UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2005

x                             Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2006

[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Transition Period from to .

or

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 333-100351

TRIMAS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware

38-2687639

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of

(IRS Employer

incorporation or organization)

38-2687639
(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

39400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(248) 631-5450

(Registrant'sRegistrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or 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]x   No [ ]o.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12 6-212b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large Accelerated Filer o

Accelerated Filer o

Non-Accelerated Filer x

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

As of November 14, 2005,May 15, 2006, the number of outstanding shares of the Registrant'sRegistrant’s common stock, $.01 par value, was 20,010,000 shares.




TriMas Corporation

Index

Part I.

Financial Information

Forward-Looking Statements

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements

3




TriMas Corporation

Index





Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined by the federal securities laws) about our financial condition, results of operations and business. You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate"‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘estimate’’ and similar words used in this report.

These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Because the statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.

The cautionary statements set forth above should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue. We do not undertake any obligation to review or confirm analysts'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.

Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements included in this report include general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate and industry-related and other factors such as:

• Our businesses depend upon general economic conditions and we serve some customers in highly cyclical industries. As a result, we are subject to the risk of downturn and loss of sales due to recession, which could negatively affect us;
• Our products are typically highly engineered or customer-driven and, as such, we are subject to risks associated with changing technology and manufacturing techniques, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage;
• In the past, we have grown primarily through acquisitions. If we are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates, successfully integrate acquired operations or realize the intended benefits of our acquisitions, we may be adversely affected;
• Increases in our raw material or energy costs or the loss of a substantial number of our suppliers could adversely affect our profitability and other financial results;
• We may be unable to successfully implement our growth strategies. Our ability to realize our growth opportunities, apart from acquisitions and related cost savings, may be limited;
• We depend on the services of key individuals and relationships, the loss of which could materially harm us;
• We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability, recall and warranty claims that may be brought against us;
• Our business may be materially and adversely affected by compliance obligations and liabilities under environmental and other laws and regulations;
• We may be subject to work stoppages and further unionization at our facilities or our customers or suppliers may be subjected to work stoppages, which could seriously impact the profitability of our business;
• Our healthcare costs for active employees and retirees may exceed our projections and may negatively affect our financial results;
• Many of the markets we serve are highly competitive, which could limit the volume of products that we sell and reduce our operating margins;
• 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 significant goodwill and intangible assets. Future impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets could have a material negative impact on our financial results;

·       Our businesses depend upon general economic conditions and we serve some customers in highly cyclical industries. As a result, we are subject to the loss of sales and margin due to an economic downturn or recession, which could negatively affect us;

·       Many of the markets we serve are highly competitive, which could limit the volume of products that we sell and reduce our operating margins. We also face the risk of lower cost foreign manufacturers located in China and elsewhere in Southeast Asia competing in the markets for our products, and we may be adversely impacted;

·       Increases in our raw material or energy costs or the loss of a substantial number of our suppliers could adversely affect our profitability and other financial results;

·       Historically, we have grown primarily through acquisitions. If we are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates, successfully integrate acquired operations or realize the intended benefits of our acquisitions, we may be adversely affected;

·       We may be unable to successfully implement our growth strategies. Our ability to realize our growth opportunities, apart from acquisitions and related cost savings, may be limited;

·       Our products are typically highly engineered or customer-driven and, as such, we are subject to risks associated with changing technology and manufacturing techniques, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage;

·       We may be unable to protect our intellectual property;

·       We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability, recall and warranty claims that may be brought against us;

·       Our business may be materially and adversely affected by compliance obligations and liabilities under environmental and other laws and regulations;

·       We have substantial debt and interest payment requirements that may restrict our future operations and impair our ability to meet our obligations;


• We have substantial debt and interest payment requirements that may restrict our future operations and impair our ability to meet our obligations;
• We have significant operating lease obligations. Failure to meet those obligations could adversely affect our financial condition;
• Restrictions in our debt instruments and accounts receivable facility limit our ability to take certain actions and breaches thereof could impair our liquidity;
• We have not yet completed implementing our current plans to improve internal controls over financial reporting and may be unable to remedy certain internal control weaknesses identified by our management and take other actions to meet our 2007 compliance deadline for Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and
• The disclosure of the restatement of our financial results for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2004 and weakness in our disclosure controls and procedures may adversely impact the confidence of those with whom we have commercial or financial relationships. Our conclusions and actions relative to the restatement and our control weakness is subject to scrutiny in the future, including review by the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its ordinary course review of our public filings and disclosure or otherwise.


·       Restrictions in our debt instruments and accounts receivable facility limit our ability to take certain actions and breaches thereof could impair our liquidity;

·       We have significant operating lease obligations. Failure to meet those obligations could adversely affect our financial condition;

·       We have significant goodwill and intangible assets. Future impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets could have a material negative impact on our financial results;

·       We may be subject to work stoppages and further unionization at our facilities or our customers or suppliers may be subjected to work stoppages, which could seriously impact the profitability of our business;

·       Our healthcare costs for active employees and retirees may exceed our projections and may negatively affect our financial results;

·       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; and

·       We have not yet completed implementing our current plans to improve internal controls over financial reporting and may be unable to remedy certain internal control weaknesses identified by our management and take other actions to meet our 2007 compliance deadline for Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

We disclose important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations under Item 2. "‘‘Management'sManagement’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 condition, results of operations, prospects and ability to service our debt.





Part I. Financial Information

Item 1.   Financial Statements

TriMas Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheet
September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004
(Unaudited — Unaudited—dollars in thousands, except for share amounts)thousands)


 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,710

 

 

$

3,730

 

 

Receivables, net

 

95,000

 

 

89,960

 

 

Inventories

 

162,020

 

 

149,210

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

20,120

 

 

20,120

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

7,450

 

 

7,050

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

 

47,000

 

 

45,590

 

 

Total current assets

 

333,300

 

 

315,660

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

163,180

 

 

164,630

 

 

Goodwill

 

645,530

 

 

644,780

 

 

Other intangibles, net

 

252,060

 

 

255,220

 

 

Other assets

 

46,700

 

 

48,220

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,440,770

 

 

$

1,428,510

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities, long-term debt

 

$

8,560

 

 

$

13,820

 

 

Accounts payable

 

125,790

 

 

111,250

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

65,830

 

 

62,800

 

 

Due to Metaldyne

 

4,840

 

 

4,850

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations

 

37,270

 

 

38,410

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

242,290

 

 

231,130

 

 

Long-term debt

 

710,780

 

 

713,860

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

95,820

 

 

95,980

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

34,230

 

 

34,760

 

 

Due to Metaldyne

 

3,480

 

 

3,480

 

 

Total liabilities

 

1,086,600

 

 

1,079,210

 

 

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: 20,010,000 shares

 

200

 

 

200

 

 

Paid-in capital

 

397,400

 

 

396,980

 

 

Retained deficit

 

(82,330

)

 

(86,310

)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

38,900

 

 

38,430

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

354,170

 

 

349,300

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

1,440,770

 

 

$

1,428,510

 

 

 September 30,
2005
December 31,
2004
Assets      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$2,240 $3,090 
Receivables, net 119,050  93,390 
Inventories, net 164,030  180,040 
Deferred income taxes 17,530  17,530 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,470  8,450 
Total current assets 310,320  302,500 
Property and equipment, net 188,890  198,610 
Goodwill 652,210  657,980 
Other intangibles, net 293,580  304,910 
Other assets 56,480  58,200 
Total assets$1,501,480 $1,522,200 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity      
Current liabilities:      
Current maturities, long-term debt$2,890 $2,990 
Accounts payable 116,840  135,230 
Accrued liabilities 73,800  68,180 
Due to Metaldyne 3,290  2,650 
Total current liabilities 196,820  209,050 
Long-term debt 726,160  735,030 
Deferred income taxes 131,670  133,540 
Other long-term liabilities 38,670  35,160 
Due to Metaldyne 4,260  4,260 
Total liabilities 1,097,580  1,117,040 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)      
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: 20,010,000 shares 200  200 
Paid-in capital 396,630  399,450 
Retained deficit (33,640 (40,430
Accumulated other comprehensive income 40,710  45,940 
Total shareholders' equity 403,900  405,160 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$1,501,480 $1,522,200 
       

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


TriMas Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited — Unaudited—dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)


 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net sales

 

$

275,280

 

$

262,370

 

Cost of sales

 

(201,790

)

(197,270

)

Gross profit

 

73,490

 

65,100

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(44,050

)

(40,290

)

Gain (loss) on dispositions of property and equipment

 

(180

)

170

 

Operating profit

 

29,260

 

24,980

 

Other expense, net:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(19,920

)

(18,240

)

Other, net

 

(780

)

(1,090

)

Other expense, net

 

(20,700

)

(19,330

)

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

 

8,560

 

5,650

 

Income tax expense

 

(3,250

)

(2,080

)

Income from continuing operations

 

5,310

 

3,570

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit

 

(1,330

)

(1,060

)

Net income

 

$

3,980

 

$

2,510

 

Earnings (loss) per share—basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.18

 

Discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit

 

(0.07

)

(0.05

)

Net income per share

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.13

 

Weighted average common shares—basic

 

20,010,000

 

20,010,000

 

Earnings (loss) per share—diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.26

 

$

0.17

 

Discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit

 

(0.07

)

(0.05

)

Net income per share

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.12

 

Weighted average common shares—diluted

 

20,760,000

 

20,760,000

 

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2005200420052004
Net sales$270,940 $257,100 $858,320 $802,210 
Cost of sales (210,800 (196,370 (663,470 (602,130
Gross profit 60,140  60,730  194,850  200,080 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (42,140 (39,800 (125,810 (128,130
Operating profit 18,000  20,930  69,040  71,950 
Other expense, net:            
Interest expense (18,840 (17,430 (55,790 (50,020
Foreign exchange gain (loss) (340 170  (2,470 690 
Other, net (1,260 (230 (2,970 (1,430
Other expense, net (20,440 (17,490 (61,230 (50,760
Income (loss) before income tax benefit (expense) (2,440 3,440  7,810  21,190 
Income tax benefit (expense) 2,670  (1,270 (1,020 (7,840
Net income$230 $2,170 $6,790 $13,350 
             
Basic earnings per share$0.01 $0.11 $0.34 $0.67 
             
Diluted earnings per share$0.01 $0.11 $0.34 $0.67 
             
Weighted average common shares — basic 20,010,000  20,010,000  20,010,000  20,010,000 
             
Weighted average common shares — diluted 20,010,000  20,010,000  20,010,000  20,010,000 

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


TriMas Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited — Unaudited—dollars in thousands)


 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,980

 

$

2,510

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on dispositions of property and equipment

 

100

 

(240

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

9,300

 

10,510

 

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

1,360

 

1,230

 

Non-cash compensation expense

 

420

 

80

 

Net proceeds from sale of receivables and receivables securitization

 

25,120

 

26,560

 

Increase in receivables

 

(29,630

)

(60,540

)

(Increase) decrease in inventories

 

(14,490

)

3,440

 

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

 

200

 

860

 

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

14,330

 

3,820

 

Other, net

 

320

 

420

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

 

11,010

 

(11,350

)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(5,290

)

(4,550

)

Proceeds from sales of fixed assets

 

640

 

940

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(4,650

)

(3,610

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of borrowings on term loan facilities

 

(700

)

(720

)

Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities

 

167,710

 

286,810

 

Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities

 

(175,390

)

(270,200

)

Payments on notes payable

 

 

(100

)

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

 

(8,380

)

15,790

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) for the period

 

(2,020

)

830

 

At beginning of period

 

3,730

 

3,090

 

At end of period

 

$

1,710

 

$

3,920

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

5,280

 

$

5,780

 

Cash paid for taxes

 

$

4,930

 

$

3,600

 

 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 20052004
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:      
Net income$6,790 $13,350 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities, net of acquisition impact:      
(Gain) loss on dispositions of property and equipment 390  (120
Depreciation and amortization 31,400  30,590 
Amortization of debt issue costs 3,720  3,470 
Non-cash compensation expense 240  410 
Net proceeds from sale of receivables and receivables securitization 400  7,780 
Payment to Metaldyne to fund contractual liabilities (330 (4,610
Increase in receivables (26,060 (37,690
(Increase) decrease in inventories 16,010  (40,650
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets (910 (4,160
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (12,900 30,640 
Other, net 1,000  (1,730
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities, net of acquisition impact 19,750  (2,720
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:      
Capital expenditures (15,010 (35,620
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets 3,490  450 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired   (5,500
Net cash used for investing activities (11,520 (40,670
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:      
Repayments of borrowings on senior credit facility (2,160 (2,170
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility 722,580  593,300 
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facility (729,400 (543,300
Payments on notes payable (100 (8,030
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities (9,080 39,800 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:      
Decrease for the period (850 (3,590
At beginning of period 3,090  6,780 
At end of period$2,240 $3,190 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:      
Cash paid for interest$40,310 $36,020 
Cash paid for taxes$8,400 $8,710 

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


TriMas Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders'Shareholders’ Equity
For the NineThree Months Ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006
(Unaudited — Unaudited—dollars in thousands)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

Paid-in

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

Capital

 

Deficit

 

Income

 

Total

 

Balances, December 31, 2005

 

 

$

200

 

 

$

396,980

 

$

(86,310

)

 

$

38,430

 

 

$

349,300

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

3,980

 

 

 

 

3,980

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

470

 

 

470

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,450

 

Non-cash compensation expense

 

 

 

 

420

 

 

 

 

 

420

 

Balances, March 31, 2006

 

 

$

200

 

 

$

397,400

 

$

(82,330

)

 

$

38,900

 

 

$

354,170

 

 Common
Stock
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total
Balances, December 31, 2004$200 $399,450 $(40,430$45,940 $405,160 
Comprehensive income (loss):               
Net income     6,790    6,790 
Foreign currency translation       (5,230 (5,230
Total comprehensive income (loss)     6,790  (5,230 1,560 
Net adjustment in settlement of contractual obligations assumed from Metaldyne   (3,060     (3,060
Non-cash compensation expense   240      240 
Balances, September 30, 2005$200 $396,630 $(33,640$40,710 $403,900 

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

6





TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

1.   Basis of Presentation

TriMas Corporation ("TriMas"(“TriMas” or the "Company"“Company”), throughand its consolidated subsidiaries, is a global manufacturer of products for commercial, industrial and consumer markets. During the first quarter of 2006, the Company re-aligned its operating segments and management structure to better focus its various businesses’ product line offerings by industry, end customer markets and related channels of distribution. Prior period segment information has been revised to conform to the current structure and presentation. The Company is principally engaged in fourfive business segments with diverse products and market channels. Rieke Packaging Systems is a leading sourcemanufacturer and distributor of closuressteel and plastic closure caps, drum enclosures, rings and levers, dispensing systems for steel and plastic industrial and consumer packagingmarkets, as well as specialty laminates, jacketings and insulation tapes used with fiberglass insulation as vapor barriers in commercial, industrial, and residential construction applications. Cequent Transportation Accessories producesmanufactures towing products, functional vehicle accessories and cargo management solutions including vehicle hitches and receivers, sway controls, weight distribution and fifth-wheel hitches, hitch mountedhitch-mounted accessories, roof racks, trailer couplers, winches, jacks, trailer brakes and lights and other vehicle and trailer accessories andaccessory components thatwhich are distributed through independent installers and retail outlets. TheRV & Trailer Productsis a manufacturer and distributor of custom-engineered trailer products, brake control solutions, lighting accessories and roof racks for the recreational vehicle, agricultural/industrial, marine, automotive and commercial trailer markets. Energy Products is a manufacturer and distributor of a variety of engines and engine replacement parts for the oil and gas industry as well as metallic and non-metallic industrial gaskets and fasteners for the petroleum refining, petrochemical and other industrial markets. Industrial Specialties segment produces flame-retardant facingsdesigns and jacketingmanufactures a diverse range of industrial products for use in niche markets within the aerospace, industrial, automotive, defense, and insulation tapes used in conjunction with fiberglass insulation, pressure-sensitivemedical equipment markets. These products include highly engineered specialty tape products;fasteners for the aerospace industry, high-pressure and low-pressure cylinders for the transportation, storage and dispensing of compressed gases; metallic and nonmetallic industrial gaskets;gases, specialty fasteners for the automotive industry, specialty precision tools such as center drills, cutters, end mills, reamers, master gears, gages and punches; specialty engines and service partspunches, and specialty ordnance components and weapon systems.steel cartridge cases.

During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company committed to a plan to sell our industrial fastening business. The industrial fastening business was a part of our former Fastening Systems segment produces a wide rangeand consists of largethree locations: Wood Dale, Illinois, Frankfort, Indiana and small diameter standardLakewood, Ohio. Our industrial fasteners business is presented as discontinued operations and custom-designed ferrous, nonferrousassets held for sale. See Note 2, “Discontinued Operations and special alloy fasteners used in automotive and industrial applications, and highly engineered specialty fastenersAssets Held for the global aerospace industry.Sale.”

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments, including adjustments of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2004Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2.   Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale

In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Board of Directors authorized management to move forward with its plan to sell the Company’s industrial fasteners business. Accordingly, our industrial fasteners business is reported as discontinued operations.


Results of discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

 

For the Three Months 
Ended  March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net Sales

 

 

$

23,470

 

 

 

$

30,380

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations before income tax benefit

 

 

$

(2,170

)

 

 

$

(1,730

)

 

Income tax benefit

 

 

840

 

 

 

670

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit

 

 

$

(1,330

)

 

 

$

(1,060

)

 

Assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Receivables, net

 

 

$

13,960

 

 

 

$

14,500

 

 

Inventories

 

 

23,610

 

 

 

21,930

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

2,010

 

 

 

1,990

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

7,420

 

 

 

7,170

 

 

Total assets

 

 

$

47,000

 

 

 

$

45,590

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

$

12,060

 

 

 

$

14,080

 

 

Accrued liabilities and other

 

 

25,210

 

 

 

24,330

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

$

37,270

 

 

 

$

38,410

 

 

3.   Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 are as follows:


(in thousands)Rieke
Packaging
Systems
Cequent
Transportation
Accessories
Industrial
Specialties
Fastening
Systems
Total
Balance, December 31, 2004$178,250 $359,260 $67,860 $52,610 $657,980 
Reversal of restructuring reserves
established in purchase accounting,
net of tax and other adjustments
   (390     (390
Foreign currency translation (6,350 810  160    (5,380
Balance, September 30, 2005$171,900 $359,680 $68,020 $52,610 $652,210 

 

 

 

 

 

RV &

 

 

 

Industrial

 

 

 

 

 

Packaging

 

Transportation

 

Trailer

 

Energy

 

Specialties

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Systems

 

Accessories

 

Products

 

Products

 

Group

 

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2005

 

$

179,350

 

 

$

153,790

 

 

$

203,720

 

$

45,200

 

 

$

62,720

 

 

$

644,780

 

Foreign currency translation

 

940

 

 

(130

)

 

(40

)

(20

)

 

 

 

750

 

Balance, March 31, 2006

 

$

180,290

 

 

$

153,660

 

 

$

203,680

 

$

45,180

 

 

$

62,720

 

 

$

645,530

 


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company'sCompany’s other intangibles as of September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and December 31, 20042005 are summarized below. The Company amortizes these assets over periods ranging from 1 to 40 years.

