was $4.5 million in 2013, compared to $2.4 million in 2012. The increase relates to our 70% acquisition in Arminak in February 2012, which represents the 30% interest not attributed to TriMas Corporation.expense of approximately $0.4 million.
See below for a discussion of operating results by reportable segment.
Packaging.   Net sales increased approximately $38.17.1 million, or 13.8%2.1%, to $313.2341.3 million in 20132016, as compared to $275.2334.3 million in 20122015. Sales of our specialty systemshealth, beauty and home care products increased by approximately $44.2$10.5 million, primarily through increased salesdue to our current customersgrowth in both ourthe European, North American and EuropeanAsian markets. Partially offsetting this, salesSales of our industrial closures, rings and levers decreasedproducts increased approximately $6.2$3.4 million, of which $5.2 million was a result of the sale of the Italian rings and levers business in August 2013, as well as lower demand in North America for certain industrial closures. In addition, sales increased by approximately $0.4 million due to a net favorable currency exchange, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were positively impacted as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar relative to the Euro.
Packaging's gross profit increased approximately $19.1 million to $111.9 million, or 35.7% of sales, in 2013, as compared to $92.9 million, or 33.7% of sales, in 2012, primarily due to increased demand in the higher sales levels and the benefitsNorth American market. Sales of our ongoing cost reduction initiatives. Also contributing to this increase werefood and beverage products also increased approximately $1.3$0.7 million, of purchase accounting adjustments related to the step-up in value and subsequent amortization of inventory in connection with our February 2012 acquisition of Arminak incurred during 2013 that did not recur in 2013. In addition gross profit margin increased as Packaging's two acquired companies, Arminak and Innovative Molding, continue to improve their margins from historical levels (which were below the legacy business' margins) via investment in capital projects and productivity efforts. Partially offsetting these increases are incremental costs associated with Packaging's penetration into the Asia specialty dispensing market, as we continue to invest in manufacturing capability.
Packaging's selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $3.2 million to $38.5 million, or 12.3% of sales, in 2013, as compared to $35.3 million, or 12.8% of sales, in 2012, primarily in support of our sales growth initiatives. In addition, during 2012 we recognized a previously deferred gain of $1.5 million associated with the segment's postretirement benefit plan and incurred approximately $1.0 million in combined travel, legal, finance and other diligence costs associated with consummating the acquisition of Arminak.
Packaging's operating profit increased approximately $26.2 million to $83.8 million, or 26.7% of sales, in 2013, as compared to $57.6 million, or 20.9% of sales, in 2012. Operating profit and operating profit margin both increased primarily due to an approximate $10.5 million gain recognized onincreased demand in the sale of the Italian business, including $7.9 million related to the release of historical currency translation adjustments into net income. In addition, operating profit further increased as a result of increased sales, with profit margin also increasing as a result of reduced acquisition costs, additional productivity initiatives and additional operating leverage on the higher sales levels, which were partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses incurred in 2013.
Energy.    Net sales for 2013increased approximately $15.4 million, or 8.1%, to $205.6 million, as compared to $190.2 million in 2012. Sales increased $15.9 million due to acquisitions, including CIFAL Industrial e Comercial Ltda™ ("CIFAL"), Gasket Vedações Técnicas Ltda (“GVT”) and Wulfrun Specialised Fasteners ("Wulfrun"), and an additional $5.8 million was driven by increases with our engineering and construction customers.United States. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in normal customer shutdown/turnaround activity at refineries and petrochemical plants compared to the prior year, as they deferred their spending on such activity out of 2013, and approximately $1.5$7.5 million of unfavorable currency exchange, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were negatively impacted as a net result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies.

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GrossPackaging's gross profit within Energy decreasedincreased approximately $2.0$0.4 million to $46.2$121.0 million,, or 22.5%35.4% of sales, in 2013,2016, as compared to $48.2$120.6 million,, or 25.3%36.1% of sales, in 2012.2015. Gross profit margin declined due to lower fixed cost absorption as a result of decreased sales volume, and a less favorable shift in product sales mix, with a higher percentage of sales being generated by lower margin standard gaskets and bolts given the reduction in shutdown/turnaround activity as well as a higher percentage of sales being generated from our non-U.S. acquisitions and branches, which typically have lower margins due to inherited manufacturing inefficiencies, aggressively pricing products to penetrate new markets and incurring launch costs, including employee training of manufacturing processes. These mix and acquisition pressures more than offset continued labor productivity and manufacturing efficiency gains during 2013.
Selling, general and administrative expenses within Energy increased approximately $6.9 million to $37.2 million, or 18.1% of net sales, in 2013, as compared to $30.3 million, or 16.0% of net sales, in 2012. This increase was primarily in support of our growth initiatives, including approximately $4.9 million for the normal operating selling, general and administrative costs of our recent acquisitions, along with an additional $0.9 million of third party finance and legal diligence fees associated with the acquired companies.
Operating profit within Energy decreased approximately $9.2 million to $8.6 million, or 4.2% of sales, in 2013, as compared to $17.8 million, or 9.4% of sales, in 2012. Operating profit decreased despite the increase in sales, as mix shift, with more sales resulting from lower margin standard gaskets and bolts, recent acquisitions and branches, which make up a higher percentage of sales and have lower margins, lower fixed cost absorption, and increases in selling, general and administrative costs in support of growth initiatives more than offset the higher sales levels and productivity and efficiency gains.
Aerospace.    Net sales in 2013 increased approximately $22.3$5.2 million or 30.5%, to $95.5 million, as compared to $73.2 million in 2012. Sales increased approximately $13.4 million due to the acquisition of Martinic and $2.8 million due to the acquisition of Mac. The remainder of the increase related to higher sales levels, in our blind bolt fastener product lines as a resultexcluding the impact of increased demand related to new OEM platforms as well as an increaseunfavorable foreign exchange, and by approximately $1.1 million due to new product introductions in aerospace collars.
Gross profit within Aerospace increased approximately $4.2 million to $34.7 million, or 36.3% of sales, in 2013, from $30.5 million, or 41.7% of sales, in 2012, primarily as a result of increased sales levels. While gross profit increased as a result of the higher sales levels, gross profit margin decreased predominately due to manufacturing inefficiencies and increased labor costs primarily related to blind bolt fastener production scheduling inefficiencies, costs associated with the start-up of a new facility to manufacture aerospace collars in Tempe, Arizonaimproved overhead cost absorption and a lessmore favorable product sales mix due to Martinic and Mac having lower gross margins than the legacy aerospace business. Additionally, we incurred approximately $1.2 million of purchase accounting-related adjustments during 2013 related to the step-up in value and subsequent sale of inventory and amortization of intangible assets in connection with our Martinic and Mac acquisitions.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $2.3 million to $11.8 million, or 12.4% of sales, in 2013, as compared to $9.5 million, or 13.0% of sales, in 2012, primarily due to higher ongoing selling, general and administrative costs of approximately $1.4 million associated with our Martinic and Mac acquisitions and approximately $0.7 million of incremental intangible asset amortization costs for Martinic and Mac. Additionally, we incurred approximately $0.4 million of incremental combined legal and other diligence costs associated with consummating the acquisitions. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales primarily due to the operating leverage gained on the higher sales levels.
Operating profit within Aerospace increased approximately $1.8 million to $22.8 million, or 23.9% of sales, in 2013, as compared to $21.0 million, or 28.7% of sales, in 2012, primarily due to higher sales levels. Operating profit margin declined due to the manufacturing and new facility inefficiencies during 2013 and the purchase accounting adjustments and acquisition costs, which were only partially offset by the leverage gained on higher sales levels.
Engineered Components.    Net sales in 2013decreased approximately $14.6 million, or 7.3%, to $185.4 million, as compared to $200.0 million in 2012. Sales of slow speed and compressor engines and related products decreased by approximately $14.1 million as a result of decreased drilling activity and reduced demand in international markets. Sales of gas compression products and processing and meter run equipment decreased by approximately $4.9 million, also as a result of the aforementioned reduction in drilling. This was offset by increased sales in our industrial cylinder business of approximately $4.4 million resulting from increased market share gains, which we believe were partially aided by competitive balance in the high pressure cylinder market following the International Trade Commission's ("ITC") May 2012 imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imported high pressure cylinders, as well as increased growth in international markets and new product introductions in high pressure and acetylene ISO cylinders.

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Gross profit within Engineered Components decreased approximately $6.9 million to $33.3 million, or 18.0% of sales, in 2013, from $40.2 million, or 20.1% of sales, in 2012, primarily due to the lower sales levels. Gross margin declined in our engine business in 2014 due to lower fixed cost absorption resulting from lower production and purchasing levels given the decline in sales and a less favorable product sales mix. Gross margin within our industrial cylinder business increased as a result of productivity initiatives, which more than offset decreases in margin related to increased utility costs, primarily driven by natural gas inflation and less a favorable product sales mix.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $1.1 million to $13.6 million, or 7.3% of sales, in 2013, as compared to $12.5 million, or 6.2% of sales, in 2012, as our engine business continued to invest in growth initiatives related to its newer gas compression and related products, and our industrial cylinder business continued to invest in both new products and growth opportunities. These increases were partially offset by reductions in legal fees associated withapproximately $1.5 million of start-up costs for the anti-dumping claim in 2013 within our industrial cylinder business.
Operating profit within Engineered Components decreased approximately $8.5 million to $19.5 million, or 10.5% of sales, in 2013, as compared to $28.0 million, or 14.0% of sales, in 2012, primarily due tonew Mexican manufacturing facility, the lower sales levels between years, lower fixed cost absorption and less favorable product sales mix in our engine business, which was partially offset by sales increases and productivity initiatives in the industrial cylinder business.
Cequent APEA.    Net sales increased approximately $23.0 million, or 17.9%, to $151.6 million in 2013, as compared to $128.6 million in 2012. The acquisitions of Witter, in April 2013, the towing technology and business assets of AL-KO, in July 2013, and the full year effectimpact of the reduction of an estimated acquisition liability of Trail Com Limited ("Trail Com"),approximately $1.2 million during 2015, which did not repeat in July 2012, contributed2016, and approximately $29.0$3.2 million of incremental sales. Additionally, we realized additional sales due to new Asian-based business awards. Partially offsetting these increases were lower customer demand in Australia as a result of political and economic conditions during the second half of 2013 and the negative impact ofunfavorable currency exchange, of approximately $7.3 million, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were negatively impacted as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies.
Packaging's selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $0.8 million to $42.8 million, or 12.5% of sales, in 2016, as compared to $42.0 million, or 12.6% of sales, in 2015. The increase was primarily due to approximately $1.0 million of severance and other costs related to the closure of our existing Mexico manufacturing facility and establishment and move to the new manufacturing facility in Mexico, as well as the impact of the reduction in the Arminak contingent liability of approximately $1.1 million in 2015. In addition, professional fees increased approximately $1.7 million as a result of our front end reorganization to operate on a global versus regional basis, combined with other growth and product initiatives. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $1.7 million due the impact of foreign currency, with the remainder of the decrease primarily related to lower employee related costs as a result of execution of the FIP.
Packaging's operating profit decreased approximately $0.6 million to $77.8 million, or 22.8% of sales, in 2016, as compared to $78.5 million, or 23.5% of sales, in 2015. Although sales levels increased, operating profit and related margin declined primarily due to the reduction in acquisition and contingent liabilities in 2015, which did not repeat in 2016, costs related to the closure and move from our existing facility in Mexico to a new facility, higher professional fees and unfavorable currency exchange, which the incremental profit generated on higher sales levels and lower employee costs mostly offset.
Aerospace.    Net sales decreased approximately $1.6 million, or 0.9%, to $174.9 million in 2016, as compared to $176.5 million in 2015. Sales to distribution customers declined by approximately $8.3 million, primarily as a result of certain large customers continuing planned reductions of their investment in on-hand inventory levels of certain fastener products. Sales to OE customers decreased approximately $4.0 million, as while demand continued at expected levels, we experienced scheduling and production constraints, primarily in the first half of 2016, which impacted our ability to meet current demand. These decreases were partially offset by approximately $10.6 million of increased sales related to the November 2015 machined components facility acquisition.
Gross profit within Aerospace decreased approximately $23.2 million to $35.4 million, or 20.2% of sales, in 2016, from $58.6 million, or 33.2% of sales, in 2015. Of this decrease in gross profit, approximately $8.6 million is due to a less favorable product sales mix, with lower margin standard fasteners and machined component products comprising a larger percentage of the total sales. In addition, approximately $7.7 million of the reduction is due to manufacturing inefficiencies and lower fixed cost absorption as a result of lower organic sales levels plus the first half 2016 production and scheduling challenges in our Commerce, CA facility. Approximately $5.5 million relates to adjustments to inventory, reducing certain inventory parts to estimated net realizable value and as a result of higher year-over-year physical shrink and scrap rates, and approximately $1.4 million is related to integration and new product qualification costs for the acquired machined components facility.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $2.5 million to $27.2 million, or 15.5% of sales, in 2016, as compared to $29.7 million, or 16.8% of sales, in 2015, primarily due to cost savings associated with the FIP, as well as costs related to warehouse consolidation and other sales-related reorganizations incurred in 2015 that did not repeat in 2016.
Operating profit within Aerospace decreased approximately $119.1 million to an operating loss of $90.8 million, or 51.9% of sales, in 2016, as compared to $28.3 million, or 16.0% of sales, in 2015. Operating profit and related margin decreased primarily due to approximately $98.9 million of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges in the fourth quarter of 2016. Operating profit also declined as a result of the current product sales mix, manufacturing inefficiencies and lower fixed cost absorption, inventory adjustments and integration expenses, which were partially offset by cost savings associated with the FIP.
Energy.    Net sales for 2016decreased approximately $34.4 million, or 17.8%, to $159.0 million, as compared to $193.4 million in 2015. Sales decreased by approximately $24.8 million in the United States and by approximately $7.1 million in our international branches, due to weaker upstream and downstream demand, primarily from the major oil and petrochemical refinery customers. Sales further declined by approximately $1.4 million due to lower sales resulting from branch closures in Brazil, China and the Netherlands, and approximately $1.1 million of net unfavorable currency exchange, as our reported results in U.S. dollars were negatively impacted as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies.
Cequent APEA's gross profit increased approximately $4.7 million to $30.8 million, or 20.3% of net sales in 2013, from approximately $26.1 million, or 20.3% of net sales, in 2012, primarily due to higher sales levels. Gross profit margin increased due to efficiencies gained in our new Australian facility following the completion of the consolidation of two manufacturing facilities into one new facility during 2012 and productivity gains in our Asian plants. However, this increase in margin was essentially offset by the combination of a less favorable product sales mix, as the newly acquired businesses have lower margins than the legacy business, and approximately $0.8 million of incremental purchase accounting-related adjustments associated with the step-up in value and subsequent amortization of inventory in connection with our 2013 acquisitions compared to the 2012 acquisition of Trail Com.
Cequent APEA's selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $5.0 million to $18.9 million, or 12.5% of sales in 2013, as compared to $13.9 million, or 10.8% of sales in 2012, primarily as a result of sales increases and in support of our growth initiatives, including approximately $2.8 million of normal operating selling, general and administrative costs related to Witter and AL-KO, as well as increased legal and professional diligence costs of approximately $1.1 million associated with completion of our European acquisitions.
Cequent APEA's operating profit increased approximately $1.6 million to $13.9 million, or 9.2% of sales, in 2013, from $12.3 million, or 9.6% of net sales in 2012. Operating profit increased primarily due to higher sales levels as well as a $2.1 million gain on the sale of a facility in Australia. Operating profit margin decreased in 2013 as compared to 2012, as the margin impact of the facility efficiency gains was more than offset by the less favorable product sales mix and incremental costs associated with our recent acquisitions.
Cequent Americas. Net sales increased approximately $36.9 million, or 9.2%, to $437.3 million in 2013, as compared to $400.4 million in 2012, primarily due to year-over-year increases within our retail, auto original equipment ("OE") and aftermarket channels. Net sales within our retail channel increased by approximately $17.4 million, primarily due to increased demand from existing customers associated with new towing accessory and ramp products, growth in internet sales as well as the recent acquisition of our broom and brush product line. Sales within our OE channel increased approximately $12.4 million due to increased OEM build rates and new business awards. Sales within our aftermarket channel increased approximately $8.8 million, predominately due to strength in the recreational vehicle and OE aftermarket subcategories and due to our July 2012 acquisition of Engetran Engenharia, Indústria, e Comércio de Peças e Acessórios Veiculares Ltda ("Engetran") and our November 2013 acquisition of DHF Soluções Automotivas Ltda ("DHF"), which combined generated approximately $4.6 million in incremental revenue. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $1.9 million in our industrial channel, primarily due to an overall decrease in agricultural and industrial trailer production as well as the rationalization of certain lower margin electrical and lighting products.

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Cequent Americas' grossGross profit decreasedwithin Energy increased approximately $10.3$6.0 million to $94.2$29.7 million,, or 21.5%18.7% of sales, in 2013, from approximately $104.52016, as compared to $23.7 million,, or 26.1%12.3% of sales, in 2012.2015. The profit generated from the increasedecline in sales during 2013 was more than offset byresulted in approximately $15.4$4.1 million lower gross profit. However, gross profit increased year-over-year primarily due to approximately $4.8 million of incrementallower restructuring-related costs associated with our announced closureas compared to the prior year and approximately $4.0 million lower material costs as a result of our Goshen, Indiana manufacturing facility and relocationcosts incurred in 2015 as part of the production therefromU.S. West Coast port delays, which caused us to our lowertemporarily produce certain products in higher cost country facilities. The largest costs relatedfacilities to the facility closure were approximately $4.6 million of estimated future unrecoverable lease obligations on the Goshen facility and $4.0 million of employee severance costs primarily associated with the hourly employees.meet demand levels. The remainder of the costs related to inefficiencies and duplicate costs incurred as production continued during the move, as well as costs to rig and move the machinery and equipment. In our retail business, we incurred approximately $1.0 million of costs associated with the consolidation of our two broom and brush facilities into one during 2013. In addition, we experienced a less favorable product sales mixincrease in 2013,gross profit is primarily due to incremental sales from our new retail broomlower labor and brush line, Engetran and DHF, which yield lower margins than certainfixed costs as a result of the other products in this reportable segment,cost savings actions as well as an increase in freight costs in our retail business.part of the FIP.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increasedwithin Energy decreased approximately $8.2$4.4 million to $85.4$42.4 million,, or 19.5%26.7% of sales, in 2016, as compared to $46.8 million, or 24.2% of sales, in 2015, primarily as a result of higher costs in 2015 associated with execution of the FIP. In addition, we incurred approximately $1.9 million of costs in 2015 associated with the resolution of a previous legal claim, net of insurance recoveries.
Operating profit within Energy increased approximately $83.3 million to $13.8 million, or 8.7% of sales, in 2016, as compared to $97.2 million, or 50.2% of sales, in 2015, primarily as a result of a $72.5 million goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment charge during 2015, which did not repeat in 2016. Additionally, operating profit improved as a result of savings and lower year-over-year costs from our restructuring efforts, as well as 2015 costs associated with the West Coast port delays and legal claim which did not repeat in 2016.
Engineered Components.2013    Net sales in 2016decreased approximately $41.0 million, or 25.7%, to $118.8 million, as compared to $77.2159.8 million, in 2015. Sales of our engines and compression-related products declined approximately $21.4 million as a result of reduced levels of oil and gas drilling and well completions in the U.S. and Canada in response to lower oil prices. Sales of our industrial cylinders decreased by approximately $19.6 million, primarily due to the impact of customer consolidation and lower demand for large high pressure gas cylinders in industrial applications.
Gross profit within Engineered Components decreased approximately $8.8 million to $24.4 million, or 19.3%20.6% of sales, in 2012,2016, from $33.2 million, or 20.8% of sales, in 2015, primarily due to higher ongoing selling, general and administrative costsas a result of approximately $2.3 million associated with our acquisitions of Engetran, DHF and our broom and brush product line. Additionally, this segment incurred higher employee costs in supportthe decreased sales levels. Gross profit margin from sales of our growth initiativesengine and recognized approximately $1.6 millioncompression-related products decreased as a result of increased selling,lower fixed cost absorption despite cost reductions to better align our cost structure with current demand levels. Gross profit margin from sales of our industrial cylinders remained relatively flat, as increases resulting from lower input costs and a more favorable product mix of higher margin specialty cylinders in place of higher volume large high pressure gas cylinders were offset by the impact of lower sales levels and lower fixed cost absorption.
Selling, general and administrative expenses associated with our actionsdecreased approximately $2.9 million to move and consolidate production facilities.
Cequent Americas' operating profit decreased approximately $18.5$8.9 million, to $8.9 million, or 2.0%7.5% of sales, in 2013, from $27.42016, as compared to $11.8 million,, or 6.8%7.4% of net sales, in 2012, as the profit earned on the higher sales levels was more than offset by costs incurred related to the footprint and lower cost country project, the less favorable product sales mix and the increase2015. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses in supportwas primarily a result of our growth initiatives.FIP and other cost savings initiatives for engine and compression-related products, as we reduced costs given the low oil-related activity to better align our cost structure with current demand levels. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses were lowered for industrial cylinder products as a result of lower demand for gas cylinders in industrial applications.
Operating profit within Engineered Components decreased approximately $2.9 million to $15.3 million, or 12.9% of sales, in 2016, as compared to $18.2 million, or 11.4% of sales, in 2015. Operating profit declined primarily due to lower sales levels, partially offset by a $3.2 million goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2015 that did not recur in 2016. Despite the decrease in sales, operating profit margin increased due to execution of our FIP and other cost savings actions, which allowed the engine business to remain near break-even levels despite the reduction in net sales.
Corporate Expenses.    Corporate expenses and management fees included in operating profit consist of the following:following (dollars in millions):
 Year ended December 31,
 2013 2012 Year ended December 31,
 (in millions) 2016 2015
Corporate operating expenses $14.9
 $14.6
 $14.6
 $12.4
Employee costs and related benefits 22.9
 21.4
 17.9
 19.7
Corporate expenses $37.8
 $36.0
 $32.5
 $32.1

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Corporate expenses included in operating profit increased approximately $1.8$0.4 million to $37.8$32.5 million in 2013,2016, from $36.0$32.1 million in 2012. The increase between years is2015. Corporate operating expenses increased primarily attributeddue to higher employeeapproximately $4.7 million of costs incurred in 2016 associated with change in our President and CEO as well as Vice President of Human Resources. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in third-party professional fees and other corporate costs of approximately $1.6 million, approximately $0.5 million of FIP related costs that were incurred in 2015 that did not repeat in 2016 and a favorable property tax assessment settlement in 2016 of approximately $0.4 million for a former business unit. Employee costs and related benefits and third party professional fees, both increasingdecreased approximately $1.8 million, primarily due to lower headcount following the Cequent spin-off as well as lower employee levels following the FIP, which were partially offset by an increase in supportexpense related to the timing of our domestic and international organic and acquisition growth efforts.long-term incentive compensation.
Discontinued Operations.    The results of discontinued operations consists of the cessation of operations of the NI Industries business during September 2014 and our precision tool cutting and specialty fitting lines of business,former Cequent businesses, which were sold in December 2011. Income (loss)spun-off on June 30, 2015. Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense,expenses, was $1.1$4.7 million and $(0.1) million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.for the year ended December 31, 2015. See Note 65, "Discontinued Operations," to our consolidated financial statements attached herein.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
Cash flows provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 20142017 waswere approximately $123.4$120.1 million,, as compared to $87.6$80.5 million in 20132016. Significant changes in cash flows provided by operating activities of continuing operations and the reasons for such changes are as follows:
In 20142017, the Company generated $124.7111.2 million in cash flows, based on the reported net income of $69.3$31.0 million and after considering the effects of non-cash items related to gainslosses on dispositions of businesses and other assets, depreciation, amortization, stock compensation and related changes in excess tax benefits, changes in deferred income taxes, debt financing and extinguishment costsrelated expenses, stock-based compensation and other net.operating activities. In 20132016, the Company generated $118.5$82.9 million based on the reported net incomeloss of $80.139.8 million and after considering the effects of similar non-cash items.items as well as non-cash effects related to impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.
IncreasesDecreases in accounts receivable resulted in a usesource of cash of approximately $13.31.2 million and $25.68.0 million in 20142017 and 20132016, respectively. The increasedecreases in accounts receivable isare due primarily to the increase in year-over-year sales and the timing of sales and collection of cash within the period. Our daysperiods. Days sales outstanding of receivables remained relatively flat year-over-year.decreased by two days in 2017 as compared to 2016, primarily as a result of our increased focus on collections activity.

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We used approximately $7.5 million and $10.7 million of cash in 2014 and 2013, respectively, forreduced our investment in inventory by approximately $4.4 million and $5.2 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, primarily due to our inventories. Inventory levels increased primarily to support the increased sales volumes. While our gross inventory levels are higher in 2014 than in 2013, our days sales of inventory have remained relatively flat,facility consolidation efforts, as we have not needed to make significant investment in additionalincrease our inventory in 2014, despitestock to support the 8.0% increase in year-over-year sales year-over-year.
Prepaid expenses and other assets resultedlevels. Our days sales in a cash source of approximately $5.4 millioninventory decreased by three days in 2014,2017 as compared to a use of cash of approximately $2.4 million in 2013, primarily due to the reduction of certain indemnification assets related to uncertain tax liabilities, and the timing of prepayments made for investments in manufacturing supplies, spare parts and tooling assets to support our increased sales levels.
2016.
Increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities resulted in a net source of cash of approximately $14.1$3.6 million in 2014, as compared2017, primarily due to$7.8 million in 2013. The increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is primarily driven by the timing of payments made to suppliers and mix of vendors and related terms for inventory purchases to support our increased sales levels. In addition, income taxesterms. Decreases in accounts payable increased byand accrued liabilities resulted in a cash use of approximately $5.8$18.1 million in 2014 due to2016, primarily a result of lower purchases of inventory and other supplies given the increase in income tax expense and the timing of income tax payments made.lower sales demand. Our days accounts payable on hand at year end increased from approximately 60 days in 2013 to approximately 63 days in 2014.
remained flat year-over-year.
Net cash used for investing activities in 20142017 was approximately $410.1$32.4 million,, as compared to $130.3$31.1 million in 2013.2016. During 2014,2017, we paid approximately $382.9 million for the acquisition of Allfast in our Aerospace reportable segment and Lion Holdings in our Packaging reportable segment. We also incurred approximately $34.536.8 million in capital expenditures in 2014, as we have continued our investment in growth, capacity and productivity-related capital projects. Cash received from the disposition of assets was approximately $7.24.5 million in 20142017, primarily due to the sale of certain intellectual property and related inventory and tooling within our discontinued NI Industries business.. During 20132016, we paid approximately $105.8 million for business acquisitions, with the largest three acquisitions being Mac and Martinic in our Aerospace reportable segment and Witter in our Cequent APEA reportable segment. We also invested approximately $39.5$31.3 million in capital expenditures. Cashexpenditures and received cash from the disposition of assets wasof approximately $14.9 million in 2012, primarily due to the sale of our Italian rings and levers business in the Packaging reportable segment and the sale of a facility in Australia within our Cequent APEA reportable segment.$0.2 million.
Net cash provided byused for financing activities in 20142017 was approximately $284.1$80.8 million,, as compared to $49.2$48.1 million in 20132016. During 20142017, we hadissued $300.0 million principal amount of Senior Notes, repaid approximately $257.9 million on our former Term Loan A Facility and made net additional borrowingsrepayments of approximately $265.6$116.0 million on our revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities. In connection with refinancing our long-term debt in 2017, we paid approximately $6.1 million of debt financing fees. We also used a net cash amount of approximately $0.8 million related to our stock compensation arrangements and other financing activities. During 2016, we made net repayments of approximately $13.9 million on our term loan facilities and $75.0$30.9 million on our receivables and revolving credit facilities, of which a significant portion was used to fund the Allfast acquisition. In addition, we purchased the remaining 30% noncontrolling interest of Arminak for a cashand accounts receivable facilities. We also made deferred purchase price of $51.0 million. We also had cash usespayments related to our previous acquisitions of approximately $3.8$2.5 million related to debt financing costs and $1.1used a net cash amount of approximately $0.8 million net, related to our stock compensation arrangements. During 2013, we completed an equity offering for net proceeds of approximately $174.7 million, using the proceeds for general corporate purposes including retirement of debt in connection with our October 2013 refinance of our credit agreement. During 2013, we were able to reduce overall amounts outstanding on our credit facilities by a approximately $114.9 million. In addition, we used approximately $4.1 million of cash to reduce overall Australian debt outstanding. We also used approximately $1.3 million net related to our stock compensation arrangements. We had cash uses related to debt refinancing feesarrangements and distributions to noncontrolling interests partially offset by cash proceeds related to contingent consideration received during 2013.other financing activities.
Our Debt and Other Commitments
We are party to a Credit Agreement consisting of a $575.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which permits revolving borrowings denominated in specific foreign currencies, subject to a $75.0 million sub limit, and a $450.0 million senior secured term loan A facility ("Term Loan A Facility"). During the fourth quarter of 2014, we increased our Term Loan A Facility when we amended the Credit Agreement to add a $275.0 million incremental senior secured term loan A facility (“Incremental Term Loan A Facility”). The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan A Facility plus cash and additional borrowings under our existing senior secured revolving credit facility were used to fund the Allfast acquisition.

