Titan International 10Q 2008 Q1 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For Quarterly Period Ended: March 31, 2008

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

Commission File Number: 1-12936

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

Illinois		36-3228472
(State of Incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2701 Spruce Street, Quincy, IL 62301

(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code)

(217) 228-6011

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

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

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

		Shares Outstanding at
Class		April 25, 2008

Common stock, no par value per share		27,438,727

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
Part I.	Financial Information

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007	1

	Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2008, and December 31, 2007	2

	Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008	3

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007	4

	Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements	5-15

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	16-28

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	28

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	28

Part II.	Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	29

Item 6.	Exhibits	29

	Signatures	29

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in thousands, except earnings per share data)

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2008			2007
Net sales	$	253,525		$	226,278
Cost of sales		221,181			199,087
Gross profit		32,344			27,191
Selling, general & administrative expenses		14,077			11,284
Royalty expense		2,147			1,564
Income from operations		16,120			14,343
Interest expense		(3,984	)		(5,749	)
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge		0			(13,376	)
Other income (expense)		1,420			(185	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		13,556			(4,967	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		5,422			(2,484	)
Net income (loss)	$	8,134		$	(2,483	)

Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	.30		$	(.12	)
Diluted		.29			(.12	)
Average common shares outstanding:
Basic		27,412			20,814
Diluted		27,790			20,814

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

	March 31,			December 31,
Assets	2008			2007
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	47,595		$	58,325
Accounts receivable		133,820			98,394
Inventories		124,196			128,048
Deferred income taxes		19,615			25,159
Prepaid and other current assets		16,573			17,839
Total current assets		341,799			327,765

Property, plant and equipment, net		210,512			196,078
Investment in Titan Europe Plc		32,783			34,535
Goodwill		11,702			11,702
Other assets		19,269			20,415

Total assets	$	616,065		$	590,495

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	62,656		$	43,992
Other current liabilities		41,609			43,788
Total current liabilities		104,265			87,780

Long-term debt		200,000			200,000
Deferred income taxes		13,431			14,044
Other long-term liabilities		17,155			16,149
Total liabilities		334,851			317,973

Stockholders’ equity
Common stock (no par, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 30,577,356 issued)		30			30
Additional paid-in capital		304,724			303,908
Retained earnings		37,009			29,012
Treasury stock (at cost, 3,144,500 and 3,229,055 shares, respectively)		(28,625	)		(29,384	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(31,924	)		(31,044	)
Total stockholders’ equity		281,214			272,522

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	616,065		$	590,495

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

	Number of common shares		Common Stock		Additional paid-in capital		Retained earnings			Treasury stock			Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			Total

Balance January 1, 2008		#27,348,301	$	30	$	303,908	$	29,012		$	(29,384	)	$	(31,044	)	$	272,522

Comprehensive income:
Net income								8,134									8,134
Amortization of pension adjustments, net of tax														259			259
Unrealized loss on investment, net of tax														(1,139	)		(1,139	)
Comprehensive income								8,134						(880	)		7,254
Dividends paid on common stock								(137	)								(137	)
Exercise of stock options		80,450				726					722						1,448
Issuance of treasury stock under 401(k) plan		4,105				90					37						127

Balance March 31, 2008		# 27,432,856	$	30	$	304,724	$	37,009		$	(28,625	)	$	(31,924	)	$	281,214

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in thousands)

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2008			2007
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	8,134		$	(2,483	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		7,153			7,465
Deferred income tax provision		5,386			(2,845	)
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge		0			13,376
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised		0			(849	)
Issuance of treasury stock under 401(k) plan		127			85
(Increase) decrease in current assets:
Accounts receivable		(35,426	)		(47,431	)
Inventories		3,852			10,646
Prepaid and other current assets		1,266			1,250
Other assets		423			500
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:
Accounts payable		18,664			24,274
Other current liabilities		(2,179	)		11,891
Other liabilities		1,423			(135	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		8,823			15,744