 

 

As of March 31, 2006

 

As of December 31, 2005

 

Intangible Category by Useful Life (in thousands)

 

Gross Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Gross Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Customer relationships:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 – 12 years

 

 

$

26,500

 

 

 

$

(13,990

)

 

 

$

26,500

 

 

 

$

(13,330

)

 

15 – 25 years

 

 

104,320

 

 

 

(24,020

)

 

 

104,360

 

 

 

(22,660

)

 

40 years

 

 

67,580

 

 

 

(9,030

)

 

 

67,580

 

 

 

(8,600

)

 

Total customer relationships

 

 

198,400

 

 

 

(47,040

)

 

 

198,440

 

 

 

(44,590

)

 

Technology and other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 – 15 years

 

 

25,900

 

 

 

(14,350

)

 

 

25,900

 

 

 

(13,790

)

 

17 – 30 years

 

 

39,590

 

 

 

(9,320

)

 

 

39,300

 

 

 

(8,950

)

 

Total technology and other

 

 

65,490

 

 

 

(23,670

)

 

 

65,200

 

 

 

(22,740

)

 

Trademarks/Trade names (indefinite life)

 

 

63,320

 

 

 

(4,440

)

 

 

63,350

 

 

 

(4,440

)

 

 

 

 

$

327,210

 

 

 

$

(75,150

)

 

 

$

326,990

 

 

 

$

(71,770

)

 


 As of September 30, 2005As of December 31, 2004
Intangible Category by Useful Life (in thousands)Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Customer relationships:            
6 – 12 years$26,500 $(12,680$26,500 $(10,710
15 – 25 years 104,580  (21,230 104,190  (16,970
40 years 101,520  (13,110 101,520  (11,230
Total customer relationships 232,600  (47,020 232,210  (38,910
Technology and other:            
1 – 15 years 27,990  (15,360 28,160  (12,690
17 – 30 years 39,150  (8,500 38,720  (7,140
Total technology and other 67,140  (23,860 66,880  (19,830
Trademark/Trade names (indefinite-lived) 69,030  (4,310 68,840  (4,280
 $368,770 $(75,190$367,930 $(63,020

Amortization expense related to technology and other intangibles was $1.3$1.0 million and $4.1$1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and was $1.4 million and $4.3 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively. These amounts are included in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Amortization expense related to customer intangibles was $2.7$2.4 million and $8.1$2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and was $2.8 million and $8.3 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

3.    Restructurings

During 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company adopted restructuring plans and established purchase accounting and restructuring reserves at certain of its business units. Activity related to these plans and spending against such reserves in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 is summarized below:


(in thousands)SeveranceClosure Costs
and Other
Total
Reserve at December 31, 2004$1,020 $530 $1,550 
Establishment of reserves 720    720 
Non-cash reversal of reserves (180 (130 (310
Cash payments (1,280 (140 (1,420
Reserve at September 30, 2005$280 $260 $540 

Of the $0.7 million in reserves established during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, approximately $0.1 million and $0.6 million is included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.

During the second quarter of 2005, the Company's Cequent Transportation Accessories segment rationalized certain back office engineering, marketing and general and administrative support


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

personnel at certain of its locations, resulting in the elimination of approximately 30 positions as of September 30, 2005. The severance costs have been fully paid as of September 30, 2005.

During the second quarter of 2004, the Company adopted a plan to cease manufacturing operations at a facility within the Cequent Transportation Accessories segment and convert the facility into a distribution center. The manufacturing operations were consolidated into an existing facility. This action resulted in the elimination of approximately 70 positions. The severance and facility costs are expected to be fully paid by the end of the second quarter of 2006.

During the second quarter of 2003, in conjunction with the acquisition of Fittings, the Company adopted a plan to close one additional manufacturing facility within its Fastening Systems segment and consolidate those operations into Fastening Systems' remaining three manufacturing facilities. These actions resulted in the elimination of approximately 160 positions. Additional severance amounts were added to the restructuring reserve during 2004 and 2005 as certain employees earned additional severance benefits based on contingency arrangements in their severance agreements. The remaining severance amounts are expected to be paid by the end of 2005.

Also during the second quarter of 2003, the Company's Industrial Specialties segment adopted a plan to centralize certain gasket applications and distribution activities within a single facility. In addition, the group rationalized the back office general and administrative support within certain of its branch service centers. These actions resulted in the elimination of approximately 70 positions during 2003. The remaining severance amounts are expected to be paid through the first quarter of 2006.

In addition, during the second quarter of 2005, the Company fulfilled all obligations arising from its restructuring plan resulting from the acquisition of Metaldyne by Heartland in November 2000. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash reduction in its restructuring reserve of approximately $0.3 million. The Company also recorded a non-cash reduction of approximately $0.3 million in the purchase accounting restructuring reserve related to the acquisition of HammerBlow, which was acquired in the first quarter of 2003. The after-tax amount of each of these non-cash reductions in reserves was recorded as a reduction to goodwill.

4.   Accounts Receivable Securitization

As part of the June 2002 financing transactions, TriMas established a receivables securitization facility and organized TSPC, Inc. ("TSPC"(“TSPC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, to sell trade accounts receivable of substantially all domestic business operations. Prior to June 2002, TriMas sold certain of its accounts receivable to MTSPC, Inc. ("MTSPC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Metaldyne.

TSPC from time to time may sell an undivided fractional ownership interest in the pool of receivables up to approximately $125.0 million to a third party multi-seller receivables funding company. The net proceeds of sales are less than the face amount of accounts receivable sold by an amount that approximates the purchaser'spurchaser’s financing costs, which amounted to a total of $2.2$0.9 million and $1.4$0.6 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005, and 2004, respectively. As of September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2004,2005, the Company'sCompany’s funding under the facility was approximately $24.9$59.6 million and $48.0$37.3 million, respectively, with an additional $24.3$4.7 million and $0.2$16.1 million, respectively, available but not utilized. When the Company sells receivables under this arrangement, the Company retains a subordinated interest in the receivables sold. The retained interest in receivables sold is included in receivables in the accompanying balance sheet and approximated $83.0$68.6 million and $70.1$65.3 million at September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2004,2005, respectively. The usage fee under the facility is 1.35%. In addition, the Company is required to pay a fee of 0.5% on the unused portion of the facility. The initial three year term of thisThis facility expired in June 2005 and was subsequently renewed under substantially the same terms and conditions, with an amended expiration date ofexpires on December 31, 2007.

The financing costs 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


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

collection experience and a discount rate representing a spread over LIBOR as prescribed under the terms of the securitization agreement. As of September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005, and 2004, the financing costs were based on an average liquidation period of the portfolio of approximately 1.51.3 months and 1.31.6 months, respectively, and an average discount rate of 3.3%3.2% and 3.5% at September 30, 2005 and 2004,3.4%, respectively.

In the three months ended September 30 and June 30, 2005,March 31, 2006 the Company sold an undivided interest in approximately $3.0$2.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively, of accounts receivable under a factoring arrangement at three of its European subsidiaries. These transactions were accounted for as a sale and the receivables were sold at a discount from face value approximating 2.6%1.6%. Costs associated with these transactions were approximately $0 million and 2.3%, respectively.are included in other, net in the accompanying statement of operations.

In addition, in the first quarter of 2005, the Company sold an undivided interest in approximately $17.0 million of accounts receivable of one of its businesses not a party to the receivables securitization facility to a third party. The transaction was accounted for as a sale and the receivables were sold at a discount from face value approximating 1.25%. Costs associated with the transaction were approximately $0.3 million and are included in other, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.


5.   Inventories Net

Inventories consist of the following components:


(in thousands)(in thousands)September 30,
2005
December 31,
2004

 

March 31,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

Finished goodsFinished goods$82,680 $87,010 

 

$

76,620

 

 

$

69,650

 

 

Work in processWork in process 24,050  25,810 

 

22,100

 

 

19,350

 

 

Raw materialsRaw materials 57,300  67,220 

 

63,300

 

 

60,210

 

 

Total inventoriesTotal inventories$164,030 $180,040 

 

$

162,020

 

 

$

149,210

 

 

6.   Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment consists of the following components:


(in thousands)

 

March 31,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

Land and land improvements

 

$

3,350

 

 

$

3,610

 

 

Buildings

 

43,790

 

 

44,440

 

 

Machinery and equipment

 

211,290

 

 

206,540

 

 

 

 

258,430

 

 

254,590

 

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

95,250

 

 

89,960

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

$

163,180

 

 

$

164,630

 

 

(in thousands)September 30,
2005
December 31,
2004
Land and land improvements$4,140 $6,110 
Buildings 53,870  62,270 
Machinery and equipment 223,680  217,960 
  281,690  286,340 
Less: Accumulated depreciation 92,800  87,730 
Property and equipment, net$188,890 $198,610 

Depreciation expense was approximately $6.3$5.9 million and $19.1$5.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and was $6.4 million and $18.2 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively.


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

7.   Long-term Debt

The Company'sCompany’s long-term debt at September 30, 2005, netconsists of the unamortized discount of $2.2 millionfollowing at March 31, 2006 and unamortized premium of $0.7 million from the face value of the Company's 9 7/8% senior subordinated notes, is as follows:December 31, 2005:


(in thousands)

 

March 31,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

Bank debt

 

$

257,610

 

 

$

260,350

 

 

Non-U.S. bank debt

 

25,320

 

 

30,960

 

 

97¤8% subordinated notes, due June 2012

 

436,410

 

 

436,370

 

 

 

 

719,340

 

 

727,680

 

 

Less: Current maturities, long-term debt

 

8,560

 

 

13,820

 

 

Long-term debt

 

$

710,780

 

 

$

713,860

 

 

(in thousands)September 30,
2005
December 31,
2004
Bank debt$292,720 $301,710 
9 7/8% subordinated notes, due June 2012 436,330  436,210 
Other   100 
  729,050  738,020 
Less: Current maturities, long-term debt 2,890  2,990 
Long-term debt$726,160 $735,030 

Bank Debt

The Company is a party to a credit facility ("(‘‘Credit Facility"Facility’’) with a group of banks which consistsconsisting of a $335.0 million term loan facility,which matures December 31, 2009. In addition to the term loan, the Credit Facility includes an uncommitted incremental term loan of $125.0 million and a senior revolving credit facility of up to $150.0 million, including up to $100.0 million for one or more permitted acquisitions, which matures December 31, 2007. As of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, $257.6 million and $260.4 million, respectively, were outstanding. The Credit Facility allows the Company to issue letters of credit, not to exceed $45.0 million in aggregate, against revolving credit facility commitments. At September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2004,2005, the Company had amounts outstanding under its revolver of $6.0 million and $12.8 million, respectively, and had letters of credit of approximately $36.2$44.4 million and $27.1$43.7 million, respectively, issued and outstanding. The effective interest rate on the Credit Facility borrowings was 7.2%8.39% and 5.7%8.03% at September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2004,2005, respectively.


The bank debt is an obligation of the subsidiaries of the Company. Although the Credit Facility does not restrict the Company'sCompany’s subsidiaries from making distributions to it in respect of the exchangeits 97¤8% senior subordinated notes, it does contain certain other limitations on the distribution of funds from TriMas Company LLC, the principal subsidiary, to the Company. The restricted net assets of the guarantor subsidiaries, estimated to beof approximately $825.3$787.7 million and $812.8$757.5 million at September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2004,2005, respectively, are presented in the financial information in Note 15.14. The Credit Facility contains negative and affirmative covenants and other requirements affecting the Company and its subsidiaries, including among others: restrictions on incurrence of debt, except for permitted acquisitions and subordinated indebtedness, liens, mergers, investments, loans, advances, guarantee obligations, acquisitions, asset dispositions, sale-leaseback transactions greater than $90.0 million if sold at fair market value, hedging agreements, dividends and other restricted junior payments, stock repurchases, transactions with affiliates, restrictive agreements and amendments to charters, by-laws, and other material documents. The Credit Facility also requires the Company and its subsidiaries to meet certain restrictive financial covenants and ratios computed quarterly, including a leverage ratio (total consolidated indebtedness plus outstanding amounts under the accounts receivable securitization facility over consolidated EBITDA, as defined), interest expense ratio (consolidated EBITDA, as defined, over cash interest expense, as defined) and a capital expenditures covenant.

On September 29, 2005, the Company amended the Credit Facility to modify certain financial and non-financial covevant requirements. The amended terms include: 1) increasing the permitted borrowings on letters of credit from $40 million to $45 million, 2) increasing the borrowing margin by 0.25%, 3) modifying the interest expense ratio to 2.00 to 1.00 for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and increasing the threshold over time to 2.50 to 1.00 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and thereafter, and 4) modifying the leverage ratio to 5.65 to 1.00 for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 through the first quarter of 2006, and reducing the leverage ratio over time to 3.25 to 1.00. The Company was in compliance with its covenants at September 30, 2005.


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)March 31, 2006.

Non-U.S. bank debt

In the United Kingdom, a Company subsidiary is party to a revolving debt agreement which expires October 31, 2006 and is secured by a letter of credit under the Credit Facility. At March 31, 2006, the balance outstanding under this arrangement was $3.0 million at an interest rate of 5.7%.

In Italy, a Company subsidiary is party to a loan agreement for a term of seven years, at a rate 0.75% above EURIBOR (Euro Interbank Offered Rate), and is secured by land and buildings of the subsidiary. At March 31, 2006, the balance outstanding under this agreement was $5.9 million at a rate of 3.24%.

In Australia, a Company subsidiary is party to a debt agreement in the amount of $20 million which matures December 31, 2010 and is secured by substantially all the assets of the subsidiary. At March 31, 2006, the balance outstanding under this agreement was $16.5 million at a weighted average interest rate of 5.94%.

Notes

The 9 7/8%7¤8% senior subordinated notes due 2012 ("Notes"(“Notes”) indenture contains negative and affirmative covenants and other requirements that are comparable to those contained in the Credit Facility. At September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, the Company was in compliance with all such covenant requirements.

Principal payments required on the Credit Facility term loan are: $0.6 million due each calendar quarter ending through June 30, 2009, $120.1 million due on September 30, 2009 and $127.1 million due on December 31, 2009.

8.   Commitments and Contingencies

A civil suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in December 1988 by the United States of America and the State of California against more than 180 defendants, including us, for alleged release into the environment of hazardous substances disposed of at the Operating Industries, Inc. site in California. This site served for many years as a depository for municipal and industrial waste. The plaintiffs have requested, among other things, that the defendants clean up the contamination at that site. Consent decrees have been entered into by the plaintiffs and a group of the defendants, including us, providing that the consenting parties perform certain remedial work at the site and reimburse the plaintiffs for certain past costs incurred by the plaintiffs at the site. We


estimate that our share of the clean-up costs will not exceed $500,000, for which we have insurance proceeds. Plaintiffs had sought other relief such as damages arising out of claims for negligence, trespass, public and private nuisance, and other causes of action, but the consent decree governs the remedy. While, based upon our present knowledge and subject to future legal and factual developments, we do not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Futureflow, future legal and factual developments may result in materially adverse expenditures.

As of September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, we were a party to approximately 1,4701,620 pending cases involving an aggregate of approximately 19,00019,022 claimants alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos containing materials formerly used in gaskets (both encapsulated and otherwise) manufactured or distributed by certain of our subsidiaries for use in the petrochemical refining and exploration industries. In addition, we acquired various companies to distribute our products that had distributed gaskets of other manufacturers prior to acquisition. We believe that many of our pending cases relate to locations at which none of our gaskets were distributed or used. Total settlement costs for all such cases (exclusive of defense costs), some of which were filed over 13 years ago, have been approximately $3.0$3.4 million. All relief sought in the asbestos cases is monetary in nature. We do not have significant primary insuranceTo date, approximately 50% of our costs related to cover our settlement and defense costs. We believe that significantof 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 under excess insurance policies of former owners is availableto be provided to us but suchfor asbestos-related claims when the primary insurance is exhausted. The coverage mayin place agreement makes coverage available that might otherwise be disputed by the insurance carriers and such insurance may ultimately not be available. Further, weprovides a methodology for the administration of asbestos-related defense and indemnity payments. The coverage in place agreement allocates payment responsibility among the primary carrier, excess carriers, and the Company’s subsidiary.

We may be subjected to significant additional claims in the future, the cost of settling cases may increase for cases in which product identification can be made may increase, and we may be subjected to further claims in respect of the former activities of our acquired gasket distributors. We note that we are 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. In addition, relatively few of the claims have reached the discovery stage and even fewer claims have gone past the discovery stage. 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 the Company'sCompany’s potential liability. Based upon our experience to date and other available information (including the availability of excess insurance), we do not believe that these cases will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or future results of operations and cash flows.operations.

The Company has provided reserves based upon its present knowledge and, subject to future legal and factual developments, does not believe that the ultimate outcome of any of the aforementioned litigations will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position and


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

future results of operations and cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that future legal and factual developments will not result in a material adverse impact on our financial condition and future results of operations.

The Company is subject to other claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business, but does not believe that any such claim or litigation will have a material adverse effect on the Company'sCompany’s financial position or future results of operations.

12




9.   Related Parties

Metaldyne Corporation

Prior to June 6, 2002, the Company was wholly-owned by Metaldyne Corporation ("Metaldyne") and participated in joint activities including employee benefits programs, legal, treasury, information technology and other general corporate activities.

Effective January 1, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with Metaldyne whereby TriMas reimbursed Metaldyne approximately $0.4 million primarily for certain software licenses maintained by Metaldyne under an existing agreement. The agreement expired on June 30, 2004.

In connection with the June 2002 common stock issuance and related financing transactions, TriMas assumed approximately $37.0 million of liabilities and obligations of Metaldyne, mainly comprised of contractual obligations to former TriMas employees, tax relatedtax-related matters, benefit plan liabilities and reimbursements to Metaldyne for normal course payments to be made on TriMas'TriMas’ behalf. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, there were no payments of approximately $0.3 million were made with respect to these obligations. The remaining assumed liabilities of approximately $7.6$8.3 million are payable at various dates in the future and are reported as Due to Metaldyne in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006.

Subject to certain limited exceptions, Metaldyne, on the one hand, and we, on the other hand, retained the liabilities associated with our respective businesses. Accordingly, we will idenmnify and hold harmless Metaldyne from all liabilities associated with us and our subsidiaries and our respective operations and assets, whenever conducted, and Metaldyne will indemnify and hold Heartland and us harmless from all liabilities associated with Metaldyne and its subsidiaries (excluding us and our subsidiaries) and their respective operations and assets, whenever conducted. In addition, we agreed with Metaldyne to indemnify one another for our allocated share (42.01%) of liabilities not readily associated with either business, or otherwise addressed including certain costs related to the November 2000 acquisition. There are also indemnification provisions relating to certain other matters intended to effectuate other provisions of the agreement. These indemnification provisions survive indefinitely and are subject to a $50,000 deductible.

During the third quarter 2005, under the provisions of the aforementioned indemnification agreement, Metaldyne requested the Company to indemnify it for the cost of certain post-retirement benefit plans for retired employees of former operations attributed to the Company. As a result, as of September 30, 2005, the Company recorded a $0.9 million liability due to Metaldyne as reimbursement for amounts previously paid and an additional $3.9 million long-term liability for amounts expected to be paid in future periods. These liabilities were recorded as a $3.1 million charge (net of related tax benefits of $1.7 million) to paid-in capital.