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Our Debt and Other Commitments
In September 2017, we issued $300.0 million principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due October 15, 2025 at par value in a private placement under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We used the proceeds from the offering to fully repay the $250.9 million principal, plus $0.4 million related interest, outstanding on our former Term Loan A Facility, repay approximately $41.7 million of outstanding obligations under our accounts receivable facility, pay fees and expenses of $5.0 million related to the Senior Notes offering, pay fees and expenses of $1.1 million related to amending our Credit Agreement, with the remaining amount retained as cash on our consolidated balance sheet. Of the $5.0 million of fees and expenses related to the Senior Notes, approximately $4.9 million was capitalized as debt issuance costs and approximately $0.1 million was recorded as debt financing and related expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.
The Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, commencing on April 15, 2018, and mature on October 15, 2025. The payment of principal and interest is jointly and severally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis by certain named subsidiaries of the Company (each a "Guarantor" and collectively the "Guarantors"). The Senior Notes are pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness and subordinated to all existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, our consolidated subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes represented approximately 14% of the total of guarantor and non-guarantor net sales, treating each as a consolidated group and excluding intercompany transactions between guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries. In addition, our non-guarantor subsidiaries represented approximately 33% and 48% of the total guarantor and non-guarantor assets and liabilities, respectively, as of December 31, 2017, treating the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries each as a consolidated group and excluding intercompany transactions between such groups.
Prior to October 15, 2020, we may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes at a redemption price of 104.875% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings provided that each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such equity offering. In addition, we may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a "make whole" premium.
In September 2017, we also amended our Credit Agreement, pursuant to which we were able to extend the maturity date, increase the permitted borrowings denominated in specific foreign currencies from $75.0 million to $125.0 million, remove the Term Loan A Facility and resize the revolving credit facility. We incurred fees and expenses of approximately $1.1 million related to the amendment, all of which was capitalized as debt issuance costs. We also recorded non-cash debt financing and related expenses of $2.0 million related to the write-off of previously capitalized deferred financing fees.
Below is a summary of the key terms under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2014:2017, and the key terms of the previous credit agreement in place immediately prior to entering into the amended Credit Agreement on September 20, 2017 (the Term Loan A Facility shows the face amount of borrowing at debt issuance, while the revolving credit facilities show gross availability as of each date):
Instrument Amount
($ in millions)
 Maturity Date Interest Rate
Existing Credit Agreement      
Senior secured revolving credit facility $575.0
 10/16/2018 
LIBOR(a) plus 1.500%(b)
Senior secured term loan A facility 175.0
 10/16/2018 
LIBOR(a) plus 1.500%(b)
       
Incremental Term Loan A Facility      
Senior secured term loan A facility $275.0
 10/16/2018 
LIBOR(a) plus 1.875%(b)
InstrumentAmount
($ in millions)
Maturity DateInterest Rate
Credit Agreement
Senior secured revolving credit facility$300.09/20/2022
LIBOR(a) plus 1.500%(b)
Previous Credit Agreement
Senior secured revolving credit facility$500.06/30/2020
LIBOR(a) plus 1.625%(b)
Senior secured term loan A facility$275.06/30/2020
LIBOR(a) plus 1.625%(b)
__________________________
(a)London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR")
(b) The initial interest rate spread for the amended Credit Agreement is stated as 1.625%. The interest rate spread is based upon the leverage ratio, as defined, as of the most recent determination date.

42



The Credit Agreement also provides incremental term loan facility commitments and/orfor incremental revolving credit facility commitments in an amount not to exceed the greater of $300$200 million and an amount such that, after giving effect to such incremental commitments and the incurrence of any other indebtedness substantially simultaneously with the making of such incremental commitments, the senior secured net leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, is no greater than 2.503.00 to 1.00. The terms and conditions of any incremental term loan facility and/or incremental revolving credit facility commitments must be no more favorable than the existing credit facilities under the Credit Agreement.facility.
We may be required to prepay a portion of the loans under the Term Loan A Facility in an amount equal to a percentage of our excess cash flow, as defined, with such percentage based on our leverage ratio, as defined. As of December 31, 2014, no amounts are due under this provision.
Amounts drawn under our revolving credit facility fluctuate daily based upon our working capital and other ordinary course needs. Availability under our revolving credit facility depends upon, among other things, compliance with theour Credit Agreement's financial covenants. TheOur Credit Agreement contains various negative and affirmative covenants and other requirements affecting us and our subsidiaries, that are comparableincluding the ability to, the previous credit agreement, including restrictions on incurrence ofsubject to certain exceptions and limitations, incur debt, liens, mergers, investments, loans, advances, guarantee obligations, acquisitions, assetassets dispositions, sale-leaseback transactions, hedging agreements, dividends and other restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, restrictive agreements and amendments to charters, bylaws, and other material documents. The terms of theour Credit Agreement also require us and our subsidiaries to meet certain restrictive financial covenants and ratios computed quarterly, including a maximum total net leverage ratio (total consolidated indebtedness plus outstanding amounts under the accounts receivable securitization facility, less the aggregate amount of certain unrestricted cash and unrestricted permitted investments, as defined, over consolidated EBITDA, as defined), a maximum senior secured net leverage ratio (total consolidated senior secured indebtedness, less the aggregate amount of certain unrestricted cash and unrestricted permitted investments, as defined, over consolidated EBITDA, as defined) and a minimum interest expense coverage ratio (consolidated EBITDA, as defined, over the sum of consolidated cash interest expense, as defined, and preferred dividends, as defined). The most restrictive of these financial covenants are the leverage ratio and interest expense coverage ratio. Our permitted total net leverage ratio under the Credit Agreement is 3.504.00 to 1.00 as of December 31, 2014.2017. If we were to complete an acquisition which qualifies for a Covenant Holiday Period, as defined in our Credit Agreement, then our permitted total net leverage ratio cannot exceed 4.50 to 1.00 during that period. Our actual total net leverage ratio was 1.91 to 1.00 at December 31, 2017. Our permitted senior secured net leverage ratio under the Credit Agreement is 3.50 to 1.00 as of December 31, 2017. If we were to complete an acquisition which qualifies for a Covenant Holiday Period, as defined in our Credit Agreement, then our permitted senior secured net leverage ratio cannot exceed 4.00 to 1.00 during that period. Our actual senior secured net leverage ratio was 2.71 to 1.00 as of not meaningful at December 31, 2014.2017. Our permitted interest expense coverage ratio under the Credit Agreement is 3.00 to 1.00 and, our actual interest expense coverage ratio was 13.0212.18 to 1.00 as of December 31, 2014.2017. At December 31, 2014,2017, we were in compliance with our financial and other covenants contained in the Credit Agreement.

44



The following is a reconciliation of net income, as reported, which is a GAAP measure of our operating results, to Consolidated Bank EBITDA, as defined in our Credit Agreement, for the year ended December 31, 2014.2017. We present Consolidated Bank EBITDA to show our performance under our financial covenants. Dollars are in thousands in the below tables.
 Year ended
December 31, 2014
 (dollars in thousands) Year ended
December 31, 2017
Net income $69,280
 $30,960
Bank stipulated adjustments:    
Interest expense, net (as defined)(1)
 15,900
Interest expense, net (as defined) 14,400
Income tax expense 34,340
 35,250
Depreciation and amortization 56,480
 46,870
Impairment charges and asset write-offs 3,540
Non-cash compensation expense(2)(1)
 7,440
 6,780
Other non-cash expenses or losses 13,240
 4,130
Non-recurring expenses or costs in connection with acquisition integration(3)
 7,320
Acquisition integration costs(4)
 9,600
Debt extinguishment costs(5)
 3,360
Permitted dispositions(6)
 910
Permitted acquisitions(7)
 23,980
Negative EBITDA from discontinued operations 1,760
Non-recurring expenses or costs(2)
 8,560
Business and asset dispositions 2,090
Debt financing and related costs 6,640
Consolidated Bank EBITDA, as defined $243,610
 $159,220
 December 31, 2014  December 31, 2017
 (dollars in thousands) 
Total Consolidated Indebtedness, as defined(8)
 $660,630
 
Total Indebtedness, as defined(3)
 $303,840
 
Consolidated Bank EBITDA, as defined 243,610
  159,220
 
Actual leverage ratio 2.71
x
Actual total net leverage ratio 1.91
x
Covenant requirement 3.50
x 4.00
x

  December 31, 2014
  (dollars in thousands)
Interest expense, (as defined)(1)
 $15,900
Interest income (350)
Non-cash amounts attributable to amortization of financing costs (1,940)
Pro forma adjustment for acquisitions and dispositions 5,100
Total consolidated cash interest expense, as defined $18,710

4543



 December 31, 2014  December 31, 2017
 (dollars in thousands) 
Total senior secured indebtedness(4)
 $(110) 
Consolidated Bank EBITDA, as defined $243,610
  159,220
 
Total consolidated cash interest expense, as defined 18,710
 
Actual interest expense coverage ratio 13.02
x
Senior secured net leverage ratio n/m
x
Covenant requirement 3.00
x 3.50
x
  December 31, 2017
Interest expense, as defined $14,400
Bank stipulated adjustments:  
Non-cash amounts attributable to amortization of financing costs (1,330)
Total Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, as defined $13,070
  December 31, 2017 
Consolidated Bank EBITDA, as defined $159,220
 
Total Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, as defined 13,070
 
Actual interest expense coverage ratio 12.18
x
Covenant requirement 3.00
x

(1)Includes $0.9 million of specified vendor receivables financing costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.
(2)Non-cash compensation expenses resulting from the grant of restricted shares of common stock and common stock options.
(3)Non-recurring costs and expenses related to cost savings projects, including restructuring and severance expenses, not to exceed $15 million in any fiscal year and $40.0 million in aggregate, subsequent to January 1, 2013.
(4)Costs and expenses arising from the integration of any business acquired not to exceed $15 million in any fiscal year and $40 million in the aggregate.
(5)Costs incurred with refinancing our credit facilities.
(6)EBITDA from permitted dispositions, as defined.
(7)EBITDA from permitted acquisition, as defined.
(8)Includes $21.3 million of acquisition related deferred purchase price and contingent consideration as of December 31, 2014.
In addition to our U.S. bank debt, our Australian subsidiary is party to a debt agreement which matures on August 31, 2015 and is secured by substantially all the assets of the subsidiary. There were no amounts outstanding under this agreement as of December 31, 2014 and $0.7 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2013. Borrowings under this arrangement are also subject to financial and reporting covenants. Financial covenants include a working capital coverage ratio (working capital over total debt), a minimum tangible net worth calculation (total assets plus subordinated debt, less liabilities, intangible assets and goodwill) and an interest coverage ratio (EBIT over gross interest cost), and we were in compliance with such covenants at December 31, 2014.
In May 2014, one of our Dutch subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement consisting of a $12.5 million uncommitted working capital facility which matures on May 29, 2015, is subject to interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum and is guaranteed by TriMas. In addition, this Dutch subsidiary is subject to an overdraft facility in conjunction with the uncommitted working capital facility up to $1.0 million, subject to interest at U.S. Dollar Prime Rate ("Prime Rate") plus 0.75%. As of December 31, 2014, $0.1 million was outstanding on this facility.
Non-cash compensation expenses resulting from the grant of restricted shares and units of common stock and common stock options.
(2)
Non-recurring costs and expenses relating to severance, relocation, restructuring and curtailment expenses.
(3)
Includes $4.0 million of acquisition related deferred purchase price as of December 31, 2017.
(4)
Senior secured indebtedness is negative at December 31, 2017 due to the deduction of certain unrestricted cash and unrestricted permitted investments as allowed under the Credit Agreement.
Another important source of liquidity is our $105.0$75.0 million accounts receivable facility, under which we have the ability to sell eligible accounts receivable to a third-party multi-seller receivables funding company. During April and November 2014, we amended the $105.0 million facility, reducing the usage fee on amounts outstanding to 1.00%, which previously ranged from 1.20% to 1.35%, depending on the amounts drawn under the facility. The amendment also reduced the cost of the unused portion of the facility from 0.40% to 0.35% and extended the maturity date from October 12, 2017 to October 16, 2018.
Our available liquidity under our accounts receivable facility rangesranged from $66approximately $49 million to $96$65 million, depending on the level of receivables outstanding at a given point in time during the year. We had $78.7 million and $57.0 millionno amounts outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1.62017; however, $57.8 million and $20.2 million was available but not utilized as of utilized. At December 31, 20142016, we had $45.5 million outstanding and 2013, respectively.$10.1 million available but not utilized. At December 31, 2017, we had $10.8 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility and had $274.3 million potentially available after giving effect to approximately $14.9 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding. At December 31, 20142016, we had $118.1$75.9 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility and had $435.0408.2 million potentially available after giving effect to approximately $21.9 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding. At December 31, 2013, we had $71.1 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility and had $479.8 million potentially available after giving effect to approximately $24.115.9 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding. The letters of credit are used for a variety of purposes, including support of certain operating lease agreements, vendor payment terms and other subsidiary operating activities, and to meet various states' requirements to self-insure workers' compensation claims, including incurred but not reported claims. Including availability under our accounts receivable facility and after consideration of leverage restrictions contained in the Credit Agreement, as of December 31, 20142017 and December 31, 2013,2016, we had $192.0$332.1 million and $360.3$126.5 million,, respectively, of borrowing capacity available for general corporate purposes.

46



We rely upon our cash flow from operations and available liquidity under our revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities to fund our debt service obligations and other contractual commitments, working capital and capital expenditure requirements.requirements, as well as for discretionary spending such as any repurchases of our common stock. At the end of each quarter, we use cash on hand from our domestic and certain foreign subsidiaries to pay down amounts outstanding under our revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities. Generally, excluding the impact and timing of acquisitions, we use available liquidity under these facilities to fund capital expenditures and daily working capital requirements during the first half of the year, as we experience some seasonality in our two Cequent reportable segments, primarily within Cequent Americas. Sales of towing and trailering products within this segment are generally stronger in the second and third quarters, as OEM, distributors and retailers acquire product for the spring and summer selling seasons. None of our other reportable segments experiences any significant seasonal fluctuations in their respective businesses. During the second half of the year, the investment in working capital is reduced and amounts outstanding under our revolving credit and receivable facilities are paid down.
Our combined weighted average monthly amounts outstanding on our Credit Agreement and our accounts receivable facilityborrowings approximated $512.3$381.8 million and $514.2$454.1 million during 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively. Although our weighted average monthly amounts outstanding was relatively consistent between 2014 and 2013, our monthly average amount outstanding increased during the fourth quarterThe overall decrease is primarily due to repayments using cash flows from operations.

44



Cash management related to our revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities is centralized. We monitor our cash position and available liquidity on a daily basis and forecast our cash needs on a weekly basis within the current quarter and on a monthly basis outside the current quarter over the remainder of the year. Our business and related cash forecasts are updated monthly. GivenThe majority of our cash on hand as of December 31, 2017 is located in jurisdictions outside the United States, and we have aggregate available funding under our revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities of $192.0$332.1 million at December 31, 2014,2017 after consideration of the aforementioned leverage restrictions, and basedrestrictions. Based on forecasted cash sources and requirements inherent in our business plans, we believe that our liquidity and capital resources, including anticipated cash flows from operations, will be sufficient to meet our debt service, capital expenditure and other short-term and long-term obligation needs for the foreseeable future.
Our exposure to interest rate risk results primarily from the variable rates under our Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at various rates, as more fully described in Note 12, "Long-term Debt," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K. In December 2012, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to fix the LIBOR-based variable portion of the interest rate on our term loan A, beginning February 2013, on a total of $175.0 million notional amount at 0.74%, expiring on October 11, 2017.
We are subject to variable interest rates on our term loan and revolving credit facility.and accounts receivable facilities. At December 31, 2014, one-Month LIBOR and three-Month2017, 1-Month LIBOR approximated 0.17% and 0.26%, respectively.1.56%. Based on our variable rate-based borrowings outstanding at December 31, 20142017, and after consideration of the interest rate swap agreement associated with our $175.0 million term loan A, a 1% increase in the per annum interest rate would increase our interest expense by approximately $4.8$0.1 million annually.
Principal payments required under the Credit Agreement for the term loan A facility are $5.8 million due each fiscal quarter beginning March 2015 through December 2016 and approximately $8.7 million from March 2017 through September 2018, with final payment of $333.8 million due on October 16, 2018.
In addition to our long-term debt, we have other cash commitments related to leases. We account for these lease transactions primarily as operating leases, and incurred expense from continuing operations related thereto of approximately $31.5$16.7 million in 2014.2017. We expect to continue to utilize leasing as a financing strategy in the future to meet capital expenditure needs and to reduce debt levels.
In addition to lease expense from continuing operations, we also have approximately $2.4 million in annual future lease obligations related to businesses that have been discontinued, of which approximately 77% relate to the facility for the former specialty laminates, jacketings and insulation tapes line of business (which extends through 2024) and 23% relates to the facility for the former industrial fastening business (which extends through 2022).
Market Risk
We conduct business in various locations throughout the world and are subject to market risk due to changes in the value of foreign currencies. The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are primarily the local currency in the country of domicile. We manage these operating activities at the local level and revenues and costs are generally denominated in local currencies; however, results of operations and assets and liabilities reported in U.S. dollars will fluctuate with changes in exchange rates between such local currencies and the U.S. dollar.

47



Through December 31, 2014, weWe have historically used derivative financial instruments to manage currency risks, albeit in immaterial notional contracts, as we explored the predictability of our procurement activities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries and the impact of currency rate volatility on our earnings. AsIn October 2017, we entered into cross-currency swap agreements to mitigate currency risks associated with the net investment in certain of December 31, 2014, we were party to forward contracts to hedge changesour foreign subsidiaries. See Note 12, "Derivative Instruments," included in foreign currency exchange rates with notional amounts of approximately $12.0 million. The foreign currency forward contracts hedge currency exposure between the Mexican pesoItem 8, "Financial Statements and the U.S. dollar and the Thai baht and the Australian dollar.Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for additional information.
We are also subject to interest risk as it relates to our long-term debt. We have historically and continue to useused interest rate swap agreements to fix the variable portion of our debt to manage this risk. See Note 1312, "Derivative Instruments," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for additional information.
Common Stock
TriMas is listed in the NASDAQ Global Select MarketSM. Our stock trades under the symbol "TRS"."TRS."
Commitments

45



Contractual Obligations and ContingenciesOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Under various agreements, we are obligated to make future cash payments in fixed amounts. These include payments under our long-term debt agreements, rent payments required under operating and capital lease agreements, certain benefit obligations and interest obligations on our term loans. Interest on our senior secured revolving credit facility and our $175M senior secured term loan A facility is based on LIBOR plus 150.0 basis points, interest on our Incremental Term Loan A facility is based on LIBOR plus 187.5 basis points, which equaled 1.67% and 2.11%, respectively at December 31, 2014. Interest on our receivables facility is based on LIBOR plus 100.0 basis points, which equaled 1.26% at December 31, 2014. These rates were used to estimate our future interest obligations with respect to the long-term debt included in the table below.Credit Agreement.
The following table summarizes our expected fixedsignificant contractual cash obligations over various future periods related to these items as of December 31, 20142017 (dollars in thousands).
 Payments Due by Periods
 Total 
Less than
One Year
 1 - 3 Years 3 - 5 Years 
More than
5 Years
 Payments Due by Periods
 (dollars in thousands) Total 
Less than
One Year
 1 - 3 Years 3 - 5 Years 
More than
5 Years
Contractual cash obligations:                    
Long-term debt and receivables facilities $639,330
 $23,860
 $58,530
 $556,940
 $
 $310,810
 $
 $
 $10,810
 $300,000
Lease obligations 173,960
 29,670
 55,790
 43,670
 44,830
Operating lease obligations 76,950
 13,960
 24,880
 18,260
 19,850
Benefit obligations 17,360
 2,120
 2,590
 3,050
 9,600
 17,240
 1,510
 3,110
 3,260
 9,360
Interest obligations 32,060
 9,270
 17,060
 5,730
 
Deferred purchase price and contingent consideration 26,230
 10,470
 10,950
 4,810
 
Interest obligations (a)
 118,020
 14,840
 29,680
 29,630
 43,870
Other 5,060
 1,110
 3,950
 
 
Total contractual obligations $888,940
 $75,390
 $144,920
 $614,200
 $54,430
 $528,080
 $31,420
 $61,620
 $61,960
 $373,080
__________________________
(a)
Our Senior Notes bear interest at 4.875%. Interest on our senior secured revolving credit facility is based on LIBOR plus 150.0 basis points at December 31, 2017. Interest on our receivables facility is based on LIBOR plus 100.0 basis points at December 31, 2017. These rates were used to estimate our future interest obligations with respect to the long-term debt. These rates exclude the impact of our cross-currency swap agreements. See Note 12, "Derivative Instruments," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for additional information.
As of December 31, 20142017, we had a $575.0$300.0 million revolving credit facility and a $105.075.0 million accounts receivable facility. We had $118.1$10.8 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility, and $78.7 millionno outstanding balance under the accounts receivable facility as of December 31, 20142017.
We may be required to prepay a portion of our term loan A facility in an amount equal to a percentage of our excess cash flow, as defined, which such percentage based on our leverage ratio, as defined. No amounts have been included in the contractual obligations table as a reasonable estimate cannot be determined.
As of December 31, 20142017, we are contingently liable for standby letters of credit totaling $21.914.9 million issued on our behalf by financial institutions under the Credit Agreement. These letters of credit are used for a variety of purposes, including to support certain operating lease agreements, vendor payment terms and other subsidiary operating activities, and to meet various states' requirements to self-insure workers' compensation claims, including incurred but not reported claims.
The liability related to unrecognized tax benefits has been excluded from the contractual obligations table because a reasonable estimate of the timing and amount of cash flows from future tax settlements cannot be determined. For additional information, refer to Note 20, "Income Taxes," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K.

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Credit Rating
We and certain of our outstanding debt obligations are rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's. On September 30, 2014,13, 2017, Moody's assigned a B1 rating to our Senior Notes and affirmed a rating of Ba2Ba3 to our senior secured credit facilities,Credit Agreement, as presented in Note 12,11, "Long-term Debt" included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" within this Form 10-K. Moody's also affirmed a Ba2Ba3 to our Corporate Family Rating and maintained ourits outlook as stable. On October 8, 2014,September 11, 2017, Standard & Poor's assigned a B+ rating to our senior unsecured notes, affirmed a BB- corporate credit rating to our new $275 million incremental term loan A facility used to fund the Allfast acquisition. Standard & Poor's also affirmed a BB- rating to our senior secured credit facilities and maintained ourits outlook as stable. If our credit ratings were to decline, our ability to access certain financial markets may become limited, our cost of borrowings may increase, the perception of us in the view of our customers, suppliers and security holders may worsen and as a result, we may be adversely affected.
Outlook
We believe 20142017 was a solid year for TriMas, and the first full year of significant growth and transformation foroperating within the redefined TriMas Business Model, which provides a standardized set of processes we believe will carry into 2015. Despite choppy demand foruse to drive results across our products, and a low growth economic environment,multi-industry company. Throughout the year, we grew sales levels in all six oftook several positive steps toward our reportable segments. A majority of the growth was via acquisition, with certain growth also generated organically.future.  We initiated restructuring efforts across most of our businesses which we believe will drive future margin expansion, whether optimizing our footprint to move more production to our lower-cost facilities or pruning our product portfolios to no longer sell certain lower-margin products. The largest restructuring effort underway is within our Energy reportable segment, where in response to lower demand and margin levels, we closed a sales office in China and a manufacturing facility in Brazil, and recently announced the planned move of certain standard production from our Houston, Texas manufacturing facility to a new manufacturing facility in Mexico. We also have a new leadership team in placeimproved operations in our Aerospace business,segment, increasing throughput and areefficiencies, which helped to boost sales and margin levels.  Our Packaging segment continued to perform at a high level, growing in the process of combining somewhat independent strategies into one Aerospace platform with one go-to marketa competitive environment and customer-facing strategy. We believe these initiatives will carry into 2015 and, over time, enhance our margins and business portfolio.
During 2014, we completed two acquisitions and purchased the remaining 30% ownership of Arminak & Associates. The acquisition of Lion Holdings increases ourmaintaining strong margins.  Our Energy segment continued to leverage its realigned footprint and capacity in Asiamade progress despite the impact of Hurricane Harvey. We also continued to better serverealign and capture demand from our large global packaging customers, whileimprove the acquisition of Allfast Fastening Systems significantly strengthens our product offering in aerospace applications. All of these acquisitions were in our Packagingbusinesses within Engineered Components, positioning them for the future as industrial and Aerospace reportable segments, which we believe to be the higher-growth and higher-margin segments that we strategically would like to grow at rates higher than our other segments. We expect to continue to devote significant time to digesting the 12 acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2014 to ensure we generate the expected synergies.
energy markets stabilize and/or grow. In addition, in December 2014,we were able to successfully refinance our board of directors approved a plan to pursue a tax-free spin-off ofdebt, enhancing our Cequent businesses. While the proposed spin-off is subject to various conditionscapital structure, gaining flexibility and may be affected by unanticipated developments or changes in market conditions, successful completion of the spin-off would further transform TriMas, spinning-off businesses withextending maturity dates at historically lower margins than our other businesses, and allowing for more focused deployment of capital and resources on those higher-growth and higher-margin businesses.attractive interest rates. 
While the tactics we employ may differ between years, our strategic priorities remain consistent: generating profitable growth, enhancing profit margins, optimizing capital and resource allocation and striving to be a great place for our employees to work.


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As we enter 2018, we expect to continue our positive momentum, furthering our internal initiatives to generate additional efficiencies and cost savings and leverage opportunities.  We are focused on growth programs, particularly in our Packaging and Aerospace segments, and have many initiatives underway that we expect will benefit us in 2018.  We will continue to evaluate the cost structure of our Energy and Engineered Components segments, ensuring they remain well positioned as the industrial and energy-facing end markets evolve. And, the recent enactment of the Tax Reform Act is expected to benefit TriMas overall, given a majority of our sales and production is in the United States.  While each of these factors are positive for TriMas, we are not counting on significant market improvement.  Rather, we are focused on managing our operations and internal projects that we control. We will continue to leverage the tenants of the TriMas Business Model in execution of our improvement actions, pruning our product portfolios to deemphasize or no longer sell certain lower-margin products, and seeking lower-cost sources for input costs, all while continuously assessing our manufacturing footprint and fixed cost structure.
Impact of New Accounting Standards
See Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies
The following discussion of accounting policies is intended to supplement the accounting policies presented in Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K. Certain of our accounting policies require the application of significant judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on our historical experience, our evaluation of business and macroeconomic trends, and information from other outside sources, as appropriate.
Receivables.    Receivables are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $5.44.1 million and $3.64.6 million at December 31, 20142017 and 20132016, respectively. We monitor our exposure for credit losses and maintain adequate allowances for doubtful accounts. We determine these allowances based on our historical write-off experience and/or specific customer circumstances and provide such allowances when amounts are reasonably estimable and it is probable a loss has been incurred. We do not have concentrations of accounts receivable with a single customer or group of customers and do not believe that significant credit risk exists due to our diverse customer base. See Item 1A, "Risk Factors," for additional information regarding risks associated with a concentrated customer base. Trade accounts receivable of substantially all domestic business operations may be sold, on an ongoing basis, to TSPC, a wholly-owned, special purpose entity, but remain included in our consolidated balance sheet.
Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Annual depreciation rates are as follows: landbuilding and land improvements/buildings, 10land/building improvements three to 40 years, and machinery and equipment, three to 15 years. Capitalized debt issuance costs are amortized over the underlying terms of the related debt securities. Customer relationship intangibles are amortized over periods ranging from five to 25 years, while technology and other intangibles are amortized over periods ranging from one to 30 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets.    We review, on at least a quarterly basis, the financial performance of each business unit for indicators of impairment. In reviewing for impairment indicators, we also consider events or changes in circumstances such as business prospects, customer retention, market trends, potential product obsolescence, competitive activities and other economic factors. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset group. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles.    We assess goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 1, by reviewing relevant qualitative and quantitative factors. More frequent evaluations may be required if we experience changes in our business climate or as a result of other triggering events that take place. If carrying value exceeds fair value, a possible impairment exists and further evaluation is performed.
We determine our reporting units at the individual operating segment level, or one level below, when there is discrete financial information available that is regularly reviewed by segment management for evaluating operating results. For purposes of our 20142017 goodwill impairment test, we had 12seven reporting units, within our six reportable segments, 10five of which had goodwill.goodwill, within our four reportable segments. 