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(20,873	)		(4,064	)
Other		9			52
Net cash used for investing activities		(20,864	)		(4,012	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment on debt		0			(10,164	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		1,448			3,553
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised		0			849
Payment of financing fees		0			(313	)
Dividends paid		(137	)		(99	)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities		1,311			(6,174	)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(10,730	)		5,558

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		58,325			33,412

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	47,595		$	38,970

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the opinion of Titan International, Inc. (“Titan” or the “Company”), the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature and necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2008, and the results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

Accounting policies have continued without significant change and are described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies contained in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules for Form 10-Q’s and, therefore, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain amounts from prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

2. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):

	March 31,			December 31,
	2008			2007
Accounts receivable	$	139,270		$	103,652
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(5,450	)		(5,258	)
Accounts receivable, net	$	133,820		$	98,394

The Company had net accounts receivable balance of $133.8 million at March 31, 2008, and $98.4 million at December 31, 2007. These amounts are net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5.5 million at March 31, 2008, and $5.3 million at December 31, 2007.

3. INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

	March 31,			December 31,
	2008			2007
Raw materials	$	51,368		$	50,368
Work-in-process		19,297			21,533
Finished goods		58,413			61,880
		129,078			133,781
Adjustment to LIFO basis		(4,882	)		(5,733	)
	$	124,196		$	128,048

Inventories were $124.2 million at March 31, 2008, and $128.0 million at December 31, 2007. At March 31, 2008, cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for approximately 68% of inventories and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for approximately 32% of the inventories. At December 31, 2007, the FIFO method was used for approximately 67% of inventories and LIFO was used for approximately 33% of the inventories. Included in the inventory balances were reserves for slow-moving and obsolete inventory of $4.6 million at March 31, 2008, and $4.7 million at December 31, 2007.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):

	March 31,			December 31,
	2008			2007
Land and improvements	$	3,343		$	3,098
Buildings and improvements		78,461			78,462
Machinery and equipment		280,403			276,326
Tools, dies and molds		54,109			53,873
Construction-in-process		48,078			31,801
		464,394			443,560
Less accumulated depreciation		(253,882	)		(247,482	)
	$	210,512		$	196,078

At March 31, 2008, there was $39.2 million in construction-in-process related to the giant OTR mining tire project, including $1.0 million of capitalized interest. Depreciation on fixed assets for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, totaled $6.4 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

5. INVESTMENT IN TITAN EUROPE PLC

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consisted of the following (in thousands):

	March 31,		December 31,
	2008		2007
Investment in Titan Europe Plc	$	32,783	$	34,535

The Company owns a 17.3% ownership interest in Titan Europe Plc. In accordance with SFAS No. 115, the Company records the Titan Europe Plc investment as an available-for-sale security and reports the investment at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

The Company’s investment in Titan Europe Plc was $32.8 million at March 31, 2008, and $34.5 million at December 31, 2007. Titan Europe Plc is publicly traded on the AIM market in London, England. The March 31, 2008, fair value of $32.8 million was below the Company’s cost basis of $40.3 million. The unrealized loss on the Titan Europe Plc investment was $7.5 million. No impairment charge has been recorded as this decline below cost basis was judged to be temporary at March 31, 2008. See Note 21 for recent development.

6. GOODWILL

The carrying amount of goodwill by segment consisted of the following (in thousands):

	March 31,		December 31,
	2008		2007
Agricultural segment	$	6,912	$	6,912
Earthmoving/construction segment		3,552		3,552
Consumer segment		1,238		1,238
	$	11,702	$	11,702

The Company reviews goodwill to assess recoverability from future operations during the fourth quarter of each annual reporting period, and whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. No goodwill charges were recorded in the first three months of 2008 or 2007. There can be no assurance that future goodwill tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

7. REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

	March 31,		December 31,
	2008		2007
Senior unsecured notes	$	200,000	$	200,000
Less: Amounts due within one year		0		0
	$	200,000	$	200,000

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at March 31, 2008, were as follows (in thousands):

April 1 – December 31, 2008	$	0
2009		0
2010		0
2011		0
2012		200,000
Thereafter		0
	$	200,000

Senior unsecured notes

The Company’s $200 million 8% senior unsecured notes are due 2012.