Heartland Industrial Partners

The Company is party to an advisory services agreement with Heartland Industrial Partners ("Heartland"(“Heartland”) at an annual fee of $4.0 million plus expenses. Heartland was paid $1.0 million and $3.2$1.1 million for the three and nine month periodsmonths ended September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $1.1 million and $3.3 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively, for


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

such fees and expenses under this agreement. Such amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expensesexpense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Related Party Sales

The Company sold fastener products to Metaldyne in the amount of approximately $0.3$0.1 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2005, and $0.1 million and $0.3 million duringeach of the three months ended March 31, 2006 and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively.2005. The Company also sold fastener products to affiliates of a shareholder in the amount of approximately $2.0 million and $6.0$1.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006 and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and $1.8 million and $5.7 million in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively. These amounts are included in net sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Collins & Aikman

In May 2005, Collins & Aikman filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. As of March 31, 2006, Collins & Aikman owed the Company approximately $1.5 million, of which $1.3 million was outstanding at the time Collins & Aikman filed for bankruptcy and is fully reserved, and included in assets of discontinued operations held for sale.

10.   Segment Information

TriMas'TriMas’ reportable operating segments are business units that provide unique products and services. Each operating segment is independentlyseparately managed, requires different technology and marketing strategies and has separate financial information evaluated regularly by the Company'sCompany’s chief operating decision maker in determining resource allocation and assessing performance. During the first quarter of 2006, the Company re-aligned its operating segments and management structure to better focus its various businesses’ product line offerings by industry, end customer markets, and related channels of distribution. Prior period segment information has been revised to conform to the current structure and presentation. TriMas has fourfive operating segments involved in the manufacture and sale of products described below. Within these operating segments, there are no individual products or product families for which reported revenues accounted for more than 10% of the Company'sCompany’s consolidated revenues.

Rieke Packaging Systems ClosuresSteel and plastic closure caps, drum enclosures, rings and levers, and dispensing systems for steel and plastic industrial and consumer packagingmarkets, as well as flame-retardant facings, jacketings and insulation tapes used with fiberglass insulation as vapor barriers in commercial, industrial, and residential construction applications.


Cequent Transportation Accessories VehicleTowing products, functional vehicle accessories and cargo management solutions including vehicle hitches and receivers, sway controls, weight distribution and fifth-wheel hitches, hitch mountedhitch-mounted accessories, roof racks,and other accessory components.

RV & Trailer ProductsCustom-engineered trailer products including trailer couplers, winches, jacks, trailer brakes and lights, brake controls, cargo tie-downs, rampscontrol solutions, lighting accessories and roof racks for the recreational vehicle, agricultural/utility, marine, automotive and commercial trailer markets.

Energy Products—Engines and engine replacement parts for the oil and gas industry as well as metallic and non-metallic industrial gaskets and fasteners for the petroleum refining, petrochemical and other vehicleindustrial markets.

Industrial Specialties—A diverse range of industrial products for use in niche markets within the aerospace, industrial, automotive, defense, and trailer accessories.

Industrial Specialties — Flame-retardant facings and jacketing and insulation tapes used in conjunction with fiberglass insulation, pressure-sensitivemedical equipment markets. Its products include highly engineered specialty tape products,fasteners for the aerospace industry, high-pressure and low-pressure cylinders for the transportation, storage and dispensing of compressed gases, metallic and nonmetallic industrial gaskets,specialty fasteners for the automotive industry, specialty precision tools such as center drills, cutters, end mills, reamers, master gears, gages and punches, specialty engines and service parts and specialty ordnance components and weapon systems.

Fastening Systems — Large and small diameter standard and custom-designed ferrous, nonferrous and special alloy fasteners, specialized fittings and cold-headed parts used in automotive and industrial applications, and highly engineered specialty fasteners for the domestic and international aerospace industry.steel cartridge cases.

The Company'sCompany’s management uses Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("(“Adjusted EBITDA"EBITDA”) as a primary indicator of financial operating performance and as a measure of cash generating capability. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change and before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash asset and goodwill impairment write-offs, non-cash losses on sale-leaseback of property and equipment and legacy restricted stock award expense. For the periods presented, there were no adjustments between EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

Segment activity is as follows:


Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)(in thousands)2005200420052004

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net SalesNet Sales            

 

 

 

 

 

Rieke Packaging Systems$34,320 $33,070 $103,640 $98,160 
Cequent Transportation Accessories 126,660  125,120  409,690  405,210 

Packaging Systems

 

$

53,350

 

$

49,600

 

Transportation Accessories

 

81,680

 

84,810

 

RV & Trailer Products

 

55,860

 

55,840

 

Energy Products

 

39,950

 

33,590

 

Industrial SpecialtiesIndustrial Specialties 70,870  59,780  222,620  184,060 

 

44,440

 

38,530

 

Fastening Systems 39,090  39,130  122,370  114,780 
TotalTotal$270,940 $257,100 $858,320 $802,210 

 

$

275,280

 

$

262,370

 

Operating ProfitOperating Profit            

 

 

 

 

 

Rieke Packaging Systems$7,060 $8,830 $22,850 $24,100 
Cequent Transportation Accessories 7,980  12,660  30,740  49,390 

Packaging Systems

 

$

8,500

 

$

7,390

 

Transportation Accessories

 

4,410

 

3,800

 

RV & Trailer Products

 

8,280

 

8,480

 

Energy Products

 

5,920

 

5,030

 

Industrial SpecialtiesIndustrial Specialties 7,140  5,570  25,690  20,040 

 

8,410

 

5,910

 

Fastening Systems 1,730  (1,450 5,550  (5,800
Corporate expenses and management feesCorporate expenses and management fees (5,910 (4,680 (15,790 (15,780

 

(6,260

)

(5,630

)

TotalTotal$18,000 $20,930 $69,040 $71,950 

 

$

29,260

 

$

24,980

 

Adjusted EBITDAAdjusted EBITDA            

 

 

 

 

 

Rieke Packaging Systems$9,310 $10,620 $28,100 $30,680 
Cequent Transportation Accessories 12,240  17,500  43,890  63,580 

Packaging Systems

 

$

11,720

 

$

10,090

 

Transportation Accessories

 

6,870

 

6,480

 

RV & Trailer Products

 

10,090

 

10,400

 

Energy Products

 

6,540

 

5,660

 

Industrial SpecialtiesIndustrial Specialties 8,950  7,410  31,190  25,470 

 

9,810

 

7,170

 

Fastening Systems 3,400  290  10,270  (820
Corporate expenses and management feesCorporate expenses and management fees (7,130 (4,870 (18,450 (17,110

 

(7,250

)

(6,350

)

TotalTotal$26,770 $30,950 $95,000 $101,800 

 

$

37,780

 

$

33,450

 

11.   Stock Options and Awards

In September 2003, the Company'sCompany’s Board of Directors approved the TriMas Corporation 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"“Plan”), which provides for the issuance of equity-based incentives in various forms. A total of 2,222,000 stock options have been approved for issuance under this Plan. As of September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, the Company has 1,714,6141,944,956 stock options outstanding, each of which may be used to purchase one share of the Company'sCompany’s common stock. The options have a ten-year10-year life and the exercise prices range from $20 to $23. Eighty percent of the options vest ratably over three years from the date of grant, while the remaining twenty percent vest after seven years from the date of grant or on an accelerated basis over three years based upon achievement of specified performance targets, as defined in the Plan. The options become exercisable upon the later of:  (1) the normal vesting schedule as described above, or (2) upon the occurrence of a qualified public equity offering as defined in the Plan, one half of the vested options become exercisable 180 days following such public equity offering, and the other one half of vested options become exercisable on the first anniversary following consummation of such public offering.

The Company recorded approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million duringhas adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R (SFAS No. 123R), “Share-Based Payment,” using the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005, respectively, and $0.2 and $0.4 million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004, respectively, in non-cash compensation expense relatedModified Prospective Application (“MPA”) method, which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, issued duringto be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The MPA method requires the Company to record expense for unvested stock options that were valued at fair value and awarded prior to January 1, 2006, and does not require restatement of prior-year information. Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company


accounted for stock-based employee compensation using the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”

In the first quarter of  2004 with exercise prices below2006, the Company's estimateCompany recognized stock-based compensation expense of fair value of the underlying stock. This non-cash$0.4 million before income taxes. The stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statementstatements of operations.


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

During The total fair value of stock options that vested during the first nine monthsthree-months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 was $0.3 million and $0, respectively. As of 2005,March 31, 2006, the Company issued 263,330had $2.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options withthat is expected to be recorded over a weighted average fair value at the dateperiod of grant of $5.06 per option. 1.6 years.

The fair value of these options atgranted in 2005 under the grant date wasPlan were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions: expected life of 6 years, risk-free interest rate of 4%, and expected volatility of 30%. During the first three months of 2006, no options were issued by the Company. The weighted average fair value of stock options at the date of grant during the three month period ended March 31, 2005 was $5.75.

The Company has electedInformation related to apply the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB No. 25"). stock options at March 31, 2006, is as follows:

 

 

Number of

 

Weighted Average

 

Average Remaining

 

Aggregate Intrinsic

 

 

 

Options

 

Option Price

 

Contractual Life

 

Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

 

1,946,123

 

 

20.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

(1,167

)

 

20.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2006

 

1,944,956

 

 

20.81

 

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had adoptedof adopting the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"), to stock-based employee compensation:123R on income from continuing operations and earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2005:


 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands except for per share amounts)2005200420052004
Net income attributed to common stock, as reported$230 $2,170 $6,790 $13,350 
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects 50  100  150  260 
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair-value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects (220 (310 (900 (870
Pro-forma net income attributed to common stock$60 $1,960 $6,040 $12,740 
Net income per share:            
Basic, as reported$0.01 $0.11 $0.34 $0.67 
Basic, pro-forma for stock-based compensation$ $0.10 $0.30 $0.64 
Diluted, as reported$0.01 $0.11 $0.34 $0.67 
Diluted, pro-forma for stock-based compensation$ $0.10 $0.30 $0.64 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

March 31, 2005

 

Income from continuing operations as reported

 

 

$

3,570

 

 

Plus: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

 

 

50

 

 

Less: Fair value of all stock based compensation expense under SFAS No. 123R, net of related tax effects

 

 

(90)

 

 

Pro forma net income

 

 

$

3,530

 

 

Net income per share—basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations, as reported

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

Weighted average shares

 

 

20,010

 

 

Net income per share—diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations, as reported

 

 

$

0.17

 

 

Weighted average shares

 

 

20,760

 

 


12.   Earnings per Share

The Company reports earnings per share in accordance with SFASFASB Statement of Financial Standards No. 128 "(SFAS No. 128), “Earnings per Share."  Basic and diluted earnings per share amounts were computed using weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and 2004, respectively. Allconsiders an outstanding stock options andwarrant to purchase 750,000 shares of common stock warrantsat par value of $.01 per share. At March 31, 2006, this warrant has not been exercised. Options to purchase approximately 1,944,956 and 1,885,572 shares of common stock were outstanding at March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, but were excluded from the earningscomputation of net income per share calculations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005 as theybecause to do so would have been antidilutive.


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

13.   Defined Benefit Plans

Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs for TriMas'TriMas’ defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans, covering foreign employees, union hourly employees and certain salaried employees includesinclude the following components for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and 2004:2005:


 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

Pension Benefit

 

Postretirement Benefit

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Service costs

 

$

160

 

$

150

 

$

20

 

$

20

 

Interest costs

 

400

 

420

 

130

 

90

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(460

)

(460

)

 

 

Amortization of net loss

 

130

 

90

 

30

 

20

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

230

 

$

200

 

$

180

 

$

130

 

 Pension Plans
(in thousands)Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2005200420052004
Service costs$150 $170 $450 $520 
Interest costs 420  390  1,260  1,170 
Expected return on plan assets (460 (410 (1,380 (1,220
Amortization of net loss 90  60  270  150 
Net periodic benefit cost$200 $210 $600 $620 

 Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
(in thousands)Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2005200420052004
Service costs$20 $30 $60 $80 
Interest costs 90  70  270  280 
Expected return on plan assets        
Amortization of net loss 20    60  70 
Net periodic benefit cost$130 $100 $390 $430 

The Company expects to contribute approximately $1.5$2.3 million to its defined benefit pension plans in 2005 of which $1.1 million was contributed during2006. Through the first nine months of 2005 and $0.4quarter, approximately $0.5 million will be contributed during the 4th quarter 2005.has been contributed.

14.    Income Taxes

Repatriation of Dividends

In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "Act") was signed into law. The Act creates a temporary incentive for U.S. corporations to repatriate foreign earnings by providing an 85% deduction for certain eligible dividends received from controlled foreign corporations. During the third quarter of 2005, the Company recorded a net tax provision of $0.8 million related to the planned repatriation of $61.7 million of foreign earnings during the fourth quarter of 2005. The Company previously had provided for applicable Federal taxes of $3.1 million on foreign earnings anticipated to be remitted.


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

15.   Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Combining and Consolidating Financial Information

Under an indenture dated June 6, 2002, TriMas Corporation, the parent company ("Parent"(“Parent”), issued 9 7/8%7¤8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 in a total principal amount of $437.8 million (face value). These Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company'sCompany’s domestic subsidiaries ("(“Guarantor Subsidiaries"Subsidiaries”). All of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Parent and their guarantee is full, unconditional, joint and several. The Company'sCompany’s non-domestic subsidiaries and TSPC, Inc. have not guaranteed the Notes ("(“Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"Subsidiaries”). The Guarantor Subsidiaries have also guaranteed amounts outstanding under the Company'sCompany’s Credit Facility.

The accompanying supplemental guarantor condensed, combining or consolidating financial information is presented onusing the equity method of accounting for all periods presented. Under this method, investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the Company'sCompany’s share in the subsidiaries'subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions and other changes in equity. Elimination entries relate primarily to the elimination of investments in subsidiaries and associated intercompany balances and transactions.


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

Supplemental Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements
ConsolidatedConsolidating Balance Sheet
(in thousands)


 

 

As of March 31, 2006

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated
Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

(1,000

)

 

$

2,710

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

1,710

 

 

Trade receivables, net

 

 

73,820

 

 

21,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

95,000

 

 

Receivables, intercompany

 

 

 

 

80

 

 

 

(80

)

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

 

144,120

 

 

17,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

162,020

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

19,610

 

 

510

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,120

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 

6,310

 

 

1,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,450

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

 

 

47,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

47,000

 

 

Total current assets

 

 

289,860

 

 

43,520

 

 

 

(80

)

 

 

333,300

 

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

787,830

 

157,440

 

 

 

 

 

(945,270

)

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

112,490

 

 

50,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

163,180

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

538,160

 

 

107,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

645,530

 

 

Intangibles and other assets

 

15,490

 

266,800

 

 

19,770

 

 

 

(3,300

)

 

 

298,760

 

 

Total assets

 

$

803,320

 

$

1,364,750

 

 

$

221,350

 

 

 

$

(948,650

)

 

 

$

1,440,770

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities, long-term debt

 

$

 

$

6,410

 

 

$

2,150

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

8,560

 

 

Accounts payable, trade

 

 

107,270

 

 

18,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

125,790

 

 

Accounts payable, intercompany

 

 

80

 

 

 

 

 

(80

)

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

12,730

 

48,080

 

 

5,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,830

 

 

Due to Metaldyne

 

 

 

4,840

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,840

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations 

 

 

37,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37,270

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

12,730

 

203,950

 

 

25,690

 

 

 

(80

)

 

 

242,290

 

 

Long-term debt

 

436,410

 

251,200

 

 

23,170

 

 

 

 

 

 

710,780

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

84,090

 

 

15,020

 

 

 

(3,290

)

 

 

95,820

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

34,200

 

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,230

 

 

Due to Metaldyne

 

 

3,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,480

 

 

Total liabilities

 

449,140

 

576,920

 

 

63,910

 

 

 

(3,370

)

 

 

1,086,600

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

354,180

 

787,830

 

 

157,440

 

 

 

(945,280

)

 

 

354,170

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

803,320

 

$

1,364,750

 

 

$

221,350

 

 

 

$

(948,650

)

 

 

$

1,440,770

 

 

 As of September 30, 2005
 ParentGuarantorNon-GuarantorEliminationsConsolidated
Total
Assets               
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents$ $ $4,600 $(2,360$2,240 
Receivables, net   85,700  33,350    119,050 
Receivables, intercompany   6,510  3,420  (9,930  
Inventories, net   145,610  18,420    164,030 
Deferred income taxes   17,100  430    17,530 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   6,230  1,240    7,470 
Total current assets   261,150  61,460  (12,290 310,320 
Investments in subsidiaries 825,270  138,880    (964,150  
Property and equipment, net   139,950  48,940    188,890 
Goodwill   544,350  107,860    652,210 
Intangibles and other assets 27,690  365,840  22,020  (65,490 350,060 
Total assets$852,960 $1,450,170 $240,280 $(1,041,930$1,501,480 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity               
Current liabilities:               
Current maturities, long-term debt$ $2,890 $ $ $2,890 
Accounts payable, trade   90,980  25,860    116,840 
Accounts payable, intercompany   3,450  6,480  (9,930  
Accrued liabilities 12,730  53,440  7,630    73,800 
Due to Metaldyne   3,290      3,290 
Total current liabilities 12,730  154,050  39,970  (9,930 196,820 
Long-term debt 436,330  292,810  50,360  (53,340 726,160 
Deferred income taxes   135,170  11,010  (14,510 131,670 
Other long-term liabilities   38,610  60    38,670 
Due to Metaldyne   4,260      4,260 
Total liabilities 449,060  624,900  101,400  (77,780 1,097,580 
Total shareholders' equity 403,900  825,270  138,880  (964,150 403,900 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$852,960 $1,450,170 $240,280 $(1,041,930$1,501,480 


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

Supplemental Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements
ConsolidatedConsolidating Balance Sheet
(in thousands)


 

 

As of December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

Non-
Guarantor

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated
Total

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

250

 

$

3,480

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

3,730

 

 

Trade receivables, net

 

 

77,000

 

12,960

 

 

 

 

 

89,960

 

 

Receivables, intercompany

 

 

 

510

 

 

(510

)

 

 

 

 

Inventories, net

 

 

131,840

 

17,370

 

 

 

 

 

149,210

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

19,710

 

410

 

 

 

 

 

20,120

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 

6,160

 

890

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,050

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

 

 

45,590

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,590

 

 

Total current assets

 

 

280,550

 

35,620

 

 

(510

)

 

 

315,660

 

 

Investments in subsidiaries

 

757,450

 

133,230

 

 

 

(890,680

)

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

113,560

 

51,070

 

 

 

 

 

164,630

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

538,160

 

106,620

 

 

 

 

 

644,780

 

 

Intangibles and other assets

 

30,140

 

270,770

 

19,990

 

 

(17,460

)

 

 

303,440

 

 

Total assets

 

$

787,590

 

$

1,336,270

 

$

213,300

 

 

$

(908,650

)

 

 

$

1,428,510

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities, long-term debt

 

$

 

$

2,590

 

$

11,230

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

13,820

 

 

Accounts payable, trade

 

 

85,040

 

26,210

 

 

 

 

 

111,250

 

 