47



We performedfirst perform a qualitative assessment for our annual goodwill impairment test and for our indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test, which involves significant use of management’smanagement's judgment and assumptions to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. In conducting the qualitative assessment, we consideredconsider macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, entity and reporting unit specific events, capital markets pricing, recent fair value estimates and carrying amounts, as well as legal, regulatory, and contractual factors. These factors are all considered in reaching a conclusion about whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of the intangible assets are less than the carrying values. If we conclude that further testing is required, we would perform a quantitative valuation to estimate the fair value of our intangible assets.

50

TableFollowing the Step Zero assessment in 2017, we elected to perform a Step I quantitative assessment for our Aerospace reporting unit as a result of Contentsthe partial goodwill impairment charge recorded during 2016. In conducting the Step I quantitative analysis, we determined the estimated fair value of the Aerospace reporting unit utilizing both income and market-based approaches. The income approach relies on the present value of estimated future cash flows of the business, discounted using a rate appropriately reflecting the risks inherent in the cash flows. The market approach relies on market data of other public companies that we deem comparable in operations to our reporting units. Upon completion of the goodwill impairment test, we determined that the fair value of the Aerospace reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 15%, and thus there was no goodwill impairment. In addition, a 0.5% reduction in residual growth rate combined with a 0.5% increase in the weighted average cost of capital would not have changed the conclusion reached under the Step I impairment test. For all other reporting units with goodwill, based on the Step Zero assessment and consideration of the quantitative assessment performed in 2015, where all other reporting units' fair value exceeded its carrying value by more than 89%, we did not believe that it was more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount; therefore, we determined that the Step I and Step II tests were not required.

Additionally, because of the factors previously mentioned, during the fourth quarter of 2017 we performed a quantitative assessment for all of our indefinite-lived intangible assets included within the Aerospace reportable segment, using a relief-from-royalty method. We performed a Step Zero qualitative analysis for all of our other indefinite-lived intangibles assets. The relief-from-royalty method involves the estimation of appropriate market royalty rates for our indefinite-lived intangible assets and the application of these royalty rates to forecasted net sales attributable to the intangible assets. The resulting cash flows are then discounted to present value, using a rate appropriately reflecting the risks inherent in the cash flows, which is compared to the carrying value of the assets. Upon completion of the quantitative impairment test, we determined that each of our Aerospace-related trade names had a fair value that exceeded carrying values by more than 9%.
Future declines in sales and/or operating profit, declines in our stock price, or other changes in our business or the markets for our products could result in further impairments of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits.    Annual net periodic expenseThe Company engages independent actuaries to compute the amounts of liabilities and accrued benefit obligations recorded with respect to ourexpenses under defined benefit pension plans, subject to the assumptions that the Company determines are determinedappropriate based on an actuarial basis. We determine assumptions used in the actuarial calculations which impact reported plan obligationshistorical trends, current market rates and expense, considering trends and changes in the current economic environment in determining the most appropriate assumptions to utilizefuture projections as of ourthe measurement date. Annually, we reviewthe Company reviews the actual experience compared to the most significant assumptions used and makemakes adjustments to the assumptions, if warranted. The healthcare trend rates are reviewed based upon actual claims experience. Discount rates are based upon an expected benefit payments duration analysis and the equivalent average yield rate for high-quality fixed-income investments. Pension benefits are funded through deposits with trustees and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based upon actual historical returns modified for known changes in the market and any expected change in investment policy. Postretirement benefits are not funded and our policy is to pay these benefits as they become due. Certain accounting guidance, including the guidance applicable to pensions, does not require immediate recognition of the effects of a deviation between actual and assumed experience or the revision of an estimate. This approach allows the favorable and unfavorable effects that fall within an acceptable range to be netted.
Income Taxes.    We compute income taxes using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred income taxes using current enacted tax rates are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We determine valuation allowances based on an assessment of positive and negative evidence on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis and record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Derivative Financial Instruments.    Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair valueOn December 22, 2017, the Tax Reform Act was signed into law. Among the provisions, the Tax Reform Act reduces the Federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, implements a territorial tax system and imposes a one-time tax on the balance sheet.deemed repatriation of undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, introduces additional limitations on the deductibility of interest, allows for the immediate expensing of capital expenditures through 2023 and modifies or repeals many business deductions and credits. 

48



While the Tax Reform Act provides for a territorial tax system, beginning in 2018, it includes two new U.S. tax base erosion provisions, the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions and the base-erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) provisions. The effective portionGILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of changesa deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The FASB has provided preliminary guidance that companies may make an accounting policy election to either account for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or treat any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period costs. We have elected to account for GILTI tax in the fair value of derivativesperiod in which qualifyit is incurred, and therefore have not provided any deferred tax impacts on GILTI in our consolidated financial statements for hedge accounting is recorded in other comprehensive income and is recognizedthe year ended December 31, 2017.
The BEAT provisions in the statementTax Reform Act eliminate the deduction of income whencertain base-erosion payments made to related foreign corporations, and impose a minimum tax if greater than regular tax. We do not expect the hedged item affects earnings. The ineffective portionBEAT provisions to have a significant impact to our consolidated financial statements, and have not included any tax impacts of BEAT in our consolidated financial statements for the change in fair value of a hedge is recognized in income immediately. We have historically entered into interest rate swaps to hedge cash flows associated with variable rate debt and forward currency contracts to manage currency risks.year ended December 31, 2017.
Other Loss Reserves.    We have other loss exposures related to environmental claims, asbestos claims and litigation. Establishing loss reserves for these matters requires the use of estimates and judgment in regard to risk exposure and ultimate liability. We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related principally to workers' compensation, health and welfare claims and comprehensive general, product and vehicle liability. Generally, we are responsible for up to $0.50.8 million per occurrence under our retention program for workers' compensation, between $0.3 million and $2.01.5 million per occurrence under our retention programs for comprehensive general, product and vehicle liability, and have a $0.3 million per occurrence stop-loss limit with respect to our self-insured group medical plan. We accrue loss reserves up to our retention amounts based upon our estimates of the ultimate liability for claims incurred, including an estimate of related litigation defense costs, and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported using actuarial assumptions about future events. We accrue for such items when such amounts are reasonably estimable and probable. We utilize known facts and historical trends, as well as actuarial valuations in determining estimated required reserves. Changes in assumptions for factors such as medical costs and actual experience could cause these estimates to change significantly.

5149



Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices, insurable risks due to property damage, employee and liability claims, and other uncertainties in the financial and credit markets, which may impact demand for our products.
We conduct business in various locations throughout the world and are subject to market risk due to changes in the value of foreign currencies. The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are primarily the local currency in the country of domicile. We manage these operating activities at the local level and revenues and costs are generally denominated in local currencies; however, results of operations and assets and liabilities reported in U.S. dollars will fluctuate with changes in exchange rates between such local currencies and the U.S. dollar. We may use derivative financial instruments to manage currency risks associated with our procurement activities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency risks. of our subsidiaries and the impact of currency rate volatility on our earnings.
We are also subject to interest risk as it relates to long-term debt, for which we have historically and may prospectively employ derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps to mitigate the risk of variable interest rates. See Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for details about our primary market risks, and the objectives and strategies used to manage these risks. Also see Note 1211, "Long-term Debt," and Note 1312, "Derivative Instruments," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for additional information.
 




5250



Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of TriMas Corporation


ToOpinion on the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
TriMas Corporation
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of TriMas Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”"Company") as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013, and2016, the related consolidated statements of income,operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity, for each of the twothree years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included2017, and the financial statementrelated notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and15 (collectively referred to as the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)"financial statements"). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of TriMas Corporation and subsidiariesthe Company as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, and the results of theirits operations and theirits cash flows for each of the twothree years in the period ended December 31, 2014,2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014,2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 201527, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over
Basis for Opinion
These financial reporting at Allfast Fastening Systems (“Allfast”), which was acquired on October 17, 2014 and whose financial statements constitute total assets of $366.0 million, or 22%, and net sales of $9.1 million, or 0.6%, of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at Allfast.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Detroit, Michigan
February 25, 2015

53




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
TriMas Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity of TriMas Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2012.In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement Schedule II for the year ended December 31, 2012 in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’sCompany's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidatedthe Company's financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audit.audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includesmisstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An auditOur audits also includes assessingincluded evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and the cash flows of TriMas Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2012, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.


/s/ KPMGDeloitte & Touche LLP


Detroit, Michigan
February 26, 2013, except as to note 6, which is as of February 25, 201527, 2018


We have served as the Company's auditor since 2013.


5451



TriMas Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Dollars in thousands)
 December 31, December 31,
 2014 2013 2017 2016
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $24,420
 $27,000
 $27,580
 $20,710
Receivables, net 196,320
 180,210
 112,220
 111,570
Inventories 294,630
 270,690
 155,350
 160,460
Deferred income taxes 28,870
 18,340
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,380
 18,770
 16,120
 16,060
Total current assets 558,620
 515,010
 311,270
 308,800
Property and equipment, net 232,650
 206,150
 190,250
 179,160
Goodwill 466,660
 309,660
 319,390
 315,080
Other intangibles, net 363,930
 219,530
 194,220
 213,920
Deferred income taxes 9,100
 26,290
Other assets 39,890
 50,430
 8,970
 8,400
Total assets $1,661,750
 $1,300,780
 $1,033,200
 $1,051,650
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity        
Current liabilities:        
Current maturities, long-term debt $23,860
 $10,290
 $
 $13,810
Accounts payable 185,010
 166,090
 72,410
 72,270
Accrued liabilities 101,050
 85,130
 49,470
 47,190
Total current liabilities 309,920
 261,510
 121,880
 133,270
Long-term debt 615,470
 295,450
Long-term debt, net 303,080
 360,840
Deferred income taxes 55,290
 64,940
 5,650
 5,910
Other long-term liabilities 90,440
 99,990
 58,570
 51,910
Total liabilities 1,071,120
 721,890
 489,180
 551,930
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 
 29,480
Preferred stock $0.01 par: Authorized 100,000,000 shares;
Issued and outstanding: None
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par: Authorized 400,000,000 shares;
Issued and outstanding: 45,280,385 shares at December 31, 2014 and 45,003,214 shares at December 31, 2013
 450
 450
Common stock, $0.01 par: Authorized 400,000,000 shares;
Issued and outstanding: 45,724,453 shares at December 31, 2017 and 45,520,598 shares at December 31, 2016
 460
 460
Paid-in capital 806,810
 816,450
 823,850
 817,580
Accumulated deficit (226,850) (295,320) (262,960) (293,920)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 10,220
 27,830
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (17,330) (24,400)
Total shareholders' equity 590,630
 549,410
 544,020
 499,720
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $1,661,750
 $1,300,780
 $1,033,200
 $1,051,650

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


5552



TriMas Corporation
Consolidated Statement of IncomeOperations
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012 2017 2016 2015
Net sales $1,499,080
 $1,388,600
 $1,267,510
 $817,740
 $794,020
 $863,980
Cost of sales (1,114,140) (1,037,540) (925,090) (598,600) (583,540) (627,870)
Gross profit 384,940
 351,060
 342,420
 219,140
 210,480
 236,110
Selling, general and administrative expenses (255,880) (243,230) (214,630) (129,570) (153,710) (162,350)
Net gain (loss) on dispositions of property and equipment (4,510) 11,770
 280
Operating profit 124,550
 119,600
 128,070
Net loss on dispositions of assets (1,080) (1,870) (2,330)
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets 
 (98,900) (75,680)
Operating profit (loss) 88,490
 (44,000) (4,250)
Other expense, net:            
Interest expense (15,020) (18,330) (35,800) (14,400) (13,720) (14,060)
Debt financing and extinguishment expenses (3,360) (2,460) (46,810)
Debt financing and related expenses (6,640) 
 (1,970)
Other expense, net (6,570) (1,720) (2,970) (1,240) (510) (1,840)
Other expense, net (24,950) (22,510) (85,580) (22,280) (14,230) (17,870)
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 99,600
 97,090
 42,490
Income tax expense (32,870) (18,140) (6,060)
Income from continuing operations 66,730
 78,950
 36,430
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 2,550
 1,120
 (140)
Net income 69,280
 80,070
 36,290
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 810
 4,520
 2,410
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation $68,470
 $75,550
 $33,880
Basic earnings per share attributable to TriMas Corporation:      
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 66,210
 (58,230) (22,120)
Income tax benefit (expense) (35,250) 18,430
 (6,540)
Income (loss) from continuing operations 30,960
 (39,800) (28,660)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 
 
 (4,740)
Net income (loss) 30,960
 (39,800) (33,400)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:      
Continuing operations $1.47
 $1.82
 $0.90
 $0.68
 $(0.88) $(0.64)
Discontinued operations 0.06
 0.03
 
 
 
 (0.10)
Net income per share $1.53
 $1.85
 $0.90
Net income (loss) per share $0.68
 $(0.88) $(0.74)
Weighted average common shares - basic 44,881,925
 40,926,257
 37,520,935
 45,682,627
 45,407,316
 45,123,626
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TriMas Corporation:      
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:      
Continuing operations $1.46
 $1.80
 $0.89
 $0.67
 $(0.88) $(0.64)
Discontinued operations 0.05
 0.03
 
 
 
 (0.10)
Net income per share $1.51
 $1.83
 $0.89
Net income (loss) per share $0.67
 $(0.88) $(0.74)
Weighted average common shares - diluted 45,269,409
 41,395,706
 37,949,021
 45,990,252
 45,407,316
 45,123,626


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

5653



TriMas Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in thousands)

  Year ended December 31,
  2014 2013 2012
Net income $69,280
 $80,070
 $36,290
Other comprehensive income:      
Defined pension and postretirement pension plans (net of tax of $1.7 million, $1.5 million and $1.1 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively) (Note 16) (3,340) 1,600
 (2,570)
Foreign currency translation (13,820) (15,770) 3,930
Derivative instruments (net of tax of $0.2 million, $1.7 million and $1.0 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively) (Note 13) (450) 2,740
 (1,680)
Total other comprehensive loss (17,610) (11,430) (320)
Total comprehensive income 51,670
 68,640
 35,970
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 810
 4,520
 2,410
Total comprehensive income attributable to TriMas Corporation $50,860
 $64,120
 $33,560
  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Net income (loss) $30,960
 $(39,800) $(33,400)
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Defined pension and postretirement pension plans (Note 15) 1,670
 250
 1,810
Foreign currency translation 6,050
 (12,620) (12,370)
Derivative instruments (Note 12) (650) (730) (2,650)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 7,070
 (13,100) (13,210)
Total comprehensive income (loss) $38,030
 $(52,900) $(46,610)




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


5754




TriMas Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
 Year ended December 31,Year ended December 31,
 2014 2013 20122017 2016 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:           
Net income $69,280
 $80,070
 $36,290
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisition impact:      
Gain on dispositions of businesses and other assets (2,250) (11,770) (280)
Gain on bargain purchase 
 (2,880) 
Net income (loss)$30,960
 $(39,800) $(33,400)
Loss from discontinued operations
 
 (4,740)
Income (loss) from continuing operations30,960
 (39,800) (28,660)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets
 98,900
 75,680
Loss on dispositions of assets1,080
 1,870
 2,330
Depreciation 32,770
 30,810
 25,050
26,950
 24,390
 22,570
Amortization of intangible assets 23,710
 19,770
 19,820
19,920
 20,470
 20,970
Amortization of debt issue costs 1,940
 1,780
 2,490
1,320
 1,370
 1,710
Deferred income taxes (8,620) (8,800) (8,330)15,260
 (32,160) (8,750)
Non-cash compensation expense 7,440
 9,200
 9,280
6,780
 6,940
 6,340
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation (1,180) (1,550) (2,730)
Debt financing and extinguishment expenses 3,360
 2,460
 46,810
Increase in receivables (13,290) (25,580) (3,800)
Increase in inventories (7,510) (10,690) (48,010)
Tax effect from stock based compensation
 (640) (590)
Debt financing and related expenses6,640
 
 1,970
Decrease in receivables1,220
 7,990
 5,300
Decrease in inventories4,350
 5,180
 3,250
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets 5,410
 (2,380) 620
(310) 2,550
 4,730
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 14,050
 7,800
 (3,700)3,640
 (18,120) (29,530)
Other, net (1,710) (630) (290)
Net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisition impact 123,400
 87,610
 73,220
Other operating activities2,250
 1,530
 (750)
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations120,060
 80,470
 76,570
Net cash used for operating activities of discontinued operations
 
 (14,030)
Net cash provided by operating activities120,060
 80,470
 62,540
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:           
Capital expenditures (34,450) (39,490) (46,120)(36,800) (31,330) (28,660)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (382,880) (105,790) (89,880)
 
 (10,000)
Net proceeds from disposition of businesses and other assets 7,240
 14,940
 3,000
Net proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment4,450
 220
 1,700
Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations(32,350) (31,110) (36,960)
Net cash used for investing activities of discontinued operations
 
 (2,510)
Net cash used for investing activities (410,090) (130,340) (133,000)(32,350) (31,110) (39,470)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:           
Proceeds from sale of common stock in connection with the Company's equity offering, net of issuance costs 
 174,670
 79,040
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes300,000
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings on term loan facilities 446,420
 359,470
 584,670

 
 275,000
Repayments of borrowings on term loan facilities (180,810) (587,500) (404,770)(257,940) (13,850) (444,890)
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities 1,068,100
 1,222,980
 724,500
401,300
 402,420
 1,129,840
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit and accounts receivable facilities (993,090) (1,113,910) (706,500)(517,310) (433,350) (1,169,370)
Repurchase of 93/4% senior secured notes
 
 
 (250,000)
Senior secured notes redemption premium and debt financing fees (3,840) (3,610) (42,150)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (580) (2,710) (1,260)
Payment for noncontrolling interests (51,000) 
 
Proceeds from contingent consideration related to disposition of businesses 
 1,030
 
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations (2,910) (4,440) (990)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 640
 1,620
 6,170
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation 1,180
 1,550
 2,730
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 284,110
 49,150
 (8,560)
Payments for deferred purchase price
 (2,530) (6,440)
Debt financing fees(6,070) 
 (1,850)
Shares surrendered upon options and restricted stock vesting to cover taxes(510) (1,590) (2,770)
Cash transferred to the Cequent businesses
 
 (17,050)
Other financing activities(310) 800
 1,090
Net cash used for financing activities of continuing operations(80,840) (48,100) (236,440)
Net cash provided by financing activities of discontinued operations
 
 208,400
Net cash used for financing activities(80,840) (48,100) (28,040)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:           
Increase (decrease) for the year (2,580) 6,420
 (68,340)6,870
 1,260
 (4,970)
At beginning of year 27,000
 20,580
 88,920
20,710
 19,450
 24,420
At end of year $24,420
 $27,000
 $20,580
$27,580
 $20,710
 $19,450
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:           
Cash paid for interest $10,870
 $16,750
 $31,300
$9,430
 $11,800
 $15,170
Cash paid for income taxes $41,110
 $37,700
 $25,820
$16,230
 $17,210
 $30,580

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

5855



TriMas Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity
Years Ended December 31, 20142017, 20132016 and 20122015
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Common
Stock
 
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Total
Balances at December 31, 2011 $350
 $538,610
 $(404,750) $39,580
 $173,790
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation 
 
 33,880
 
 33,880
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 (320) (320)
Net proceeds from equity offering of common stock (Note 4) 40
 79,000
 
 
 79,040
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations 
 (990) 
 
 (990)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vestings 
 6,170
 
 
 6,170
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation 
 2,730
 
 
 2,730
Non-cash compensation expense 
 9,280
 
 
 9,280
Balances at December 31, 2012 $390
 $634,800
 $(370,870) $39,260
 $303,580
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation 
 
 75,550
 
 75,550
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 (11,430) (11,430)
Net proceeds from equity offering of common stock (Note 4) 50
 174,620
 
 
 174,670
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations 
 (4,440) 
 
 (4,440)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vestings 10
 1,610
 
 
 1,620
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation 
 1,550
 
 
 1,550
Non-cash compensation expense 
 9,200
 
 
 9,200
Redemption value adjustment for noncontrolling interests (Note 5)
 
 (890) 
 
 (890)
Balances at December 31, 2013 $450
 $816,450
 $(295,320) $27,830
 $549,410
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation 
 
 68,470
 
 68,470
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 (17,610) (17,610)
Shares surrendered upon vesting of options and restricted stock awards to cover tax obligations 
 (2,910) 
 
 (2,910)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vestings 
 640
 
 
 640
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation 
 1,180
 
 
 1,180
Non-cash compensation expense 
 7,440
 
 
 7,440
Acquisition of remaining 30% interest in Arminak & Associates, LLC (net of tax of $8.4 million) (Note 5) 
 (15,990) 
 
 (15,990)
Balances at December 31, 2014 $450
 $806,810
 $(226,850) $10,220
 $590,630
  
Common
Stock
 
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Total
Balances at December 31, 2014 $450
 $806,810
 $(226,850) $10,220
 $590,630
Net loss 
 
 (33,400) 
 (33,400)
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 (13,210) (13,210)
Shares surrendered upon option and restricted stock vesting to cover tax 
 (2,770) 
 
 (2,770)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vestings 
 500
 
 
 500
Tax effect from stock based compensation 
 590
 
 
 590
Non-cash compensation expense 
 7,030
 
 
 7,030
Distribution of the Cequent businesses 
 
 6,130
 (8,310) (2,180)
Balances at December 31, 2015 $450
 $812,160
 $(254,120) $(11,300) $547,190
Net loss 
 
 (39,800) 
 (39,800)
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 (13,100) (13,100)
Shares surrendered upon option and restricted stock vesting to cover tax 
 (1,590) 
 
 (1,590)
Stock option exercises and restricted stock vestings 10
 150
 
 
 160
Tax effect from stock based compensation 
 (80) 
 
 (80)
Non-cash compensation expense 
 6,940
 
 
 6,940
Balances at December 31, 2016 $460
 $817,580
 $(293,920) $(24,400) $499,720
Net income 
 
 30,960
 
 30,960
Other comprehensive income 
 
 
 7,070
 7,070
Shares surrendered upon option and restricted stock vesting to cover tax 
 (510) 
 
 (510)
Non-cash compensation expense 
 6,780
 
 
 6,780
Balances at December 31, 2017 $460
 $823,850
 $(262,960) $(17,330) $544,020
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


5956



TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation
TriMas Corporation ("TriMas" or the "Company"), and its consolidated subsidiaries, is a globaldiversified industrial manufacturer and distributor of products for commercial,customers in the consumer products, aerospace, industrial, petrochemical, refinery and consumeroil and gas end markets. The Company is principally engaged in the following reportable segments with diverse products and market channels: Packaging, Aerospace, Energy Aerospace,and Engineered Components, Cequent Asia Pacific Europe Africa ("Cequent APEA") and Cequent Americas. The Company renamed its former "Aerospace & Defense" reportable segment "Aerospace" effective in the third quarter of 2014 following the cessation of operations of NI Industries. See Note 6, "Discontinued Operations," for further information.Components. See Note 19, "Segment Information," for further information on each of the Company's reportable segments.
On June 30, 2015, the Company completed the spin-off of its Cequent businesses, creating a new independent publicly traded company, Horizon Global Corporation ("Horizon"). The financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Cequent businesses are reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented through the date of the spin-off. See Note 5, "Discontinued Operations," for further details regarding the spin-off.
2. New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014,March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 requires that the service cost component of net period pension and postretirement benefit cost be presented in the same line item as other employee compensation costs, while the other components be presented separately as non-operating income (expense). ASU 2017-07 also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" ("ASU 2017-04"), which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating the requirement to perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure the amount of goodwill impairment. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business" ("ASU 2017-01"). ASU 2017-01 provides guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" ("ASU 2016-16"), which requires that income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory are recognized when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-16 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" ("ASU 2016-15"), which clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied using a retrospective approach. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" ("ASU 2016-02"), which requires that lessees, at the lease commencement date, recognize a lease liability representing the lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease as well as a right-of-use asset, which represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of a specified asset, for the lease term. The new guidance also aligns lessor accounting to the lessee accounting model and to Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

57

TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 requires that an entity recognizesrecognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption prohibited.Since the issuance of the original standard, the FASB has issued several subsequent updates. The Company is inhas evaluated the process of assessing the impact ofstandard and its customer contracts, and as a result, does not believe the adoption of ASU 2014-09this standard will have a material impact on the amount or timing of its consolidated financial statements.revenues. The Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective approach.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014,August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 205)815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities" ("ASU 2017-12"), which better aligns an entity's risk management activities and Property, Plant,financial reporting for hedging relationships, simplifies hedge accounting requirements and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changescreates more transparency around how economic results are presented in the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance.statements. The Company expects to adoptearly adopted ASU 2014-08 for2017-12 during the annual periods and interim periods within those years, beginning January 1, 2015.three months ended December 31, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2017-12 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation.    The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of TriMas and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompanyIntercompany transactions have been eliminated.
The Company records the initial carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value. In the event a redeemable noncontrolling interest is present at the end of a reporting period, the Company adjusts the carrying amount to the greater of (1) the initial carrying amount, increased or decreased for the redeemable noncontrolling interests' share of net income or loss, their share of comprehensive income or loss and dividends and (2) the redemption value as determined by a specified multiple of earnings, as defined. This method views the end of the reporting period as if it were also the redemption date for the redeemable noncontrolling interests. The Company conducts a quarterly review to determine if the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests is less than the redemption value. If the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests is less than the redemption value, there may be a charge to earnings per share attributable to TriMas Corporation.
Use of Estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles, valuation allowances for receivables, inventories and deferred income tax assets, valuation of derivatives, estimated future unrecoverable lease costs, estimated unrecognized tax benefits, reserves for asbestos legal and product liability matters,ordinary course litigation, assets and obligations related to employee benefits and valuation of redeemable non-controlling interests.estimated unrecognized tax benefits. Actual results may differ from such estimates and assumptions.



60

TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Cash and Cash Equivalents.    The Company considers cash on hand and on deposit and investments in all highly liquid debt instruments with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
Receivables.    Receivables are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $5.4$4.1 million and $3.64.6 million at December 31, 20142017 and 20132016, respectively. The Company monitors its exposure for credit losses and maintains allowances for doubtful accounts based upon the Company's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balances. The Company does not believe that significant credit risk exists due to its diverse customer base.
Sales of Receivables.    The Company may, from time to time, sell certain of its receivables to third parties. Sales of receivables are recognized at the point in which the receivables sold are transferred beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, the purchaser has the right to pledge or exchange the receivables and the Company has surrendered control over the transferred receivables.
Inventories.    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out method. Direct materials, direct labor and allocations of variable and fixed manufacturing-related overhead are included in inventory cost.
Property and Equipment.    Property and equipment additions, including significant improvements, are recorded at cost. Upon retirement or disposal of property and equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is included in the accompanying statement of income.operations. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Annual depreciation rates are as follows: building and land/building improvements three to 40 years, and machinery and equipment, three to 15 years. Capitalized debt issuance costs are amortized over the underlying terms of the related debt securities. Customer relationship intangibles are amortized over periods ranging from five to 25 years, while technology and other intangibles are amortized over periods ranging from one to 30 years.