Revolving credit facility

The Company’s $250 million revolving credit facility (Credit Facility) with agent LaSalle Bank National Association (a Bank of America company) has an October 2009 termination date and is collateralized by a first priority security interest in certain assets of Titan and its domestic subsidiaries. At March 31, 2008, any borrowings under the Credit Facility would have borne interest at a floating rate of prime rate plus 0% to 1% or LIBOR plus 1% to 2%.

There were no cash borrowings under this Credit Facility at March 31, 2008. Outstanding letters of credit on the facility were $6.1 million at March 31, 2008, leaving $243.9 million of unused availability on the revolving credit facility. The facility contains certain financial covenants, restrictions and other customary affirmative and negative covenants. The Company is in compliance with these covenants and restrictions as of March 31, 2008.

8. WARRANTY

Changes in the warranty liability consisted of the following (in thousands):

	2008			2007
Warranty liability, January 1	$	5,854		$	4,688
Provision for warranty liabilities		1,609			2,129
Warranty payments made		(1,602	)		(1,619	)
Warranty liability, March 31	$	5,861		$	5,198

The Company provides limited warranties on workmanship on its products in all market segments. The majority of the Company’s products have a limited warranty that ranges from zero to ten years, with certain products being prorated after the first year. The Company calculates a provision for warranty expense based on past warranty experience. Warranty accruals are included as a component of other current liabilities on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

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

The components of net periodic pension (income) cost consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008			2007
Interest cost	$	1,324		$	941
Expected return on assets		(1,954	)		(1,256	)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost		34			34
Amortization of unrecognized deferred taxes		(14	)		(14	)
Amortization of net unrecognized loss		397			398
Net periodic pension (income) cost	$	(213	)	$	103

The Company expects to contribute approximately $1 million to the pension plans during the remainder of 2008.

10. LEASE COMMITMENTS

The Company leases certain buildings and equipment under operating leases. Certain lease agreements provide for renewal options, fair value purchase options, and payment of property taxes, maintenance and insurance by the Company.

At March 31, 2008, future minimum commitments under noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of at least one year were as follows (in thousands):

April 1 – December 31, 2008	$	1,464
2009		1,306
2010		930
2011		580
2012		39
Thereafter		0
Total future minimum lease payments	$	4,319

11. ROYALTY EXPENSE

Royalty expense consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Royalty expense	$	2,147	$	1,564

The Goodyear North American farm tire asset acquisition included a license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America under the Goodyear name. Royalty expenses recorded were $2.1 million and $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

12. NONCASH CONVERTIBLE DEBT CONVERSION CHARGE

Prior to the Offer, each $1,000 principal amount of notes was convertible into 74.0741 shares of common stock, which was equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $13.50 per share. The registration statement relating

to the shares of common stock to be offered was declared effective February 2007. In March 2007, the Company announced 100% acceptance of the conversion offer and the $81.2 million of accepted notes were converted into 6,577,200 shares of Titan common stock.

The Company recognized a noncash charge of $13.4 million in connection with this exchange in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 84, “Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt.” This charge does not reflect $1.0 million of interest previously accrued on the notes. The shares issued for the conversion were issued out of treasury shares. The exchange resulted in a decrease in treasury stock of $59.0 million and an increase to additional paid-in capital of approximately $35.2 million. Stockholders’ equity increased by $80.9 million in total as a result of this exchange.

13. OTHER INCOME

Other income consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Interest income	$	515	$	518
Debt termination expense		0		(675	)
Other income (expense)		905		(28	)
	$	1,420	$	(185	)

Interest income of $0.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, related to the Company’s cash balances. Debt termination expense of $0.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, related to fees and expenses for the conversion of the Company’s convertible notes. Other income for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, includes income of approximately $1 million from a legal settlement.

14. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Income tax expense (benefit)	$	5,422	$	(2,484	)

The Company recorded income tax expense of $5.4 million and income tax benefit of $(2.5) million for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate was 40% and 50% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company’s income tax expense and rate for the first quarter of 2007 differ from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of the $13.4 million noncash charge taken in connection with the 100% conversion of the Company’s convertible debt. This noncash debt charge was not deductible for income tax purposes.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

15. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company’s comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following: (i) for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, net income of $8.1 million, amortization of pension adjustments of $0.3 million and unrealized loss on the Titan Europe Plc investment of $(1.1) million for a total comprehensive income of $7.3 million; (ii) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, net loss of $(2.5) million and unrealized loss on the Titan Europe Plc investment of $(1.2) million for a total comprehensive loss of $(3.7) million.

16. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The table below presents information about certain revenues and income from operations used by the chief operating decision maker of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008			2007
Revenues from external customers
Agricultural	$	173,486		$	135,296
Earthmoving/construction		73,833			75,118
Consumer		6,206			15,864
Consolidated totals	$	253,525		$	226,278

Gross Profit
Agricultural	$	19,693		$	10,826
Earthmoving/construction		11,911			15,892
Consumer		1,049			1,100
Reconciling items (a)		(309	)		(627	)
Consolidated totals	$	32,344		$	27,191

Income from Operations
Agricultural	$	16,443		$	8,038
Earthmoving/construction		9,802			13,875
Consumer		869			848
Reconciling items (a)		(10,994	)		(8,418	)
Consolidated totals	$	16,120		$	14,343

Assets by segment were as follows (in thousands):

	March 31,		December 31,
Total Assets	2008		2007
Agricultural segment	$	298,701	$	257,005
Earthmoving/construction segment		203,608		176,144
Consumer segment		17,679		22,515
Reconciling items (b)		96,077		134,831
Consolidated totals	$	616,065	$	590,495

(a)	Represents corporate expenses and depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment carried at the corporate level.

(b)	Represents corporate property, plant and equipment and other corporate assets.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

17. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share (EPS) were as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

	Three months ended,
	March 31, 2008						March 31, 2007
	Net Income		Weighted average shares		Per share amount		Net Loss			Weighted average shares		Per share amount
Basic EPS	$	8,134		27,412	$	.30	$	(2,483	)		20,814	$	(.12	)
Effect of stock options		0		378				0			0
Diluted EPS	$	8,134		27,790	$	.29	$	(2,483	)		20,814	$	(.12	)

As a result of the net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2007, the effect of stock options and convertible notes has been excluded, as the effect would have been antidilutive. The weighted average share amount excluded was 399,000 shares for stock options and 5,280,000 shares for convertible notes.

18. LITIGATION

The Company is a party to routine legal proceedings arising out of the normal course of business. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these unresolved legal actions or the range of possible loss, the Company believes at this time that none of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse affect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. However, due to the difficult nature of predicting unresolved and future legal claims, the Company cannot anticipate or predict the material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as a result of efforts to comply with or its liabilities pertaining to legal judgments.

19. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” was issued. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. FASB Staff Position (FSP) 157-2 amended SFAS No. 157 to delay the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.

The adoption of SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and financial liabilities, effective January 1, 2008, did not have a material impact on Titan’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company is evaluating the effect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

SFAS No. 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1 – defined as quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments; Level 2 – defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 – defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2008
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Investment in Titan Europe Plc	$	32,783	$	32,783	$	0	$	0
Investments for contractual obligations		5,793		5,793		0		0
Total	$	38,576	$	38,576	$	0	$	0

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

20. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 141 (revised 2007)

In December 2007, SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” was issued. This statement requires an acquirer to recognize assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at their fair values on the acquisition date, with goodwill being the excess value over the net identifiable assets acquired. This statement is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is evaluating the effect the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 160

In December 2007, SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements,” was issued. This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. This statement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is evaluating the effect the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 161

In March 2008, SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” was issued. This statement requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is evaluating the effect the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

21. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Preliminary Proxy Statement

On April 11, 2008, Titan filed a preliminary proxy statement regarding a special meeting of Titan stockholders. The special meeting would be to approve the issuance of up to 9,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with a proposed offer to purchase up to all the outstanding ordinary shares of Titan Europe Plc (Titan Europe).