Accounts payable, intercompany

 

 

510

 

 

 

(510

)

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

1,920

 

52,960

 

7,920

 

 

 

 

 

62,800

 

 

Due to Metaldyne

 

 

 

4,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,850

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations

 

 

38,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

38,410

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

1,920

 

184,360

 

45,360

 

 

(510

)

 

 

231,130

 

 

Long-term debt

 

436,370

 

257,770

 

19,720

 

 

 

 

 

713,860

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

98,490

 

14,950

 

 

(17,460

)

 

 

95,980

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

34,720

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

34,760

 

 

Due to Metaldyne

 

 

3,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,480

 

 

Total liabilities

 

438,290

 

578,820

 

80,070

 

 

(17,970

)

 

 

1,079,210

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

349,300

 

757,450

 

133,230

 

 

(890,680

)

 

 

349,300

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

787,590

 

$

1,336,270

 

$

213,300

 

 

$

(908,650

)

 

 

$

1,428,510

 

 

 As of December 31, 2004
 ParentGuarantorNon-GuarantorEliminationsConsolidated
Total
Assets               
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents$ $520 $2,570 $ $3,090 
Receivables, net   70,530  27,010  (4,150 93,390 
Receivables, intercompany   5,270    (5,270  
Inventories, net   154,390  25,650    180,040 
Deferred income taxes   17,210  320    17,530 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   7,360  1,090    8,450 
Total current assets   255,280  56,640  (9,420 302,500 
Investments in subsidiaries 812,820  133,010    (945,830  
Property and equipment, net   147,350  51,260    198,610 
Goodwill   544,270  113,710    657,980 
Intangibles and other assets 30,470  376,670  22,760  (66,790 363,110 
Total assets$843,290 $1,456,580 $244,370 $(1,022,040$1,522,200 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity               
Current liabilities:               
Current maturities, long-term debt$ $2,990 $ $ $2,990 
Accounts payable, trade   102,280  32,950    135,230 
Accounts payable, intercompany     5,270  (5,270  
Accrued liabilities 1,920  59,030  11,380  (4,150 68,180 
Due to Metaldyne   2,650      2,650 
Total current liabilities 1,920  166,950  49,600  (9,420 209,050 
Long-term debt 436,210  299,440  50,360  (50,980 735,030 
Deferred income taxes   138,100  11,250  (15,810 133,540 
Other long-term liabilities   35,010  150    35,160 
Due to Metaldyne   4,260      4,260 
Total liabilities 438,130  643,760  111,360  (76,210 1,117,040 
Total shareholders' equity 405,160  812,820  133,010  (945,830 405,160 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$843,290 $1,456,580 $244,370 $(1,022,040$1,522,200 


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

Supplemental Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements
ConsolidatedConsolidating Statement of Operations
(in thousands)


 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

Non-
Guarantor

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Net sales

 

$

 

$

244,220

 

 

$

44,240

 

 

 

$

(13,180

)

 

$

275,280

 

Cost of sales

 

 

(179,940

)

 

(35,030

)

 

 

13,180

 

 

(201,790

)

Gross profit

 

 

64,280

 

 

9,210

 

 

 

 

 

73,490

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

(38,870

)

 

(5,180

)

 

 

 

 

(44,050

)

Loss on dispositions of property and equipment

 

 

(180

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(180

)

Operating profit

 

 

25,230

 

 

4,030

 

 

 

 

 

29,260

 

Other income (expense), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(10,690

)

(8,110

)

 

(1,120

)

 

 

 

 

(19,920

)

Other income (expense), net

 

1,770

 

(2,800

)

 

250

 

 

 

 

 

(780

)

Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit and equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

 

(8,920

)

14,320

 

 

3,160

 

 

 

 

 

8,560

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

3,290

 

(5,300

)

 

(1,240

)

 

 

 

 

(3,250

)

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

 

9,610

 

1,920

 

 

 

 

 

(11,530

)

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

3,980

 

10,940

 

 

1,920

 

 

 

(11,530

)

 

5,310

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

(1,330

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,330

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

3,980

 

$

9,610

 

 

$

1,920

 

 

 

$

(11,530

)

 

$

3,980

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

Non-
Guarantor

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Net sales

 

$

 

$

225,200

 

 

$

41,840

 

 

 

$

(4,670

)

 

$

262,370

 

Cost of sales

 

 

(170,910

)

 

(31,030

)

 

 

4,670

 

 

(197,270

)

Gross profit

 

 

54,290

 

 

10,810

 

 

 

 

 

65,100

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

(33,040

)

 

(7,250

)

 

 

 

 

(40,290

)

Gain (loss) on dispositions of property and equipment

 

 

180

 

 

(10

)

 

 

 

 

170

 

Operating profit

 

 

21,430

 

 

3,550

 

 

 

 

 

24,980

 

Other income (expense), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(10,580

)

(6,940

)

 

(820

)

 

 

100

 

 

(18,240

)

Other income (expense), net

 

870

 

(1,710

)

 

(150

)

 

 

(100

)

 

(1,090

)

Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit and equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

 

(9,710

)

12,780

 

 

2,580

 

 

 

 

 

5,650

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

3,680

 

(5,090

)

 

(670

)

 

 

 

 

(2,080

)

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries

 

8,540

 

1,910

 

 

 

 

 

(10,450

)

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

2,510

 

9,600

 

 

1,910

 

 

 

(10,450

)

 

3,570

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(1,060

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,060

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,510

 

$

8,540

 

 

$

1,910

 

 

 

$

(10,450

)

 

$

2,510

 

 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
 ParentGuarantorNon-GuarantorEliminationsTotal
Net sales$ $242,510 $46,960 $(18,530$270,940 
Cost of sales   (193,210 (36,120 18,530  (210,800
Gross profit   49,300  10,840    60,140 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (36,570 (5,570   (42,140
Operating profit   12,730  5,270    18,000 
Other income (expense), net:               
Interest expense (10,820 (7,480 (520 (20 (18,840
Other income (expense), net (520 (10 (1,090 20  (1,600
Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit and equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries (11,340 5,240  3,660    (2,440
Income tax (expense) benefit 6,180  (2,100 (1,410   2,670 
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries 5,390  2,250    (7,640  
Net income (loss)$230 $5,390 $2,250 $(7,640$230 

 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
 ParentGuarantorNon-GuarantorEliminationsTotal
Net sales$ $211,210 $54,970 $(9,080$257,100 
Cost of sales   (164,030 (41,420 9,080  (196,370
Gross profit   47,180  13,550    60,730 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (33,000 (6,800   (39,800
Operating profit   14,180  6,750    20,930 
Other income (expense), net:               
Interest expense (11,100 (5,840 (490   (17,430
Other income (expense), net 140  (280 80    (60
Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit and equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries (10,960 8,060  6,340    3,440 
Income tax (expense) benefit 3,630  (2,750 (2,150   (1,270
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries 9,500  4,190    (13,690  
Net income (loss)$2,170 $9,500 $4,190 $(13,690$2,170 


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

Supplemental Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Operations
(in thousands)


 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
 ParentGuarantorNon-GuarantorEliminationsTotal
Net sales$ $750,330 $135,490 $(27,500$858,320 
Cost of sales   (588,460 (102,510 27,500  (663,470
Gross profit   161,870  32,980    194,850 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (107,180 (18,630   (125,810
Operating profit   54,690  14,350    69,040 
Other income (expense), net:               
Interest expense (31,840 (19,540 (4,510 100  (55,790
Other income (expense), net (550 (780 (4,010 (100 (5,440
Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit and equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries (32,390 34,370  5,830    7,810 
Income tax (expense) benefit 14,510  (13,750 (1,780   (1,020
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries 24,670  4,050    (28,720  
Net income (loss)$6,790 $24,670 $4,050 $(28,720$6,790 

 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
 ParentGuarantorNon-GuarantorEliminationsTotal
Net sales$ $664,450 $158,220 $(20,460$802,210 
Cost of sales   (508,490 (114,100 20,460  (602,130
Gross profit   155,960  44,120    200,080 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (112,050 (16,080   (128,130
Operating profit   43,910  28,040    71,950 
Other income (expense), net:               
Interest expense (33,070 (15,830 (1,120   (50,020
Other income (expense), net (1,090 (380 730    (740
Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit and equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries (34,160 27,700  27,650    21,190 
Income tax (expense) benefit 10,970  (9,420 (9,390   (7,840
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries 36,540  18,260    (54,800  
Net income (loss)$13,350 $36,540 $18,260 $(54,800$13,350 

TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

Supplemental Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements
ConsolidatedConsolidating Statement of Cash Flows
(in thousands)


 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

 

 

$

 

 

$

(1,450

)

 

$

12,460

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

11,010

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

 

(4,280

)

 

(1,010

)

 

 

 

 

(5,290

)

Proceeds from sales of fixed assets

 

 

 

 

640

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

640

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

 

 

 

(3,640

)

 

(1,010

)

 

 

 

 

(4,650

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of borrowings on term loan facilities

 

 

 

 

(650

)

 

(50

)

 

 

 

 

(700

)

Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities

 

 

 

 

167,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

167,710

 

Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities

 

 

 

 

(169,800

)

 

(5,590

)

 

 

 

 

(175,390

)

Intercompany transfers (to) from subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

12,170

 

 

(12,170

)

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

 

 

 

 

9,430

 

 

(17,810

)

 

 

 

 

(8,380

)

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease for the period

 

 

 

 

(1,250

)

 

(770

)

 

 

 

 

(2,020

)

At beginning of period

 

 

 

 

250

 

 

3,480

 

 

 

 

 

3,730

 

At end of period

 

 

$

 

 

$

(1,000

)

 

$

2,710

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,710

 

 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
 ParentGuarantorNon-GuarantorEliminationsTotal
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:               
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities, net of acquisition impact$(21,620$27,400 $16,320 $(2,350$19,750 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:               
Capital expenditures   (11,100 (3,910   (15,010
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets   3,490      3,490 
Net cash used for investing activities   (7,610 (3,910   (11,520
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:               
Repayments of borrowings on senior credit facility   (2,160     (2,160
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility   722,580      722,580 
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facility   (729,400     (729,400
Payments on notes payable   (100     (100
Intercompany transfers (to) from subsidiaries 21,620  (11,230 (10,390    
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 21,620  (20,310 (10,390   (9,080
Cash and Cash Equivalents:               
Increase for the period   (520 2,020  (2,350 (850
At beginning of period   520  2,570    3,090 
At end of period$ $ $4,590 $(2,350$2,240 


TRIMAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (continued)
(unaudited)

Supplemental Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements
ConsolidatedConsolidating Statement of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

 

 

 

Parent

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

 

 

$

 

 

$

9,940

 

 

$

(21,290

)

 

 

$

 

 

$

(11,350

)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

 

(3,360

)

 

(1,190

)

 

 

 

 

(4,550

)

Proceeds from sales of fixed assets

 

 

 

 

940

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

940

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

 

 

 

(2,420

)

 

(1,190

)

 

 

 

 

(3,610

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of borrowings on term loan facilities

 

 

 

 

(720

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(720

)

Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities

 

 

 

 

286,810

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

286,810

 

Repayments of borrowings on revolving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

credit facilities

 

 

 

 

(270,200

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(270,200

)

Payments on notes payable

 

 

 

 

(100

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(100

)

Intercompany transfers (to) from subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

(22,940

)

 

22,940

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

 

 

 

 

(7,150

)

 

22,940

 

 

 

 

 

15,790

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase for the period

 

 

 

 

370

 

 

460

 

 

 

 

 

830

 

At beginning of period

 

 

 

 

520

 

 

2,570

 

 

 

 

 

3,090

 

At end of period

 

 

$

 

 

$

890

 

 

$

3,030

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

3,920

 

22




 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
 ParentGuarantorNon-GuarantorEliminationsTotal
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:               
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities, net of acquisition impact$(21,620$930 $17,970 $ $(2,720
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:               
Capital expenditures   (28,910 (6,710   (35,620
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets   450      450 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired   (5,500     (5,500
Net cash used for investing activities   (33,960 (6,710   (40,670
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:               
Repayments of borrowings on senior credit facility   (2,170     (2,170
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility   593,300      593,300 
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facility   (543,300     (543,300
Payments on notes payable   (8,030     (8,030
Intercompany transfers (to) from subsidiaries 21,620  (10,950 (10,670    
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 21,620  28,850  (10,670   39,800 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:               
Increase (decrease) for the period   (4,180 590    (3,590
At beginning of period   4,180  2,600    6,780 
At end of period$ $ $3,190 $ $3,190 

Item 2.    Management's                        Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition contains forward-looking statements regarding industry outlook and our expectations regarding the performance of our business. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Forward“Forward Looking Statements," at the beginning of this report. 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 the Company'sCompany’s reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Introduction

We are an industrial manufacturer of highly engineered products serving niche markets in a diverse range of commercial, industrial and consumer applications. We have fourfive operating segments:  Rieke Packaging Systems, ("Rieke"), Cequent TransportationTransportion Accessories, ("Cequent"),RV & Trailer Products, Energy Products and Industrial Specialties and Fastening Systems.Specialties. In reviewing our financial results, for the past several years, consideration should be given to certain critical events, particularly our separation from Metaldyne in June 2002, subsequent acquisitions and more recent consolidation, integration and restructuring efforts.

Key Factors and Risks Affecting our Reported Results.   Critical factors affecting our ability to succeed include: our ability to successfully pursue organic growth through new product development, cross-selling and product bundling and our ability to quickly and cost effectively introduce new products; our ability to acquire and integrate companies or products that will supplement existing product lines, add new distribution channels, expand our geographic coverage or enable us to absorb overhead costs; our ability to manage our cost structure more efficiently through improved supply base management, internal sourcing and/or purchasing of materials, selective out-sourcing and/or purchasing of support functions, working capital management, and greater leverage of our administrative and overhead functions. If we are unable to do any of the foregoing successfully, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted.

Our results of operations depend upon general economic conditions and we serve some customers in highly cyclical industries that are highly competitive and themselves adversely impacted by unfavorable economic conditions. There is some seasonality in our Cequent segment businessTransportation Accessories and RV & Trailer Products businesses as well. Sales of towing and trailer products within Cequentthese business segments are generally stronger in the second and third quarters as trailer OEMs, distributors and retailers acquire product for the spring/summer selling season. No other operatingbusiness segment experiences significant seasonal fluctuation in its business.business operations. We do not consider order backlog orders to be a material factor in our business.businesses. A growing portion of our sales may be derived from international sources, which exposes us to certain risks, including currency risks.

Historically, we have not experienced significant fluctuations in raw materials costs which materially impacted our profitability. However, we are sensitive to price movements in our raw materials supply base. Our largest raw material purchases are for steel, polyethylene and other resins. During 2004 and 2005, weWe have experienced increasing costs of steel and polyethylene resinsresin and we are continuing to workhave worked with our suppliers to manage cost pressures and disruptions in supply. Additionally, weWe have also initiated pricing programs to pass increased steel and resin costs on to customers, although we have experienced a delay in our ability to implement price increases and recover fully such increased costs. WeAlthough steel price increases and disruptions in supply abated somewhat in 2005, we will continue to take actions as necessary to manage risks associated with increasing steel and resin costs. However, we may experience continued increasing costssteel price increases or disruptions in supply throughout 2005 or longermay recur in the future and we may not be able to pass along such higher costs to our customers in the form of price increases. Such increased costs may adversely impact our earnings. We have substantial debt, interest and lease payment requirements that may restrict


our future operations and impair our ability to meet our obligations and, in a rising interest rate environment, our performance may be adversely affected by our degree of leverage.

Our June 2002 Recapitalization and Separation from Metaldyne.    On June 6, 2002, we undertook a recapitalization that resulted in our separation from Metaldyne. Heartland and other investors invested approximately $265.0 million in us and acquired approximately 66% of our fully diluted common stock. Metaldyne retained or received approximately 34% of our fully diluted common stock.


As part of this recapitalization: (1) we entered into a new credit facility that then consisted of a $150.0 million revolving credit facility and a $260.0 million term loan facility; (2) we entered into a new $125.0 million receivables securitization facility, and; (3) we issued approximately $352.8 million in aggregate principal amount of 9 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2012. We used the proceeds from these financings to pay a cash dividend to Metaldyne that had been declared immediately prior to the recapitalization and to repay our obligations in respect of Metaldyne financing arrangements. These obligations included borrowings attributed to our subsidiaries under the Metaldyne credit agreement, debt that our subsidiaries owed to Metaldyne and its other subsidiaries and outstanding balances related to receivables that we originated and sold under the Metaldyne receivables facility. In sum, we declared and paid a cash dividend to Metaldyne equal to $840.0 million, less the aggregate amount of such debt repayment and receivables repurchase.

Refer to Note 7, "Long-term Debt," in the notes to consolidated financial statements for information on our current credit facility terms and Note 9, "Related Parties" for additional information concerning other transactions with Metaldyne.

Our Recent Acquisitions.   Since our separation from Metaldyne in June 2002, we have completed seven acquisitions. The most significant of these were the HammerBlow, Highland and Fittings acquisitions.

We also completed four smaller acquisitions: Haun Engine, in August 2002, Cutting Edge Technologies, in January 2003, Chem-Chrome in October 2003 and Bargman in January 2004.Bargman.

Recent and Anticipated Consolidation, Integration and Restructuring Activities.   We have undertaken significant consolidation, integration and other cost savings programs to enhance our efficiency and achieve cost reduction opportunities arising from our acquisitions. These programs which were essentially completed as of December 31, 2004, involved a number of2004. In addition to these major projects, andthere were also a series of other smaller initiatives to eliminate duplicative and excess manufacturing and distribution facilities, sales forces, and back office and other support functions.functions, some of which were extended into 2005 in order to continue to optimize our cost structure in response to competitor actions and market conditions. The aggregate costs of these actions for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005, and 2004, were approximately $3.5$0.4 million and $13.3$0.3 million, respectively. We estimate that we will incur approximately $0.7 million of additional costs during the remainder of 2005 to finalize all actions associated with these programs. We believe all of these costs are warranted by the anticipated future benefits of these actions. In 2004, we completed the establishment of our stand-alone corporate office. We now handle internally the legal, tax, benefit administration and environmental, health and safety services formerly provided by Metaldyne. We have hired an internal audit director, a tax director, a director of environmental, health and safety and established a stand-alone human resources compensation and benefits function.

During the second quarter of 2005, Cequent implemented an initiative to further rationalize back office engineering, marketing and general administrative support personnel at certain of its locations. This action resulted in the elimination of 30 positions as of June 30, 2005. The associated severance costs have been fully paid as of September 30, 2005.

During May 2004, in connection with our consolidation, integration and other cost-savings programs within Cequent, we announced our decision to cease manufacturing in Oakville, Ontario, and plan to consolidate distribution activities for all Canadian customers in that location. The manufacturing operations have been consolidated into our existing facility located in Goshen, Indiana as of the end of the third quarter of 2004, and we completed consolidation of the distribution activities for all Canadian customers during the second quarter of 2005.

