TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC. REPORTS ROBUST FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR 2022 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Closed 2022 strong and delivered FY2022 revenue increase of 22% to $2.17 billion

Achieved record annual profitability with net income of $179 million and adjusted EBITDA of $253 million

WEST CHICAGO, Ill., Feb. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Titan International, Inc. (NYSE: TWI) ("Titan" or the "Company"), a leading global manufacturer of off-highway wheels, tires, assemblies, and undercarriage products, today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2022.

"The Titan team executed at a very high level once again and closed the year by delivering record fourth quarter results.  This strong performance supported annual records for sales, profitability and cash flow for the full year 2022 and allowed us to deliver on our previously stated outlook," stated Paul Reitz, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The entire One Titan team's tireless commitment to developing and manufacturing market-leading products, which improve the performance of off-road equipment, positions us for continued long-term growth. We serve a broad base of OEMs and dealers around the world, and consistently exceed expectations through the intimate connection we have developed with customers and their end-users.  I am extremely proud of the resilience and determination of our team over the past few years." 

Mr. Reitz continued, "This quarter we experienced year-over-year sales growth of 10%, excluding foreign exchange impacts and the sale of the Australia wheel business.  We expanded gross margin to 15% during the quarter, a 220 basis point improvement year-over-year, as all our global business units performed at a high-level during the quarter.  We have a lot to be proud of as we close the books on 2022 and I commend the One Titan team for the exceptional performance and tremendous focus as we look to 2023."

Mr. Reitz added, "2022 was also a banner year for cash flow as we set records for both operating and free cash flow, generating $44 million in free cash flow during the fourth quarter and $114 million for the full year.  As a result of our strong cash flow generation and selective debt paydown, our net debt to full year adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio fell to 1.1 times.  Additionally, our cash position increased to $160 million at the end of the year, up $62 million from a year ago.  We are extremely pleased with the strength of our balance sheet, which is a testament to the strategic actions of this management team. We have truly transformed our financial position, and are now in a position of strength to support future growth."

Mr. Reitz concluded, "There continues to be a lot of noise around supply chains and inflation, but the encouraging sign for Titan is that farmer income remains healthy globally, with grain markets that are well supported by strong supply and demand economics.  Farmers remain in solid financial position, and sentiment is improving, with some input costs coming back in line.  The recent USDA reports show that corn and soybean supply-demand will support current pricing into 2024, at a minimum, and this dictates farmers' decisions to purchase new equipment and drive robust aftermarket tire sales.  Large Ag retail demand continues at strong levels, driven by precision farming, replacement equipment and good farmer income.  Weather conditions are unpredictable and our LSW's continue to be the perfect solution for farmers battling tough conditions or farmers looking to make their equipment perform better and more efficient.  Small ag equipment inventory levels have returned to pre-Covid levels, and along with the effects of inflation slowing demand in the low horsepower range and some OEM's drawing down internal inventory, we expect a tapering of demand in this segment.  The construction and earthmoving markets are in a good position to start 2023 with infrastructure support and solid commodity prices driving activity.  Coming off a record 2022, we expect this year to be an upbeat year with our financial performance remaining at a high level.  As the year progresses, we'll provide more information about our forecasted performance."

Financial Summary

Net sales for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022, were $509.8 million, compared to $487.7 million in the comparable quarter of 2021, an increase of 4.5 percent driven by sales increases across the Agriculture and Earthmoving / Construction (EMC) segments.  Excluding the sale of Australian wheel business and foreign exchange impacts, net sales increased 10% compared to fourth quarter 2021. Overall net sales were influenced by both increased volume from higher demand in the EMC segment, along with price increases across all segments.  The contributing factors to the increase in demand in the EMC segment were recovery in construction markets, including the return to normalized supply and demand levels in the market.  Price increases have been implemented due to rising raw material costs and other inflationary impacts in the markets, including freight and energy.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022, was $76.7 million, compared to $62.5 million in the comparable prior year period.  Gross margin was 15.0 percent of net sales for the quarter, a 220 basis point improvement compared to 12.8 percent of net sales in the comparable prior year period. The increase in gross profit and margin was driven by the impact of increases in sales volume and favorable impact of fixed cost absorption within the EMC segment, as well as production efficiencies.  In addition, cost reduction initiatives were executed across the Company's global operations.