58

TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets.    The Company reviews, on at least a quarterly basis, the financial performance of its businesses for indicators of impairment. In reviewing for impairment indicators, the Company also considers events or changes in circumstances such as business prospects, customer retention, market trends, potential product obsolescence, competitive activities and other economic factors. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset group. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill.    The Company assesses goodwill for impairment on an annual basis (October 1 test date) by reviewing relevant qualitative and quantitative factors. More frequent evaluations may be required if the Company experiences changes in its business climate or as a result of other triggering events that take place. If carrying value exceeds fair value, a possible impairment exists and further evaluation is performed.
The Company determines its reporting units at the individual operating segment level, or one level below, when there is discrete financial information available that is regularly reviewed by segment management for evaluating operating results. For purposes of the Company's 20142017 goodwill impairment test, the Company had 12seven reporting units, within its six reportable segments, 10five of which had goodwill. goodwill, within its four reportable segments.  See Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," for further details regarding the Company's goodwill impairment testing.




61

TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

In conducting thea qualitative assessment ("Step Zero"), the Company considers relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying amount of a reporting unit. Such events and circumstances can include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, entity and reporting unit specific events, and capital markets pricing. The Company considers the extent to which each of the adverse events and circumstances identified affect the comparison of a reporting unit's fair value with its carrying amount. The Company places more weight on the events and circumstances that most affect a reporting unit's fair value or the carrying amount of its net assets. The Company considers positive and mitigating events and circumstances that may affect its determination of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company also considers recent valuations of its reporting units, including the difference between the most recent fair value estimate and the carrying amount. These factors are all considered by management in reaching its conclusion about whether to perform the first step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If management concludes that further testing is required, the Company performs a quantitative valuation to estimate the fair value of its reporting units.
If the Company concludes that conducting a quantitative assessment is required, it will estimateperforms the first step of a two-step goodwill impairment test. For the first step ("Step I"), the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit being evaluated utilizing a combination of three valuation techniques: discounted cash flow (Income Approach)(income approach), market comparable method (Market Approach)(market approach) and market capitalization (Direct Market Data Method)(direct market data method). The Income Approachincome approach is based on management's operating plan and internal five-year forecast and utilizes forward-looking assumptions and projections, but considers factors unique to each reporting unit and related long-range plans that may not be comparable to other companies and that are not yet public. The Market Approachmarket approach considers potentially comparable companies and transactions within the industries where the Company's reporting units participate, and applies their trading multiples to the Company's reporting units. This approach utilizes data from actual marketplace transactions, but reliance on its results is limited by difficulty in identifying companies that are specifically comparable to the Company's reporting units, considering the diversity of the Company's businesses, the relative sizes and levels of complexity. The Company also uses the Direct Market Data Methoddirect market data method by comparing its book value and the estimates of fair value of the reporting units to the Company's market capitalization as of and at dates near the annual testing date. Management uses this comparison as additional evidence of the fair value of the Company, as its market capitalization may be suppressed by other factors such as the control premium associated with a controlling shareholder, the Company's degree of leverage and the float of the Company's common stock. Management evaluates and weights the results based on a combination of the Incomeincome and Market Approaches,market approaches, and, in situations where the Income Approachincome approach results differ significantly from the Marketmarket and Direct Data Approaches,direct data approaches, management re-evaluates and adjusts, if necessary, its assumptions.
Based on the Step I test, if it is determined that the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, there is an indication that an impairment may exist and the second step ("Step II") must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In Step II, the Company determines the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination and compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, goodwill is impaired and is written down to the implied fair value amount.

59

TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Indefinite-Lived Intangibles. The Company assesses indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily trademark/trade names) for impairment on an annual basis (October 1 test date) by reviewing relevant qualitative and quantitative factors. More frequent evaluations may be required if the Company experiences changes in its business climate or as a result of other triggering events that take place. If carrying value exceeds fair value, a possible impairment exists and further evaluation is performed.
In conducting thea qualitative assessment, the Company considers relevant events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets are less than the carrying values. In addition to the events and circumstances that the Company considers above in its qualitative analysis for potential goodwill impairment, the Company also considers legal, regulatory and contractual factors that could affect the fair value or carrying amount of the Company's indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company also considers recent valuations of its indefinite-lived intangible assets, including the difference between the most recent fair value estimates and the carrying amounts. These factors are all considered by management in reaching its conclusion about whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets are less than the carrying values. If management concludes that further testing is required, the Company performs a quantitative valuation to estimate the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. In conducting the quantitative impairment analysis, the Company determines the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty method. The relief-from-royalty method involves the estimation of appropriate market royalty rates for the indefinite-lived intangible assets and the application of these royalty rates to forecasted net sales attributable to the intangible assets. The resulting cash flows are then discounted to present value, using a rate appropriately reflecting the risks inherent in the cash flows, which is compared to the carrying value of the assets. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment is recorded.

62

Table of Contents See Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," for further details regarding the Company's indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing.
TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Self-insurance.High Deductible Insurance.    The Company is generally self-insuredhas a high deductible insurance plan for losses and liabilities related to workers' compensation, health and welfare claims and comprehensive general, product and vehicle liability. The Company is generally responsible for up to $0.5$0.8 million per occurrence under its retention program for workers' compensation, between $0.3 million and $2.0$1.5 million per occurrence under its retention programs for comprehensive general, product and vehicle liability, and has a $0.3 million per occurrence stop-loss limit with respect to its self-insured group medical plan. Total insurance limits under these retention programs vary by year for comprehensive general, product and vehicle liability and extend to the applicable statutory limits for workers' compensation. Reserves for claims losses, including an estimate of related litigation defense costs, are recorded based upon the Company's estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using actuarial assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions for factors such as medical costs and actual experience could cause these estimates to change.
Pension PlansPlans.    The Company engages independent actuaries to compute the amounts of liabilities and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.    Annual net periodic pension expense and benefit liabilitiesexpenses under defined benefit pension plans, subject to the assumptions that the Company determines are determinedappropriate based on an actuarial basis.historical trends, current market rates and future projections. Assumptions used in the actuarial calculations could have a significant impact on plan obligations, and a lesser impact on current period expense. Annually, the Company reviews the actual experience compared to the more significant assumptions used and makes adjustments to the assumptions, if warranted. The healthcare trend rates are reviewed based upon actual claims experience. Discount rates are based uponon an expected benefit payments duration analysis and the equivalent average yield rate for high-quality fixed-income investments. Pension benefits are funded through deposits with trustees and the expected long-term rate of return on fund assets is based uponon actual historical returns and a review of other public company pension asset return data, modified for known changes in the market and any expected change in investment policy. Postretirement benefits are not funded and it is the Company's policy to pay these benefits as they become due.
Revenue Recognition.    Revenues are recognized when products are shipped or services are provided to customers, the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss, the sales price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Net sales isare comprised of gross revenues less estimates of expected returns, trade discounts and customer allowances, which include incentives such as cooperative advertising agreements, volume discounts and other supply agreements in connection with various programs. Such deductions are recorded during the period the related revenue is recognized.
Cost of Sales.    Cost of sales includes material, labor and overhead costs incurred in the manufacture of products sold in the period. Material costs include raw material, purchased components, outside processing and inbound freight costs. Overhead costs consist of variable and fixed manufacturing costs, wages and fringe benefits, and purchasing, receiving and inspection costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses include the following: costs related to the advertising, sale, marketing and distribution of the Company's products, shipping and handling costs, amortization of customer intangible assets, costs of finance, human resources, legal functions, executive management costs and other administrative expenses.
Research and Development Costs. Research and development ("R&D") costs are expensed as incurred. R&D expenses were approximately $1.7 million, $2.0 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in cost of sales in the accompanying statement of income.
Shipping and Handling Expenses.    Freight costs are included in cost of sales and shipping and handling expenses, including those of Cequent Americas' distribution network, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statement of income. Shipping and handling costs were $5.5 million, $4.6 million, and $4.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Advertising and Sales Promotion Costs.    Advertising and sales promotion costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were approximately $9.8 million, $8.9 million and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statement of income.


6360

TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Income Taxes.    The Company computes income taxes using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred income taxes using current enacted tax rates are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company determines valuation allowances based on an assessment of positive and negative evidence on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis and records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Reform Act") was signed into law. Among the provisions, the Tax Reform Act reduces the Federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, implements a territorial tax system and imposes a one-time tax on the deemed repatriation of undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, introduces additional limitations on the deductibility of interest, allows for the immediate expensing of capital expenditures through 2023 and modifies or repeals many business deductions and credits. 
While the Tax Reform Act provides for a territorial tax system, beginning in 2018, it includes two new U.S. tax base erosion provisions, the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions and the base-erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) provisions. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The FASB has provided preliminary guidance that companies may make an accounting policy election to either account for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or treat any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period costs. The Company has elected to account for GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred, and therefore has not provided any deferred tax impacts on GILTI in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The BEAT provisions in the Tax Reform Act eliminate the deduction of certain base-erosion payments made to related foreign corporations, and impose a minimum tax if greater than regular tax. The Company does not expect the BEAT provisions to have a significant impact to its consolidated financial statements, and has not included any tax impacts of BEAT in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.
See Note 20, "Income Taxes," for further information regarding the impact of the Tax Reform Act to the Company.
Foreign Currency Translation.    The financial statements of subsidiaries located outside of the United States are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which they operate as the functional currency. When translating into U.S. dollars, income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates and assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Translation adjustmentsAdjustments resulting from translating the functional currency into U.S. dollars are deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity. Net foreign currency transaction lossesgains (losses) were approximately $1.6an approximate loss of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $1.12017, a gain of $0.8 million for each of the yearsyear ended December 31, 20132016 and 2012,a loss of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and are included in other expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.operations.
Derivative Financial Instruments.    The Company records all derivative financial instruments at fair value on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities, and changes in their fair values are immediately recognized in earnings if the derivatives do not qualify as effective hedges. If a derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, then changes in the fair value of the derivative are offset against the changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, then the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income until the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings or the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring. If a derivative is designated as a net investment hedge, then the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive income and will be subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated. The Company formally documents hedging relationships for all derivative transactions and the underlying hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. See Note 1312, "Derivative Instruments," for further information on the Company's financial instruments.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments.   In accounting for and disclosing the fair value of these instruments, the Company uses the following hierarchy:
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Valuation of the Company's interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contractscross-currency swaps are based on the income approach, which uses observable inputs such as interest rate yield curves and forward currency exchange rates.rates, as applicable.
The carrying value of financial instruments reported in the balance sheet for current assets and current liabilities approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The Company's term loan A traded at 99.5% and 99.9% of par value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company's revolving credit facility traded at 99.2% and 99.6% of par value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The valuations of the term loan A and credit facility were determined based on Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy, as defined.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Business Combinations. The Company records assets acquired and liabilities assumed from acquisitions at fair value. The fair value of working capital accounts generally approximateapproximates book value. The valuation of inventory, property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets require significant assumptions. Inventory is recorded at fair value based on the estimated selling price less costs to sell, including completion, disposal and holding period costs with a reasonable profit margin. Property plant and equipment is recorded at fair value using a combination of both the cost and market approaches for both the real and personal property acquired. Under the cost approach, consideration is given to the amount required to construct or purchase a new asset of equal value at current prices, with adjustments in value for physical deterioration, as well as functional and economic obsolescence. Under the market approach, recent transactions for similar types of assets are used as the basis for estimating fair value. For trademark/trade names and technology and other intangible assets, the estimated fair value is based on projected discounted future net cash flows using the relief-from-royalty method. For customer relationship intangible assets, the estimated fair value is based on projected discounted future cash flows using the excess earnings method. The relief-from-royalty and excess earnings method are both income approaches that utilize key assumptions such as forecasts of revenue and expenses over an extended period of time, royalty rate percentages, tax rates, and estimated costs of debt and equity capital to discount the projected cash flows.
Earnings Per Share.    Net earnings are divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year to calculate basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share are calculated to give effect to stock options and other stock-based awards. The calculation of diluted earnings per share included 245,828, 293,021 and 219,911 restricted shares for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Options to purchase 251,667, 342,448 and 675,665 shares of common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The calculation of diluted earnings per share included 141,656, 176,428 and 208,175 options to purchase shares of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Stock-based Compensation.  The Company recognizes compensation expense related to equity awards based on their fair values as of the grant date. In addition, the Company periodically updates its estimate of attainment for each restricted share with a performance factor based on current and forecasted results, reflecting the change from prior estimate, if any, in current period compensation expense. The disclosed number of shares granted considers only the targeted number of shares until such time that the performance condition has been satisfied. If the performance conditions are not achieved, no award is earned.
Other Comprehensive Income.Income (Loss).  The Company refers to other comprehensive income (loss) as revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net earnings as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders' equity. Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments, amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized gains and losses in actuarial assumptions for pension and postretirement plans and changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivatives.
Reclassifications.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
4. Equity OfferingAcquisitions
In September 2013,During 2015, the Company issued 5,175,000 sharescompleted two acquisitions for an aggregate amount of its common stock via a public offering at a priceapproximately $10.0 million, net of $35.40 per share. Net proceeds fromcash acquired. The largest acquisition was the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expensesNovember 2015 acquisition of $8.5 million, totaled approximately $174.7 million. The Company used the net offering proceeds for general corporate purposes, including retirementcertain business assets of debtParker-Hannifin Corporation, located in connection withTolleson, AZ, within the Company's October 2013 refinancing, acquisitions, capital expenditures and working capital requirements.Aerospace reportable segment.
In May 2012, the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of its common stock via a public offering at a price of $20.75 per share. Net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses of $4.0 million, totaled approximately $79.0 million. Approximately $54.9 million of net proceeds were utilized to partially redeem $50.0 million aggregate principal of the Company's former 9 ¾% senior secured notes. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, capital expenditures and working capital requirements.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

5. Acquisitions
2014 Acquisitions
Allfast Fastening Systems
On October 17, 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interest in Allfast Fastening Systems, Inc. ("Allfast") for the purchase price of approximately $351.2 million, net of cash acquired, with an additional $15.7 million of deferred purchase price related to certain tax related and other reimbursements in accordance with the purchase agreement. Allfast is a global manufacturer of solid and blind rivets, blind bolts, temporary fasteners and installation tools for the aerospace industry. The acquisition strengthens the Company's specialty product offering and is strategically aligned with its growing aerospace businesses. Allfast is included in the Company's Aerospace segment.
The following table summarizes the fair value of consideration paid for Allfast, and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
  October 17, 2014
  (dollars in thousands)
Consideration  
Cash paid, net of cash acquired $351,220
Deferred purchase price(a)
 15,730
Total consideration $366,950
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed  
Receivables $8,950
Inventories 19,850
Intangible assets other than goodwill(b)
 165,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets 340
Property and equipment, net 26,490
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (2,620)
Total identifiable net assets 218,010
Goodwill(c)
 148,940
  $366,950
___________________________
(a) Of the deferred purchase price, approximately $8.7 million, represents the Company's best estimate of the underlying obligations for certain tax amounts the Company has agreed to reimburse the previous owner in order to acquire additional tax attributes. In addition, it includes approximately $7.0 million of other liabilities which the Company has agreed to pay on behalf of the previous owner, of which approximately $4.1 million was paid during 2014.
(b) Consists of approximately $83.0 million of customer relationships with an estimated useful life of 18 years, $33.0 million of technology and other intangible assets with an estimated useful life of 15 years and $49.0 million of trademark/tradename with an indefinite useful life.
(c) All of the goodwill was assigned to the Company's Aerospace reportable segment and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The results of operations of Allfast are included in the Company's results beginning October 17, 2014. The actual amounts of net sales and operating profit of Allfast included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014 are $9.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table summarizes the supplemental pro forma results of the combined entity as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013. The supplemental pro forma information presented below is for informational purposes and is not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved had the acquisition been consummated on January 1, 2013:
  
Pro forma Combined (a)
  Year ended December 31,
  2014 2013
  (dollars in thousands)
Net sales $1,548,220
 $1,442,490
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation $69,430
 $76,260
___________________________
(a)The supplemental pro forma results reflect certain material adjustments, as follows:
1.Pre-tax pro forma adjustments for amortization expense of $6.0 million and $6.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 on the intangible assets associated with the acquisition.
2.Pre-tax pro forma adjustments of $4.9 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, to reflect interest expense incurred on the incremental term loan A and revolver borrowings incurred in order to fund the acquisition.
Total acquisition costs incurred by the Company in connection with its purchase of Allfast, primarily related to third party legal, accounting and tax diligence fees, were approximately $2.2 million, all of which were incurred during 2014. These costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
Other Acquisitions
In July 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Lion Holdings PVT. Ltd. ("Lion Holdings") within the Company's Packaging reportable segment for the amount of approximately $27.5 million, net of cash acquired. Located in both India and Vietnam, Lion Holdings specializes in the manufacture of highly engineered dispensing solutions and generated approximately $10 million in revenue for the twelve months ended June 30, 2014.
The Company has recorded preliminary purchase accounting adjustments for its 2014 acquisitions, but may refine such amounts as it finalizes these estimates during the requisite one-year measurement periods.
2013 Acquisitions
During 2013, the Company completed various 100%-owned acquisitions for an aggregate amount of approximately $105.8 million, net of cash acquired, with an additional $12.4 million of deferred purchase price and contingent consideration, based primarily on a fixed date and payment schedule over the next five years. Of these acquisitions, the most significant, in chronological order of acquisition date, are as follows:
Martinic Engineering, Inc. ("Martinic"), acquired in January, located in the United States and included in the Company's Aerospace reportable segment, is a manufacturer of highly-engineered, precision machined, complex parts for commercial and military aerospace applications, including auxiliary power units, as well as electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and generated approximately $13 million in revenue for the 12 months ended December 31, 2012.
Wulfrun Specialised Fasteners Limited ("Wulfrun"), acquired in March, located in the United Kingdom and included in the Company's Energy reportable segment, is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty bolting and CNC machined components for use in critical oil and gas, pipeline and power generation applications, and generated approximately $10 million in revenue for the 12 months ended December 31, 2012.
C.P. Witter Limited ("Witter"), acquired in April, located in the United Kingdom and included in the Company's Cequent APEA reportable segment, is a manufacturer of highly-engineered towbars and accessories which are distributed through a wide network of commercial dealers, and generated approximately $20 million in revenue for the 12 months ended March 31, 2013.

67

TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Towing technology and business assets of AL-KO GmbH ("AL-KO"), acquired in July, located in Germany and Finland and is included in the Company's Cequent APEA reportable segment. The acquired assets generated approximately $16 million of revenue for the 12 months ended June 30, 2013. The fair value of the AL-KO net assets acquired exceeded the purchase price, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of approximately $2.9 million, which is included in other (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
Mac Fasteners, Inc. ("Mac Fasteners"), acquired in October, located in the United States and included in the Company's Aerospace reportable segment, is in the business of manufacturing and distribution of stainless steel aerospace fasteners, globally utilized by OEMs, aftermarket repair companies, and commercial and military aircraft producers, and generated approximately $17 million in revenue for the 12 months ended September 30, 2013.
DHF Soluções Automotivas Ltda ("DHF"), acquired in November, located in Brazil within the Company's Cequent Americas reportable segment, is a manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket automotive hitching and accessory products, and generated approximately $12 million of revenue for the 12 months ended September 30, 2013.
While the individual and aggregate historical and current year revenue and earnings associated with the Company's 2013 acquisitions is not significant compared to the Company's total results of operations, the following information has been provided to summarize the aggregate fair value of consideration paid for the acquisitions, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
  Year ended December 31, 2013
  (dollars in thousands)
Consideration  
Initial cash paid net of cash acquired $105,790
Deferred/contingent consideration(a)
 12,370
Total consideration $118,160
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed  
Receivables $12,420
Inventories 27,350
Intangible assets other than goodwill(b)
 41,140
Prepaid expenses and other assets 17,480
Property and equipment, net 20,930
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (12,510)
Deferred income taxes (8,900)
Other long-term liabilities (18,580)
Total identifiable net assets 79,330
Goodwill(c)
 38,830
  $118,160
__________________________
(a) Deferred/contingent consideration includes approximately $9.8 million of both short-term and long-term deferred purchase price, based on set amounts and fixed payment schedules per the purchase agreement, and an additional $2.6 million of contingent consideration to be paid based on a multiple of future earnings, as defined.
(b) Consists of approximately $27.6 million of customer relationships with an estimated weighted average useful life of 10 years, $1.5 million of technology and other intangible assets with an estimated weighted average useful life of four years and $12.1 million of trademark/trade names with an indefinite useful life.
(c) Goodwill includes approximately $2.9 million of bargain purchase gain resulting from the acquisition of the towing technology and business assets of AL-KO, which is included in other expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

2012 Acquisitions
Arminak & Associates
On February 24, 2012, the Company acquired 70% of the membership interests of Arminak & Associates, LLC ("Arminak") for the purchase price of approximately $67.7 million. Arminak is in the business of designing, manufacturing and supplying foamers, lotion pumps, fine mist sprayers and other packaging solutions for the cosmetic, personal care and household product markets. The acquisition of Arminak enhances the Company's highly-engineered product offering and provides access to large global customers in the cosmetic and personal care markets. Arminak is included in the Company's Packaging reportable segment.
The purchase agreement provides the Company an option to purchase, and Arminak's previous owners ("Sellers") an option to sell, the remaining 30% noncontrolling interest at specified dates in the future based on a multiple of earnings, as defined. The call and put options become exercisable during the first quarters of 2014, 2015 and 2016. During the first exercise period, in 2014, TriMas and the Sellers had the opportunity to call or put a 10% interest in Arminak. During the second exercise period, in 2015, TriMas and the Sellers have the opportunity to call or put an additional 10%, or up to all remaining interests held by Sellers per joint agreement, as defined in the purchase agreement. Finally, during the third exercise period, in 2016, a call or put may be exercised for all or any portions of the remaining interests held by the Sellers. The original combination of a noncontrolling interest and a redemption feature resulted in a redeemable noncontrolling interest, which was classified outside of permanent equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In order to estimate the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest in Arminak upon acquisition, the Company utilized the Monte Carlo valuation method, using variations of estimated future discounted cash flows given certain significant assumptions including expected revenue growth, minimum and maximum estimated levels of gross profit margin, future expected cash flows, amounts transferred during each call and put exercise period and appropriate discount rates. As these assumptions are not observable in the market, the calculation represents a Level 3 fair value measurement. The Company recorded the redeemable noncontrolling interest at fair value at the date of acquisition.
On March 11, 2014, in lieu of the put call option in the original purchase agreement, the Company entered into a new agreement to purchase the entire 30% noncontrolling interest in Arminak for a cash purchase price of $51.0 million. The purchase agreement also includes additional contingent consideration of up to $7.0 million, with the amount to be earned based on the achievement of certain levels of 2015 financial performance. In order to estimate the fair value of the contingent consideration, the Company utilized the Monte Carlo valuation method, using variations of expected future payouts given certain significant assumptions including expected revenue and earnings growth, volatility and risk. As these assumptions are not observable in the market, the calculation represents a Level 3 fair value measurement. As of December 31, 2014, the estimated liability for the payout of the contingent consideration is $1.1 million. The final contingent consideration is expected to be paid, if earned, in the second quarter of 2016.
As part of purchasing the remaining membership interest, the Company finalized the calculation of the redeemable noncontrolling interest as of March 11, 2014. Changes in the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interest are summarized as follows:
  Redeemable Noncontrolling interest
  (dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance, February 24, 2012 $25,630
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (1,260)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,410
Ending balance, December 31, 2012 $26,780
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (2,710)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 4,520
Redemption value adjustments for noncontrolling interests 890
Ending balance, December 31, 2013 $29,480
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (580)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 810
Ending balance, March 11, 2014 $29,710

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The difference between the cash purchase price and final redeemable noncontrolling interest as of March 11, 2014 was recorded as a reduction in paid in capital, net of tax, as included in the accompanying consolidated statement of shareholders' equity.
The following table summarizes the fair value of consideration paid for Arminak, and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in Arminak at the acquisition date.
  February 24, 2012
  (dollars in thousands)
Consideration  
Initial cash paid net of working capital adjustment $59,200
Contingent consideration (a)
 8,490
Total consideration $67,690
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed  
Receivables $8,760
Inventories 4,200
Intangible assets other than goodwill (b)
 48,400
Other assets 2,450
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (4,270)
Long-term liabilities (1,610)
Total identifiable net assets 57,930
Redeemable noncontrolling interest (25,630)
Goodwill (c)
 35,390
  $67,690
__________________________
(a) The contingent consideration represented the Company's best estimate, based on its review, at the time of purchase, of the underlying potential obligations estimated at a range of $8 million to $9 million, of certain Seller tax-related liabilities for which the Company indemnified the Sellers as part of the purchase agreement. During 2012, the Company paid $4.9 million of additional purchase price related to the contingent consideration. No additional amounts were paid during 2013 or 2014. The remaining liability range of $3.1 million to $4.1 million continues to represent the Company's best estimate of the remaining potential obligation at December 31, 2014.
(b) Consists of $33.0 million of customer relationships with an estimated 10 year useful life, $7.9 million of trademarks/trade names with an indefinite useful life and $7.5 million of technology and other intangible assets with an estimated eight year useful life.
(c) All of the goodwill was assigned to the Company's Packaging reportable segment and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The results of operations of Arminak are included in the Company's results beginning February 24, 2012. The actual amounts of net sales and operating profit of Arminak included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2012 are $65.9 million and $8.0 million, respectively.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table summarizes the supplemental pro forma results of the combined entity as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2011. The supplemental pro forma information presented below is for informational purposes and is not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved had the acquisition been consummated on January 1, 2011:
  