Key Indicators of Performance.   In evaluating our business, our management considers Adjusted EBITDA as a key indicator of financial operating performance and as a measure of cash generating capability. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change and before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash asset and goodwill impairment write-offs, non-cash losses on sale-leaseback of property and equipment and legacy restricted stock award expense. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, our management deems it important to consider the quality of our underlying earnings by separately identifying certain costs undertaken to improve our results, such as costs related to consolidating facilities and businesses in an effort to eliminate duplicative costs or achieve efficiencies, costs related to integrating acquisitions and restructuring costs related to expense reduction efforts. Although our consolidation, restructuring and integration efforts


are continuing and driven in part by our acquisition activity, our management eliminates these costs to evaluate underlying business performance. Caution must be exercised in eliminating these items as they include substantially (but not necessarily entirely) cash costs and there can be no assurance that we will ultimately realize the benefits of these efforts. Moreover, even if the anticipated benefits are realized, they may be offset by other business performance or general economic issues.


Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is the best indicator (together with a careful review of the aforementioned items) of our ability to service and/or incur indebtedness, as we are a highly leveraged company. We use Adjusted EBITDA as a key performance measure because we believe it facilitates operating performance comparisons from period to period and company to company by excluding potential differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting interest expense), tax positions (such as the impact on periods or companies of changes in effective tax rates or net operating losses), and the impact of purchase accounting and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (affecting depreciation and amortization expense). Because Adjusted EBITDA facilitates internal comparisons of our historical operating performance on a more consistent basis, we also use Adjusted EBITDA for business planning purposes, to incent and compensate our management personnel, in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors and in evaluating acquisition opportunities. In addition, we believe Adjusted EBITDA and similar measures are widely used by investors, securities analysts, ratings agencies and other interested parties as a measure of financial performance and debt-service capabilities. Our use of Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"(“GAAP”). Some of these limitations are:

• it does not reflect our cash expenditures for capital equipment or contractual commitments;
• although depreciation, amortization and asset impairment charges and write-offs are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated, amortized or written-off may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash requirements for such replacements;
• it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
• it does not reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness;
• it includes amounts resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of underlying performance of our fundamental business operations, as discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and;
• other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as a comparative measure.

·       it does not reflect our cash expenditures for capital equipment or contractual commitments;

·       although depreciation, amortization and asset impairment charges and write-offs are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated, amortized or written-off may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash requirements for such replacements;

·       it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

·       it does not reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness;

·       it includes amounts resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of underlying performance of our fundamental business operations, as discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and;

·       other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as a comparative measure.

Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. We carefully review our operating profit margins (operating profit as a percentage of net sales) at a segment level, which are discussed in detail in our year-to-year comparison of operating results.


For the periods presented, there were no adjustments between EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. The following is a reconciliation of our Adjusted EBITDA to net income and cash flows from operating activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and 2004:2005:


 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net income

 

$

3,980

 

$

2,510

 

Income tax expense

 

2,410

 

1,410

 

Interest expense

 

19,920

 

18,240

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

9,300

 

10,510

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

35,610

 

32,670

 

Interest paid

 

(5,280

)

(5,780

)

Taxes paid

 

(4,930

)

(3,600

)

(Gain) loss on disposition of plant and equipment

 

100

 

(240

)

Receivables sales and securitization, net

 

25,120

 

26,560

 

Net change in working capital

 

(39,610

)

(60,960

)

Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities

 

$

11,010

 

$

(11,350

)

(in thousands)Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2005200420052004
Net income$230 $2,170 $6,790 $13,350 
Income tax expense (benefit) (2,670 1,270  1,020  7,840 
Interest expense 18,840  17,430  55,790  50,020 
Depreciation and amortization 10,370  10,080  31,400  30,590 
Adjusted EBITDA 26,770  30,950  95,000  101,800 
Interest paid (6,550 (4,950 (40,310 (36,020
Taxes paid (2,650 (2,240 (8,400 (8,710
Legacy stock award expense paid       (5,400
(Gain) loss on dispositions of plant and equipment 260  (300 390  (120
Payments to Metaldyne to fund contractual liabilities     (330 (4,610
Receivables sales and securitization, net (24,040 (40,500 400  7,780 
Net change in working capital 11,730  6,850  (27,000 (57,440
Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities$5,530 $(10,190$19,750 $(2,720

The following details certain items relating to our consolidation, restructuring and integration efforts not eliminated in determining Adjusted EBITDA, but that we would consider in evaluating the quality of our Adjusted EBITDA:


 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

2005

 

Facility and business consolidation costs(a)

 

$

20

 

$

 

Business unit restructuring costs(b)

 

90

 

280

 

Acquisition integration costs(c)

 

290

 

 

 

 

$

400

 

$

280

 

(in thousands)Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2005200420052004
Facility and business consolidation costs (a)$170 $1,490 $1,580 $6,430 
Business unit restructuring costs (b) 400  1,930  1,050  5,420 
Acquisition integration costs (c)   120  900  1,470 
 $570 $3,540 $3,530 $13,320 

(a)Includes employee training, severance and relocation costs, equipment move and plant rearrangement costs associated with facility and business consolidations.
(b)Principally employee severance costs associated with business unit restructuring and other cost reduction activities.
(c)Includes equipment move and other facility closure costs, excess and obsolete inventory reserve charges related to brand rationalization, employee training, and other organization costs associated with the integration of acquired operations.

(a)           Includes employee training, severance and relocation costs, equipment move and plant rearrangement costs associated with facility and business consolidations.

(b)          Principally employee severance costs associated with business unit restructuring and other cost reduction activities.

(c)           Includes equipment move and other facility closure costs, excess and obsolete inventory reserve charges related to brand rationalization, employee training, and other organization costs associated with the integration of acquired operations.


Segment Information and Supplemental Analysis

The following table summarizes financial information for our fourfive operating segments for the three months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and 2004:2005:


 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2006

 

As a Percentage
of Net Sales

 

2005

 

As a Percentage
of Net Sales

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packaging Systems

 

$

53,350

 

 

19.4

%

 

$

49,600

 

 

18.9

%

 

Transportation Accessories

 

81,680

 

 

29.7

%

 

84,810

 

 

32.3

%

 

RV & Trailer Products

 

55,860

 

 

20.3

%

 

55,840

 

 

21.3

%

 

Energy Products

 

39,950

 

 

14.5

%

 

33,590

 

 

12.8

%

 

Industrial Specialties

 

44,440

 

 

16.1

%

 

38,530

 

 

14.7

%

 

Total

 

$

275,280

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

262,370

 

 

100.0

%

 

Gross Profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packaging Systems

 

$

14,650

 

 

27.5

%

 

$

13,820

 

 

27.9

%

 

Transportation Accessories

 

20,210

 

 

24.7

%

 

18,140

 

 

21.4

%

 

RV & Trailer Products

 

13,640

 

 

24.4

%

 

13,760

 

 

24.6

%

 

Energy Products

 

12,190

 

 

30.5

%

 

9,770

 

 

29.1

%

 

Industrial Specialties

 

12,800

 

 

28.8

%

 

9,610

 

 

24.9

%

 

Corporate expenses and management fees

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

Total

 

$

73,490

 

 

26.7

%

 

$

65,100

 

 

24.8

%

 

Selling, General and Administrative:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packaging Systems

 

$

6,170

 

 

11.6

%

 

$

6,460

 

 

13.0

%

 

Transportation Accessories

 

15,770

 

 

19.3

%

 

14,520

 

 

17.1

%

 

RV & Trailer Products

 

5,410

 

 

9.7

%

 

5,300

 

 

9.5

%

 

Energy Products

 

6,120

 

 

15.3

%

 

4,730

 

 

14.1

%

 

Industrial Specialties

 

4,320

 

 

9.7

%

 

3,660

 

 

9.5

%

 

Corporate expenses and management fees

 

6,260

 

 

N/A

 

 

5,620

 

 

N/A

 

 

Total

 

$

44,050

 

 

16.0

%

 

$

40,290

 

 

15.4

%

 

Operating Profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packaging Systems

 

$

8,500

 

 

15.9

%

 

$

7,390

 

 

14.9

%

 

Transportation Accessories

 

4,410

 

 

5.4

%

 

3,800

 

 

4.5

%

 

RV & Trailer Products

 

8,280

 

 

14.8

%

 

8,480

 

 

15.2

%

 

Energy Products

 

5,920

 

 

14.8

%

 

5,030

 

 

15.0

%

 

Industrial Specialties

 

8,410

 

 

18.9

%

 

5,910

 

 

15.3

%

 

Corporate expenses and management fees

 

(6,260

)

 

N/A

 

 

(5,630

)

 

N/A

 

 

Total

 

$

29,260

 

 

10.6

%

 

$

24,980

 

 

9.5

%

 

Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packaging Systems

 

$

11,720

 

 

22.0

%

 

$

10,090

 

 

20.3

%

 

Transportation Accessories

 

6,870

 

 

8.4

%

 

6,480

 

 

7.6

%

 

RV & Trailer Products

 

10,090

 

 

18.1

%

 

10,400

 

 

18.6

%

 

Energy Products

 

6,540

 

 

16.4

%

 

5,660

 

 

16.9

%

 

Industrial Specialties

 

9,810

 

 

22.1

%

 

7,170

 

 

18.6

%

 

Corporate expenses, management fees and other

 

(7,250

)

 

(2.6

)%

 

(6,350

)

 

(2.4

)%

 

 

 

$

37,780

 

 

13.7

%

 

$

33,450

 

 

12.7

%

 

 Three Months Ended September 30,
 2005As a
Percentage
of Net Sales
2004As a
Percentage
of Net Sales
 ($ in thousands)
Net Sales            
Rieke Packaging Systems$34,320  12.7$33,070  12.9
Cequent Transportation Accessories 126,660  46.7 125,120  48.7
Industrial Specialties 70,870  26.2 59,780  23.2
Fastening Systems 39,090  14.4 39,130  15.2
Total$270,940  100.0$257,100  100.0
Gross Profit:            
Rieke Packaging Systems$11,670  34.0$12,790  38.7
Cequent Transportation Accessories 25,530  20.2 31,590  25.2
Industrial Specialties 15,800  22.3 14,190  23.7
Fastening Systems 6,680  17.1 1,860  4.8
Corporate expenses and management fees 460    300   
Total$60,140  22.2$60,730  23.6
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:            
Rieke Packaging Systems$4,620  13.5$3,960  12.0
Cequent Transportation Accessories 17,540  13.8 18,930  15.1
Industrial Specialties 8,660  12.2 8,620  14.4
Fastening Systems 4,950  12.7 3,310  8.5
Corporate expenses and management fees 6,370    4,980   
Total$42,140  15.6$39,800  15.5
Operating Profit:            
Rieke Packaging Systems$7,060  20.6$8,830  26.7
Cequent Transportation Accessories 7,980  6.3 12,660  10.1
Industrial Specialties 7,140  10.1 5,570  9.3
Fastening Systems 1,730  4.4 (1,450 -3.7
Corporate expenses and management fees (5,910   (4,680  
Total$18,000  6.6$20,930  8.1


The following table summarizes financial information for our four operating segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004:


 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2005As a
Percentage
of Net Sales
2004As a
Percentage
of Net Sales
 ($ in thousands)
Net Sales            
Rieke Packaging Systems$103,640  12.1$98,160  12.2
Cequent Transportation Accessories 409,690  47.7 405,210  50.5
Industrial Specialties 222,620  25.9 184,060  22.9
Fastening Systems 122,370  14.3 114,780  14.3
Total$858,320  100.0$802,210  100.0
Gross Profit:            
Rieke Packaging Systems$36,240  35.0$36,940  37.6
Cequent Transportation Accessories 88,980  21.7 111,700  27.6
Industrial Specialties 51,460  23.1 45,530  24.7
Fastening Systems 17,740  14.5 5,870  5.1
Corporate expenses and management fees 430    40   
Total$194,850  22.7$200,080  24.9
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:            
Rieke Packaging Systems$13,400  12.9$12,840  13.1
Cequent Transportation Accessories 58,240  14.2 62,310  15.4
Industrial Specialties 25,770  11.6 25,490  13.8
Fastening Systems 12,190  10.0 11,670  10.2
Corporate expenses and management fees 16,210    15,820   
Total$125,810  14.7$128,130  16.0
Operating Profit:            
Rieke Packaging Systems$22,850  22.0$24,100  24.6
Cequent Transportation Accessories 30,740  7.5 49,390  12.2
Industrial Specialties 25,690  11.5 20,040  10.9
Fastening Systems 5,550  4.5 (5,800 -5.1
Corporate expenses and management fees (15,790   (15,780  
Total$69,040  8.0$71,950  9.0

Results of Operations

The principal factors impacting us during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006 compared with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, were:

(1) reduced demand in our Cequent Transportation Accessories business segment and continued severe competitor pricing pressure in the retail channel, and to a lesser degree in the installer, wholesaler and distributor channels;
(2) continued economic expansion, particularly in industrial sectors of the economy, which increased customer demand, most notably in our Industrial Specialties business segment;
(3) increased transportation and materials costs, notably steel, resins, yarns, asphalt, foil and other purchased components, which impacted our material margins; and
(4) completion of major restructuring and consolidation initiatives related to certain businesses in our Fastening Systems and Industrial Specialties segments.

·       continued economic expansion and a strong industrial economy which impacted end user demand across our Packaging Systems, Energy Products and Industrial Specialties business segments;

·       the impact of significant competitive pricing pressures within the retail market channel of our Transportation Accessories business segment, and reduced demand for trailering components within our RV & Trailer Products segment, and;

·       the impact of higher material costs and availability of some commodities, notably certain types of steel, polyethylene and polypropylene resins.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005

Net sales increased $13.8$12.9 million, or approximately 5.4%4.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2004. Of this amount,March 31, 2005. Overall, net sales in the first quarter 2006 were negatively impacted approximately $11.6$0.8 million or 4.5%, is due to organic growth and $2.2 million isversus the first quarter 2005 due to currency exchange as our reported results in U.S. dollars benefited from strongerwere impacted as a result of weaker foreign currencies. Overall, the amount of steel cost increases recovered from customers during the third quarter 2005 was comparable to the same period a year ago. Rieke'sPackaging Systems’ net sales increased $1.2$3.8 million from $49.6 million to $53.4 million, or approximately 3.8%7.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2004, due primarily to a $2.0 million increase inMarch 31, 2005, as sales of core industrial closure products and specialty dispensing products increased 5.9%, while sales of specialty dispensingtapes, laminates and insulation products offset in part by a reduction in sales of core products of approximately 2.6%improved 11.0%. Cequent's net sales increased $1.6 million, or approximately 1.2%, for the third quarter of 2005 as compared with the third quarter of 2004. After consideration of the favorable impacts of currency exchange ($2.0 million) and steel price increases recovered from customers ($1.6 million),Transportation Accessories’ net sales decreased $2.0$3.1 million between years. This decrease is duefrom $84.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2005 to lower demand$81.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006 principally as a result of reduced sales activity in our towing products business’ early order program. Net sales within RV & Trailer Products were $55.9 million in first quarter 2006 and approximately flat compared to the year-agoyear ago period as lower sales demand in the agricultural and industrial markets was approximately offset by stronger demand in the impacthorse/livestock and OE automotive market sectors. Net sales within Energy Products increased $6.4 million or 19.0%, to $40.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $33.6 million in the comparable year ago period as businesses in this segment benefited from extensive oil and gas drilling activity in North America and continued high levels of customer inventory adjustments, primarily within our towingturnaround activity at petroleum refineries and trailer products business units.petrochemical facilities. Net sales within our Industrial Specialties segment increased $11.1$5.9 million, or approximately 18.6%15.3%, to $44.4 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 2005 as compared with2006 from $38.5 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20042005, due to continued strong demand across all businesses in this segment, and recovery of substanitally all steel cost increases,but most notably within our aerospace fasteners and industrial cylinder and precision tools businesses. Net sales within our Fastening Systems segment were approximately flat between years as improved demand for aerospace fasteners were offset by lower sales volumes and less recovery of steel cost increases via pricing on industrial fastener products compared to the year ago period.

Gross profit marginsmargin (gross profit as a percentage of sales) approximated 22.2%26.7% and 23.6%24.8% for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005, and 2004, respectively. Rieke'sPackaging Systems’ gross profit margin declined slightly from the year ago period from approximately 38.7%27.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 to 34.0%27.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 due primarily to the impact of resin, steel and other material cost increases not able to be fully recovered from customers. Cequent'sMarch 31, 2006. Transportation Accessories’ gross profit margin declined from approximately 25.2%increased to 24.7% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2004 to approximately 20.2%2006 from 21.4% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2005. The decreaseincrease between years is due primarily to reducedimproved material margin ($1.3 million) and higher productivity levels at our Goshen, Indiana manufacturing facility. RV & Trailer Products’ gross profit margin was essentially flat at 24.4% and 24.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Energy Products’ gross profit margin increased to 30.5% in the first quarter 2006 compared to 29.1% in first quarter 2005 as this segment’s margin benefited primarily from higher sales volumes of towing and trailer products in the higher margin wholesale distributor and installer channels, significant competitive pricing pressures in all market channels, but especially retail, and insufficient recovery of steel and other material cost increases via pricing.between years. Gross profit marginsmargin within our Industrial Specialties segment declined slightlyincreased in the thirdfirst quarter of 2006 to 28.8% compared to 24.9% in the first quarter of 2005 due generally to 22.3% compared to 23.7%the higher sales volumes between years  as well as greater sales of high margin aerospace fasteners.


Operating profit margin (operating profit as a percentage of sales) approximated 10.6% and 9.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Packaging Systems’ operating profit margin was 15.9% and 14.9% in the thirdthree months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Operating profit increased $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2004 due primarily to steel and other material cost increases not able to be fully recovered from customers. Gross profit margins within our Fastening Systems segment increased to 17.1% in2006 as compared with the thirdfirst quarter of 2005 as the decline in gross profit margin was more than offset by gross profit earned on increased sales and reduced spending on selling, general and administrative activities between years. Transportation Accessories’ operating profit margin was 5.4% and 4.5% in the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Operating profit increased net $0.6 million to $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 as compared to 4.8%$3.8 million in the samefirst quarter of 2005. The improvment in gross profit was in part offset by $1.3 million higher selling, general and administrative expenses related principally to increased promotional spending to support greater retail channel sales activity. RV & Trailer Products’ operating profit margin was 14.8% and 15.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as cost savings initiatives approximately offset increased transportation costs and slightly higher employee benefit costs. Energy Products’ operating profit margin was 14.8% and 15.0% for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Operating profit improved $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the year ago period aas increased margins earned on higher sales levels were partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses, principally increased asbestos litigation defense costs. Industrial Specialties’ operating profit margin was 18.9% and 15.3% for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Operating profit increased $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the year ago. This improvement is theago period primarily as a result of increased sales levels across all businesses in this segment, proportionately greater sales of higher margin aerospace fasteners, and reduced inefficiences as a result of plant consolidation activities completed in December 2004.