Selling, general, administrative, research and development (SGARD) expenses for the fourth quarter of 2022 were $33.3 million, compared to $35.6 million for the comparable prior year period.  As a percentage of net sales, SGARD was 6.5 percent, compared to 7.3 percent for the comparable prior year period.  

Income from operations for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $40.9 million, or 8.0 percent of net sales, compared to $24.3 million, or 5.0 percent of net sales, for the fourth quarter of 2021.  The increase in income was primarily due to the higher sales and improvements in gross profit margins as well as lower SGARD expenses.

The income tax benefit for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $16.0 million as compared to $8.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. The increase in the income tax benefit was primarily due to the favorable impact of the domestic federal and state valuation allowance release, which is primarily the result of continued domestic profitability and the ability to utilize the remaining historic net operating losses in the future. The income tax benefit was partially offset by incremental income tax expense in foreign tax jurisdictions associated with the improved profitability in the fourth quarter of 2022 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. The Company excluded the impacts of the income tax benefit within both adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders and adjusted EBITDA.

Segment Information

During the quarter ended December 31, 2022, net sales in the Agricultural segment increased 4 percent due to pricing, which was implemented to offset increased raw material and other cost inflation, while volume was down slightly as customers returned to more normalized seasonal order patterns.  The slight increase in gross profit was due to higher pricing levels, which were almost entirely offset by higher input costs, resulting in profit margin declining slightly year-over-year.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2022, the increase in earthmoving/construction net sales was driven by increased volume from higher customer demand, along with pricing, which reflected rising raw material costs and freight as well as other inflationary impacts. The increase in volume was primarily due to improvements in global economic conditions and recovery in construction markets, including the return to normalized supply and demand levels in the market.  The increase in gross profit and profit margin was primarily driven by the increased sales and continued improved production efficiencies stemming from the strong management actions taken in recent years to improve profitability for the long-term. 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2022, the slight decrease in net sales in the Customer segment was primarily driven by the Company's Latin America's truck tire business. The increase in gross profit and profit margin was due primarily to the positive impact of pricing, along with favorable mix.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA was $52.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to $36.1 million in the comparable prior year period.  The Company utilizes EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures, as a means to measure its operating performance.  A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA can be found at the end of this release.

Adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $27.7 million, equal to income of $0.44 per basic and diluted share, compared to $9.0 million, equal to income of $0.14 per basic and diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2021.  The Company utilizes adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as a means to measure its operating performance.  A reconciliation of net income applicable to common shareholders and adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders can be found at the end of this release.

Financial Condition

The Company ended 2022 with total cash and cash equivalents of $159.6 million, compared to $98.1 million at December 31, 2021.  Long-term debt at December 31, 2022, was $414.8 million, compared to $452.5 million at December 31, 2021. Short-term debt was $30.9 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $32.5 million at December 31, 2021.  Net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) was $286.0 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $386.8 million at December 31, 2021.  The decrease in net debt during 2022 was primarily due to the increase in cash of $61.5 million and decrease of long-term debt, of $37.7 million, of which $30 million was the payment of the US Revolving credit facility in full. 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $160.7 million, compared to net cash provided by operations of $10.7 million for 2021.  This increase was primarily due to an increase of $129.3 million in net income year over year, along with the focused management of working capital which remained at healthy levels despite the strong sales growth in the year.

Capital expenditures were $47.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $38.8 million for 2021. Capital expenditures during 2022 and 2021 represent equipment replacement and improvements, along with new tools, dies and molds related to new product development.  The overall capital outlay for 2022 increased as the Company continues to enhance the existing facilities and manufacturing capabilities, and drive plant efficiency and labor productivity gains.

Teleconference and Webcast

Titan will be hosting a teleconference and webcast to discuss the fourth quarter financial results on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.

The real-time, listen-only webcast can be accessed using the following link https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/420967458 or on our website at www.titan-intl.com within the "Investor Relations" page under the "News & Events" menu (https://ir.titan-intl.com/news-and-events/events/default.aspx).  Listeners should access the website at least 15 minutes prior to the live event to download and install any necessary audio software.