Pro forma Combined (a)
  Year ended December 31,
  2012 2011
  (dollars in thousands)
Net sales $1,280,940
 $1,144,020
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation $35,850
 $54,540
___________________________
(a) The supplemental pro forma results reflect certain adjustments, such as adjustments for acquisition costs incurred and purchase accounting adjustments related to step-up in value and subsequent amortization of inventory and intangible assets.
Total acquisition costs incurred by the Company in connection with its purchase of Arminak, primarily related to third party legal, accounting and tax diligence fees, were approximately $1.3 million, of which approximately $1.0 million were incurred during the first quarter of 2012. These costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
Other acquisitions
Also during 2012, the Company completed other acquisitions for approximately $26.8 million in cash, in aggregate, with an additional estimated $14.4 million of deferred purchase price and contingent consideration, based primarily on post-acquisition operating results, payable over the next five years. Of these acquisitions, the most significant, in chronological order of acquisition date, are as follows:
CIFAL Industrial e Comercial Ltda ("CIFAL"), within the Energy reportable segment, is a Brazilian manufacturer and supplier of specialty fasteners and stud bolts, primarily to the oil and gas industry and generated approximately $9 million in revenue for the twelve months ended June 30, 2012.
Engetran Engenharia, Indústria, e Comércio de Peças e Acessórios Veiculares Ltda ("Engetran"), within the Company's Cequent Americas reportable segment, is a Brazilian manufacturer of trailering and towing products including trailer hitches, skid plates and related accessories and generated approximately $6 million in revenue for the twelve months ended June 30, 2012.
Trail Com Limited ("Trail Com"), with locations in New Zealand and Australia, and included in the Company's Cequent APEA reportable segment, is a distributor of towing accessories and trailer components and generated approximately $12 million in revenue for the twelve months ended June 30, 2012.
65. Discontinued Operations
DuringSpin-off of the third quarter of 2014,Cequent businesses
On June 30, 2015, the Company ceased operationscompleted the spin-off of its Cequent businesses (comprised of the former NI Industries business. NI Industries manufactured cartridge casesCequent Americas and Cequent Asia Pacific Europe Africa ("Cequent APEA") reportable segments), creating a new independent publicly traded company, Horizon, through the distribution of 100% of the Company's interest in Horizon to holders of the Company's common stock. On June 30, 2015, each of the Company's shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date of June 25, 2015, received two shares of Horizon common stock for every five shares of TriMas common stock held. In addition, on June 30, 2015, immediately prior to the defense industryeffective time of the spin-off, Horizon entered into a new debt financing arrangement and used the proceeds to make a cash distribution of $214.5 million to the Company.
The Company incurred approximately $30 million of one-time, pre-tax costs associated with the spin-off, of which approximately $29 million was incurred during 2015. These costs primarily related to financing, legal, tax and accounting services rendered by third parties. Of the $30 million in costs, approximately $18 million was included in loss from discontinued operations, $9 million was capitalized as deferred financing fees associated with Horizon's debt issuance coincident with the spin-off and was partyincluded in the balance sheet of the discontinued operations and approximately $3 million relates to a U.S. Government facility maintenance contract. The Company receivedfees associated with the Company's refinancing of long-term debt, of which approximately $6.7$2 million for the sale of certain intellectual property and related inventory and tooling. This amount iswas included in income from continuing operations as debt financing and related expenses and approximately $1 million was capitalized as deferred financing fees in the consolidated balance sheet.
Following the spin-off, there were no assets or liabilities remaining from the Cequent operations. The Cequent businesses are presented as discontinued operations in the accompanyingCompany's consolidated statementstatements of income.operations and cash flows for all periods presented.
Results of discontinued operations, including the discontinued Cequent businesses, are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
  Year ended December 31,
  2015
Net sales $300,900
Cost of sales (227,860)
Gross profit 73,040
Selling, general and administrative expenses (72,360)
Operating profit 680
Interest expense (2,540)
Other expense, net (1,970)
Other expense, net (4,510)
Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes (3,830)
Income tax expense (910)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax $(4,740)
6. Facility Closures and Consolidations
During the fourth quarter of 2011,2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company sold its precision tool cuttingclosed and specialty fittings lines of business, both of which were partconsolidated several facilities. The following includes details of the Engineered Components reportable segment. The purchase agreement included up to $2.5 million of contingent consideration, based on achievement of certain levels of financial performance in 2012 and 2013. During the second quarter of 2013, the Company received approximately $1.0 million of a possible $1.3 million as payout for the 2012 financial performance criteria. This amount is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. No payout was received in 2014, as the 2013 financial performance criteria were not met.most significant actions.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

During the first quarter of 2009, the Company completed the sale of certain assets within its specialty laminates, jacketings and insulation tapes line of business, which was part of the Packaging reportable segment. The Company's manufacturing facility is subject to a lease agreement expiring in 2024 that was not assumed by the purchaser of the business. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company re-evaluated its estimate of unrecoverable future obligations initially recorded in 2009 and recorded an additional charge of approximately $1.8 million, based on further deterioration of real estate values and market comparables for this facility.
The results of the aforementioned businesses are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Results of discontinued operations are summarized as follows:
  Year ended December 31,
  2014 2013 2012
  (dollars in thousands)
Net sales $3,480
 $6,260
 $5,400
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes $4,040
 $1,670
 $(230)
Income tax benefit (expense) (1,490) (550) 90
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $2,550
 $1,120
 $(140)
7.2017 Facility Closures and Sale of BusinessConsolidations
Goshen, Indiana facility
In November 2012,During 2017, the Company announced plans within the Energy reportable segment to closecease production at its manufacturingReynosa, Mexico facility, in Goshen, Indiana, movingand consolidate production from Goshen to lower-cost manufacturing facilities during 2013. The Company completedinto its Houston, Texas facility. In 2017, upon the move and ceased operations in Goshen duringcease use date of the fourth quarter of 2013, at which time,facility, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge within its Cequent Americas reportable segment of approximately $4.6$2.3 million within cost of sales for estimated future unrecoverable lease obligations, on the Goshen facility, net of estimated sublease recoveries, for the lease agreement that expires in 2022.
Also in 2013, upon completion of negotiations pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, the Company recorded charges, primarily for severance benefits for its approximately 350 union hourly workers to be involuntarily terminated, of approximately $4.0 million, of which $3.6 million is included in cost of sales and $0.4 million is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. During 2012, the Company recorded charges, primarily related to severance benefits for approximately 70 salaried employees to be involuntarily terminated as part of the closure of approximately $1.2 million, of which $0.8 million is included in cost of sales and $0.4 million is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. As of December 31, 2014, the hourly and salary benefits have been fully paid.
2025. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $2.4$1.2 million and $0.2 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, of pre-tax non-cash charges within cost of sales related to accelerated depreciation expense as a result of shortening the expected lives on certain machinery, equipment and leasehold improvement assets that the Company no longer utilizesused following the facility closure.
São Paulo, Brazil facility
In June 2014,Additionally, the Company announced the restructuring ofexited its Brazilian businessWolverhampton, United Kingdom facility within the Energy reportable segment, including plans to close its manufacturing facility in São Paulo, Brazil by the end of 2014.segment. In connection with this action, the Company recorded pre-tax charges of approximately $0.5$3.5 million primarilywithin net loss on disposition of assets, of which approximately $3.2 million were non-cash charges related to the disposal of certain assets.
2016 Facility Closures and Consolidations
During 2016, the Company closed and consolidated certain facilities and initiated actions toward consolidating additional facilities within each of its reportable segments. The most significant activity related to the move of production activities in Mexico within the Packaging reportable segment from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende, for which the Company recorded pre-tax charges of approximately $2.5 million, of which approximately $0.7 million related to severance benefits for employees involuntarily terminated, approximately $0.8 million related to accelerated depreciation of machinery and equipment and the write-down of certain inventory to its estimated salvage value, with the remainder of the charges related to costs to move and start-up operations in the new facility. During 2017, the Company sold the Mexico City facility for cash proceeds of approximately $2.8 million and recognized a gain on sale of approximately $2.5 million which is included in costnet loss on dispositions of salesassets in the accompanying consolidated statement of income,operations.
2015 Facility Closures and Consolidations
During 2015, the Company closed and consolidated certain manufacturing facilities, branches, warehouses and sales offices, the largest of which were the closure of the Hangzhou, China, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Houston, Texas (former South Texas Bolt and Fitting) manufacturing facilities within the Energy reportable segment.  As a part of the closure and consolidation actions, the Company recorded non-cash charges of approximately $1.4 million in 2015, primarily related to write-down of property to its estimated salvage value. As a part of these facility closures and other cost savings actions within the Energy reportable segment, the Company recorded charges of approximately $3.0 million in 2015 related to severance benefits for its approximately 60240 employees that were involuntarily terminated as a result of this closure.terminated.  During the fourth quarter of 2014,2016, upon the cease usecease-use date of certain of the facility,closed and consolidated facilities, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge within in itsthe Energy reportable segment of approximately $3.9$0.4 million for estimated future unrecoverable lease obligation,obligations, net of estimated sublease recoveries, for thea lease agreement that expires in 2022. Additionally,2018.
7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The Company performed a Step Zero qualitative assessment as part of its 2017 and 2016 annual impairment tests for all reporting units, which included a review of the Company’s market capitalization. For all reporting units with goodwill other than the Aerospace reporting unit, based on the Step Zero assessment, the Company determined that there were no indications that the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. Therefore, the Company determined that the Step I and Step II tests were not required for these reporting units.
For purposes of the 2017 annual impairment test for the Company's Aerospace reporting unit, management elected to perform a Step I quantitative assessment in consideration of the partial goodwill impairment charge recorded during 2016. In preparing the Step I analysis, the Company utilized both income and market-based approaches, placing a $1.3 million charge related to50% weighting on each. Significant management assumptions used under the releaseincome approach were a weighted average cost of historical currency translation adjustments, which is included in dispositionscapital ("WACC") of property9.5% and equipmentan estimated residual growth rate of 3%. In determining the WACC, management considered the level of risk inherent in the accompanying consolidated statementcash flow projections based on reducing previously utilized sales growth and margin expansion assumptions, as well as historical attainment of income.its projections and current market conditions. The use of these unobservable inputs resulted in the fair value estimate being classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. Upon completion of the Step I test, the Company determined that the fair value of the Aerospace reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 15%.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Sale of Business
On August 5, 2013, the Company announced the sale of its business in Italy within the Packaging reportable segment for cash of approximately $10.3 million. As a result, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $10.5 million, of which $7.9 million related to the release of historical currency translation adjustments into income, which is included in dispositions of property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The Company conducted its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2014. For purposes of its 2014, 2013the 2016 annual impairment test for the Company's Aerospace reporting unit, management had been monitoring current and 2012 goodwill impairment tests,expected operating results since the Company performed a Step Zero qualitativefirst quarter of 2016, when sales and margins were significantly lower than expected, to assess whether the reductions were other than temporary. Management established and executed against recovery plans, improving sales and margin levels during the second and third quarters of 2016. However, when considering these recent financial results, plus recognizing that fourth quarter 2016 results would be lower than previously expected, and updating the Company's assessment of potential goodwill impairment. In performing the Step Zero assessment, the Company considered relevant eventsfuture expectations for growth and circumstances that could affect the fair value or carrying amount of the Company's reporting units, such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, entity and reporting unit specific events and capital markets pricing. The Company also considered the 2010 annual goodwill impairment quantitative test results, where the estimated fair value of each of the Company's reporting units with goodwill exceeded the carrying value by more than 30%, and subsequent changes in the reporting units' revenues, profitability and carrying values. Based on the Step Zero analysis performed, the Company does not believe that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount in 2014, 2013 and 2012; therefore, the Company determined that Steps I and II were not required for the 2014, 2013 and 2012 goodwill impairment tests.
During the third quarter of 2014, based on a few consecutive quarters of revenue and earnings declines compared to historicalprofit levels, within the Company's Energy reporting unit, the Company determined that there were indicators of a decline inthat the fair value of the EnergyAerospace reporting unit which also may indicatewas less than its carrying value. Therefore, the Company performed a potential impairmentStep I quantitative assessment for its Aerospace reporting unit utilizing both income and market-based approaches, placing a 50% weighting on each. Significant management assumptions used under the income approach were a WACC of 10.3% and an estimated residual growth rate of 3%. In determining the WACC, management considered the level of risk inherent in the cash flow projections and current market conditions. The use of these unobservable inputs resulted in the fair value estimate being classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
Upon completion of the 2016 Step I test, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Aerospace reporting unit exceeded its fair value. The Company then performed a Step II test to determine whether goodwill had been impaired and, if applicable, to calculate the amount of the impairment charge. Based on the results of the Step II goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded goodwill.a goodwill impairment charge of approximately $60.2 million in its Aerospace reporting unit.
During 2015, due to a significant decline in profitability levels in the Company's Energy and engine products reporting units and a decline in the Company's stock price and resulting market capitalization, the Company determined there were indicators that the carrying value of certain of its reporting units exceeded their respective fair value. As such, the Company conductedperformed a Step I quantitative goodwill impairment analysis as required by the authoritative accounting literature. The Company utilizedtest utilizing both income and market-based approaches, placing a 75% and 25% weighting on each, respectively. Significant management assumptions used under the income approach were a weighted average cost of capital of 13%WACC's ranging from 11% to 14.5% and an estimated residual growth rate of 3%. In consideringdetermining the weighted average cost of capitalWACC for the reporting unit,units under the income approach, management considered the level of risk inherent in the cash flow projections based on historical attainment of its projections and current market conditions. The use of these unobservable inputs resulted in the fair value estimate being classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
Upon completion of the goodwill impairment2015 Step I test, the Company determined that the faircarrying value of the Energy and engine products reporting units exceeded their fair value. The Company then performed a Step II test to determine whether goodwill had been impaired and, if applicable, to calculate the amount of the impairment charge. Based on the results of the Step II goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of approximately $70.9 million in its Energy reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by more than 20%, and thus there was no goodwill impairment. In addition, a 1% reductionapproximately $3.2 million in residual growth rate combined with a 1% increase in the weighted average cost of capital would not have changed the conclusions reached under the Step I impairment test.its engine products reporting unit.
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 are as follows:follows (dollars in thousands):


 
 
 Engineered Cequent Cequent 

Packaging Energy Aerospace Components APEA Americas Total

(dollars in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2012$158,980
 $64,210
 $41,130
 $3,180
 $
 $3,440
 $270,940
Goodwill from acquisitions
 14,440
 19,950
 4,240
 
 4,410
 43,040
Goodwill associated with sold businesses(2,060) 
 
 
 
 
 (2,060)
Foreign currency translation and other1,140
 (2,730) 
 
 
 (670) (2,260)
Balance, December 31, 2013$158,060
 $75,920
 $61,080
 $7,420
 $
 $7,180
 $309,660
Goodwill from acquisitions15,810
 
 149,050
 
 
 
 164,860
Foreign currency translation and other(4,520) (2,740) 
 
 
 (600) (7,860)
Balance, December 31, 2014$169,350
 $73,180
 $210,130
 $7,420
 $
 $6,580
 $466,660


 
 
 Engineered 

Packaging Aerospace Energy Components Total
Balance, December 31, 2015$165,730
 $206,630
 $
 $6,560
 $378,920
Impairment charge
 (60,200) 
 
 (60,200)
Foreign currency translation and other(3,640) 
 
 
 (3,640)
Balance, December 31, 2016$162,090
 $146,430
 $
 $6,560
 $315,080
Foreign currency translation and other4,310
 
 
 
 4,310
Balance, December 31, 2017$166,400
 $146,430
 $
 $6,560
 $319,390

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Other Intangible Assets
The Company conducted its annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test as of October 1, 2014.2017. For the purposes of the Company's 2014, 2013 and 20122017 indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests,test, the Company performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets arewere less than the carrying values. In performingBased on the qualitative assessment, the Company considered similar eventsdetermined that there were no indications that the fair values of any of its indefinite-lived intangible assets were less than the carrying values. However, in consideration of the impairment charge recorded during 2016, the Company perform a quantitative assessment for its indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded on its balance sheet as of October 1, 2017 within the Aerospace reportable segment to supplement its qualitative assessment. Using the relief-from-royalty method with a discount rate of 9.5% and circumstances to those consideredan estimated residual growth rate of 3%, the Company determined each of its Aerospace-related trade names had a fair value that exceeded carrying values by more than 9%. The use of unobservable inputs resulted in the Step Zero analysis for goodwill impairment testing and also considered legal, regulatory and contractual factors that could affect the fair value orestimates being classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
In 2016, the Company performed a qualitative assessment as part of its annual impairment test to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets were less than the carrying amountvalues. Based on the assessment, the Company determined that there were no indications that the fair values of any of its indefinite-lived intangible assets, except for the Aerospace indefinite-lived intangible assets, were less than the carrying values. As such, the Company performed a quantitative assessment for all of its indefinite-lived intangible assets included within the Aerospace reportable segment, using a relief-from-royalty method. Significant management assumptions used under the relief-from-royalty method were a discount rate of 10.3% and an estimated residual growth rate of 3%. The use of these unobservable inputs resulted in the fair value estimates being classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. Upon completion of the quantitative impairment test, the Company determined that certain of the Company's Aerospace-related trade names had carrying values that exceeded their fair values, and therefore recorded impairment charges of approximately $38.7 million.
In 2015, as part of the broadly focused restructuring initiative within the Company's Energy reportable segment, it was determined that the Company would discontinue use and wrote-off all of the approximately $1.6 million of carrying value of certain of its Energy-related trade names.
Additionally, as part of the 2015 annual impairment test, the Company performed a quantitative assessment for all of its indefinite-lived intangible assets.intangibles assets except for the Allfast trade name, using a relief-from-royalty method. The Company also consideredperformed a Step Zero qualitative analysis for the 2011 annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment quantitative test results, whereAllfast trade name as it was acquired less than one year prior and long-term sales projections were consistent with those expected in the purchase price valuation. Significant management assumptions used under the relief-from-royalty method were discount rates ranging from 14% to 17.5% and an estimated residual growth rate of 3%. The use of these unobservable inputs resulted in the fair value estimates being classified as a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. Upon completion of eachthe quantitative impairment test, the Company determined that the fair value of the Company's indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeded the carrying value, by more than 35%, as well as the Company's results of operations and improved capital structure. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, the Company does not believe that it is more likely than not that the fair values of each of its indefinite-lived intangible assets are less than the carrying values; therefore, a fair value calculation of the indefinite-lived intangible assets is not required for the 2014, 2013 and 2012 annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests.thus there was no impairment.
The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company's other intangibles as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized below. The Company amortizes these assets over periods ranging from one to 30 years.
  As of December 31, 2014 As of December 31, 2013
Intangible Category by Useful Life 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
  (dollars in thousands)
Finite-lived intangible assets:        
Customer relationships, 5 - 12 years $109,460
 $(44,370) $105,090
 $(36,260)
Customer relationships, 15 - 25 years 237,610
 (103,390) 154,610
 (94,200)
Total customer relationships 347,070
 (147,760) 259,700
 (130,460)
Technology and other, 1 - 15 years 71,830
 (32,250) 38,980
 (28,940)
Technology and other, 17 - 30 years 44,120
 (27,560) 43,990
 (25,310)
Total technology and other 115,950
 (59,810) 82,970
 (54,250)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 
 
 
 
Trademark/Trade names 108,480
 
 61,570
 
Total other intangible assets $571,500
 $(207,570) $404,240
 $(184,710)
Amortization expense related to intangible assets as included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income is summarized as follows:
  Year ended December 31,
  2014 2013 2012
  (dollars in thousands)
Technology and other, included in cost of sales $5,310
 $4,870
 $4,940
Customer relationships, included in selling, general and administrative expenses 18,400
 14,900
 14,880
Total amortization expense $23,710
 $19,770
 $19,820

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company amortizes its other intangible assets over periods ranging from one to 30 years. The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company's other intangibles as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
  As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
Intangible Category by Useful Life 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Finite-lived intangible assets:        
Customer relationships, 5 - 12 years $73,910
 $(41,000) $73,570
 $(33,200)
Customer relationships, 15 - 25 years 132,230
 (51,880) 132,230
 (44,970)
Total customer relationships 206,140
 (92,880) 205,800
 (78,170)
Technology and other, 1 - 15 years 57,340
 (29,120) 57,470
 (26,040)
Technology and other, 17 - 30 years 43,300
 (33,490) 43,300
 (31,370)
Total technology and other 100,640
 (62,610) 100,770
 (57,410)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 
 
 
 
Trademark/Trade names 42,930
 
 42,930
 
Total other intangible assets $349,710
 $(155,490) $349,500
 $(135,580)
Amortization expense related to intangible assets as included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Technology and other, included in cost of sales $5,340
 $5,680
 $6,010
Customer relationships, included in selling, general and administrative expenses 14,580
 14,790
 14,960
Total amortization expense $19,920
 $20,470
 $20,970
Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years beginning after December 31, 20142017 is as follows:follows (dollars in thousands):
Year ended December 31,Estimated Amortization ExpenseEstimated Amortization Expense
(dollars in thousands)
2015 $28,760
2016 $27,970
2017 $27,600
2018 $24,020 $19,450
2019 $23,100 $19,080
2020 $18,140
2021 $15,360
2022 $11,810
9.8. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following components:components (dollars in thousands):
  December 31,
2014
 December 31,
2013
  (dollars in thousands)
Finished goods $194,690
 $173,140
Work in process 30,790
 31,880
Raw materials 69,150
 65,670
Total inventories $294,630
 $270,690
10. Property and Equipment, Net
  December 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Finished goods $86,310
 $95,290
Work in process 24,580
 22,930
Raw materials 44,460
 42,240
Total inventories $155,350
 $160,460
Property and equipment consists of the following components:
  December 31,
2014
 December 31,
2013
  (dollars in thousands)
Land and land improvements $15,000
 $5,520
Buildings 69,820
 61,960
Machinery and equipment 383,440
 351,960
  468,260
 419,440
Less: Accumulated depreciation 235,610
 213,290
Property and equipment, net $232,650
 $206,150
Depreciation expense as included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income is as follows:
  Year ended December 31,
  2014 2013 2012
  (dollars in thousands)
Depreciation expense, included in cost of sales $28,030
 $26,410
 $21,520
Depreciation expense, included in selling, general and administrative expense 4,730
 4,380
 3,500
Total depreciation expense $32,760
 $30,790
 $25,020

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

11.9. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment consists of the following components (dollars in thousands):
  December 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Land and land improvements $15,500
 $14,910
Building and building improvements 73,550
 71,100
Machinery and equipment 303,880
 281,180
  392,930
 367,190
Less: Accumulated depreciation 202,680
 188,030
Property and equipment, net $190,250
 $179,160
Depreciation expense as included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations is as follows (dollars in thousands):
  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Depreciation expense, included in cost of sales $24,950
 $21,620
 $19,730
Depreciation expense, included in selling, general and administrative expense 2,000
 2,770
 2,840
Total depreciation expense $26,950
 $24,390
 $22,570
10. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following components (dollars in thousands):
 December 31,
2014
 December 31,
2013
 December 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 (dollars in thousands)
Self-insurance $12,510
 $12,610
Wages and bonus 22,340
 23,670
High deductible insurance $6,250
 $6,250
Accrued payroll 19,060
 16,060
Other 66,200
 48,850
 24,160
 24,880
Total accrued liabilities $101,050
 $85,130
 $49,470
 $47,190
1211. Long-term Debt
The Company's long-term debt consists of the following:following (dollars in thousands):
 December 31,
2014
 December 31,
2013
 December 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 (dollars in thousands)
4.875% Senior Notes due October 2025 $300,000
 $
Credit Agreement $559,530
 $246,130
 10,810
 333,720
Receivables facility and other 79,800
 59,610
 
 45,650
Debt issuance costs (7,730) (4,720)
 639,330
 305,740
 303,080
 374,650
Less: Current maturities, long-term debt 23,860
 10,290
 
 13,810
Long-term debt $615,470
 $295,450
Long-term debt, net $303,080
 $360,840

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Senior Notes
In September 2017, the Company issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due October 15, 2025 ("Senior Notes") at par value in a private placement under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company used the proceeds from the offering to fully repay the $250.9 million principal, plus $0.4 million related interest, outstanding on its former senior secured term loan A facility due 2020 ("Term Loan A Facility"), repay approximately $41.7 million of outstanding obligations under the Company's accounts receivable facility, pay fees and expenses of $5.0 million related to the Senior Notes offering, pay fees and expenses of $1.1 million related to amending its existing credit agreement, with the remaining amount retained as cash on its consolidated balance sheet. Of the $5.0 million of fees and expenses related to the Senior Notes, approximately $4.9 million was capitalized as debt issuance costs and approximately $0.1 million was recorded as debt financing and related expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
The Senior Notes accrue interest at a rate of 4.875% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, commencing on April 15, 2018. The payment of principal and interest is jointly and severally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, by certain subsidiaries of the Company (each a "Guarantor" and collectively the "Guarantors"). The Senior Notes are pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness and subordinated to all existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.
Prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes at a redemption price of 104.875% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings provided that each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such equity offering. In addition, the Company may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a "make whole" premium. On or after October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on October 15 of the years indicated below:
Year Percentage
2020 102.438%
2021 101.219%
2022 and thereafter 100.000%
Credit Agreement
TheIn September 2017, the Company is party to aamended its existing credit agreement (as amended("Credit Agreement") in connection with the Senior Notes offering and restated,extended the "Credit Agreement") consisting of a $575.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which permits revolvingmaturity date, increased the permitted borrowings denominated in specific foreign currencies subject to afrom $75.0 million sub limit, and a $450.0to $125.0 million, senior secured term loan A facility ("Term Loan A Facility"). The Company increased itsremoved the Term Loan A Facility duringand resized the fourth quarter of 2014 when the Company amended the Credit Agreement to add a $275.0 million incremental senior secured term loan A facility (“Incremental Term Loan A Facility”). The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan A Facility plus cash and additional borrowings under the Company's existing senior secured revolving credit facility were usedfacility. The Company incurred fees and expenses of approximately $1.1 million related to fund the Allfast acquisition.amendment, all of which was capitalized as debt issuance costs. The Company also recorded approximately $2.0 million non-cash expense related to the write-off of previously capitalized deferred financing fees within debt financing and related expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Below is a summary of key terms under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 20142017, compared to the key terms prior to the amendment (the Term Loan A Facility shows the face amount of borrowing at debt issuance, while the revolving credit facilities show gross availability as of each date):
Instrument Amount
($ in millions)
 Maturity Date Interest Rate
Existing Credit Agreement (as amended)      
Senior secured revolving credit facility $575.0300.0 10/16/2018
LIBOR(a) plus 1.500%(b)
Senior secured term loan A facility$175.010/16/20189/20/2022 
LIBOR(a) plus 1.500%(b)
       
Incremental Term Loan A FacilityCredit Agreement (prior to amendment)      
Senior secured revolving credit facility$500.06/30/2020
LIBOR(a) plus 1.625%(b)
Senior secured term loan A facility $275.0 10/16/20186/30/2020 
LIBOR(a) plus 1.875%1.625%(b)
__________________________
(a) London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR")
(b) The initial interest rate spread for the amended Credit Agreement is stated as 1.625%. The interest rate spread is based upon the leverage ratio, as defined, as of the most recent determination date.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Credit Agreement also provides incremental term loan facility commitments and/or incremental revolving credit facility commitments in an amount not to exceed the greater of $300$200.0 million and an amount such that, after giving effect to such incremental commitments and the incurrence of any other indebtedness substantially simultaneously with the making of such incremental commitments, the senior secured net leverage ratio, as defined, in the Credit Agreement, is no greater than 2.503.00 to 1.00. The terms and conditions of any incremental term loan facility and/or incremental revolving credit facility commitments must be no more favorable than the existing credit facilities under the Credit Agreement.
The Company may be required to prepay a portion of the loans under the Term Loan A Facility in an amount equal to a percentage of the Company's excess cash flow, as defined, with such percentage based on the Company's leverage ratio, as defined. As of December 31, 2014, no amounts are due under this provision.facility.
The Company is also able to issueCompany's revolving credit facility allows for the issuance of letters of credit, not to exceed $75.040.0 million in aggregate, against its revolving credit facility commitments.aggregate. At December 31, 2014 and 20132017, the Company had letters of credit of approximately $21.9 million and $24.1 million, respectively, issued and outstanding.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had $118.1$10.8 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility and had $435.0274.3 million potentially available after giving effect to approximately $21.914.9 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding. At December 31, 20132016, the Company had $71.1$75.9 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility and had $479.8408.2 million potentially available after giving effect to approximately $24.115.9 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding. However, including availability under its accounts receivable facility and after consideration of leverage restrictions contained in the Credit Agreement, at December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, the Company had $192.0$332.1 million and $360.3126.5 million, respectively, of borrowing capacity available for general corporate purposes.
Principal payments required under the Credit Agreement for the Term Loan A Facility are approximately $5.8 million due each fiscal quarter from March 2015 through December 2016 and approximately $8.7 million due each fiscal quarter from March 2017 through September 2018, with final payment of $333.8 million due on October 16, 2018.
The debt under the Credit Agreement is an obligation of the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries and is secured by substantially all of the assets of such parties. Borrowings under the $75.0$125.0 million (equivalent) foreign currency sub limit of the $575.0$300.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility are secured by a cross-guarantee amongst, and a pledge of the assets of, the foreign subsidiary borrowers that are a party to the agreement.  The Credit Agreement also contains various negative and affirmative covenants and other requirements affecting the Company and its subsidiaries, including restrictions on incurrence ofthe ability to, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, incur debt, liens, mergers, investments, loans, advances, guarantee obligations, acquisitions, assetassets dispositions, sale-leaseback transactions, hedging agreements, dividends and other restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, restrictive agreements and amendments to charters, bylaws, and other material documents. The terms of the Credit Agreement also require the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to meet certain restrictive financial covenants and ratios computed quarterly, including a maximum total net leverage ratio (total consolidated indebtedness plus outstanding amounts under the accounts receivable securitization facility, less the aggregate amount of certain unrestricted cash and unrestricted permitted investments, as defined, over consolidated EBITDA, as defined), a maximum senior secured net leverage ratio (total consolidated senior secured indebtedness, less the aggregate amount of certain unrestricted cash and unrestricted permitted investments, as defined, over consolidated EBITDA, as defined) and a minimum interest expense coverage ratio (consolidated EBITDA, as defined, over the sum of consolidated cash interest expense, as defined, and preferred dividends, as defined). At December 31, 2014,2017, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants contained in the Credit Agreement.
The
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In June 2015, the Company amended its Credit Agreement, pursuant to which the Company was able to extend maturities and resize its credit facilities following the spin-off of the Cequent businesses. In connection with entering into the amended Credit Agreement, the Company incurred approximately $3.8$1.8 million in fees to add the Incremental Term Loan A Facility andduring 2015 to amend the Credit Agreement, of which $0.4approximately $1.4 million waswere capitalized as deferred financing fees and $3.4$0.4 million waswere recorded as debt financing feesand related expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
In 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred approximately $3.6 million and $6.4 million, respectively, in fees to amend the previous credit agreements, of which $3.1 million and $4.5 million was capitalized as deferred financing fees and $0.5 million and $1.9 million was recorded as debt extinguishment costs in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.2015. The Company also recorded non-cash debt extinguishment costsfinancing and related expenses of $1.9$1.5 million and $1.1 million in 2015 related to the write-off of deferred financing fees associated with the previous credit agreement for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.facilities.
Receivables Facility
The Company is a party to an accounts receivable facility through TSPC, Inc. ("TSPC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary, to sell trade accounts receivable of substantially all of the Company's domestic business operations. During April and November of 2014, the Company amended the $105.0 million facility, resulting in a reduction in the usage fee on amounts outstanding previously ranging from 1.20% or 1.35%, depending on the amounts drawn under the facility, to 1.00%. The amendments also reduced the cost of the unused portion of the facility from 0.40% to 0.35% and extended the maturity date from October 12, 2017 to October 16, 2018.