Operating profit margins (operating profitvariable and fixed overhead spending as a percentage of sales) approximated 6.6% and 8.1% for the quarters ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Operating profit at Rieke decreased $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2005 as compared with the third quarter of 2004 consistent with decline in gross profit and due to higher selling, general and administrative expense in third quarter 2005 compared to the year-ago period. Within Cequent, operating profit decreased $4.7 million for the third quarter of 2005 as compared with the third quarter of 2004 consistent with the decline in gross profit, offset by reduced variable selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $1.4 million during the third quarter of 2005 as compared to the year-ago period. Within the Industrial Specialties segment, operating profit increased $1.5 million for the third quarter of 2005 as compared with the third quarter of 2004 as businesses in this segment benefited from significantly increased sales levels between years with only a nominal increase in related selling and other fixed costs required to generate such sales pull-through. Within Fastening Systems, operating profit improved $3.2 million to $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared to an operating loss of $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2004. This is a direct result of operational improvements related to integration activities completed in 2004. In addition, the year-ago period includes approximately $1.8 million of costs related to the consolidation of two manufacturing facilities, which was completed by fourth quarter of 2004.sales.

Rieke Packaging Systems.   Net sales increased $1.2$3.8 million, or approximately 3.8%,7.6% to $34.3$53.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 compared to $33.1$49.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. OfMarch 31, 2005. Net sales in the $1.2first quarter 2006 were negatively impacted approximately $1.1 million versus the first quarter 2005 due to currency exchange as our reported results in U.S. dollars were impacted as a result of weaker foreign currencies. Overall, the $3.8 million increase in sales is a result of strong demand for our products in the general industrial, commercial construction and metal building markets due to overall economic expansion and new products. Of the increase in sales, approximately $2.0$1.7 million was due to increased sales of new specialty dispensingtapes, laminates and insulation products, offset by an approximate $0.7$1.5 million or 2.6% decrease in core productwas due to increased sales of industrial closures, rings and levers, comparedand $0.6 million was due to the year-ago period.higher sales of new consumer-oriented specialty dispensing products.

Rieke'sPackaging Systems’ gross profit margin declinedincreased approximately $0.9 million to approximately 34.0%$14.7 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006, from 38.7%$13.8 million in the comparable period a year ago. Gross profit margins were 27.5% and 27.9% for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2004. The decreaseMarch 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively and the increase in gross profit between years of $1.1 million was primarily due toconsistent with the impact of resin, steel and other material cost increases in the third quarter of 2005 not able to be fully recovered from customers. Rieke also incurred $0.2 million in increased energy costs compared to the same period a year ago.sales levels.

Rieke'sPackaging Systems’ selling, general and administrative costs increaseddecreased approximately $0.6$0.3 million to $4.6$6.2 million, or 11.6% of sales, during the quarter ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 as compared to $4.0$6.5 million, or 13.0% of sales, in the thirdfirst quarter of 2004,2005. Variable and fixed selling expenses increased $0.1 million as Packaging Systems was able to increase in sales without a ratable increase in variable spending, while general and administrative expense decreased $0.4 million between years primarily as a result of increased selling and promotional expensescosts incurred in first quarter 2005 related to specialty pump dispensing products and overall slightly higher compensation and benefit-related costs.completion of Compac’s facilities consolidation that did not recur in first quarter 2006.

Overall, Rieke'sPackaging Systems’ operating profit margin declinedincreased $1.1 million to $8.5 million, or 15.9% of sales, from $7.4 million, or 14.9% of sales, in the comparable period a year ago. Of this amount, approximately 20.6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 from 26.7% for the third quarter of 2004, as the positive impact of$0.6 million is due to increased sales during the quarter were more than offset by aforementioned material cost increases not able to be recovered from customers, increased energy costs and increased transportation costslevels between years, $0.3 million is due to higher fuel prices and increasedcosts associated with facility consolidation that did not recur in the current quarter, with the remaining improvement resulting from lower selling expenses.costs as a percentage of sales.


Cequent Transportation Accessories.   Net sales increased $1.6decreased $3.1 million, or approximately 1.2%3.7%, to $126.7$81.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 compared to $125.1$84.8 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 2004. After consideration of the favorable impacts of2005. Net sales in first quarter 2006 were positively impacted approximately $0.8 million due to currency exchange ($2.0 million) and steel price increases recovered from customers ($1.6 million),as our reported results in U.S. dollars were higher due to a stronger Canadian dollar. The net decrease in sales decreased $2.0 million between years. This decrease between years resulted from lower overall end market demand and the impactwas due to reduced levels of customer inventory adjustments principally withinactivity in our towing and trailer products business units.business’ early order incentive program, offset in part by $4.5 million higher sales to our retail channel customers.

Cequent'sTransportation Accessories’ gross profit decreased $6.1increased $2.1 million to $25.5$20.2 million, or 20.2%24.7% of net sales, for the quarter ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 from approximately $31.6$18.1 million, or 25.2%21.4% of net sales, in the thirdfirst quarter of 2004.2005. Of this declineincrease in gross profit, we estimate $0.5$1.2 million is attributed to the decrease in sales levels between years. However, our gross profit margins were significantly reduced due to severe competitive pricing pressures in all market channels, but especially in the retail channelimproved material margin as a result of sourcing initiatives and in our towing products business, as well as insufficient recoveryrecoveries of steel and other material cost increases via pricing. Gross margin was also favorably impacted by increased productivity at our Goshen, Indiana manufacturing facility and savings associated with cost reduction initiatives implemented in 2005, which essentially offset increased costs associated with employee benefits, transportation and energy.

Cequent'sTransporation Accessories’ selling, general and administrative expenses decreasedincreased approximately $1.4$1.3 million to $15.8 million or 19.3% of net sales during the thirdfirst quarter 2006 from $14.5 million or 17.1% of net sales in the first quarter of 2005, due to increased promotion costs associated with higher retail channel activity and costs associated with closure of our Sheffield operations.

Overall, Transportation Accessories’ operating profit increased $0.6 million to approximately $4.4 million, or 5.4% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2006 from $3.8 million, or 4.5% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2005. The improvement in operating profit between years is the result of higher gross profit due principally to increased material margins and improved productivity, offset in part by higher selling, general and administrative expenses due principally to increased promotion expense to support retail channel activity.

RV & Trailer Products.Net sales were approximately flat at $55.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 compared to $55.8 million for the first quarter of 2005. Net sales in the first quarter 2006 were negatively impacted approximately $0.7 million versus the first quarter 2005 due to currency exchange as our reported results in U.S. dollars were impacted as a result of a weaker Australian dollar. Net sales in the quarter to agricultural/industrial and marine markets and recreational vehicle wholesalers and distributors were approximately $3.2 million lower compared to the thirdyear ago period due to soft market demand and increased foreign competition. These decreases were offset by sales increases of approximately $3.2 million due to stronger demand in the horse/livestock and OE automotive market sectors.

RV & Trailer Products’ gross profit decreased slightly to $13.6 million, or 24.4% of net sales, for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 from approximately $13.8 million, or 24.6% of net sales, in the first quarter of 20042005. Lower gross profit due to sales mix and sales incentives were approximately offset by improved material margin due to sourcing initiatives and improved recovery of material cost increases, as Cequent reduced these costswell as savings associated with cost reduction initiatives implemented in 2005.


RV & Trailer Products’ selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately flat at $5.4 million and $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as this segment managed selling expenses and overhead spending in response to reducedflat sales levels and lower gross profits between years. Selling, general and administrative expense as a percent of sales approximated 13.8%were 9.7% and 15.1%9.5% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Overall, RV & Trailer Products’ operating profit declined $0.2 million, from approximately $8.5 million, or 15.2% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Overall, Cequent's operating profit declined $4.7to $8.3 million, from approximately $12.7 million foror 14.8% of net sales, in the thirdfirst quarter of 2004 to $8.0 million in the third quarter of 2005, which represented a decrease in operating profit margin from approximately 10.1% to approximately 6.3%.2006. The decline in operating profit between years is the result of slightly lower gross


profit due to flat market demand overall and marginally higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

Energy Products.   Net sales levels,for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 increased $6.4 million to $40.0 million from $33.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. Of this amount, $2.8 million represents increased demand from existing customers for slow speed engine products  as as result of continued favorable market conditions for oil and gas producers in the United States and Canada and $1.3 million represents market share gains due to extended product line offerings of existing engine models, principally in the towingCanada, and trailer products businesses and margin erosion in all market channelsexpanded replacement parts offerings internationally. Within our specialty gasket business, sales increased $1.3 million as a result of increased demand from existing customers due to severe competitor pricing pressureshigher than expected turn-around activity at petrochemical refineries and inability$1.0 million due to fully recover steelincreased international sales, principally in Latin America, the Far East and other materialEurope.

Gross profit within Energy Products increased $2.4 million to $12.2 million or 30.5% of sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, from $9.8 million or 29.1% of sales in the comparable period a year ago. Of this amount, approximately $1.8 million is attributed to the sales level increase between years and $0.6 million is the result of on-going efforts to source certain products to suppliers in low cost increases. These negative impactsmanufacturing countries.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the first quarter 2006 increased $1.4 million from $4.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005 to operating profit were partially offset by a reduction$6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Of this amount, $0.8 million is due to increased asbestos litigation defense costs in our specialty gasket business, while overall selling, general and administrative expenses within this segment increased a net $0.6 million compared to the same period a year ago, essentially in responseline with the increased sales levels.

Overall, operating profit within Energy Products improved $0.9 million between years to lower levels$5.9 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2006 from $5.0 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2005. Operating profit as a percentage of sales activity.for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, was approximately flat at 14.8% and 15.0%, respectively, as increased gross profits due to higher sales levels and lower selling costs as a percentage of sales were substantially offset by increased asbestos litigation defense costs.

Industrial Specialties.   Net sales during the quarter ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, increased $11.1$5.9 million, or approximately 18.6% compared15.3% to $44.4 million from $38.5 in the thirdfirst quarter of 2004.2005. The $11.1$5.9 million increase in sales is a result of increasingstrong demand for our products in the energy and petro-chemical, general industrial, commercial construction,aerospace, automotive and defense markets due to marketsharemarket share gains, new products, and economic expansion. Notably, our aerospace fastener business continues to experience strong market demand, with a sales increase of approximately 27.1% in first quarter 2006 over the same period a year ago, due to continued strong commercial and business jet build rates. Sales of specialty automotive fittings improved 23.7% compared to the year ago period and sales within our industrial cylinder business also increased 14.3%. We estimate that steel cost increases recovered from customers via pricing during thirdfirst quarter 2005,2006, principally within our industrial cylinder, precision tool and specialty gasket businesses, was comparable to the same period a year ago.

Gross profit within our Industrial Specialties segment increased $1.6$3.2 million from $14.2to $12.8 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2004 to $15.82006 from $9.6 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2005. Gross profit margins at Industrial Specialties were approximately 22.3%28.8% and 24.9% for the quarterquarters ended September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005, compared to 23.7% for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, as higher gross profits onresepctively. Of the increase in gross profit, approximately $1.5 million is attributed to the sales volumeslevel increase between years, was mostly offset by steel$0.8 million is due to improved material margins, and other material cost increases incurred not able$0.9 million is due to be fully recovered from customers.lower conversion costs as a percentage of sales as a result of greater sales volumes.

31




Selling, general and administrative expenses at $8.7increased $0.6 million remainedto $4.3 million in the first quarter 2006 from $3.7 in first quarter 2005, but spending as a percentage of sales of 9.7% and 9.5%, respectively, was approximately flat between years or 12.2% of sales in the third quarter of 2005 compared to 14.5% of sales in the third quarter of 2004. In the quarter ended September 30, 2005, asbestos litigation defense costs increased $0.6 million in our specialty gasket business and overall selling, general and administrative expense increased net $0.8 million. These increases in costs between years were offset by approximately $1.4 million in costs from the quarter ended Septemer 30, 2004, that did not recur in the current year as a result of Compac's facilities consolidation largely being completed by the fourth quarter of 2004.years.

Operating profit in the thirdfirst quarter of 20052006 increased $1.5$2.5 million to $7.1$8.4 million from $5.6$5.9 million in the thirdfirst quarter 2004.2005. Operating profit margins atmargin within Industrial Specialties improved to 10.1%18.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 compared to 9.3%15.3% from the year-ago period primarily due to the increased sales volumes across all businesses, improved material margin, and reduced costs resulting from the completion of Compac's facility consolidation in fourth quarter 2004, partially offset by the impact of increased steelvariable and other raw material costs incurred not able to be recovered from customers and the charge recorded related to increased asbestos litigation defense costs.

Fastening Systems.    Net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, approximated $39.1 million and were flat compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. Our aerospace fastener business continues to experience strong market demand, with a sales increase of approximately 44.2% over the same period a year ago, due principally to an overall increase in the commercial and business jet build rates in 2005. This increase in sales was offset by a decline in sales of industrial fasteners of approximately $2.4 million in third quarter 2005 compared to the third quarter 2004 and $1.4 million of steel cost decreases passed through to customers during third quarter 2005 compared to the same period a year ago.

Gross profit margins at Fastening Systems increased to approximately 17.1% in the quarter ended September 30, 2005 from approximately 4.8% for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. This improvement is a result of a change in product mixfixed selling expense as a resultpercentage of increased sales of higher margin aerospace fasteners and improved gross margins earned on industrial fasteners due to operational efficiencies achieved as a result of plant consolidation activities completed in the fourth quarter of


2004. Also, the third quarter of 2004 included approximately $1.1 million of costs related to the aforementioned plant consolidation activities that did not recur in third quarter 2005.sales.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter 2005 increased $1.6 million compared to the same period a year ago. During the third quarter 2005, Lake Erie Products provided approximately $1.5 million in reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable due to bankruptcy filings by two customers.

Overall, operating profit within Fastening Systems improved $3.2 million between years to $1.7 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2005 as compared to an operating loss of $1.5 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2004. The improvement within the Fastening Systems segment between years is primarily due to proportionately greater sales of higher margin aerospace fasteners during the third quarter of 2005 relative to the comparable period a year ago and operational improvements related to plant consolidation activities which were completed by the end of 2004. In addition, the year-ago period included approximately $1.4 million of increased costs related to the aforementioned plant consolidation activities which were largely completed by the fourth quarter of 2004.

Corporate Expenses and Management Fees.   Corporate office expenses and management fees increased approximately $1.2$0.7 million to $5.9$6.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $4.7March 31, 2006 from $5.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The increase between years is due primarily to increased legalaccounting and audit costs of $0.3$0.5 million; increased costs associated with the Company'sCompany’s self-insured group medical and workers compensation insurance plansprograms of $0.3$0.2 million; and increased employee compensation and management incentive program costs of $0.4 million.$0.3 million as a result of implementation of SFAS No. 123R, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”

Other Expense, Net.   Interest expense increased approximately $1.4$1.7 million to $18.8$19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 as compared to $17.4$18.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The increase is primarily the result of an increase in our weighted average interest rate on variable rate borrowings from approximately 5.2%6.1% during the thirdfirst quarter 20042005 to approximately 6.9%8.1% during thirdfirst quarter 2005.2006, offset in part by a reduction in weighted average borrowings from approximately $375 million during first quarter 2005 to approximately $335 million in first quarter 2006. During the three months ended September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, other, net increased $1.5decreased $0.3 million to $1.6$0.8 million as compared to $0.1$1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004. Of this amount, $0.5 million is due to net losses on transactions denominated in foreign currencies. The remaining amount of the increase between years is due to $0.6 million of higher expenses incurred as a result of increased use of the Company's receivables securitization facility to fund working capital needs and $0.6March 31, 2005. In first quarter 2006, $1.1 million of expenses incurred in connection with renewaluse of the Company'sCompany’s receivables securitization facility were partially offset by gains on transaction denominated in July 2005.foreign currencies of approximately $0.3 million. In first quarter 2005, we incurred $0.9 million of expenses in connection with use of the receivables securitization facility and $0.2 million of losses on transactions denominated in foreign currencies.

Income Taxes.   The effective income tax rates for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005 were 38.0% and 2004 were 109.4% and 36.9%36.8%, respectively. During the third

Discontinued Operations.   In fourth quarter 2005, the Company's estimateBoard of Directors authorized management to move forward with its full year effective tax rate decreased from 36.3%plan to 3.4%sell our industrial fasteners operations, which consists of operations located in Frankfort, Indiana; Wood Dale, Illinois; and the impact of this change is recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2005.Lakewood, Ohio. In the first quarter ended September 30, 2005,2006, the Company reported foreign pre-taxloss from discontinued operations, net of income of approximately $4.8 million and domestic pre-tax loss of approximately $7.3 million. The domestic pre-tax loss included approximately $18.8 million of interest expense incurred on debt that is the obligation of U.S.-domiciled companies. In the quarter ended September 30, 2004, the Company reported foreign pre-tax income of approximately $6.9tax benefit was $1.3 million compared to a reported domestic pre-tax loss from discontinued operations of $3.5 million. The domestic pre-tax loss included approximately $17.4 million of interest expense incurred on debt that is the obligation of U.S.-domiciled companies.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

Net sales increased $56.1 million, or approximately 7.0%, to $858.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $802.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Of this amount, $25.6 million is due to organic growth and $6.9 million is the result of currency exchange as our reported results in U.S. dollars benefited from stronger foreign currencies. Also, we estimate approximately $23.6 million represents recovery of steel cost increases passed through to customers. Rieke's net sales increased $5.4 million, or approximately 5.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to the same period a year ago as a result of increasing sales of new


specialty dispensing products, the favorable effects of currency exchange, and recovery of steel cost increases passed through to customers. Cequent's net sales increased $4.5 million, or approximately 1.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2004. After consideration of the favorable impacts of currency exchange ($5.2 million) and steel price increases recovered from customers ($14.9 million), Cequent's net sales decreased approximately $15.6 million between years. This decrease is due to lower demand compared to the year-ago period and the impact of customer inventory adjustments, primarily within our towing and trailer products business units, as well as significant price competition in all market channels, but especially retail. Net sales within our Industrial Specialties segment increased $38.6 million, or approximately 20.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2004 due to continued strong demand across all businesses in this segment and recovery of steel cost increases, most notably within our industrial cylinder business. Net sales within our Fastening Systems segment increased $7.6 million, or approximately 6.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2004 due to improved demand for aerospace fasteners and recovery of steel cost increases charged by steel suppliers on industrial fastener products, offset by lower sales volumes of industrial fastener products due to market demand factors and customer inventory adjustments.

Gross profit margins (gross profit as a percentage of sales) approximated 22.7% and 24.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Most notably, Cequent's gross profit margin declined from approximately 27.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to approximately 21.7% in the nine months ended September 30, 2005, due principally to reduced sales volumes of towing and trailer products in the higher margin wholesale distributor and installer channels, significant competitive pricing pressures in all market channels, but especially retail, and insufficient recovery of steel and other material cost increases via pricing. Rieke's gross profit margin declined from 37.6% in the first nine months of 2004 to 35.0% in the first nine months of 2005. The decline in gross profit margins is due principally to the impact of resin cost increases, steel cost recovery issues related to certain products in Europe and other cost increases not able to be fully recovered from customers. Gross profit within Industrial Specialties increased $5.9 million in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the same period a year ago due to higher sales levels. However, gross profit as a percent of sales declined to approximately 23.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from approximately 24.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 primarily as a result of steel cost increases incurred not able to be recovered from customers and increases in non-steel material costs including foil, yarn, asphalt and other oil-based products, which further eroded material margins. Within Fastening Systems, gross profit margins improved from approximately 5.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to approximately 14.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. This improvement is due to increased sales of higher margin aerospace fasteners, improved material margins on non-steel related items, and operational efficiences realized as a result of completing the consolidation of the Lakewood, Ohio facility into our Frankfort, Indiana facility during the fourth quarter 2004.