Before the offer may be made, the Company’s stockholders would need to approve the issuance of up to 9,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to acquire Titan Europe. The making of the proposed offer would also be subject to various approvals and pre-conditions. There can be no assurance that all conditions would be met and that the proposed offer would be made, or that it would be successful if made. The proxy statement is preliminary and is subject to approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission before a definitive proxy statement would be issued and the special Titan stockholder meeting arrangements would be made.

Supply Agreement with Deere & Company

On April 18, 2008, the Company announced that Titan Tire Corporation signed a three-year agreement to supply farm tires to various John Deere affiliates.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

22. SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company’s $200 million 8% senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by each of Titan’s current and future wholly owned domestic subsidiaries other than its immaterial subsidiaries (subsidiaries with total assets less than $250,000 and total revenues less than $250,000.) The note guarantees are joint and several obligations of the guarantors. Non-guarantors consist primarily of foreign subsidiaries of the Company, which are organized outside the United States of America. The following condensed consolidating financial statements are presented using the equity method of accounting.

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

	Consolidating Condensed Statements of Operations
(Amounts in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
	Titan						Non-
	Intl., Inc.			Guarantor			Guarantor
	(Parent)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	0		$	226,278		$	0		$	0		$	226,278
Cost of sales		384			198,703			0			0			199,087
Gross (loss) profit		(384	)		27,575			0			0			27,191
Selling, general and administrative expenses		3,506			7,703			75			0			11,284
Royalty expense		0			1,564			0			0			1,564
(Loss) income from operations		(3,890	)		18,308			(75	)		0			14,343
Interest expense		(5,746	)		(3	)		0			0			(5,749	)
Intercompany interest income (expense)		1,134			(1,406	)		272			0			0
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge		(13,376	)		0			0			0			(13,376	)
Other (expense) income		(226	)		42			(1	)		0			(185	)
(Loss) income before income taxes		(22,104	)		16,941			196			0			(4,967	)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes		(11,052	)		8,470			98			0			(2,484	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		8,569			0			0			(8,569	)		0
Net (loss) income	$	(2,483	)	$	8,471		$	98		$	(8,569	)	$	(2,483	)

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

	Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands)
	March 31, 2008
	Titan						Non-
	Intl., Inc.			Guarantor			Guarantor
	(Parent)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	46,641		$	19		$	935	$	0		$	47,595
Accounts receivable		(1,755	)		135,575			0		0			133,820
Inventories		0			124,196			0		0			124,196
Prepaid and other current assets		20,738			15,435			15		0			36,188
Total current assets		65,624			275,225			950		0			341,799
Property, plant and equipment, net		4,067			206,445			0		0			210,512
Investment in Titan Europe Plc		(7,564	)		0			40,347		0			32,783
Investment in subsidiaries		25,619			0			0		(25,619	)		0
Other assets		11,317			19,654			0		0			30,971
Total assets	$	99,063		$	501,324		$	41,297	$	(25,619	)	$	616,065

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Accounts payable	$	1,882		$	60,774		$	0	$	0		$	62,656
Other current liabilities		(342	)		41,951			0		0			41,609
Total current liabilities		1,540			102,725			0		0			104,265
Long-term debt		200,000			0			0		0			200,000
Other long-term liabilities		23,661			6,925			0		0			30,586
Intercompany accounts		(407,352	)		397,354			9,998		0			0
Stockholders’ equity		281,214			(5,680	)		31,299		(25,619	)		281,214
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	99,063		$	501,324		$	41,297	$	(25,619	)	$	616,065

	Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands)
	December 31, 2007
	Titan						Non-
	Intl., Inc.			Guarantor			Guarantor
	(Parent)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	57,285		$	63		$	977		$	0		$	58,325
Accounts receivable		(458	)		98,852			0			0			98,394
Inventories		0			128,048			0			0			128,048
Prepaid and other current assets		26,898			16,100			0			0			42,998
Total current assets		83,725			243,063			977			0			327,765
Property, plant and equipment, net		2,291			193,787			0			0			196,078
Investment in Titan Europe Plc		(5,812	)		0			40,347			0			34,535
Investment in subsidiaries		18,714			0			0			(18,714	)		0
Other assets		12,256			19,861			0			0			32,117
Total assets	$	111,174		$	456,711		$	41,324		$	(18,714	)	$	590,495

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Accounts payable	$	2,059		$	41,933		$	0		$	0		$	43,992
Other current liabilities		10,456			33,347			(15	)		0			43,788
Total current liabilities		12,515			75,280			(15	)		0			87,780
Long-term debt		200,000			0			0			0			200,000
Other long-term liabilities		22,931			7,262			0			0			30,193
Intercompany accounts		(396,794	)		386,883			9,911			0			0
Stockholders’ equity		272,522			(12,714	)		31,428			(18,714	)		272,522
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	111,174		$	456,711		$	41,324		$	(18,714	)	$	590,495

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

	Consolidating Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
	Titan						Non-
	Intl., Inc.			Guarantor			Guarantor
	(Parent)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Consolidated
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities	$	(10,082	)	$	18,947		$	(42	)	$	8,823

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(1,873	)		(19,000	)		0			(20,873	)
Other, net		0			9			0			9
Net cash used for investing activities		(1,873	)		(18,991	)		0			(20,864	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		1,448			0			0			1,448
Other, net		(137	)		0			0			(137	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		1,311			0			0			1,311

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(10,644	)		(44	)		(42	)		(10,730	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		57,285			63			977			58,325
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	46,641		$	19		$	935		$	47,595

	Consolidating Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
	Titan						Non-
	Intl., Inc.			Guarantor			Guarantor
	(Parent)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries		Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	16,135		$	(640	)	$	249	$	15,744

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(212	)		(3,852	)		0		(4,064	)
Other, net		0			52			0		52
Net cash used for investing activities		(212	)		(3,800	)		0		(4,012	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of debt		(9,500	)		(664	)		0		(10,164	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		3,553			0			0		3,553
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised		849			0			0		849
Payment of financing fees		(313	)		0			0		(313	)
Intercompany activities		(5,200	)		5,070			130		0
Other, net		(99	)		0			0		(99	)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(10,710	)		4,406			130		(6,174	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		5,213			(34	)		379		5,558
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		33,220			69			123		33,412
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	38,433		$	35		$	502	$	38,970

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (MD&A) is designed to provide a reader of these financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of the management of Titan International, Inc. (Titan or the Company) on Titan’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and other factors which may affect the Company’s future results. The MD&A in this quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the MD&A in Titan’s 2007 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2008.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding, among other items:

·	Anticipated trends in the Company’s business

·	Future expenditures for capital projects

·	The Company’s ability to continue to control costs and maintain quality

·	Ability to meet financial covenants and conditions of loan agreements

·	The Company’s business strategies, including its intention to introduce new products

·	Expectations concerning the performance and success of the Company’s existing and new products

·	The Company’s intention to consider and pursue acquisitions and divestitures

Readers of this Form 10-Q should understand that these forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control.

Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including:

·	Changes in the Company’s end-user markets as a result of world economic or regulatory influences

·	Changes in the marketplace, including new products and pricing changes by the Company’s competitors

·	Availability and price of raw materials

·	Levels of operating efficiencies

·	Actions of domestic and foreign governments

·	Results of investments

·	Fluctuations in currency translations

·	Ability to secure financing at reasonable terms

Any changes in such factors could lead to significantly different results. The Company cannot provide any assurance that the assumptions referred to in the forward-looking statements or otherwise are accurate or will prove to transpire. Any assumptions that are inaccurate or do not prove to be correct could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve the results as indicated in forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this document will in fact transpire.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

Titan International, Inc. and its subsidiaries are leading manufacturers of wheels, tires and assemblies for off-highway vehicles used in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets. Titan manufactures both wheels and tires for the majority of these market applications, allowing the Company to provide the value-added service of delivering complete wheel and tire assemblies. The Company offers a broad range of products that are manufactured in relatively short production runs to meet the specifications of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and/or the requirements of aftermarket customers.

Agricultural Market: Titan’s agricultural rims, wheels and tires are manufactured for use on various agricultural and forestry equipment, including tractors, combines, skidders, plows, planters and irrigation equipment, and are sold directly to OEMs and to the aftermarket through independent distributors, equipment dealers and Titan’s own distribution centers.

Earthmoving/Construction Market: The Company manufactures rims, wheels and tires for various types of off-the-road (OTR) earthmoving, mining, military and construction equipment, including skid steers, aerial lifts, cranes, graders and levelers, scrapers, self-propelled shovel loaders, articulated dump trucks, load transporters, haul trucks and backhoe loaders. The earthmoving/construction market is often referred to as OTR, an acronym for off-the-road.

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

The Company’s major OEM customers include large manufacturers of off-highway equipment such as AGCO Corporation, Caterpillar Inc., CNH Global N.V., Deere & Company and Kubota Corporation, in addition to many other off-highway equipment manufacturers. The Company distributes products to OEMs, independent and OEM-affiliated dealers, and through a network of distribution facilities.

The following table provides highlights for the quarter ended March, 2008, compared to 2007 (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007			% Increase
Net sales	$	253,525	$	226,278			12	%
Gross profit		32,344		27,191			19	%
Income from operations		16,120		14,343			12	%
Net income (loss)		8,134		(2,483	)	─

The Company recorded sales of $253.5 million for the first quarter of 2008, which were 12% higher than the first quarter 2007 sales of $226.3 million. The record sales level was attributed to exceptionally strong demand in the Company’s agricultural market, which reported higher sales of 28% for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the previous year’s first quarter.

Income from operations was $16.1 million for the first quarter of 2008, a 12% increase when compared to $14.3 million in 2007. Titan’s net income was $8.1 million for the quarter, compared to net loss of $(2.5) million in 2007. Basic earnings per share were $.30 in 2008, compared to loss per share of $(.12) in 2007. The Company’s net loss in the first quarter of 2007 included a noncash convertible debt conversion charge of $13.4 million.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Preliminary Proxy Statement – On April 11, 2008, Titan filed a preliminary proxy statement regarding a special meeting of Titan stockholders. The special meeting would be to approve the issuance of up to 9,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with a proposed offer to purchase up to all the outstanding ordinary shares of Titan Europe Plc (Titan Europe).

Supply Agreement with Deere & Company– On April 18, 2008, the Company announced that Titan Tire Corporation signed a three-year agreement to supply farm tires to various John Deere affiliates.

GIANT OTR MINING TIRES

In May 2007, Titan’s Board of Directors approved funding for the Company to increase giant OTR mining tire production capacity to include 57-inch and 63-inch giant radial tires. This funding should allow Titan to produce up to an estimated 6,000 giant radial tires a year. Titan estimates this may increase sales as much as $240 million on an annual basis. The Company currently plans to be in start-up production of these giant mining tires by July 2008.

SENIOR UNSECURED CONVERTIBLE NOTES CONVERSION

In January 2007, the Company filed a registration statement relating to an offer to the holders of its 5.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due 2009 to convert their notes into Titan’s common stock at an increased conversion rate (the “Offer”). Per the Offer, each $1,000 principal amount of notes was convertible into 81.0000 shares of common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $12.35 per share. Prior to the Offer, each $1,000 principal amount of notes was convertible into 74.0741 shares of common stock, which was equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $13.50 per share.