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Under this facility, TSPC, from time to time, may sell an undivided fractional ownership interest in the pool of receivables up to approximately $105.075.0 million to a third party multi-seller receivables funding company. The net amount financed under the facility is less than the face amount of accounts receivable by an amount that approximates the purchaser's financing costs. The cost of funds under this facility consisted of a 3-month LIBOR1-month LIBOR-based rate plus a usage fee of 1.00% and 1.35% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a fee on the unused portion of the facility of 0.35% and 0.40%0.35% as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013, respectively.2016.
TheAt December 31, 2017, the Company had $78.7 millionno and $57.0 millionamounts outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1.6 million and $20.2$57.8 million available but not utilized as of utilized. At December 31, 20142016, the Company had $45.5 million outstanding and 2013, respectively.$10.1 million available but not utilized. Aggregate costs incurred under the facility were $1.3$1.0 million,, $1.4 $0.9 million and $1.3$1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 20142017, 20132016 and 2012,2015, respectively, and are included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.operations. The facility expires on June 30, 2020.
The cost of funds fees incurred are determined by calculating the estimated present value of the receivables sold compared to their carrying amount. The estimated present value factor is based on historical collection experience and a discount rate based on a 3-month1-month LIBOR-based rate plus the usage fee discussed above and is computed in accordance with the terms of the securitization agreement. As of December 31, 2014,2017, the effective cost of funds under the facility was based on an average liquidation period of the portfolio of approximately 1.7 months and an average discount rate of 1.8%2.0%.
Other Bank Debt
In Australia, the Company's subsidiary is party to a debt agreement which matures on August 31, 2015 and is secured by substantially all the assets of the subsidiary. No amounts were outstanding under this agreement as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, $0.7 million was outstanding at an average interest rate 2.7%.
In May 2014, the Company's Dutch subsidiary entered into a credit agreement consisting of a $12.5 million uncommitted working capital facility which matures on May 29, 2015, is subject to interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum and is guaranteed by TriMas. In addition, this Dutch subsidiary is subject to an overdraft facility in conjunction with the uncommitted working capital facility up to $1.0 million, subject to interest at U.S dollar prime rate plus 0.75%. As of December 31, 2014, $0.1 million was outstanding on this facility.
Senior Notes
During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company redeemed all its remaining outstanding 93/4% senior secured notes ("Senior Notes"). In conjunction with the redemption, the Company incurred approximately $35.7 million in premium, legal and other transaction advisory fees and approximately $8.1 million in non-cash debt extinguishment costs related to the write-off of deferred financing fees and unamortized discount. The amounts are recorded as debt extinguishment costs in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
Long-term Debt Maturities
Future maturities of the face value of long-term debt at December 31, 20142017 are as follows:follows (dollars in thousands):
            
Year Ending December 31: (dollars in thousands) Future Maturities
2015 $23,860
2016 23,530
2017 35,000
2018 556,940
 $
2019 
2020 
2021 
2022 10,810
Thereafter 300,000
Total $639,330
 $310,810
Fair Value of Debt
The valuations of the Senior Notes, revolving credit facility and term loan A were determined based on Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy, as defined. The carrying amounts and fair values were as follows (dollars in thousands):
  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
  Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value
Senior Notes $300,000
 $300,750
 $
 $
Revolving credit facility 10,810
 10,490
 75,910
 75,380
Term loan A facility 
 
 257,810
 256,780


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Debt Issuance Costs
The Company's unamortized debt issuance costs approximated $7.4$7.7 million and $8.7$4.7 million at December 31, 20142017 and 20132016, respectively, and are included in other assetsas a direct reduction from the related debt liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. These amounts consistconsisted primarily of legal, accounting and other transaction advisory fees as well as facility fees paid to the lenders. Debt issuance costs for the current and previous term loan facilities and the previous discount on the Senior Notes are amortized using the interest method over the terms of the underlying debt instruments to which these amounts relate. The debt issuance costs for the current and previous revolving credit facilities and the receivables facility are amortized on a straight line basis over the term of the facilities. Amortization expense for these items was approximately $1.9$1.3 million,, $1.8 $1.4 million and $2.51.7 million in 20142017, 20132016 and 20122015, respectively, and is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.operations.
1312. Derivative Instruments
As of December 31, 2014,In October 2017, the Company was party to forward contractsentered into cross-currency swap agreements to hedge changesits net investment in foreign currencyEuro-denominated assets against future volatility in the exchange rates with notional amounts of approximately $12.0 million. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risk associated with fluctuations in currency rates impacting cash flows related to certain payments for contract manufacturing in its lower-cost manufacturing facilities. The foreign currency forward contracts hedge currency exposurerate between the Mexican peso and the U.S. dollar and the Thai baht andEuro. By doing so, the Australian dollar and matureCompany synthetically converted a portion of its U.S. dollar-based long-term debt into Euro-denominated long-term debt. The agreements have a five year tenor at specified monthly settlement dates through June 2015.notional amounts declining from $150.0 million to $75.0 million over the contract period. Under the terms of the swap agreements, the Company is to receive net interest payments at a fixed rate of approximately 2.10% of the notional amount. At inception, the Companycross-currency swaps were designated the foreign currency forward contracts as cash flownet investment hedges.
In December 2012, theThe Company entered intohas historically utilized interest rate swap agreements to fix the LIBOR-based variable portion of the interest ratesrate on its term loan facilities.long-term debt. Prior to its debt refinancing in September 2017, the Company had interest rate swap agreements in place that hedged a declining notional value of debt ranging from approximately $238.4 million to approximately $192.7 million, amortizing consistent with future scheduled debt principal payments. The term loan Ainterest rate swap agreement fixesagreements required the LIBOR-basedCompany to receive a variable portioninterest rate and pay a fixed interest rate in a range of 0.74% to 2.68% with various expiration terms extending to June 30, 2020. At inception, the interest rate beginning February 2013, on a totalswaps were designated as cash flow hedges.
In September 2017, immediately following the debt refinancing, the Company determined the likelihood of $175.0 million notional amount at 0.74%the hedged transactions occurring was not probable and expires on October 11, 2017. The term loan B swap agreement fixed the LIBOR-based variable portion ofde-designated the interest rate beginning February 2015, on a total of $150.0 million notional amount at 2.05% and expired on October 11, 2019. At inception, the Company designated both swap agreementsswaps as cash flow hedges. However, the Company entered into a new Credit Agreement during the fourth quarter of 2013hedges and as a result, the term loan B swap was no longer expected to be an effective economic hedge. The Company terminated the interest rate swap and receivedswaps for a cash payment of $3.3 million upon completionapproximately $4.7 million. There were no interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2017. The cash flows associated with the new Credit Agreement.cash flow hedges are reported in net cash provided by operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows. Up to the date of the new Credit Agreement,termination, the Company utilized hedge accounting, which allows for the effective portion of the interest rate swapswaps to be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss ("AOCI") in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. At the date of the Credit Agreement, the Company de-designated this swap, which had $2.0the swaps as effective hedges, there was approximately $2.9 million (net of tax of $1.3$1.8 million) of unrealized gainlosses remaining in accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI, which were reclassified into debt financing and related expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, which was reclassified into earningsstatement of operations during the fourththird quarter of 2013.2017.
In March 2012,As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to fix the LIBOR-based variable portionfair value carrying amount of the interest rate on a total of $100.0 million notional amount of its previous term loan B facility. The swap agreement fixed the LIBOR-based variable portion of the interest rate at 1.80% through June 23, 2016. At inception, the Company formallyCompany's derivatives designated this swap agreement as a cash flow hedge. Upon the Company's amendment and restatement of its credit agreement during the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company determined that the interest rate swap was no longer expected to be an effective economic hedge. The Company terminated the interest rate swap and repaid the obligation upon completion of the previous credit agreement. Up to that date, the Company utilized hedge accounting and the effective portion of the interest rate swap washedging instruments are recorded as follows (dollars in accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. After that date, the Company de-designated this swap, which had $1.0 million (net of tax of $0.6 million) of unrealized loss remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income, which was being amortized into earnings during the period in which the originally hedged transactions would have affected earnings. However, when the Company entered into a new Credit Agreement during the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company reclassified the remaining $0.6 million (net of tax of $0.4 million) of unrealized loss remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings.thousands):

79
    Asset / (Liability) Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Balance Sheet Caption December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Net Investment Hedges      
Cross-currency swaps Other long-term liabilities $(4,110) $
Cash Flow Hedges      
Interest rate swaps Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
 160
Interest rate swaps Accrued liabilities 
 (870)
Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities 
 (3,360)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $(4,110) $(4,070)

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value carrying amount of the Company's derivatives designated as hedging instruments are recorded as follows:
    Asset / (Liability) Derivatives
  Balance Sheet Caption December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
    (dollars in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments      
Interest rate swap Other assets $1,270
 $2,080
Interest rate swap Accrued liabilities (180) (360)
Foreign currency forward contracts Accrued liabilities (150) 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments   $940
 $1,720
The following tables summarizetable summarizes the income (loss)loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") on derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings and the amounts recognized directly into earnings as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the years ended December 31, 20142017, 20132016 and 20122015 (dollars in thousands):
  Amount of Income (Loss) Recognized
in AOCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion, net of tax)
 Location of Income (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings
(Effective Portion)
 Amount of Income (Loss) Reclassified from
AOCI into Earnings
  As of December 31,  Year ended December 31,
  2014 2013  2014 2013 2012
  (dollars in thousands)   (dollars in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments            
Interest rate swap $680
 $1,060
 Interest expense $(970) $2,510
 $(250)
Foreign currency forward contracts $(70) $
 Cost of sales $170
 $
 $
  Amount of Loss Recognized
in AOCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion, net of tax)
 Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings
(Effective Portion)
 Amount of Loss Reclassified from
AOCI into Earnings
  As of December 31,  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016  2017 2016 2015
Net Investment Hedges            
Cross-currency swaps $(3,170) $
 Other expense, net $
 $
 $
Cash Flow Hedges            
Interest rate swaps $
 $(2,520) Interest expense $(320) $(670) $(420)
      Debt financing and related expenses $(4,680) $
 $
      Loss from discontinued operations $
 $
 $(440)
Over the next 12 months, the Company expectsdoes not expect to reclassify approximately $0.2 million ofany pre-tax deferred losses from AOCI to interest expense as the related interest payments for the designated interest rate swap are funded and approximately $0.1 million of pre-tax deferred losses from AOCI to cost of sales as the intercompany inventory purchases are settled.into earnings.
    
Amount of Loss Recognized in Earnings
on Derivatives
    Year ended December 31,
  Location of Loss Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives 2014 2013 2012
    (dollars in thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments        
Interest rate swaps Interest expense $
 $(1,480) $(80)

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

ValuationsThe fair value of the Company's derivatives are estimated using an income approach based on valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single, discounted amount. Estimates of the fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps were based on the income approach, which usesand cross-currency swaps use observable inputs such as interest rate yield curves and forward currency exchange rates. Fair value measurements and the fair value hierarchy level for the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 are shown below.below (dollars in thousands).
  Frequency Asset / (Liability) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
    (dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014          
Interest rate swap Recurring $1,090
 $
 $1,090
 $
Foreign currency forward contracts Recurring $(150) $
 $(150) $
December 31, 2013          
Interest rate swap Recurring $1,720
 $
 $1,720
 $
 Description Frequency Asset / (Liability) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31, 2017Cross-currency swaps Recurring $(4,110) $
 $(4,110) $
December 31, 2016Interest rate swaps Recurring $(4,070) $
 $(4,070) $
14.13. Leases
The Company leases certain equipment and facilities under non-cancelable operating leases. Rental expense for the Company totaled approximately $31.516.7 million in 20142017, $29.417.4 million in 20132016 and $22.617.2 million in 20122015.
Minimum payments for operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 20142017, including approximately $2.4 million annually related to discontinued operations, are summarized below:below (dollars in thousands):
Year ended December 31, 
(dollars in
thousands)
 Minimum Payments
2015 $29,670
2016 29,100
2017 26,690
2018 23,390
 $13,960
2019 20,280
 12,870
2020 12,010
2021 10,830
2022 7,430
Thereafter 44,830
 19,850
Total $173,960
 $76,950

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1514. Commitments and Contingencies
Environmental
The Company is subject to increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges and chemical and hazardous waste management and disposal. Some of these environmental laws hold owners or operators of land or businesses liable for their own and for previous owners' or operators' releases of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes. Other environmental laws and regulations require the obtainment and compliance with environmental permits. To date, costs of complying with environmental, health and safety requirements have not been material. However, the nature of the Company's operations and the long history of industrial activities at certain of the Company's current or former facilities, as well as those acquired, could potentially result in material environmental liabilities.
While the Company must comply with existing and pending climate change legislation, regulation and international treaties or accords, current laws and regulations have not had a material impact on the Company's business, capital expenditures or financial position. Future events, including those relating to climate change or greenhouse gas regulation, could require the Company to incur expenses related to the modification or curtailment of operations, installation of pollution control equipment or investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites.

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Asbestos
As of December 31, 20142017, the Company was a party to 1,109605 pending cases involving an aggregate of 7,9925,256 claimants primarily alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos containing materials formerly used in gaskets (both encapsulated and otherwise) manufactured or distributed by certain of its subsidiaries for use primarily in the petrochemical refining and exploration industries. The following chart summarizes the number of claimants, number of claims filed, number of claims dismissed, number of claims settled, the average settlement amount per claim and the total defense costs, excluding amounts reimbursed under the Company's primary insurance, at the applicable date and for the applicable periods:
  
Claims
pending at
beginning of
period
 
Claims filed
during
period
 
Claims
dismissed
during
period
 
Claims
settled
during
period
 
Average
settlement
amount per
claim during
period
 
Total defense
costs during
period
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 8,048
 367
 519
 16
 $14,513
 $2,650,000
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 7,880
 360
 226
 39
 $8,294
 $2,620,000
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 7,975
 210
 155
 38
 $18,734
 $2,800,000
  
Claims
pending at
beginning of
period
 
Claims filed
during
period
 
Claims
dismissed
during
period
 
Claims
settled
during
period
 
Average
settlement
amount per
claim during
period
 
Total defense
costs during
period
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 5,339
 173
 231
 25
 $8,930
 $2,280,000
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 6,242
 140
 1,009
 34
 $15,624
 $2,920,000
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 7,992
 266
 1,990
 26
 $16,963
 $3,160,000
In addition, the Company acquired various companies to distribute its products that had distributed gaskets of other manufacturers prior to acquisition. The Company believes that many of the pending cases relate to locations at which none of its gaskets were distributed or used.
The Company may be subjected to significant additional asbestos-related claims in the future, the cost of settling cases in which product identification can be made may increase, and the Company may be subjected to further claims in respect of the former activities of its acquired gasket distributors. The Company is unable to make a meaningful statement concerning the monetary claims made in the asbestos cases given that, among other things, claims may be initially made in some jurisdictions without specifying the amount sought or by simply stating the requisite or maximum permissible monetary relief, and may be amended to alter the amount sought. The large majority of claims do not specify the amount sought. Of the 7,9925,256 claims pending at December 31, 2014, 1172017, 49 set forth specific amounts of damages (other than those stating the statutory minimum or maximum).
At December 31, 2017, of the 49 claims that set forth specific amounts, there were no claims seeking specific amounts for punitive damages. Below is a breakdown of the amount sought for those claims seeking specific amounts:
Compensatory & Punitive Compensatory Only Punitive OnlyCompensatory
Range of damages sought (in millions)$0.0 to $5.0 $5.0 to $10.0 $10.0+ $0.0 to $0.6 $0.6 to $5.0 $5.0+ $0.0 to $2.5 $2.5 to $5.0 $5.0+$0.0 to $0.6 $0.6 to $5.0 $5.0+
Number of claims77 24 16 24 58 35 111 5 1 14 35
In addition, relatively few of the claims have reached the discovery stage and even fewer claims have gone past the discovery stage.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Total settlement costs (exclusive of defense costs) for all such cases, some of which were filed over 20 years ago, have been approximately $7.48.5 million. All relief sought in the asbestos cases is monetary in nature. To date, approximately 40% of the Company's costs related to settlement and defense of asbestos litigation have been covered by its primary insurance. Effective February 14, 2006, the Company entered into a coverage-in-place agreement with its first level excess carriers regarding the coverage to be provided to the Company for asbestos-related claims when the primary insurance is exhausted. The coverage-in-place agreement makes asbestos defense costs and indemnity insurance coverage available to the Company that might otherwise be disputed by the carriers and provides a methodology for the administration of such expenses. Nonetheless, the Company believes it is likely that there will be a period within the next one or two years12 months, prior to the commencement of coverage under this agreement and following exhaustion of the Company's primary insurance coverage, during which the Company likely will be solely responsible for defense costs and indemnity payments, the duration of which would be subject to the scope of damage awards and settlements paid.

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Based on the settlements made to date and the number of claims dismissed or withdrawn for lack of product identification, the Company believes that the relief sought (when specified) does not bear a reasonable relationship to its potential liability. Based upon the Company's experience to date, including the trend in annual defense and settlement costs incurred to date, and other available information (including the availability of excess insurance), the Company does not believe that these cases will have a material adverse effect on its financial position and results of operations or cash flows.
Metaldyne Corporation
Prior to June 6, 2002, the Company was wholly-owned by Metaldyne Corporation ("Metaldyne"). In connection with the reorganization between TriMas and Metaldyne in June 2002, TriMas assumed certain liabilities and obligations of Metaldyne, mainly comprised of contractual obligations to former TriMas employees, tax related matters, benefit plan liabilities and reimbursements to Metaldyne of normal course payments to be made on TriMas' behalf.
On January 11, 2007, Metaldyne merged into a subsidiary of Asahi Tec Corporation (“Asahi”) whereby Metaldyne became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asahi. In connection with the consummation of the merger, Metaldyne dividended the 4,825,587 shares of the Company's common stock that it owned on a pro rata basis to the holders of Metaldyne's common stock at the time of such dividend. As a result of the merger, Metaldyne and the Company were no longer related parties. In addition, as a result of the merger, it has beenwas asserted that Metaldyne may be obligated to accelerate funding and payment of actuarially determined amounts owing to seven former Metaldyne executives under a supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”). Under the stock purchase agreement between Metaldyne and Heartland Industrial Partners (“Heartland”), TriMas is required to reimburse Metaldyne, when billed, for its allocated portion of the amounts due to certain Metaldyne SERP participants, as defined. At December 31, 2014, TriMas has accrued an estimated liability to Metaldyne on its reported balance sheet of approximately $6.7 million. However, if Metaldyne is required to accelerate funding of the SERP liability, TriMas may be obligated to reimburse Metaldyne up to approximately $9.1 million, which could result in future charges to the Company's statement of income of up to $2.4 million.
Additionally, onOn May 28, 2009, Metaldyne and its U.S. subsidiaries ("Debtors") filed voluntary petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. On February 23, 2010, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court confirmed the reorganization plan of
At December 31, 2017, TriMas has accrued an estimated liability to Metaldyne and its U.S. subsidiaries. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of Metaldyne's reorganization plans on its estimated SERP obligationsreported balance sheet of approximately $8.0 million. However, if Metaldyne is required to Metaldyne.
Subjectaccelerate funding of these liabilities, TriMas may be obligated to certain limited exceptions,reimburse Metaldyne and TriMas retained separate liabilities associated withup to approximately $10.4 million, which could result in future charges to the respective businesses following the reorganizationCompany's consolidated statement of operations of up to $2.4 million. The Metaldyne bankruptcy distribution trust is expected to terminate in June 2002. Accordingly, the Company will indemnify and hold Metaldyne harmless from all liabilities associated with TriMas and its subsidiaries and the respective operations and assets, whenever conducted, and Metaldyne will indemnify and hold harmless Heartland and TriMas from all liabilities associated with Metaldyne and its subsidiaries (excluding TriMas and its subsidiaries) and their respective operations and assets, whenever conducted. In addition, TriMas agreed with Metaldyne to indemnify one another for its allocated share (42.01% with respect to TriMas and 57.99% with respect to Metaldyne) of liabilities not readily associated with either business, or otherwise addressed including certain costs related to other matters intended to effectuate other provisions2018, at which time a final assessment of the agreement. These indemnification provisions survive indefinitelyliabilities will be determined. See Note 22, "Subsequent Event" for further information.
Claims and are subject to a $50,000 deductible.
Ordinary Course ClaimsLitigation
The Company is subject to other claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business butwhich the Company does not believe that any suchare material. In addition, a claim orasserted against the Company by a competitor in 2014 alleged false advertising where, although no formal demand was made, the Company believed the competitor may have been seeking in excess of $10 million. In 2015, the Company resolved the matter for approximately $2.8 million, inclusive of attorney fees and expenses, and also recorded an insurance reimbursement of $1.5 million related to this matter.
The Company does not believe claims and litigation is likely towill have a material adverse effect on its financial position and results of operations or cash flows.


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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

1615. Employee Benefit Plans
Pension and Profit-Sharing Benefits
The Company provides a defined contribution profit sharing plan for the benefit of substantially all the Company's domestic salaried and non-union hourly employees. The plan contains both contributory and noncontributory profit sharing arrangements, as defined. Aggregate charges included in the accompanying consolidated statement of incomeoperations under this plan for both continuing and discontinued operations were approximately $5.8$3.8 million, $5.6$3.7 million and $5.4$5.2 million in 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. Certain of the Company's foreign and union hourly employees participate in defined benefit pension plans.
Postretirement Benefits
The Company provides postretirement medical and life insurance benefits, none
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Table of which are pre-funded, for certain of its retired employees.Contents
TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Plan Assets, Expenses and Obligations
Plan assets, expenses and obligations for pension and postretirement benefit plans disclosed herein include both continuing and discontinued operations.
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit expense (income) recorded in the Company's consolidated statement of incomeoperations for defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans include the following components:components (dollars in thousands):
  Pension Benefit Postretirement Benefit
  2014 2013 2012 2014 2013 2012
  (dollars in thousands)
Service cost $760
 $680
 $600
 $
 $
 $
Interest cost 1,760
 1,610
 1,620
 30
 40
 50
Expected return on plan assets (2,070) (1,810) (1,720) 
 
 
Amortization of prior-service cost 
 
 
 
 
 (200)
Settlement/curtailment 
 
 190
 
 
 (1,490)
Amortization of net (gain)/loss 1,120
 1,280
 1,070
 (90) (80) (80)
Net periodic benefit expense (income) $1,570
 $1,760
 $1,760
 $(60) $(40) $(1,720)
  Pension Benefit
  2017 2016 2015
Service cost $1,150
 $950
 $890
Interest cost 1,290
 1,510
 1,580
Expected return on plan assets (1,480) (1,610) (1,840)
Settlements and curtailments 
 1,330
 2,750
Amortization of net loss 1,010
 930
 1,340
Net periodic benefit expense $1,970
 $3,110
 $4,720
During 2016, the Company recognized one-time settlement and curtailment charges of approximately $1.3 million primarily due to lump sum payments in the United States and the United Kingdom.
During 2015, the Company recognized a one-time settlement charge associated with annuitizing the defined benefit obligations for certain current and former Cequent employees. The settlement charge of approximately $2.8 million is included in the loss from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans that is expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive incomeloss into net periodic benefit costexpense in 20152018 is approximately $1.5$1.0 million.
Actuarial valuations of the Company's defined benefit pension and postretirement plans were prepared as of December 31, 20142017, 20132016 and 20122015. Weighted-averageWeighted average assumptions used in accounting for the U.S. defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
 Pension Benefit Postretirement Benefit Pension Benefit
 2014 2013 2012 2014 2013 2012 2017 2016 2015
Discount rate for obligations 4.17% 5.01% 4.24% 3.89% 4.48% 3.69% 3.76% 4.35% 4.62%
Discount rate for benefit costs 5.01% 4.24% 4.78% 4.48% 3.69% 4.54% 4.35% 4.62% 4.17%
Rate of increase in compensation levels N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.50% 7.50% 7.75% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 7.13% 7.13% 7.50%
The Company utilizes a high-quality (Aa)(Aa or greater) corporate bond yield curve as the basis for its domestic discount rate for its pension and postretirement benefit plans. Management believes this yield curve removes the impact of including additional required corporate bond yields (potentially considered in the above-median curve) resulting from the uncertain economic climate that does not necessarily reflect the general trend in high-quality interest rates.