Operating profit margins (operating profit as a percentage of sales) approximated 8.0% and 9.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decline in operating profit margins is due principally to Cequent. Within Cequent, operating profit decreased $18.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as this business segment reduced variable selling and other fixed costs by approximately $4.2 million during the first nine months of 2005 compared to the year-ago period in response to reduced sales levels and overall lower gross profits. Operating profit margins at Rieke decreased to 22.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from 24.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as Rieke encountered steel, resin and other material cost increases not able to be recovered from customers as compared to the year ago period, and more recently, increased energy and transportation costs due to higher fuel prices. Within the Industrial Specialties segment, operating profit increased $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as businesses in this segment benefited from significantly increased sales levels between years with only a nominal increase in related selling and other fixed costs required to


generate such sales pull-through. Also, in the first half of 2004, Compac incurred higher costs and operational inefficiencies associated with the consolidation of its manufacturing activities into its new Hackettstown, New Jersey facility which was completed during the fourth quarter 2004. Within Fastening Systems, operating profit improved approximately $11.4 million during the first nine months of 2005 from an operating loss of $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to an operating profit of $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The year-ago period included approximately $6.1 million of costs related to the consolidation of our Lakewood, Ohio plant into remaining facilities in Frankfort, Indiana, and Wood Dale, Illinois, which was completed by fourth quarter of 2004.

Rieke Packaging Systems.    Net sales increased $5.4 million, or approximately 5.6%, to $103.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $98.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Of this amount, $7.5 million relates to increased sales of new specialty dispensing products, $1.3 million is due to the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange as a result of a weaker U.S. dollar, and we estimate $0.6 million is attributed to steel cost increases recovered from customers. These increases were partially offset by an approximate $2.0 million decrease in sales of core products, including industrial closures, rings and levers, compared to the year-ago period.

Rieke's gross profit margins declined to approximately 35.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from 37.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, and gross profit earned was $0.7 million less than the comparable year ago period. The beneficial impact of higher sales levels and the favorable impact of currency exchange were more than offset by increased resin, steel and other materials cost increases not able to be recovered from customers and higher energy costs, resulting in the decrease in gross profit margins between years.

Rieke's selling, general and administrative costs increased $0.6 million to $13.4 million from $12.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, as higher costs associated with launch activities of specialty pump dispensing products for consumer applications and more than offset costs incurred in the first half 2004 related to employee severance and maintaining compliance with various health and safety requirements at a European manufacturing facility.

Overall, Rieke's operating profit margins declined to approximately 22.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared with 24.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The impact of increased sales levels between years, the favorable effect of stronger foreign currencies on results reported in U.S. dollars, and certain employee-related and other regulatory health and safety costs that did not recur in the first nine months of 2005 were more than offset by increased resin, steel and other material cost increases not able to be fully recovered from customers. Operating margins were further impacted by increased costs associated with the launch of new specialty dispensing products and higher energy and transportation costs due to increased fuel prices.

Cequent Transportation Accessories.    Net sales increased $4.5 million, or approximately 1.1%, to $409.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $405.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. After consideration of the favorable impacts of currency exchange ($5.2 million) and steel cost increases recovered from customers ($14.9 million), net sales decreased approximately $15.6 million between years. This decrease is due to lower demand compared to the year-ago period and the impact of customer inventory adjustments, primarily within our towing and trailer products business units, as well as significant price competition in all market channels, but especially retail. Also, sales in our Consumer Products business were $2.5 million lower during second quarter of 2005 as compared to the year-ago period due to a one-time pipeline fill for a significant retail customer and we believe sales during the second quarter of 2004 were unusually strong as customers bought ahead of steel-related price increases.

Cequent's gross profit decreased $22.7 million to $89.0 million, or 21.7% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, from $111.7 million or 27.6% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Of this decline in gross profit, we estimate $4.3 million is attributed to the decrease in sales levels between years, principally in our towing and trailer businesses. Cequent's gross profit was further reduced due to significant competitive pricing pressures in all market channels, but


especially retail, and insufficient recovery of steel and other material cost increases via pricing. We estimate gross profit margins in the first nine months of 2005 were approximately 220 basis points lower due to the impact of: (1) higher steel costs incurred but not recovered from customers, and (2) higher steel costs incurred and recovered from customers, but on which no gross profit was earned.

Cequent's selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $4.1 million to $58.3 million for the first nine months of 2005 from $62.3 million for the first nine months of 2004. Cequent reduced selling, general and administrative expenses in response to reduced sales levels and lower gross profits between years. In first quarter 2004, Cequent incurred approximately $1.2 million in higher costs related to the consolidation of certain businesses distribution activities in South Bend, Indiana, and ramp-up of that facility's operations. These costs did not recur in the first nine months of 2005. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales decreased between years from 15.4% in the first nine months of 2004 to 14.2% in the first nine months of 2005.

Overall, Cequent's operating profit decreased $18.7 million to $30.7 million, or 7.5% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from $49.4 million, or 12.2% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The decline in operating profit between years is the result of lower sales levels, principally in the towing and trailer products businesses and margin erosion in all market channels due to severe competitor pricing pressures and inability to recover fully steel and other material cost increases via pricing. These negative impacts to operating profit were partially offset by a reduction in selling, general and administrtative expenses in response to reduced levels of sales activity and lower gross profits.

Industrial Specialties.    Net sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, increased $38.6 million, or approximately 20.9% compared to the same period a year ago. Of this amount, approximately $35.6 million is a result of increasing demand for our products in the energy and petrochemical, general industrial, commercial construction, and defense markets due to new products, market share gains, and economic expansion. We estimate $3.0 million is due to additional recovery of steel cost increases passed through to customers, principally within our industrial cylinder and precision tooling businesses.

Gross profit within our Industrial Specialties segment increased $6.0 million from $45.5 million in the first nine months of 2004 to $51.5 million in the first nine months of 2005 due to the significant increase in sales levels between years. Gross profit margins, however, decreased to 23.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from approximately 24.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, as a result of steel and other material costs including foil, yarn, asphalt and other oil-based products, not able to be recovered from customers, which further eroded gross margins.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased only slightly to $25.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from $25.5 million for the comparable period in 2004. As a percent of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses declined to 11.6% in the first nine months of 2005 from 13.8% for the first nine months of 2004, as this segment's businesses benefited from increased sales volumes between years. In the first nine months of 2004, we incurred approximately $3.4 million of costs in connection with the consolidation of Compac's Netcong and Edison, New Jersey facilities to a new facility in Hackettstown, New Jersey that was completed in fourth quarter 2004. However, the impact of this reduction was partially offset as a result of our specialty gasket business recording a $1.5 million charge in the first nine months of 2005 related to asbestos litigation defense costs.

Operating profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased $5.7 million to $25.7 million, or 11.5% of net sales, from $20.0 million, or 10.9% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase between years is primarily due to increased sales volumes across all of this segment's businesses and reduced costs resulting from the completion of Compac's facility consolidation in fourth quarter 2004, partially offset by the impact of steel and other material cost increases incurred that were not recovered from customers and the charge recorded related to increased asbestos litigation defense costs.

Fastening Systems.    Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, increased by $7.6 million, or 6.6%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Our aerospace fastener


business continues to experience strong market demand with a sales increase of approximately 28.1% over the same period a year ago due principally to an overall increase in the commercial and business jet build rates in 2005. In addition, we estimate approximately $5.1 million of the sales increase is due to steel cost increases recovered from our industrial fastener customers. These increases in sales were partially offset by a decline in the sales levels of industrial fasteners of $4.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 versus the same period a year ago due to overall market demand and as a result of major industrial customers adjusting inventory levels.

Gross profit within our Fastening Systems segment increased $11.9 million to $17.7 million, or 14.5% of sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from $5.9 million, or 5.1% of sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. This improvement is the result of a more profitable product mix due to increased sales of higher margin aerospace fasteners, improved material margins on non-steel related items as well as increased gross margins on industrial fasteners due to operational improvements resulting from plant consolidation activities completed in the fourth quarter of 2004. Also, the first nine months of 2004 included approximately $5.1 million of costs related to the aforementioned plant consolidation activities largely completed in the fourth quarter 2004.

Selling, general and administrative expenses at Fastening Systems increased $0.5 million overall to $12.2 million, or 10.0% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, from $11.7 million, or 10.2% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. During the third quarter 2005, Lake Erie Products provided $1.5 million in reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable due to bankruptcy filings by two customers. The year-ago period included approximately $1.1 million of costs related to the consolidation of our Lakewood, Ohio plant into remaining facilities in Frankfort, Indiana, and Wood Dale, Illinois, which was largely completed in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Overall, operating profit within Fastening Systems increased $11.4 million to $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, from an operating loss of $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The improvement within the Fastening Systems segment between years is due to proportionately greater sales of higher margin aerospace fasteners during the first nine months of 2005 relative to the year ago period, operational improvements related to integration activities completed during the prior year, and approximately $6.2 million of costs related to the consolidation of the Lakewood, Ohio manufacturing facilities in the nine months ended September 30, 2004, that did not recur in 2005.

Corporate Expenses and Management Fees.     Corporate office expenses and management fees were $15.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and approximately flat compared to the same period a year ago. On a comparative year-to-date basis, decreases in employee compensation and management incentive program costs of $0.5 million were approximately offset by higher spending related to the Company's group medical, workers compensation and retirement benefit programs.

Other Expense, Net.    Interest expense increased approximately $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004 due to an increase in our weighted average interest rate from approximately 5.3% to approximately 7.2% during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2005 respectively, and a higher level of borrowings on our revolving credit facility during the first half of 2005 to fund increased working capital needs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, other net expense was $5.4 million as compared to $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, or an increase of $4.7 million. Of this amount, $1.3 million relates to higher expenses incurred as a result of increased use of the Company's receivables securitization facility and receivables factoring to fund working capital needs and $0.6 million is due to expenses incurred in connection with renewal of the Company's receivables securitization facility in July 2005. The remaining increase between years is primarily due to net losses on transactions denominated in foreign currencies other than the local currency of the company subsidiary that is a party to the transaction of $2.5 million, compared to net gains on foreign currency transactions of $0.7 million in the same period a year ago.

Income Taxes.    The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was 13.0% compared to 37.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The change in effective rate in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period a year ago is due to a


shift in pre-tax income from higher to lower-taxed jurisdictions and the mix of pre-tax income or loss between U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the Company reported foreign pre-tax income of $8.7 million and domestic pre-tax loss of $0.9 million. The domestic pre-tax loss included $55.8 million of interest expense incurred on debt that is the obligation of U.S.-domiciled companies and $2.8 million of expense related See Note 2 to our receivables securitization facility. In the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Company reported foreign pre-tax incomeconsolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of $28.8 million and a domestic pre-tax loss of $7.6 million. The domestic pre-tax loss included $50.0 million of interest expense incurredthis report on debt that is the obligation of U.S.-domiciled companies.Form 10Q.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 was approximately $19.8$11.0 million as compared to cash used for operations of $2.7$11.4 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The improvement between years is primarily the result of improved working capital management within the second and third quarters of 2005 through aggressive collection of receivables and reductions in inventory levels. Also, included in cash provided by operating activities during the first nine monthsquarter of 2005 is a net reduction2006, principally lower levels of $23.1 million in amounts outstanding under our receivables securitization facility. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the impactdue to improved collections and higher levels of greater net income from operations was largelyaccounts payable and accrued liabilities, offset by the increased investmentslightly higher inventory levels at March 31, 2006 in working capital, principally inventory, to support higherof expected levels of sales levels within our Cequent Transportation Accessories segmentactivity for the spring/summer selling season.second quarter 2006.

Net cash used for investing activities for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 was approximately $11.5$4.7 million as compared to $40.7$3.6 million for the same period a year ago. During the first three quartersquarter of 2004,2006 capital expenditures were $20.6$0.7 million greater than the first three quartersquarter of 2005 as we essentially completed our major restructuring and consolidation activities during 2004.2005. We also generated net


proceeds from the sale of facilitiesfixed assets of $3.5$0.6 million during the first nine months of 2005. During the first three quarters of 2004, capital spending was $35.6 million due primarily to planned expenditures for our Hangzhou, China and Hackettstown, New Jersey facilities, and investments related to new product launches, mainly within our Rieke Packaging Systems segment. During the first quarter of 2004, we also completed2006 compared to $0.9 million in the acquisition of the Theodore Bargman Company within our Cequent Transportation Accessories segment.year ago period.

Net cash used for financing activities for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 of approximately $9.1$8.4 million was utilized to pay down amounts on our revolving credit facilityfacilities compared to cash provided by financing activities of $39.8$15.8 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. During the first ninethree months of 2004,2005, we incurred additional borrowings on our revolving credit facility to fund working capital expenditures and capital expenditure needs and to retire an acquisition note payable.

Our Debt and Other Commitments

Our credit facility includes a $150.0 million revolving credit facility and a $335.0 million term loan facility, of which $6.0$2.0 million and $283.8$255.6 million were outstanding, respectively, as of September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. Up to $100.0 million of our revolving credit facility is available to be used for one or more permitted acquisitions. Our credit facility also provides for an uncommitted $125.0 million incremental term loan facility that, subject to certain conditions, is available to fund one or more permitted acquisitions. 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 our credit agreement'sagreement’s financial covenants. Our credit facility contains negative and affirmative covenants and other requirements affecting us and our subsidiaries, including among others: restrictions on incurrence of debt (except for permitted acquisitions and subordinated indebtedness), liens, mergers, investments, loans, advances, guarantee obligations, acquisitions, asset dispositions, sale-leaseback transactions, hedging agreements, dividends and other restricted junior payments, stock repurchases, transactions with affiliates, restrictive


agreements and amendments to charters, by-laws, and other material documents. The terms of our credit agreement require us and our subsidiaries to meet certain restrictive financial covenants and ratios computed quarterly, including a leverage ratio (total consolidated indebtedness plus outstanding amounts under the accounts receivable securitization facility over consolidated EBITDA, as defined), interest expense ratio (consolidated EBITDA, as defined, over cash interest expense, as defined) and a capital expenditures covenant, thecovenant. The most restrictive of whichthese financial covenants and ratios is the leverage ratio.

On September 29, 2005, we amended our credit facility to modify certain financial and non-financial covenant requirements. The amended terms include: 1) increasing the Our permitted borrowings on letters of credit from $40 million to $45 million; 2) increasing the borrowing margin by 0.25%; 3) modifying the interest expenseleverage ratio to 2.00was 5.65 to 1.00 for the quarter endedat March 31, 2006, becoming more restrictive in future periods as follows: 5.50 to 1.00 at June 30, 2006; 5.35 to 1.00 at September 30, 2005 and increasing the threshold over time to 2.502006; 5.00 to 1.00 for the quarter endedat December 31, 2006; 3.25 to 1.00 at March 31, 2007 and thereafter, and; 4) modifying thethereafter. Our leverage ratio to 5.65was 5.39 to 1.00 for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 through the first quarter ofat March 31, 2006 and reducing the leverage ratio over time to 3.25 to 1.00 in first quarter 2007 and thereafter. The Company waswe were in compliance with itsour covenants at September 30, 2005.as of that date.

Three of our international businesses are also parties to loan agreements with banks, denominated in their local currencies. In the United Kingdom, we are party to a revolving debt agreement with a bank in the amount of £3.9 million which is renegotiable in October 2006 and is secured by a letter of credit under our Credit Facility. In Italy, we are party to a 5.0 million note agreement with a bank (approximately $5.9 million) with a term of seven years which is secured by land and buildings of our local business unit. In Australia, we are party to a debt agreement with a bank in the amount of $20 million for a term of five years which expires December 31, 2010. Borrowings under this arrangement are secured by substantially all the assets of the local business which is also subject financial ratio and reporting covenants. Financial ratio covenants include: capital adequacy ratio (tangible net worth over total tangible assets), interest coverage ratio (EBIT over gross interest cost). In addition to the financial ratio covenants there are other financial restrictions such as: restrictions on dividend payments, U.S. parent loan repayments, negative pledge and undertakings with respect to related entities. As of March 31, 2006, borrowings in the amount of $25.3 million were outstanding under these arrangements.

Another important source of liquidity is our $125.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility, under which we have the ability to sell eligible accounts receivable to a third-party multi-seller receivables funding company. At September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, we had $24.9$59.6 million outstanding under our accounts receivable


facility and $24.3$4.7 million of available funding based on eligible receivables. At September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, we also had $6.0$2.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility and had an additional $107.8$103.6 million potentially available after giving effect to approximately $36.2$44.4 million of letters of credit issued to support our ordinary course needs. 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. However, after consideration of leverage restrictions contained in our credit facility, we had approximately $68.7$35.6 million of borrowing capacity available for general corporate purposes.

We also have $437.8 million (face value) 9 7/8%% senior subordinated notes which are due in 2012.

Principal payments required on the Credit Facility term loan are: $0.7$0.6 million due each calendar quarter ending through June 30, 2009, $134.0$120.1 million due on September 30, 2009 and $141.8$127.1 million due on December 31, 2009.

Our credit facility is guaranteed on a senior secured basis by us and all of our domestic subsidiaries, other than our special purpose receivables subsidiary, on a joint and several basis. In addition, our obligations and the guarantees thereof are secured by substantially all the assets of us and the guarantors.

Our exposure to interest rate risk results from the variable rates under our credit facility. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at various rates, as more fully described in Note 7 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. Based on amounts outstanding at September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, a 1% increase or decrease in the per annum interest rate for borrowings under our revolving credit facilityfacilities would change our interest expense by approximately $2.9$2.8 million annually.

We have other cash commitments related to leases. We account for these lease transactions as operating leases and annual rent expense related thereto approximates $25.6$17.2 million. We expect to continue to utilize leasing as a financing strategy in the future to meet future capital expenditure needs and to reduce debt levels.

We conduct business in several locations throughout the world and are subject to market risk due to changes in the value of foreign currencies. We do not currently use derivative financial instruments to manage these risks. The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are 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.

As a result of the financing transactions entered into on June 6, 2002, the additional issuance of $85.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes, and recent acquisitions, we are


highly leveraged. In addition to normal capital expenditures, we may incur significant amounts of additional debt and further burden cash flow in pursuit of our internal growth and acquisition strategies.

We believe that our liquidity and capital resources, including anticipated cash flows from operations, will be sufficient to meet debt service, capital expenditure and other short-term and long-term obligations needs for the foreseeable future, but we are subject to unforeseeable events and risks.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are party to an agreement to sell, on an ongoing basis, the trade accounts receivable of certain business operations to a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose subsidiary, TSPC, Inc. ("TSPC"(“TSPC”). TSPC, subject to certain conditions, may from time to time sell an undivided fractional ownership interest in the pool of domestic receivables, up to approximately $125.0 million, to a third party multi-seller receivables funding company, or conduit. The proceeds of the sale are less than the face amount of accounts receivable sold by an amount that approximates the purchaser'spurchaser’s financing costs. Upon


sale of receivables, our subsidiaries that originated the receivables retain a subordinated interest. Under the terms of the agreement, new receivables can be added to the pool as collections reduce receivables previously sold. The facility is an important source of liquidity. At September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, we had $24.9$59.6 million outstanding and $24.3$4.7 million available under this facility.