A webcast replay of the teleconference will be available on our website (https://ir.titan-intl.com/news-and-events/events/default.aspx) soon after the live event.

In order to participate in the real-time teleconference, with live audio Q&A, participants should use one of the following dial in numbers:

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "would," "could," "potential," "may," "will," and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. Although we believe the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, these assumptions are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, some of which are beyond Titan International, Inc.'s control. As a result, any of these assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions could be incorrect. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results and trends to differ materially from those made, projected, or implied in or by the forward-looking statements depending on a variety of uncertainties or other factors including, but not limited to, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and financial performance; the effect of a recession on the Company and its customers and suppliers; changes in the Company's end-user markets into which the Company sells its products as a result of domestic and world economic or regulatory influences or otherwise; changes in the marketplace, including new products and pricing changes by the Company's competitors; the Company's ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations; unfavorable outcomes of legal proceedings; the Company's ability to comply with current or future regulations applicable to the Company's business and the industry in which it competes or any actions taken or orders issued by regulatory authorities; availability and price of raw materials; availability and price of supply chain logistics and freight; levels of operating efficiencies; the effects of the Company's indebtedness and its compliance with the terms thereof; changes in the interest rate environment and their effects on the Company's outstanding indebtedness; unfavorable product liability and warranty claims; actions of domestic and foreign governments, including the imposition of additional tariffs; geopolitical and economic uncertainties relating to the countries in which the Company operates or does business; risks associated with acquisitions, including difficulty in integrating operations and personnel, disruption of ongoing business, and increased expenses; results of investments; the effects of potential processes to explore various strategic transactions, including potential dispositions; fluctuations in currency translations; risks associated with environmental laws and regulations; risks relating to our manufacturing facilities, including that any of our material facilities may become inoperable; risks relating to financial reporting, internal controls, tax accounting, and information systems; and the other risks and factors detailed in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the disclosures under "Risk Factors" in those reports. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof. The Company cautions that any forward-looking statements included in this press release are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changed circumstances or future events, or for any other reason, except as required by law.

About Titan

Titan International, Inc. (NYSE: TWI) is a leading global manufacturer of off-highway wheels, tires, assemblies, and undercarriage products.  Headquartered in West Chicago, Illinois, the Company globally produces a broad range of products to meet the specifications of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket customers in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction, and consumer markets. For more information, visit www.titan-intl.com.

Titan International, Inc. 
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited) 
Amounts in thousands, except earnings per share data

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). These supplemental schedules provide a quantitative reconciliation between each of adjusted net income attributable to Titan, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, net sales on a constant currency basis, and net debt, each of which is a non-GAAP financial measure and the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP.

We present adjusted net income attributable to Titan, adjusted earnings per common share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, net sales on a constant currency basis, and net debt, as we believe that they assist investors with analyzing our business results. In addition, management reviews each of these non-GAAP financial measures in order to evaluate the financial performance of each of our segments, as well as the Company's performance as a whole. We believe that the presentation of these non–GAAP financial measures will permit investors to assess the performance of the Company on the same basis as management.

Adjusted net income attributable to Titan, adjusted earnings per common share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, net sales on a constant currency basis, and net debt should be considered supplemental to, not a substitute for, the financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. One should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for our results reported under GAAP. These measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the costs associated with the operations of our businesses as determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these measures may be calculated differently than non-GAAP financial measures reported by other companies, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. We attempt to compensate for these limitations by analyzing results on a GAAP basis as well as a non-GAAP basis, prominently disclosing GAAP results and providing reconciliations from GAAP results to non-GAAP results.

The table below provides a reconciliation of adjusted net income attributable to Titan to net income applicable to common shareholders, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, for each of the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company released deferred tax valuation allowances related to our certain foreign jurisdictions, which were not previously included in adjusted net income for 2021. The Company has since included this adjustment in its adjusted net income calculation for comparison purposes with the valuation allowance releases in 2022.

The table below provides a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP financial measures, for the three and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

The table below sets forth, for the three and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2022, the impact to net sales of currency translation (constant currency) by geography (in thousands, except percentages):

The table below provides a reconciliation of net debt, which is a non-GAAP financial measure:

The table below provides a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure:

SOURCE Titan International, Inc.