Dana Holding Corporation Reports Third-Quarter 2008 Results
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TOLEDO, Ohio, Nov. 6, 2008: Dana Holding Corporation today announced its third-quarter 2008 results.
Third-quarter developments included:
Sales of $1,929 million, a 9-percent decrease compared with 2007, primarily because of lower vehicle production in North America;
Net loss of $271 million, including $123 million of non-cash goodwill and other impairment charges. This compares with a third-quarter 2007 net loss of $69 million;
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring (EBITDA) of $15 million, compared with $126 million in 2007; and
Strong cash balance of $1.0 billion and total liquidity of $1.3 billion at September 30, 2008. Net debt was $380 million.
Additional Actions Planned
"The economic and market challenges we've faced all year were particularly difficult in the third quarter," said Executive Chairman John Devine. "The combination of lower industry volumes and peaking steel prices hit us sharply this quarter.
"Dana is planning up to 10 additional plant closures in 2009 and 2010, and we will reduce our workforce this year by 5,000 versus the previously announced 3,000. We regret having to take such actions, but they are necessary to size the company to lower industry volumes."
Three-Month Results
Third-quarter EBITDA of $15 million was $111 million below 2007 results for the same period. Lower production and higher steel costs of $140 million more than account for this reduction. Results also included higher pricing, cost savings, and unfavorable currency changes.
At September 30, 2008, cash balances remained strong at $1.0 billion, with available global liquidity of $1.3 billion. Despite lower sales and EBITDA, free cash flow of a negative $151 million for the third quarter was about the same as that during the same period in 2007.
Dana's liquidity has been strengthened by a $180 million draw-down in October under its existing $650 million secured revolving credit facility.
Nine-Month Results
Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, were $6,574 million, which compares to $6,564 million for the same period in 2007. Year to date, the company reported net income of $274 million compared with a net loss of $294 million for the same period in 2007. The nine-month 2008 results include a net gain of $754 million recognized in connection with the company's emergence from bankruptcy and application of fresh start accounting in January.
Year-to-date EBITDA of $290 million compares to $373 million for the same period in 2007, as the earnings reduction related to lower North American vehicle production and higher steel costs more than offset cost reduction actions and pricing improvements.
Outlook
Based on current production estimates, Dana expects full-year 2008 sales of approximately $8,200 million and EBITDA of approximately $300 million.
"The second half of this year has been extremely challenging with sharply lower North American vehicle production, volatile steel prices, and turmoil in the financial markets," said Jim Yost, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "With respect to our credit facility, Dana is in compliance with financial covenants through September 30, 2008; however, we will not be able to comply with these requirements, as presently structured, at December 31, 2008. We expect to complete an amendment to the facility with our lenders in the next few weeks."
In 2009 Dana expects to improve EBITDA by at least $150 million, primarily through pricing actions and cost reductions, and is targeting break-even or better free cash flow.
Devine added, "I am pleased with the progress our people have made in rebuilding Dana, despite the difficult environment. We have much to do, but our team is focused on the changes needed to reposition Dana for improved profitability and growth."
Dana to Host Third-Quarter Conference Call at 10 a.m. Today
Dana will discuss its third-quarter results in a conference call at 10 a.m. EST today. Participants may listen to the audio portion of the conference call either through audio streaming online or by telephone. Slide viewing is only available online via a link provided on the Dana Investor Web site. To dial into the conference call, domestic locations should call 1-888- 311-4590 (Conference I.D. # 68867352). International locations should call 1- 706-758-0054 (Conference I.D. # 68867352). Please ask for the Dana Holding Corporation Financial Webcast and Conference Call. Phone registration will be available beginning at 9:30 a.m. An audio recording of the call will be available after 5 p.m. To access this recording, please dial 1-800-642-1687 (U.S. or Canada) or 1-706-645-9291 (international) and enter the conference I.D. number 68867352. A webcast replay will also be available after 5 p.m. today, and may be accessed via the Dana Investor Web site.