The facility is subject to customary termination events, including, but not limited to, breach of representations or warranties, the existence of any event that materially adversely affects the collectibility of receivables or performance by a seller and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. The initial three year term of this facility expired in September 2005 and was subsequently renewed in July 2005 under substantially the same terms and conditions, with an amended expriation date ofexpires on December 31, 2007. In future periods, if we are unable to renew or replace this facility, it could materially and adversely affect our liquidity.

Impact of New Accounting Standards

In May 2004, FASB Staff Position FAS 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003," was issued to provide guidance on the accounting effects of the Act. Based upon the guidance of FAS 106-2, the Company estimates that the federal subsidy included in the Act resulted in an approximate $0.4 million reduction in the post-retirement benefit obligation and does not significantly change the 2004 post-retirement expense.

In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FSP 109-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004," which provides guidance under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," with respect to recording the potential impact of the repatriation provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "Act") on enterprises' income tax expense and deferred tax liability. The Act was enacted on October 22, 2004. FSP 109-2 states that an enterprise is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109. During the third quarter of 2005, the Company completed its analysis of foreign earnings able to be repatriated under the Act and expects to repatriate at least $61.7 million of foreign earnings during the fourth quarter of 2005. The Company is performing further analysis to determine if it will be able to repatriate additional foreign earnings of up to $15.0 million. The Company anticipates the associated tax on foreign earnings expected to be remitted to range from $3.9 million to $5.0 million. As of December 31, 2004, the Company has provided for applicable federal taxes of $3.1 million on foreign earnings anticipated to be remitted. The Company recorded an additional $0.8 million tax expense in the third quarter of 2005 to account for the anticipated repatriation.

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs – an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 4," which clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts


of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Under SFAS No. 151, such items will be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. This statement will be effective for the Company for inventory costs incurred on or after January 1, 2006. The Company has not yet evaluated the potential impact the adoption of SFAS No. 151 will have on its financial position or results of operations.

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment," which replaces SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB No. 25. SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. On April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") approved a delay to the effective date of SFAS No. 123(R). Under the new SEC rule, SFAS No. 123(R) is effective for annual periods that begin after December 15, 2005. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. Under SFAS No. 123(R), the transition methods include prospective and retroactive adoption options. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of SFAS No. 123(R) but has not yet determined the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) may have on its financial position or results of operations.

In May of 2005, Statement No. 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3," was issued which requires retrospective application to prior periods' financial statements for accounting for and reporting of voluntary changes in accounting principles. The Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate. Application of this statement will be required for all changes made after December 15, 2005.

On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations," which clarifies the term conditional asset retirement obligation as used in FASB Statement No. 143. The Interpretation is effective for TriMas no later than the end of fiscal 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the Interpretation, but has not yet determined what effect adoption will have on the consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The following discussion of accounting policies is intended to supplement the accounting policies presented in Note 3 to our 20042005 audited financial statements.statements included in our annual report filed on 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.

Accounting Basis for Transactions.   Prior to June 6, 2002, we were owned by Metaldyne. On November 28, 2000, Metaldyne was acquired by an investor group led by Heartland. On June 6, 2002, Metaldyne issued approximately 66% of our fully diluted common stock to an investor group led by Heartland. As a result of the transactions, we did not establish a new basis of accounting as Heartland is the controlling shareholder for both us and Metaldyne and the transactions were accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control.

Receivables.   Receivables are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $7.0$6.2 million at September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. We monitor our exposure for credit losses and maintain adequate allowances for doubtful accounts. We determine these allowances based on 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. Trade accounts receivable of substantially all domestic business operations may be sold, on an ongoing basis, to TSPC.


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: buildings and buildings/land improvements, ten10 to 40 years, and machinery and equipment, three3 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 six6 to 40 years, while technology and other intangibles are amortized over periods ranging from one1 to 30 years. As of January 1, 2004, trademarks and trade names are classified as indefinite-lived intangibles and we have ceased amortization.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.   In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, (SFAS No. 144), “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company periodically reviews the financial performance of each business unit for indicators of impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles.   We test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis, unless a change in business condition occurs which requires a more frequent evaluation. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, we estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using the present value of expected future cash flows and other valuation


measures. We then compare this estimated fair value with the net asset carrying value. If carrying value exceeds fair value, then a possible impairment of goodwill exists and further evaluation is performed. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually as of December 31 using management'smanagement’s operating budget and five-year forecast to estimate expected future cash flows. However, projecting discounted future cash flows requires us to make significant estimates regarding future revenues and expense,expenses, projected capital expenditures, changes in working capital and the appropriate discount rate.

At December 31, 2005, fair value was determined based upon the discounted cash flows of our reporting units discounted at our weighted average cost of capital of 10.0% and residual growth rates ranging from 3% to 4%. Our estimates of future cash flows will be affected by future operating performance, as well as general economic conditions, costs of raw materials, and other factors which are beyond the Company’s control. Of our reporting units, Transportation Accessories and RV & Trailer Products are most sensitive to and likely to be impacted by an adverse change in assumptions. Considerable judgment is involved in making these determinations, and the use of different assumptions could result in significantly different results. For example, an approximate 50 basis point change in the discount rates or an approximate 5% reduction in estimated cash flows would result in a further goodwill impairment analysis as required by SFAS No. 142. While we believe our judgments and estimates are reasonable and appropriate, if actual results differ significantly from our current estimates, we could experience an impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles that may be required to be recorded in future periods.

We review definite-lived intangible assets ason a quarterly basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The factors considered by management in performing these assessments include current operating results, business prospects, customer retention, market trends, potential product obsolescence, competitive activities and other economic factors. Future changes in our business or the markets for our products could result in impairments of other intangible assets that might be required to be recorded in future periods.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions.   We account for pension benefits and postretirement benefits other than pensions in accordance with the requirements of SFAS Nos. 87, 88, 106, and 132. Annual net periodic expense and accrued benefit obligations recorded with respect to our defined benefit plans are determined on an actuarial basis. We, together with our third-party actuaries, determine assumptions used in the actuarial calculations which impact reported plan obligations and expense. Annually, we and our actuaries review the actual experience compared to the most significant assumptions used and make adjustments to the assumptions, if warranted. The healthcare trend rates are reviewed with the actuaries based upon the results of their review of 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 fund 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 orof 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.   Income taxes are accounted for using the provisions of SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "(SFAS No. 109), ‘‘Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109")’’. Deferred income taxes are provided at currently enacted income tax rates for the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and carry-forward items. The effective tax rate and the tax bases of assets and liabilities reflect management'smanagement’s estimates based on then-current facts. We continuallyOn an ongoing basis, we review the need for and adequacy of valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that the benefit from thea deferred tax asset will not be realized. We believe the current assumptions and other considerations used


to estimate the current year effective tax rate and deferred tax positions are appropriate. However, actual outcomes may differ from our current estimates and assumptions.


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'workers’ compensation, health and welfare claims and comprehensive general, product and vehicle liability. Generally, we are responsible for up to $0.5 million per occurrence under our retention program for workers'workers’ compensation, between $0.3 million and $2.0 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 in accordance with SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, (SFAS No. 5) , “Accounting for Contingencies 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.

Other Matters

On November 1, 2005, the Company's Board of Directors ("Board") appointed current Board Chairman Samuel Valenti III as Executive Chairman of the Board. In recognition of the additional commitment of time required of Mr. Valenti as Executive Chairman, including with respect to the strategic direction of the Company and significant business issues, the Board approved the following compensation package with effect from November 2, 2005: $200,000 per annum payable in twelve equal monthly payments; and the issuance of 200,000 options to acquire shares of the Common Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $23.00 per share pursuant to the terms of the Company's standard stock option agreement. Previously, Mr. Valenti received no compensation in his capacity as Board Chairman. Mr. Valenti continues to serve as a senior advisor to Heartland, but is no longer a Heartland Senior Managing Director.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We are also subject to interest risk as it relates to long-term debt. See Item 2, "Management'sManagement’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 7, "Long-term Debt," in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

(a)As of September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, 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"“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 September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, the Company'sCompany’s disclosure controls and procedures are effectiveineffective to provide reasonable assurance that they will meet their objectives.

(b)          In connection with management’s assessment of our internal controls we, together with our auditors, KPMG LLP, identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting at our industrial fasteners business related to a lack of timely analysis and documentation in support of inventory valuation and related reserve accounts and incomplete analysis of past due customer accounts receivable and related documentation in support of accounts receivable reserves. As a result of the control deficiencies described herein, management concluded that there was a material weakness in disclosure controls and procedures and controls at this business unit related to proper accounting and reporting of inventory valuation and accounts receivable reserve accounts.


Changes in disclosure controls and procedures

In connection with preliminary implementation activitiesThe Company has taken the following steps during the quarter ended March 31, 2006 to comply with the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404,strengthen its disclosure controls and as more fully disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company identified certain control deficienciesprocedures at its Consumer Productsindustrial fasteners business:


business unit within its Cequent Transportation Accessories segment. During the fourth quarter 2004, the Company initiated various actions to remediate the control deficiencies noted and continued their implementation during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005. These actions included hiring·                    Hired a new controller revising its monthly accounting and closing processestemporarily assigned one financial group controller and controls, and the addition ofprovided other supplemental financial resources, as needed, to assist with effectively implementing the revised monthly recurring accounting and control activities.activities while the new controller transitions into his responsibilities;

·                    Developed and continued to implement revised processes with respect to the accounting, analysis and reporting of inventory balances, including valuation reserves;

·                    Implemented a revised process to timely review past due accounts receivable for purposes of analyzing collectibility and to document and support accounts receivable reserves required in connection with the month-end closing process.

While we believe the actions implemented are expected to correct the material weakness identified, this determination can only be substantiated with the passage of time. As more fully discussed in Note 2, the Company’s industrial fasteners business is reported as discontinued operations.


Part II. Other Information
TriMas Corporation

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

A civil suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in December 1988 by the United States of America and the State of California against more than 180 defendants, including us, for alleged release into the environment of hazardous substances disposed of at the Operating Industries, Inc. site in California. This site served for many years as a depository for municipal and industrial waste. The plaintiffs have requested, among other things, that the defendants clean up the contamination at that site. Consent decrees have been entered into by the plaintiffs and a group of the defendants, including us, providing that the consenting parties perform certain remedial work at the site and reimburse the plaintiffs for certain past costs incurred by the plaintiffs at the site. We estimate that our share of the clean-up costs will not exceed $500,000, for which we have insurance proceeds. Plaintiffs had sought other relief such as damages arising out of claims for negligence, trespass, public and private nuisance, and other causes of action, but the consent decree governs the remedy. While, based upon our present knowledge and subject to future legal and factual developments, we do not believe that any of these litigationsthis matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Futureflow, future legal and factual developments may result in materially adverse expenditures.

As of September 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, we were a party to approximately 1,4701,620 pending cases involving an aggregate of approximately 19,00019,022 claimants alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos containing materials formerly used in gaskets (both encapsulated and otherwise) manufactured or distributed by certain of our subsidiaries for use primarily in the petrochemical refining and exploration industries. In addition, we acquired various companies to distribute our products that had distributed gaskets of other manufacturers prior to acquisition. We believe that many of our pending cases relate to locations at which none of our gaskets were distributed or used. Total settlement costs (exclusive of defense costs) for all such cases, some of which were filed over 13 years ago, have been approximately $3.0$3.4 million. All relief sought in the asbestos cases is monetary in nature. We do not have significant primary insuranceTo date, approximately 50% of our costs related to cover our settlement and defense costs. We believe that significantof 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 under excessto be provided to us for asbestos-related claims when the primary insurance policies of former owners is exhausted. The coverage-in-place agreement makes coverage available to us but we arethat might otherwise be disputed by the carriers and provides a methodology for the administration of asbestos litigation defense and indemnity payments. The coverage in place agreement allocates payment responsibility among the process of reconstructingprimary carrier, excess carriers and the documentation for these policies, and such insurance may not be available. Further, weCompany’s subsidiary.

We may be subjected to significant additional asbestos-related claims in the future, the cost of settling cases may increase for cases in which product identification can be made may increase, and we may be subjected to further claims in respect of the former activities of our acquired gasket distributors. We note that we are 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. In addition, relatively few of the claims have reached the discovery stage and even fewer claims have gone past the discovery stage. Based on the settlements made to date and the number of claims dismissed or withdrawn for lack of product identification, the Company believeswe believe that the relief sought (when specified) does not bear a reasonable relationship to the Company'sour potential liability. Based upon our experience to date and other available information (including the availability of excess insurance), we do not believe that these cases will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or future results of operations.

The Company has provided reserves based upon its present knowledge and, subject to future legal and factual development, does not beleive that the ultimate outcome of any of the aforementioned litigations will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position and future results of operations and cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that future legal and factual developments will not result in a material adverse impact on our financial condition and future results of operations.

We are subject to other claims and litigation in the ordinary course of our business, but do not believe that any such claim or litigation will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.


Items 1A.   Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deemed to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None of our securities, which are not registered under the Securities Act, have been issued or sold by us during the period covered by this report.

Items 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Items 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.

Items 5.   Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 2.   Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None of our securities, which are not registered under the Securities Act, have been issued or sold by us during the period covered by this report.

Items 3, 4 and 5.

Not applicable.

Item 6.   Exhibits.

(a)         Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-KIndex:

(a)    Exhibits:


3.1(b)

3.1 (a)

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TriMas Corporation.

3.2 (a)

3.2(b)

Amended and Restated By-laws of TriMas Corporation.

4.1 (a)

4.1(b)

Indenture relating to the 9 7/8%7¤8% senior subordinated notes, dated as of June 6, 2002, by and among TriMas Corporation, each of the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York as trustee.

4.2 (a)

4.2(b)

Form of note (included in Exhibit 4.1(a)4.1(b)).

4.3 (a)

4.3(b)

Registration Rights Agreement relating to the 9 7/8%% senior subordinated notes issued June 6, 2002 dated as of June 6, 2002 by and among TriMas Corporation and the parties named therein.

4.4 (b)

4.4(b)*

Registration Rights Agreement relating to the 9 7/8%% senior subordinated notes issued December 10, 2002 dated as of December 10, 2002 by and among TriMas Corporation and the parties named therein.

4.5 (c)

4.5(d)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 4, 2003.


4.6 (d)

4.6(e)

Supplemental Indenture No. 2 dated as of May 9, 2003.

4.7 (e)

4.7(f)

Supplemental Indenture No. 3 dated as of August 6, 2003.

10.1

10.1(b)

Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of May 17, 2002 by and among Heartland Industrial Partners, L.P., TriMas Corporation and Metaldyne Corporation.

10.2(b)

Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated as of July 19, 2002 by and among TriMas Corporation and Metaldyne Corporation.

10.3(b)

Warrant issued to Metaldyne Corporation dated as of June 6, 2002.

10.4(b)

Credit Agreement, dated as of June 6, 2002, as amended and restated as of June 6, 2003, among TriMas Company L.L.C., J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, CSFB Cayman Island Branch, as Syndication Agent, Comerica Bank, National City Bank and Wachovia Bank, National Association as Documentation Agents and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston, as Arrangers.

10.5(g)

Amendment No. 2, dated as of December 17, 2003, to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

10.6(h)

Amendment No. 3, dated as of December 21, 2004, to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

10.7(i)

Amendment and Agreement dated as of September 29, 2005, to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

10.8 (l)

Amendment and Agreement dated as of December 20, 2005, to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

10.9(b)

Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 6, 2002, by and among TriMas Corporation, the Sellers party thereto and TSPC, Inc., as Purchaser.

10.10(b)

Receivables Transfer Agreement, dated as of June 6, 2002, by and among TSPC, Inc., as Transferor, TriMas Corporation, individually, as Collection Agent, TriMas Company L.L.C., individually as Guarantor, the CP Conduit Purchasers, Committed Purchasers and Funding Agents party thereto, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank as Administrative Agent.

10.11(j)

Amendment dated as of June 3, 2005, to Receivables Transfer Agreement.

10.12(k)

Amendment dated as of July 5, 2005, to Receivables Transfer Agreement.

10.13(k)

TriMas Receivables Facility Amended and Restated Fee Letter dated July 1, 2005.

10.14(b)

Corporate Services Agreement, dated as of June 6, 2002, between Metaldyne Corporation and TriMas Corporation.

10.15(b)

Lease Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2002, by and among Heartland Industrial Group, L.L.C., TriMas Company L.L.C. and the Guarantors named therein.

10.16(b)**

TriMas Corporation 2002 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.

10.17(b)

Stock Purchase Agreement by and among 2000 Riverside Capital Appreciation Fund, L.P., the other Stockholders of HammerBlow Acquisition Corp. listed on Exhibit A thereto and TriMas Company L.L.C. dated as of January 27, 2003.


10.18(c)

Stock Purchase Agreement by and among TriMas Company L.L.C. and The Shareholders and Option Holders of Highland Group Corporation and FNL Management Corporation dated February 21, 2003.

10.19(d)

Form of Employment Agreement between TriMas Corporation and Grant H. Beard.

10.20 (l)

Form of Employment Agreement between TriMas Corporation and Lynn Brooks.

10.21(d)*

Form of Employment Agreement between TriMas Corporation and E.R. "Skip" Autry.

10.22 (l)

Employment Agreement between TriMas Corporation and Joshua Sherbin.

10.23 (l)

Employment Agreement between TriMas Corporation and Edward Schwartz.

10.24(e)

Asset Purchase Agreement among TriMas Corporation, Metaldyne Corporation and Metaldyne Company L.L.C. dated May 9, 2003.

10.25(e)

Form of Sublease Agreement (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 10.24).

10.26(f)

Form of Stock Option Agreement.

10.27(a)*

Annual Value Creation Program.

10.28(a)*

Form of Indemnification Agreement.

10.29(a)*

Form of 2004 Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan.

10.30(m)

Separation and Consulting Agreement dated as of May 20, 2005.

31.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(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 Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on January 28, 2003 (File No. 333-100351).
(c) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 31, 2003 (File No. 333-100351).
(d) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed June 9, 2003 (File No. 333-105950).
(e) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2003 (File No. 333-100351).


(a)                                Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with our Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on March 24, 2004 (File No. 333-113917).

(a)*                         Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with Amendment No. 3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on June 29, 2004 (File No. 333-113917).

(b)                               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 Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on January 28, 2003 (File No. 333-100351).

(b)**                 Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with Amendment No. 3 to our Registration Statement or Form S-4, filed on January 29, 2003 (File No. 333-100351).

(c)                                Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2003 (File No. 333-100351).


(d)                               Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 31, 2003 (File No. 333-100351).

(d)*                        Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 8-K filed on August 9, 2005 (File No. 333-100351).

(e)                                Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed June 9, 2003 (File No. 333-105950).

(f)                                  Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2003 (File No. 333-100351).

(g)                                Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2003 (File No. 333-100351).

(h)                               Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 8-K filed on December 27, 2004 (File No. 333-100351).

(i)                                  Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2005 (File No. 333-100351).

(j)                                   Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2005 (File No. 333-100351).

(k)                               Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2005 (File No. 333-100351).

(l)                                  Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 10-K filed on April 4, 2006 (File No. 333-100351).

(m)                           Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with our Form 10-Q filed on August 15, 2005 (File No. 333-100351).


Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

TriMas Corporation
(Registrant)


Date: November 14, 2005May 15, 2006

By:

By:  

/s/ E.R. AutryAUTRY

 

E.R. Autry
Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer

44