Weighted average assumptions used in accounting for the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans are as follows:
84
  Pension Benefit
  2017 2016 2015
Discount rate for obligations 2.60% 2.80% 3.80%
Discount rate for benefit costs 2.80% 3.80% 3.70%
Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.30% 3.90% 3.90%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 4.60% 4.90% 4.90%

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


Actuarial valuations of the Company's non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans were prepared as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans are as follows:
  Pension Benefit
  2014 2013 2012
Discount rate for obligations 3.70% 4.50% 4.50%
Discount rate for benefit costs 4.50% 4.50% 4.80%
Rate of increase in compensation levels 3.80% 4.10% 3.70%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 5.60% 5.40% 5.50%
The Company reviews the employee demographic assumptions annually and updates these assumptions as necessary. During, 2014, the mortality assumptions were updated to incorporate a new set of mortality tables. This resulted in an increase in the projected benefit obligation of the Company's defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans.
The following provides a reconciliation of the changes in the Company's defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans' projected benefit obligations and fair value of assets for each of the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 and the funded status as of December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 (dollars in thousands):
 Pension Benefit Postretirement Benefit
 2014 2013 2014 2013 Pension Benefit
 (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016
Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations            
Benefit obligations at January 1 $(38,230) $(38,730) $(810) $(970) $(37,640) $(38,240)
Service cost (760) (680) 
 
 (1,150) (950)
Interest cost (1,760) (1,610) (30) (40) (1,290) (1,510)
Participant contributions (60) (60) 
 
 (60) (60)
Actuarial gain (loss) (6,470) 1,280
 100
 170
 990
 (4,080)
Benefit payments 2,230
 1,850
 80
 30
 1,320
 1,250
Settlements and curtailments 710
 2,360
Change in foreign currency 1,320
 (280) 
 
 (1,910) 3,590
Projected benefit obligations at December 31 (43,730) (38,230) (660) (810) $(39,030) $(37,640)
Changes in Plan Assets            
Fair value of plan assets at January 1 $31,780
 $27,860
 $
 $
 $26,260
 $28,270
Actual return on plan assets 1,830
 2,270
 
 
 2,510
 2,910
Employer contributions 2,340
 3,240
 80
 30
 3,170
 1,890
Participant contributions 60
 60
 
 
 60
 60
Benefit payments (2,230) (1,850) (80) (30) (1,320) (1,250)
Settlements (710) (2,530)
Change in foreign currency (1,170) 200
 
 
 1,790
 (3,090)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31 32,610
 31,780
 
 
 $31,760
 $26,260
Funded status at December 31 $(11,120) $(6,450) $(660) $(810) $(7,270) $(11,380)

85
  Pension Benefit
  2017 2016
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet    
Prepaid benefit cost $1,190
 $740
Current liabilities (340) (830)
Noncurrent liabilities (8,120) (11,290)
Net liability recognized at December 31 $(7,270) $(11,380)
  Pension Benefit
  2017 2016
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss    
Unrecognized prior-service cost $50
 $60
Unrecognized net loss 15,600
 17,910
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss recognized at December 31 $15,650
 $17,970

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

  Pension Benefit Postretirement Benefit
  2014 2013 2014 2013
  (dollars in thousands)
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet        
Prepaid benefit cost $790
 $980
 $
 $
Current liabilities (320) (410) (70) (90)
Noncurrent liabilities (11,590) (7,020) (590) (720)
Net liability recognized at December 31 $(11,120) $(6,450) $(660) $(810)
  Pension Benefit Postretirement Benefit
  2014 2013 2014 2013
  (dollars in thousands)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss        
Unrecognized prior-service cost $90
 $110
 $
 $
Unrecognized net loss/(gain) 21,420
 16,420
 (670) (670)
Total accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss recognized at December 31 $21,510
 $16,530
 $(670) $(670)
  Pension Benefit Postretirement Benefit
  2014 2013 2014 2013
  (dollars in thousands)
Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets        
Accumulated benefit obligations at December 31 $(40,630) $(20,200) $(660) $(810)
Plans with Benefit Obligation Exceeding Plan Assets        
Benefit obligation $(42,910) $(37,430) $(660) $(810)
Plan assets 31,000
 30,000
 
 
Benefit obligation in excess of plan assets $(11,910) $(7,430) $(660) $(810)
  Accumulated Benefit Obligations Projected Benefit Obligations
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Benefit Obligations at December 31,        
Total benefit obligations $(36,720) $(34,790) $(39,030) $(37,640)
Plans with benefit obligations exceeding plan assets        
Benefit obligations $(18,420) $(17,400) $(18,440) $(37,200)
Plan assets 9,980
 7,880
 9,980
 25,080
The assumptions regarding discount rates and expected return on plan assets can have a significant impact on amounts reported for benefit plans. A 25 basis point change in benefit obligation discount rates or 50 basis point change in expected return on plan assets would have the following affect:effect (dollars in thousands):
 December 31, 2014
Benefit Obligation
 2014 Expense
 Pension 
Postretirement
Benefit
 Pension 
Postretirement
Benefit
 Pension Benefit
 (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2017
Benefit Obligation
 2017 Expense
Discount rate            
25 basis point increase $(1,580) $(20) $(140) $
 $(1,440) $(100)
25 basis point decrease $1,650
 $20
 $150
 
 $1,560
 $110
Expected return on assets            
50 basis point increase N/A
 N/A
 $(170) N/A
 N/A
 $(160)
50 basis point decrease N/A
 N/A
 $170
 N/A
 N/A
 $160
The Company expects to make contributions of approximately $3.5$2.3 million to fund its pension plans and $0.1 million to fund its postretirement benefit plans during 20152018.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Plan Assets
The Company's overall investment goal is to provide for capital growth with a moderate level of volatility by investing assets in targeted allocation ranges. Specific long term investment goals include total investment return, diversity to reduce volatility and risk, and to achieve an asset allocation profile that reflects the general nature and sensitivity of the plans' liabilities. Investment goals are established after a comprehensive review of current and projected financial statement requirements, plan assets and liability structure, market returns and risks as well as special requirements of the plans. The Company reviews investment goals and actual results annually to determine whether stated objectives are still relevant and the continued feasibility of achieving the objectives.
The actual weighted average asset allocation of the Company's domestic and foreign pension plans' assets at December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 and target allocations by class, were as follows:
 Domestic Pension Foreign Pension Domestic Pension Foreign Pension
   Actual   Actual   Actual   Actual
 Target 2014 2013 Target 2014 2013 Target 2017 2016 Target 2017 2016
Equity securities 50%-70%
 63% 61% 55% 52% 57% 60% 63% 59% 33% 30% 27%
Fixed income securities 30%-50%
 35% 36% 45% 48% 42%
Cash and cash equivalents 
 2% 3% 
 % 1%
Fixed income 36% 36% 38% 45% 46% 48%
Diversified growth(a)
 % % % 22% 24% 24%
Cash and other 4% 1% 3% 
 % 1%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

(a) Diversified growth funds invest in a broad range of asset classes including equities, investment grade and high yield bonds, commodities, property, private equity, infrastructure and currencies.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Actual allocations to each asset vary from target allocations due to periodic investment strategy changes, market value fluctuations and the timing of benefit payments and contributions. The expected long-term rate of return for both the domestic and foreign plans' total assets is based on the expected return of each of the above categories, weighted based on the target allocation for each class. Actual allocation is reviewed regularly and rebalancing investments are rebalanced to their targeted allocation range is performed when deemed appropriate.
In managing the plan assets, the Company reviews and manages risk associated with the funded status risk, interest rate risk, market risk, liquidity risk and operational risk. Investment policies reflect the unique circumstances of the respective plans and include requirements designed to mitigate these risks by including quality and diversification standards.
The following table summarizes the level under the fair value hierarchy (see Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies") that the Company's pension plan assets are measured, on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20142017 (dollars in thousands):
  Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Equity Securities        
Investment funds $18,220
 $
 $18,220
 $
Fixed Income Securities        
Investment funds 8,610
 
 8,610
 
Government bonds 2,080
 
 2,080
 
Government agencies 30
 
 30
 
Corporate bonds 1,890
 
 1,890
 
Other(a)
 1,270
 
 1,270
 
Cash and cash equivalents        
Short term investment funds 510
 130
 380
 
Total $32,610
 $130
 $32,480
 $
  Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Plan assets subject to leveling        
Investment funds        
Fixed income $3,620
 $3,620
 $
 $
Cash and cash equivalents 60
 60
 
 
Plan assets measured at net asset value(a)
        
Investment funds        
Equity securities 12,790
      
Fixed income 10,150
      
Diversified growth 4,960
      
Cash and cash equivalents 180
      
Total $31,760
 $3,680
 $
 $

(a) ComprisedCertain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of mortgage-backed, asset backed securities and non-government backed c.m.o.sthe fair value hierarchy to the amount presented in the fair value of plan assets.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (dollars in thousands):
87
  
Pension
Benefit
December 31, 2018 $1,460
December 31, 2019 1,450
December 31, 2020 1,570
December 31, 2021 1,540
December 31, 2022 1,640
Years 2023-2027 9,180


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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
  
Pension
Benefit
 
Postretirement
Benefit
  (dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2015 $1,720
 $70
December 31, 2016 1,770
 70
December 31, 2017 1,820
 60
December 31, 2018 1,940
 50
December 31, 2019 2,010
 50
Years 2019-2024 10,890
 200
The assumed health care cost trend rate used for purposes of calculating the Company's postretirement benefit obligation in 2014 was 8.0% for pre-65 plan participants, decreasing to an ultimate rate of 5.0% in 2022 and 7.5% for post-65 plan participants, decreasing to an ultimate rate of 5.0% in 2020. A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend would have the following effects:
  One Percentage-Point Increase One Percentage-Point Decrease
  (dollars in thousands)
Effect on total service and interest cost $
 $
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation 50
 (40)
17.16. Equity Awards
The Company maintains the following long-term equity incentive plans (collectively, the "Plans"):
Plan Names Shares Approved for Issuance
TriMas Corporation 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan Fungible Ratio2,000,000
TriMas Corporation Director Retainer Share Election Program 100,000
N/A
2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan2,850,000
1.75:1
2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan2,435,877
2:1
2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan1,786,123
1:1
The fungible ratio presented above applies to restricted shares of common stock. Stock options and stock appreciation rights have a fungible ratio of 1:1 (one granted option/appreciation right counts as one share againstCompany previously maintained the aggregate available to issue) under each Plan, if applicable. In addition, the 20022006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan, which expired in 2012,2016, and the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, which was replaced by the TriMas Corporation 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan in 2017, such that, while existing grants will remain outstanding until exercised, vested or canceled, no new shares may be issued under these plans.
Spin-off of the plan.Cequent businesses

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TableOn June 30, 2015, due to the spin-off of Contentsthe Cequent businesses, stock options and restricted shares previously granted to Cequent participants were cancelled and transferred to Horizon. On July 1, 2015, the Company adjusted the number of shares outstanding, and the exercise price of stock options, as required by the anti-dilution provisions of the Plans, to maintain the intrinsic value of the outstanding equity awards immediately post spin-off.
TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Stock Options
The Company granted 150,000 stock option awards in 2016. The Company estimated the grant-date fair value of the awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free rate of 1.1%, expected volatility of 32.3%, and an expected term of six years. The Company did not grant any stock options during 2014, 20132017 and 20122015.
Information related to stock options at December 31, 20142017 is as follows:
 
Number of
Stock Options
 
Weighted Average
Option Price
 
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Number of
Stock Options
 
Weighted Average
Option Price
 
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014 342,448
 $9.92
    
Outstanding at January 1, 2017 206,854
 $13.19
    
Granted 
 
  
Exercised (90,781) 19.72
   
 
  
Cancelled 
 
   
 
  
Expired 
 
   
 
  
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 251,667
 $6.39
 3.5 $6,266,389
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 206,854
 $13.19
 6.5 $2,803,950
As of December 31, 2014, 251,6672017, 106,854 stock options outstanding were exercisable under the Plans. During 2014, 800There was approximately $0.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options vested in which the associated fair value was less than $0.1 million. The fair valuethat is expected to be recorded over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. Stock options whichof 50,000 vested during the years ended December 31, 20132017, while no options vested during 2016 and 2012 was $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.2015.
The Company did not incur significantrecognized approximately $0.5 million and $0.3 million of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options during 2017 and 2016, respectively and no significant stock-based compensation expense during 2015. The stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.accompanying consolidated statement of income.
Restricted Shares
The Company awarded 2,2002,800 and 1,760 restricted stock grants to certain employees during 2014.2016 and 2015, respectively. These shares are subject only to a service condition and vest on the first anniversary date of the award so long as the employee remains with the Company.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

During 20142017, 20132016 and 20122015, the Company issued 23,226,189,062, 29,498235,251 and 19,532209,825 shares, respectively, of its common stock to certain employees which are subject only to a service condition and vest ratably over three years so long as the employee remains with the Company.
The Company awarded 40,837, 41,48042,740 and 60,66542,937 restricted shares of common stock to certain employees during 2014, 20132016 and 20122015, respectively. These shares are subject only to a service condition and vest on the first anniversary date of the award. The awards were made to participants in the Company's Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plan ("STI"), where all STI participants whose target STI annual award exceeds $20$20 thousand receive 80% of the value earned in earned cash and 20% in the form of a restricted stock award upon finalization of the award amount in the first quarter eacheach year following the previous plan year.
The Company also awarded 243,124 restricted shares of common stock to certain Company key employees during the first quarter of 2014. Half of the restricted shares granted are service-based restricted stock units. These awards vest ratably over three years. The other half of the shares are subject to a performance conditionDuring 2017, 2016 and are earned based upon the achievement of two performance metrics over a period of three calendar years, beginning on January 1, 2014 and ending on December 31, 2016. Of this award, 75% of the awards are earned based upon the Company's earnings per share ("EPS") cumulative average growth rate ("EPS CAGR") over the performance period. The remaining 25% of the grants are earned based upon the Company's three-year average return on invested capital ("ROIC"). ROIC is defined as the Company's after-tax operating profit, as publicly reported by the Company, plus or minus special items that may occur from time-to-time, divided by the Company's last five-quarter average of invested capital. Invested capital is comprised of the Company's long-term debt plus shareholders' equity plus non-controlling interest, less cash held. Depending on the performance achieved for these two metrics, the amount of shares earned can vary from 30% of the target award to a maximum amount of 200% of the target award for the ROIC metric and 250% of the target award for the EPS CAGR metric. However, if these performance metrics are not achieved, no award will be earned. The performance awards vest on a cliff basis at the end of the three-year performance period.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company awarded 238,808 and 206,064 restricted shares to certain Company key employees during2013 and 2012. Half of the restricted shares granted are service-based restricted stock units. These awards vest ratably over three years. The other half of the shares are subject to a performance condition and are earned based upon the achievement of two performance metrics over a period of three calendar years. Of this award, 75% of the awards are earned based upon the Company's earnings per share ("EPS") cumulative average growth rate ("EPS CAGR") over the performance period. The remaining 25% of the grants are earned based upon the Company's cash generation results. Cash generation is defined as the Company's cumulative three year cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures, as publicly reported by the Company, plus or minus special items that may occur from time-to-time, divided by the Company's three-year income from continuing operations as publicly reported by the Company, plus or minus special items that may occur from time-to-time. Depending on the performance achieved for these two metrics, the amount of shares earned can vary from 30% of the target award to a maximum amount of 200% of the target award for the cash flow metric and 250% of the target award for the EPS CAGR metric. The performance awards vest on a cliff basis at the end of the three-year performance period.
During 2012, the Company also awarded 166,530 restricted shares to certain Company key employees which are performance-based grants. Of this award, 60% are earned based on 2012 earnings per share growth, and the remaining 40% are earned based on the EPS CAGR for 2012 and 2013. Depending on the performance achieved for these two specific metrics, the amount of shares earned can vary from 30% of the target award to a maximum amount of 250% of the target award. For the 60% of shares subject to the 2012 earnings per share growth metric only, the performance conditions were satisfied, resulting in an attainment level of 175% of target. This resulted in an additional 72,576 share grants during the first quarter of 2013. For the 40% of shares subject to the 2012-2013 EPS CAGR metric, the performance conditions were satisfied, resulting in an attainment level of 125% of target. This resulted in an additional 16,054 shares granted during 2014.
In addition, during2014, 2013 and 2012,2015, the Company granted 20,832, 17,24030,429, 41,174 and 16,44032,040 shares, respectively, of its common stock to its non-employee independent directors, which vest one year from date of grant so long as the director and/or Company does not terminate his servicestheir service prior to the vesting date.
During 2017, the Company awarded 111,761 performance-based shares of common stock to certain Company key employees which vest three years from the grant date so long as the employee remains with the Company. These awards are earned 50% based upon the Company's achievement of earnings per share compound annual growth rate ("EPS CAGR") metrics over a period beginning January 1, 2017 and ending December 31, 2019. The remaining 50% of the awards are earned based on the Company's total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to the TSR of the common stock of a pre-defined industry peer-group, measured over the performance period. TSR is calculated as the Company's average closing stock price for the 20-trading days at the end of the performance period plus Company dividends, divided by the Company's average closing stock price for the 20-trading days prior to the start of the performance period. The Company estimated the grant-date fair value and term of the awards subject to a market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 1.52% and annualized volatility of 35.6%. Depending on the performance achieved for these two metrics, the amount of shared earned, if any, can vary from 40% of the target award to a maximum of 200% of the target award for the EPS CAGR metric and 0% of the target award to a maximum of 200% of the target award for the TSR metric.
During 2016, the Company awarded 198,956 performance-based shares of common stock to certain Company key employees which vest three years from the grant date so long as the employee remains with the Company. The performance criteria for these awards is based on the Company's TSR relative to the TSR of the common stock of a pre-defined industry peer-group, measured over a period beginning January 1, 2016 and ending December 31, 2018. Depending on the performance achieved, the amount of shares earned can vary from 0% of the target award to a maximum of 200% of the target award. The Company estimated the grant-date fair value and term of the awards subject to a market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 0.96% and annualized volatility of 35.8%.
During 2015, the Company awarded 192,348 performance-based shares of common stock to certain Company key employees which vest on March 1, 2018, so long as the employee remains with the Company. The performance criteria for these awards is based on the Company's TSR relative to the TSR of the common stock of a pre-defined industry peer-group, measured over a period beginning September 10, 2015 and ending December 31, 2017. Depending on the performance achieved, the amount of shares earned can vary from 0% of the target award to a maximum of 200% of the target award. The Company estimated the grant-date fair value and term of the awards subject to a market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 0.85% and annualized volatility of 35.8%.
During 2015, the Company awarded performance-based shares of common stock to certain Company key employees which were earned based upon the Company's total TSR relative to the TSR of the common stock of a pre-defined industry peer-group and measured over a period beginning September 10, 2015 and ending on December 31, 2016. The Company attained 121.1% of the target on a weighted average basis, resulting in an increase of 12,718 shares during 2017.
The Company allows for its non-employee independent directors to make an annual election to defer all or a portion of their director fees and to receive the deferred amount in cash or equity. Certain of the Company's directors have elected to defer all or a portion of their director fees and to receive the amount in Company common stock at a future date. The Company issued 10,140,12,912, 5,21516,588 and 7,97911,026 shares in 20142017, 20132016 and 20122015, respectively, related to director fee deferrals.
The Company also awarded 81,680 restricted shares to certain Company officers during 2011. Half of the shares are subject to a performance condition and are earned based upon the Company achieving at least $2.00 of cumulative earnings per share for any consecutive four financial quarters beginning April 1, 2011 through September 30, 2013, where 50% of the restricted shares vest on the business day immediately following the release of earnings for the quarter in which the EPS performance measure is met (the "EPS Vesting Date") and the remaining 50% vest in two equal parts on the first and second anniversary of the EPS Vesting Date, all subject to continued employment as of each vesting date. The other half of the shares are subject to market conditions and are earned based upon the Company's stock price closing at or above each of $30 and $35 per share for 30 consecutive trading days (20,420 shares subject to each target stock price), with the last such trading day occurring on or prior to September 30, 2013. Once the target stock price is met, 50% of the restricted shares immediately vest and the remaining 50% vest in two equal parts on the first and second anniversary of the date on which the respective trading threshold is met, all subject to continued employment as of each vesting date. The Company estimated the grant-date fair value and estimated term of the awards subject to a market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 1.0% and expected volatility of 70%. During 2013, the Company achieved the performance conditions for the restricted shares and the market conditions were satisfied.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Information related to restricted shares at December 31, 20142017 is as follows:
 
Number of
Unvested
Restricted
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Number of
Unvested
Restricted
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014 654,400
 $26.00
    
Outstanding at January 1, 2017 645,660
 $20.45
    
Granted 356,413
 33.17
   356,882
 24.97
  
Vested (262,714) 25.53
   (241,013) 20.43
  
Cancelled (22,640) 29.51
   (34,593) 22.06
  
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 725,459
 $29.59
 0.9 $22,699,612
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 726,936
 $22.60
 0.9 $19,445,538
As of December 31, 20142017, there was approximately $6.9$5.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted shares that is expected to be recorded over a weighted-averageweighted average period of 1.92.0 years.
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted shares of approximately $7.46.2 million, $9.2$6.7 million and $9.3$6.3 million for the years endedin December 31,20142017, 20132016, and 20122015, respectively. The stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statement of income.operations.
17. Earnings per Share
Net income is divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year to calculate basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share is calculated to give effect to stock options and restricted share awards. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, no restricted shares or stock options were included in the computation of net income (loss) per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive. Restricted shares of 726,936, 645,660, and 765,314 and options to purchase 206,854, 206,854, and 206,123 shares of common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The following table summarizes the dilutive effect of restricted shares and options to purchase common stock:
  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Weighted average common shares—basic 45,682,627
 45,407,316
 45,123,626
Dilutive effect of restricted share awards 241,974
 
 
Dilutive effect of stock options 65,651
 
 
Weighted average common shares—diluted 45,990,252
 45,407,316
 45,123,626
18. Other Comprehensive Income
Changes in AOCI by component for the year ended December 31, 20142017 are summarized as follows, net of tax:tax (dollars in thousands):
  Defined Benefit Plans  Derivative Instruments Foreign Currency Translation Total
  (dollars in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013 $(10,840) $1,060
 $37,610
 $27,830
Net unrealized losses arising during the period (4,040) (900) (15,090) (20,030)
Less: Net realized losses reclassified to net income (a)
 (700) (450) (1,270) (2,420)
Net current-period change (3,340) (450) (13,820) (17,610)
Balance, December 31, 2014 $(14,180) $610
 $23,790
 $10,220
  Defined Benefit Plans  Derivative Instruments Foreign Currency Translation Total
Balance, December 31, 2016 $(12,120) $(2,520) $(9,760) $(24,400)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period (a)
 1,000
 (3,750) 6,050
 3,300
Less: Net realized losses reclassified to net income (b)
 (670) (3,100) 
 (3,770)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 1,670
 (650) 6,050
 7,070
Balance, December 31, 2017 $(10,450) $(3,170) $(3,710) $(17,330)
__________________________
(a) Defined benefit plans, net of income tax expense of $0.3 million. See Note 15, "$0.3 millionEmployee Benefit Plans.," for additional details. Derivative instruments, net of income tax of $1.3 million. See Note 12, "Derivative Instruments," for further details.
(b) Defined benefit plans, net of income tax of $0.3 million. See Note 1615, "Employee Benefit Plans," for additional details. Derivative instruments, net of income tax expense of $0.3 million.$1.9 million. See Note 1312, "Derivative Instruments," for further details.
The Company reclassified approximately $1.3 million of foreign currency translation losses from AOCI into net income related to the restructuring of business during the year ended December 31, 2014. See Note 7, "Facility Closures and Sale of Business," for additional details.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Changes in AOCI by component for the year ended December 31, 20132016 are summarized as follows, net of tax:tax (dollars in thousands):
  Defined Benefit Plans  Derivative Instruments Foreign Currency Translation Total
  (dollars in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2012 $(12,440) $(1,680) $53,380
 $39,260
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period 800
 3,370
 (7,860) (3,690)
Less: Net realized gains (losses) reclassified to net income (a)
 (800) 630
 7,910
 7,740
Net current-period change 1,600
 2,740
 (15,770) (11,430)
Balance, December 31, 2013 $(10,840) $1,060
 $37,610
 $27,830
  Defined Benefit Plans  Derivative Instruments Foreign Currency Translation Total
Balance, December 31, 2015 $(12,370) $(1,790) $2,860
 $(11,300)
Net unrealized losses arising during the period (a)
 (1,270) (1,150) (12,620) (15,040)
Less: Net realized losses reclassified to net income (b)
 (1,520) (420) 
 (1,940)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 250
 (730) (12,620) (13,100)
Balance, December 31, 2016 $(12,120) $(2,520) $(9,760) $(24,400)
__________________________
(a) Defined benefit plans, net of income tax expense of $0.4$0.3 million. See Note 16,15, "Employee Benefit Plans," for additional details. Derivative instruments, net of income tax expense of $0.7 million. See Note 12, "Derivative Instruments," for further details.
(b) Defined benefit plans, net of income tax of $0.7 million. See Note 15, "Employee Benefit Plans," for additional details. Derivative instruments, net of income tax expense of $0.4$0.3 million. See Note 13,12, "Derivative Instruments," for further details.
The Company reclassified approximately $7.9 million of foreign currency translation gains from AOCI into net income related to the sale of a business during the year ended December 31, 2013. See Note 7, "Facility Closures and Sale of Business," for additional details.
19. Segment Information
TriMas groups its operatingreports four segments: Packaging, Aerospace, Energy and Engineered Components. Each of these segments into reportable segments that provide similar products and services. Each operating segment has discrete financial information that is regularly evaluated regularly by the Company'sTriMas’ president and chief executive officer (chief operating decision makermaker) in determining resource, personnel and capital allocation, as well as assessing strategy and assessing performance. The Company utilizes its proprietary TriMas Business Model as a standardized set of processes to manage and drive results and strategy across its multi-industry businesses.
Within thesethe Company's reportable segments, there are no individual products or product families for which reported net sales accounted for more than 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales. For purposes of this Note, the Company defines operating net assets as total assets less current liabilities. See below for more information regarding the types of products and services provided within each reportable segment:
Packaging-Packaging -Highly engineered steel and polymeric closure and dispensing systems for a range of end markets, including steelhealth, beauty and plastic industrialhome care; industrial; and consumer packaging applications.
Energy-Metallicfood and non-metallic industrial sealant products and fasteners for the petroleum refining, petrochemical and other industrial markets.beverage.
Aerospace-Permanent blind- Blind bolts, temporary fasteners, highly engineered specialty fasteners, temporary fasteners and other precision machined parts used in the commercial, business and military aerospace industries.
Energy - Metallic and non-metallic industrial sealant products and fasteners for the petroleum refining and petrochemical markets.
Engineered Components-High-pressure- High-pressure and low-pressure steel cylinders for the transportation, storage and dispensing of compressed gases, and natural gas engines, compressors, gas production equipment and chemical pumps engineered at well sites for the oil and gas industry.
Cequent APEA & Cequent Americas-Custom-engineered towing, trailering and electrical products including trailer couplers, winches, jacks, trailer brakes and brake control solutions, lighting accessories and roof racks for the recreational vehicle, agricultural/utility, marine, automotive and commercial trailer markets, functional vehicle accessories and cargo management solutions including vehicle hitches and receivers, sway controls, weight distribution and fifth-wheel hitches, hitch-mounted accessories and other accessory components.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Segment activity is as follows:follows (dollars in thousands):
 Year ended December 31,
 2014 2013 2012 Year ended December 31,
 (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Net Sales            
Packaging $337,710
 $313,220
 $275,160
 $344,570
 $341,340
 $334,270
Aerospace 184,310
 174,920
 176,480
Energy 206,720
 205,580
 190,210
 161,580
 158,990
 193,390
Aerospace 121,510
 95,530
 73,180
Engineered Components 221,360
 185,370
 200,000
 127,280
 118,770
 159,840
Cequent APEA 165,110
 151,620
 128,560
Cequent Americas 446,670
 437,280
 400,400
Total $1,499,080
 $1,388,600
 $1,267,510
 $817,740
 $794,020
 $863,980
Operating Profit (Loss)            
Packaging $77,850
 $83,770
 $57,550
 $80,380
 $77,840
 $78,470
Aerospace 26,190
 (90,810) 28,320
Energy (6,660) 8,620
 17,810
 (5,410) (13,840) (97,160)
Aerospace 17,830
 22,830
 21,020
Engineered Components 34,080
 19,450
 27,990
 15,740
 15,300
 18,240
Cequent APEA 7,860
 13,920
 12,300
Cequent Americas 31,090
 8,850
 27,420
Corporate (37,500) (37,840) (36,020) (28,410) (32,490) (32,120)
Total $124,550
 $119,600
 $128,070
 $88,490
 $(44,000) $(4,250)
Capital Expenditures            
Packaging $13,730
 $11,010
 $15,470
 $17,140
 $19,880
 $13,670
Aerospace 3,370
 3,950
 5,010
Energy 2,690
 5,250
 5,210
 3,090
 2,800
 7,610
Aerospace 4,430
 4,810
 3,210
Engineered Components 1,690
 2,190
 4,090
 3,740
 4,670
 2,320
Cequent APEA 6,910
 9,650
 8,290
Cequent Americas 4,530
 5,610
 9,670
Corporate 470
 970
 180
 9,460
 30
 50
Total $34,450
 $39,490
 $46,120
 $36,800
 $31,330
 $28,660
Depreciation and Amortization            
Packaging $20,410
 $18,960
 $17,970
 $21,630
 $22,120
 $20,920
Aerospace 14,530
 14,090
 13,290
Energy 4,600
 3,820
 3,600
 6,550
 4,280
 4,790
Aerospace 7,630
 3,790
 2,630
Engineered Components 4,460
 4,270
 3,860
 3,980
 4,090
 4,200
Cequent APEA 7,520
 5,770
 3,840
Cequent Americas 11,410
 13,680
 12,780
Corporate 440
 260
 160
 180
 280
 340
Total $56,470
 $50,550
 $44,840
 $46,870
 $44,860
 $43,540
Total Assets      
Packaging $431,680
 $423,460
 $418,810
Aerospace 401,060
 409,040
 517,820
Energy 96,320
 100,590
 128,170
Engineered Components 76,520
 78,570
 88,320
Corporate 27,620
 39,990
 17,180
Total $1,033,200
 $1,051,650
 $1,170,300

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

  Year ended December 31,
  2014 2013 2012
  (dollars in thousands)
Operating Net Assets      
Packaging $398,530
 $377,480
 $376,040
Energy 170,430
 180,410
 158,710
Aerospace 498,560
 150,750
 80,620
Engineered Components 65,910
 73,780
 68,870
Cequent APEA 75,290
 81,120
 51,790
Cequent Americas 151,760
 164,590
 145,360
Corporate (8,650) 11,140
 2,370
Total operating net assets 1,351,830
 1,039,270
 883,760
Current liabilities 309,920
 261,510
 247,200
Consolidated assets $1,661,750
 $1,300,780
 $1,130,960
The following table presents the Company's revenuesnet sales for each of the years ended December 31 and operating netlong-lived assets at each year ended December 31, attributed to each subsidiary's continent of domicile. Other than Australia, there was no single non-U.S. country for which net sales and net assets were significant to the combined net sales and net assets of the Company taken as a whole.domicile (dollars in thousands).
 As of December 31,
 2014 2013 2012 As of December 31,
 
Net
Sales
 
Operating
Net Assets
 
Net
Sales
 
Operating
Net Assets
 
Net
Sales
 
Operating
Net Assets
 2017 2016 2015
 (dollars in thousands) 
Net
Sales
 Long-lived Assets 
Net
Sales
 Long-lived Assets 
Net
Sales
 Long-lived Assets
Non-U.S.                        
Europe $120,690
 $97,670
 $97,500
 $136,490
 $62,400
 $102,250
 $62,360
 $54,790
 $65,490
 $45,050
 $70,760
 $50,930
Australia 88,820
 38,700
 97,580
 27,080
 100,620
 32,400
Asia 46,810
 92,470
 44,870
 59,120
 32,230
 38,130
Africa 8,800
 4,290
 3,310
 4,770
 4,180
 3,090
Asia Pacific 36,630
 51,120
 32,230
 51,060
 30,280
 49,830
Other Americas 45,950
 53,780
 46,210
 83,080
 34,090
 68,660
 15,260
 7,930
 13,620
 7,800
 17,000
 5,840
Total non-U.S 311,070
 286,910
 289,470
 310,540
 233,520
 244,530
Total non-U.S. 114,250
 113,840
 111,340
 103,910
 118,040
 106,600
                        
Total U.S.  1,188,010
 1,064,920
 1,099,130
 728,730
 1,033,990
 639,230
 703,490
 590,020
 682,680
 604,250
 745,940
 727,320
Total $1,499,080
 $1,351,830
 $1,388,600
 $1,039,270
 $1,267,510
 $883,760
 $817,740
 $703,860
 $794,020
 $708,160
 $863,980
 $833,920
The Company's export sales from the U.S. approximated $131.879.8 million, $123.776.2 million and $139.782.7 million in 20142017, 20132016 and 20122015, respectively.
20. Income Taxes
The Company's income (loss) before income taxes and income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations, each by tax jurisdiction, consists of the following (dollars in thousands):
  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Income (loss) before income taxes:      
Domestic $50,760
 $(69,850) $(3,150)
Foreign 15,450
 11,620
 (18,970)
  Total income (loss) before income taxes $66,210
 $(58,230) $(22,120)
Current income tax expense:      
Federal $12,800
 $7,560
 $12,150
State and local 1,770
 1,920
 1,080
Foreign 5,420
 4,250
 2,060
  Total current income tax expense 19,990
 13,730
 15,290
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):      
Federal 15,180
 (28,180) (1,980)
State and local 1,280
 (2,550) (1,530)
Foreign (1,200) (1,430) (5,240)
  Total deferred income tax expense 15,260
 (32,160) (8,750)
Income tax expense (benefit) $35,250
 $(18,430) $6,540


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

20. Income Taxes
The Company's income before income taxes and income tax expense for continuing operations, each by tax jurisdiction, consisted of the following:
  Year ended December 31,
  2014 2013 2012
  (dollars in thousands)
Income before income taxes:      
Domestic $85,000
 $49,480
 $12,150
Foreign 14,600
 47,610
 30,340
  Total income before income taxes $99,600
 $97,090
 $42,490
Current income tax expense:      
Federal $31,150
 $15,850
 $8,340
State and local 3,450
 1,440
 1,860
Foreign 6,890
 9,650
 4,190
  Total current income tax expense 41,490
 26,940
 14,390
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):      
Federal (9,170) (4,490) (6,200)
State and local 350
 (1,020) (750)
Foreign 200
 (3,290) (1,380)
  Total deferred income tax expense (8,620) (8,800) (8,330)
Income tax expense $32,870
 $18,140
 $6,060
The components of deferred taxes at December 31, 2014 and 2013are as follows:follows (dollars in thousands):
 2014 2013
 (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:        
Accounts receivable $1,710
 $1,240
 $1,000
 $780
Inventories 9,680
 7,840
 5,230
 6,410
Goodwill and other intangible assets 
 3,120
Accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities 45,750
 40,410
 20,350
 26,110
Tax loss and credit carryforwards 17,530
 10,010
 7,290
 6,680
Gross deferred tax asset 74,670
 59,500
 33,870
 43,100
Valuation allowances (9,820) (6,530) (6,400) (5,670)
Net deferred tax asset 64,850
 52,970
 27,470
 37,430
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Property and equipment (19,640) (20,420) (16,380) (14,580)
Goodwill and other intangible assets (64,400) (66,440) (5,350) 
Investment in foreign affiliates, including withholding tax (740) (1,140)
Other, principally deferred income (5,230) (6,310) (1,550) (1,330)
Gross deferred tax liability (89,270) (93,170) (24,020) (17,050)
Net deferred tax liability $(24,420) $(40,200)
Net deferred tax asset $3,450
 $20,380

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following is a reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate to income tax expense (benefit) allocated to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:taxes (dollars in thousands):
  2014 2013 2012
  (dollars in thousands)
U.S. federal statutory rate 35% 35% 35%
Tax at U.S. federal statutory rate $34,860
 $33,990
 $14,880
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit 2,750
 250
 730
Differences in statutory foreign tax rates (3,910) (8,550) (4,920)
Change in recognized tax benefits (1,960) (1,630) (1,320)
Tax holiday(a)
 (420) (1,980) (1,160)
Nontaxable gains 
 (5,460) 
Restructuring (benefits)/charges 
 2,230
 (2,400)
Noncontrolling interest (280) (1,410) (790)
Net change in valuation allowance 3,310
 1,980
 1,600
Other, net (1,480) (1,280) (560)
Income tax expense $32,870
 $18,140
 $6,060
__________________________
(a) Tax holiday related to Thailand which expires on December 31, 2015.
  Year ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
U.S. federal statutory rate 35% 35% 35%
Tax at U.S. federal statutory rate $23,170
 $(20,380) $(7,740)
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit 2,250
 (550) (520)
Differences in statutory foreign tax rates (2,580) (1,930) 110
Change in recognized tax benefits (480) (1,410) (460)
Goodwill and other intangible assets impairment 
 5,050
 11,430
Nontaxable income (1,050) (310) (980)
Research and manufacturing incentives (1,510) (830) (1,680)
Tax on undistributed foreign earnings (430) 340
 610
Net change in valuation allowance 520
 2,140
 3,770
Tax Reform Act 12,660
 
 
Other, net 2,700
 (550) 2,000
Income tax expense (benefit) $35,250
 $(18,430) $6,540
The Company has recorded deferred tax assets on $33.643.4 million of various state operating loss carryforwards and $48.6$19.5 million of various foreign operating loss carryforwards. The majority of the state tax loss carryforwards expire between 2024 and 20272028 and the majority of the foreign losses have indefinite carryforward periods.
In general, it is the practice and intention of the Company to reinvest the earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations. As of December 31, 2014, theThe Company has not made a provision for U.S. or additional non-U.S.foreign withholding taxes related to investments in foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested since any excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis in these investments is not significant as of December 31, 2017.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Tax Reform
On December 22, 2017 the Tax Reform Act was signed into law, and, among the provisions, reduces the Federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, and implements a territorial tax system, imposing a one-time tax on approximately $219.4 millionthe deemed repatriation of undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that are consideredsubsidiaries.
In connection with the reduction in the Federal income tax rate, the Company revalued its ending net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017 and recognized $3.7 million provisional tax expense.
In connection with the territorial tax change, the Company recognized a $9.0 million provisional tax expense related to be permanently reinvested. Generally, such amounts become subjectthe deemed repatriation of approximately $110.0 million of undistributed non-U.S. subsidiary earnings. This one-time mandatory tax is payable over eight years beginning in 2019.
On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. taxation upon remittanceGAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of dividendsthe Tax Reform Act. The Company has recognized the provisional tax impacts related to deemed repatriated earnings and under certain other circumstances. It is not practicable to estimate the amountrevaluation of deferred tax liability relatedassets and liabilities and included these amounts in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, investmentsamong other things, additional analysis, changes in these non-U.S. subsidiaries.interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, and additional regulatory guidance that may be issued. The financial reporting impact is expected to be complete when the Company files its 2017 U.S. corporate income tax return in late 2018.
Unrecognized tax benefits
The Company has approximately $27.23.4 million and $31.63.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits ("UTBs") as of December 31, 20142017 and 20132016, respectively. If the unrecognized tax benefitsUTBs were recognized, the impact to the Company's effective tax rate would be to reduce reported income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 by approximately $21.22.8 million and $25.73.0 million, respectively.

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

A reconciliation of the change in the UTBs and related accrued interest and penalties for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 is as follows:follows (dollars in thousands):
 
Unrecognized
Tax Benefits
 
Unrecognized
Tax Benefits
 (dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012 $21,730
Balance at December 31, 2015 $4,610
Tax positions related to current year:    
Additions 1,300
 120
Tax positions related to prior years:    
Additions 15,340
 80
Reductions (4,310) (10)
Settlements 
 
Lapses in the statutes of limitations (2,490) (1,230)
Balance at December 31, 2013 $31,570
Balance at December 31, 2016 $3,570
Tax positions related to current year:    
Additions 280
 250
Tax positions related to prior years: 

 

Additions 270
 860
Reductions (2,050) (100)
Settlements 
 
Lapses in the statutes of limitations (2,870) (1,210)
Balance at December 31, 2014 $27,200
Balance at December 31, 2017 $3,370
In addition to the UTBs summarized above, the Company has recorded approximately $2.21.7 million and $1.8$2.0 million in potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 20142017 and 20132016, respectively.
The decrease in UTBs related to prior years is primarily related to the change in currency exchange rates.
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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company is subject to U.S. federal, state and local, and certain non-U.S. income tax examinations for tax years 20022010 through 20132016. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for tax year 2011. Additionally,In addition, there are currently twoseveral state examinations and one foreign income tax examinationsexamination in process. The Company does not believe that the results of these examinations will have a significant impact on the Company's tax position or its effective tax rate.
Management monitors changes in tax statutes and regulations and the issuance of judicial decisions to determine the potential impact to unrecognized tax benefitsUTBs and is not aware of, nor does it anticipate, any material subsequent events that could have a significant impact on the Company's financial position during the next twelve months.
21. Summary Quarterly Financial Data
The Company's unaudited quarterly financial data is as follows (dollars in thousands, except for per share data):
  As of December 31, 2017
  First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
Net sales $199,830
 $213,370
 $209,330
 $195,210
Gross profit 51,760
 59,410
 58,830
 49,140
Net income (loss) 6,990
 14,850
 13,130
 (4,010)
Earnings (loss) per share—basic:        
Net income (loss) per share $0.15
 $0.32
 $0.29
 $(0.09)
Weighted average shares—basic 45,570,495
 45,717,697
 45,721,155
 45,721,160
Earnings (loss) per share—diluted:        
Net income (loss) per share $0.15
 $0.32
 $0.29
 $(0.09)
Weighted average shares—diluted 45,908,958
 45,922,416
 46,029,361
 45,721,160
  As of December 31, 2016
  First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
Net sales $202,880
 $203,320
 $202,290
 $185,530
Gross profit 55,920
 57,080
 58,050
 39,430
Net income (loss)(a)
 8,300
 10,480
 8,780
 (67,360)
Earnings (loss) per share—basic:        
Net income (loss) per share $0.18
 $0.23
 $0.19
 $(1.48)
Weighted average shares—basic 45,278,990
 45,429,851
 45,435,936
 45,484,485
Earnings (loss) per share—diluted:        
Net income (loss) per share $0.18
 $0.23
 $0.19
 $(1.48)
Weighted average shares—diluted 45,654,816
 45,726,348
 45,760,455
 45,484,485

(a) Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2016 includes pre-tax goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of $98.9 million. See Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", for further details.


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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

21. Summary Quarterly Financial Data22. Subsequent Event
On January 11, 2018, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court entered a final decree to close all remaining cases and finalize the Metaldyne bankruptcy distribution trust. Any proof of claim filed against any of the Debtors subsequent to the entry of the final decree shall be deemed disallowed and expunged by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In consideration of this final decree, the Company expects to make a final assessment of its estimated liability in the first quarter of 2018. See Note 14, "Commitments and Contingencies" for further information.

  As of December 31, 2014
  First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
  (unaudited, dollars in thousands, except for per share data)
Net sales $365,390
 $403,000
 $380,120
 $350,570
Gross profit 95,940
 109,420
 98,050
 81,530
Income from continuing operations 19,230
 26,430
 18,390
 2,680
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 150
 (230) 3,840
 (1,210)
Net income 19,380
 26,200
 22,230
 1,470
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 810
 
 
 
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation 18,570
 26,200
 22,230
 1,470
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to TriMas Corporation—basic:        
Continuing operations $0.41
 $0.59
 $0.41
 $0.06
Discontinued operations 
 (0.01) 0.08
 (0.03)
Net income per share $0.41
 $0.58
 $0.49
 $0.03
Weighted average shares—basic 44,768,594
 44,901,090
 44,919,340
 44,938,675
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to TriMas Corporation—diluted:        
Continuing operations $0.41
 $0.59
 $0.41
 $0.06
Discontinued operations 
 (0.01) 0.08
 (0.03)
Net income per share $0.41
 $0.58
 $0.49
 $0.03
Weighted average shares—diluted 45,186,114
 45,230,862
 45,276,199
 45,384,460

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TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

  As of December 31, 2013
  First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
  (unaudited, dollars in thousands, except for per share data)
Net sales $335,750
 $377,750
 $354,910
 $320,190
Gross profit 82,930
 103,250
 94,110
 70,770
Income from continuing operations 13,970
 27,290
 30,250
 7,440
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 70
 510
 (300) 840
Net Income 14,040
 27,800
 29,950
 8,280
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 860
 910
 1,320
 1,430
Net income attributable to TriMas Corporation 13,180
 26,890
 28,630
 6,850
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to TriMas Corporation—basic:        
Continuing Operations $0.34
 $0.67
 $0.72
 $0.13
Discontinued Operations $
 $0.01
 $(0.01) $0.02
Net income per share $0.34
 $0.68
 $0.71
 $0.15
Weighted average shares—basic 39,234,780
 39,425,471
 40,345,828
 44,698,948
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to TriMas Corporation—diluted:        
Continuing Operations $0.33
 $0.66
 $0.71
 $0.13
Discontinued Operations $
 $0.01
 $(0.01) $0.02
Net income per share $0.33
 $0.67
 $0.70
 $0.15
Weighted average shares—diluted 39,790,524
 39,886,593
 40,746,503
 45,159,205


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Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
As of December 31, 20142017, an evaluation was carried out by management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")), pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed only to provide reasonable assurance that they will meet their objectives. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 20142017, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that they would meet their objectives.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles and reflect management's judgments and estimates concerning events and transactions that are accounted for or disclosed.
Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the Company's ability to record, process, summarize, and report reliable financial data. Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control and effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Additionally, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time.
In order to ensure that the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective, management regularly assesses such controls and did so most recently for its financial reporting as of December 31, 20142017. Management's assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management asserts that the Company has maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20142017.
Management's assessment of the internal control over financial reporting excluded an assessment of Allfast Fastening Systems ("Allfast"). Such exclusion was in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission guidance that an assessment of a recently acquired business may be omitted in Management's report on internal control over financial reporting in the year of acquisition. Total assets for Allfast were $366.0 million, which represented 22% of the Company's consolidated total assets at December 31, 2014. Net sales in 2014 for Allfast were $9.1 million, which represents 0.6% of the Company's consolidated total net sales for 2014.


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Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, who audited the Company's consolidated financial statements, has also audited the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20142017, as stated in their report below.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
TriMas Corporation
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of TriMas Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company"“Company”) as of December 31, 2014,2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As describedCommission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment theall material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting at Allfast Fastening Systems (“Allfast”), which was acquiredas of December 31, 2017, based on October 17, 2014 and whose financial statements constitute total assetscriteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of $366.0 million, or 22%the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), and net sales of $9.1 million, or 0.6%, of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement amountsschedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014. Accordingly,2017, of the Company and our audit did not include the internal control overreport dated February 27, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial reporting at Allfast. statements and financial statement schedule.
Basis for Opinion
The Company'sCompany’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management'sManagement’s Annual Report on Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel 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'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company'scompany’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of theits inherent limitations, of internal control over financial reporting including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be preventedprevent or detected on a timely basis.detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting 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.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.


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We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014, of the Company and our report dated February 25, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Detroit, Michigan
February 25, 201527, 2018

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Changes in disclosure controls and procedures
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 20142017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.    Other Information
Not applicable.

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PART III
Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information regarding our executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K under the heading “Executive Officers of the Company.
The Company's Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is applicable to its directors, officers and employees. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is available on the "investors""Investors" portion of the Company's website under the "Corporate Governance" link. The Company's website address is www.trimascorp.com.
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 11.    Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


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PART IV
Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Listing of Documents
(1)   Financial Statements
The Company's Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof, as required at December 31, 20142017 and December 31, 20132016, and for the periods ended December 31, 20142017, December 31, 20132016 and December 31, 20122015, consist of the following:
Balance Sheet
Statement of IncomeOperations
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Statement of Cash Flows
Statement of Shareholders' Equity
Notes to Financial Statements
(2)   Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statement Schedule of the Company appended hereto, as required for the periods ended December 31, 20142017, December 31, 20132016 and December 31, 20122015, consists of the following:
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information is otherwise included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
(3)   Exhibits
See the Exhibits Index at the end of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference.
Item 16.    Form 10-K Summary
None.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 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.
   
TRIMAS CORPORATION
(Registrant)
      
   BY: /s/ DAVID M. WATHENTHOMAS A. AMATO
DATE:February 25, 201527, 2018   
Name: David M. WathenThomas A. Amato
Title: President 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 and on the dates indicated.
Name Title Date
     
/s/ DAVID M. WATHENTHOMAS A. AMATO President and Chief Executive Officer February 25, 201527, 2018
David M. WathenThomas A. Amato (Principal Executive Officer) and Director  
     
/s/ ROBERT J. ZALUPSKI Chief Financial Officer February 25, 201527, 2018
Robert J. Zalupski (Principal Financial Officer)  
     
/s/ PAUL A. SWART Vice President Business Planning, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer February 25, 201527, 2018
Paul A. Swart (Principal Accounting Officer)  
     
/s/ SAMUEL VALENTI III Chairman of the Board of Directors February 25, 201527, 2018
Samuel Valenti III
/s/ MARSHALL A. COHENDirectorFebruary 25, 2015
Marshall A. Cohen    
     
/s/ RICHARD M. GABRYS Director February 25, 201527, 2018
Richard M. Gabrys    
     
/s/ NANCY S. GOUGARTY Director February 25, 201527, 2018
Nancy S. Gougarty    
     
/s/ EUGENE A. MILLER Director February 25, 201527, 2018
Eugene A. Miller
/s/ HERBERT K. PARKERDirectorFebruary 27, 2018
Herbert K. Parker    
     
/s/ NICK L. STANAGE Director February 25, 201527, 2018
Nick L. Stanage    
     
/s/ DANIEL P. TREDWELL Director February 25, 201527, 2018
Daniel P. Tredwell    



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SCHEDULE II
PURSUANT TO ITEM 15(a)(2)
OF FORM 10-K VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED
December 31, 20142017, 20132016 AND 20122015
    ADDITIONS    
DESCRIPTION 
BALANCE
AT
BEGINNING
OF PERIOD
 
CHARGED
TO
COSTS AND
EXPENSES
 
CHARGED
(CREDITED)
TO OTHER
ACCOUNTS(A)
 
DEDUCTIONS(B)
 
BALANCE
AT END
OF PERIOD
Allowance for doubtful accounts deducted from accounts receivable in the balance sheet          
Year ended December 31, 2014 $3,610,000
 $2,950,000
 $640,000
 $1,850,000
 $5,350,000
Year ended December 31, 2013 $3,680,000
 $440,000
 $270,000
 $780,000
 $3,610,000
Year ended December 31, 2012 $3,780,000
 $250,000
 $350,000
 $700,000
 $3,680,000
    ADDITIONS    
DESCRIPTION 
BALANCE
AT
BEGINNING
OF PERIOD
 
CHARGED
TO
COSTS AND
EXPENSES
 
CHARGED
(CREDITED)
TO OTHER
ACCOUNTS(A)
 
DEDUCTIONS(B)
 
BALANCE
AT END
OF PERIOD
Allowance for doubtful accounts deducted from accounts receivable in the balance sheet          
Year ended December 31, 2017 $4,580,000
 $2,730,000
 $(140,000) $3,040,000
 $4,130,000
Year ended December 31, 2016 $3,710,000
 $2,770,000
 $(90,000) $1,810,000
 $4,580,000
Year ended December 31, 2015 $2,220,000
 $2,380,000
 $(40,000) $850,000
 $3,710,000

(A) 
Allowance of companies acquired, and other adjustments, net.
(B) 
Deductions, representing uncollectible accounts written-off, less recoveries of amounts written-offreserved in prior years.

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Item 15.    Exhibits.
Exhibits Index:

2.1(p)2.1(w)Purchase
2.2(z)Purchase Agreement dated as of March 11, 2014, among Rieke-Arminak Corp., HRA Holding Corporation, NC Holding, LLC, Helga Arminak, Armin Arminak, Roger Abadjian, and Arminak & Associates, LLC.
2.3(ad)Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of September 19, 2014, among TriMas UK Aerospace Holdings Limited, TriMas Corporation, Allfast Fastening Systems, Inc., The James and Eleanor Randall Trust dated June 1, 1993 and James H. Randall.Corporation.**
3.1(e)
3.2(l)3.2(k)Second
4.1(ai)
10.1(a)
10.2(d)
10.3(f)
10.4(b)
10.5(r)Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 11, 2012, among TriMas Corporation, TriMas Company LLC, the Subsidiary Term Borrowers named therein, the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers named therein, the Lenders named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Keybank Association, RBS Citizens, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Documentation Agents.
10.6(v)First Amendment dated as of April 12, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 11, 2012.
10.7(x)
10.8(ad)10.6(v)
10.9(j)10.7(w)
10.8(ag)
10.9(ag)
10.10(ai)
10.11(i)
10.10(n)10.12(m)
10.11(q)10.13(n)
10.12(q)10.14(n)
10.13(aa)10.15(t)
10.14(n)10.16(x)
10.17(z)

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10.18(m)
10.15(q)10.19(n)
10.16(s)10.20(o)
10.17(aa)10.21(t)

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10.22(ab)
10.18
10.19(aa)10.23(x)
10.24(z)
10.25(af)
10.26(ah)
10.27(t)
10.2010.28(ab)
10.21(a)10.29(af)
10.22(g)10.30(af)First Amendment to the
10.23(g)10.31(c)Second Amendment to the TriMas Corporation 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.24(g)Third Amendment to the TriMas Corporation 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.25(g)Fourth Amendment to the TriMas Corporation 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.26(c)
10.27(k)10.32(ah)
10.33(j)
10.28(h)10.34(g)
10.29(i)10.35(h)
10.30(m)10.36(l)
10.31(u)10.37(p)
10.32(o)10.38(ah)Form of Performance Unit Agreement - 2012 LTI - under the 2002 Long Term
10.33(o)Form of Performance Unit Agreement - 2012 LTI - under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.34(o)Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement - 2012 LTI - under the 2011 Omnibusand Incentive Compensation Plan.*
10.35(o)10.39(u)Form of Restricted Share Agreement - 2012 LTI - under the 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.36(o)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement - 2012 LTI - under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.37(o)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement - 2012 LTI - under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.*
10.38(t)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement - 2013 LTI (One-Year Vest) - under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.*
10.39(t)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement - 2013 LTI (One-Year Vest) - under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.40(t)Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement - 2013 LTI - under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.*
10.41(t)Form of Performance Unit Agreement - 2013 LTI - under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.42(t)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement - 2013 LTI - under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.43(t)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement - 2013 LTI - under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.*
10.44(t)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement - 2013 LTI (Board of Directors) - under the 2006 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.*
10.45(ab)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement - 2014 LTI (One-Year Vest) - under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.*
10.46(ab)
10.47(ab)10.40(u)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement - 2014 LTI (Board of Directors) - under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan.*
10.48(ab)
10.49(w)10.41(x)Executive Severance / Change
10.50(ac)10.42(aa)Letter Agreement dated as
10.51(y)10.43(aa)2013

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10.44(q)
10.45(ac)
10.46(ac)
10.47(ac)
10.48(ac)
10.49(ac)
10.50(ac)
10.51(ac)
10.52(ac)
10.53(ac)
10.54(ae)
10.55(ag)
10.56(ag)
10.57(ag)
10.58(s)
10.59(y)
10.60(ad)
10.61(w)
10.62(w)
10.63(w)
10.64(w)
10.65(ae)
10.66(ae)
10.67(aj)
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2

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32.1
32.2
101.INSXBRL Instance Document.
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

*Management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K10-K.

** Certain exhibits and schedules have been omitted and the Company agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted exhibits and schedules upon request.
(a) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on October 4, 2002 (File No. 333-100351).
(b) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed June 9, 2003 (File No. 333-105950).
(c) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with Amendment No. 3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on June 29, 2004 (File No. 333-113917).
(d) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 19, 2006 (File No. 333-136263).
(e) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2007 (File No. 001-10716).
(f) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2008 (File No. 001-10716).
(g) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2008 (File No. 001-10716).
(h)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2009 (File No. 001-10716).
(i)(h) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2009 (File No. 001-10716).
(j)(i) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on January 15, 2010 (File No. 001-10716).
(k)(j) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on March 26, 2010 (File No. 001-10716).
(l)(k) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on FebruaryDecember 18, 20112015 (File No. 001-10716).
(m)(l) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2011 (File No. 001-10716).
(n)(m) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2011 (File No. 001-10716).
(o)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2012 (File No. 001-10716).
(p)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2012 (File No. 001-10716).

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Table of Contents


(q)(n) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2012 (File No. 001-10716).
(r)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on October 16, 2012 (File No. 001-10716).
(s)(o) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2012 (File No. 001-10716).
(t)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2013 (File No. 001-10716).
(u)(p) Incorporated by reference to Appendix A filed with our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 5, 2013 (File No. 001-10716).
(v)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 25, 2013 (File No. 001-10716).
(w)(q) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2013 (File No. 001-10716).
(x)(r) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2013 (File No. 001-10716).
(y)(s) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Report on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 2013 (File No. 001-10716).

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Table of Contents


(z)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2014 (File No. 001-10716).
(aa)
(t) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2014 (File No. 001-10716).
(ab)(u) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2014 (File No. 001-10716).
(ac)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 18, 2014 (File No. 001-10716).
(ad)(v) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 20, 2014 (File No. 001-10716).
(w)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2015 (File No. 001-10716).
(x)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 28, 2015 (File No. 001-10716).
(y)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2015 (File No. 001-10716).
(z)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2015 (File No. 001-10716).
(aa)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 29, 2015 (File No. 001-10716).
(ab)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2015 (File No. 001-10716).
(ac)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 28, 2016 (File No. 001-10716).
(ad)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 15, 2016 (File No. 001-10716).
(ae)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 27, 2016 (File No. 001-10716).
(af)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2016 (File No. 001-10716).
(ag)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 24, 2017 (File No. 001-10716).
(ah)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2017 (File No. 001-10716).
(ai)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2017 (File No. 001-10716).
(aj)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2017 (File No. 001-10716).


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