The registration statement relating to the shares of common stock to be offered was declared effective February 2007. In March 2007, the Company announced 100% acceptance of the conversion offer and the $81,200,000 of accepted notes were converted into 6,577,200 shares of Titan common stock. Titan recognized a noncash charge of $13.4 million in connection with this exchange in accordance with SFAS No. 84, “Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt.”

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance, as well as the use of estimates. The Company’s application of these policies involves assumptions that require difficult subjective judgments regarding many factors, which, in and of themselves, could materially impact the financial statements and disclosures. A future change in the estimates, assumptions or judgments applied in determining the following matters, among others, could have a material impact on future financial statements and disclosures.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for approximately 68% of inventories and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for approximately 32% of inventories. The major rubber material inventory and related work-in-process and their finished goods are accounted for under the FIFO method. The major steel material inventory and related work-in-process and their finished goods are accounted for under the LIFO method. Market value is estimated based on current selling prices. Estimated provisions are established for slow-moving and obsolete inventory, as well as inventory carried above market price based on historical experience. Should experience change, adjustments to estimated provisions would be necessary.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Impairment of Goodwill

The Company reviews goodwill to assess recoverability from future operations during the fourth quarter of each annual reporting period, and whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. The Company had goodwill of $11.7 million at March 31, 2008. Significant assumptions relating to future operations must be made when estimating future cash flows in analyzing goodwill for impairment. Should unforeseen events occur or operating trends change significantly, impairment losses could occur.

Valuation of Investment Accounted for as Available-for-Sale Security

The Company has an investment in Titan Europe Plc of $32.8 million as of March 31, 2008, representing a 17.3% ownership position. Titan Europe Plc is publicly traded on the AIM market in London, England. This investment is recorded as “Investment in Titan Europe Plc” on the consolidated balance sheet. In accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” the Company records the Titan Europe Plc investment as an available-for-sale security and reports this investment at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Should the fair value decline below the cost basis, the Company would be required to determine if this decline is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value were judged to be other than temporary, an impairment charge would be recorded. Should unforeseen events occur or investment trends change significantly, impairment losses could occur.

The March 31, 2008, fair value of $32.8 million was below the Company’s cost basis of $40.3 million. The unrealized loss on the Titan Europe Plc investment was $7.5 million. No impairment charge has been recorded as this decline below cost basis was judged to be temporary at March 31, 2008. Should unforeseen events occur or investment trends change significantly, impairment losses could occur. Declared dividends on this investment are recorded in income as a component of other income.

Income taxes

Deferred income tax provisions are determined using the liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax asset positions in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”

Asset and Business Acquisitions

The allocation of purchase price for asset and business acquisitions requires management estimates and judgment as to expectations for future cash flows of the acquired assets and business and the allocation of those cash flows to identifiable intangible assets in determining the estimated fair value for purchase price allocations. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in determining the purchase price allocations, impairment losses could occur relating to any intangibles recorded in the acquisition. To aid in establishing the value of any intangible assets at the time of acquisition, the Company typically engages a professional appraisal firm.

Retirement Benefit Obligations

Pension benefit obligations are based on various assumptions used by third-party actuaries in calculating these amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates and other factors. Revisions in assumptions and actual results that differ from the assumptions affect future expenses, cash funding requirements and obligations. The Company has three frozen defined benefit pension plans and one defined benefit plan that purchased a final annuity settlement in 2002. Titan expects to contribute approximately $1 million to these frozen defined pension plans during the remainder of 2008. For more information concerning these costs and obligations, see the discussion of the “Pensions” and Note 20 to the Company’s financial statements on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following tables and discussions provide highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to 2007 (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008			2007
Net sales	$	253,525		$	226,278
Cost of sales		221,181			199,087
Gross profit	$	32,344		$	27,191
Gross profit margin		12.8	%		12.0	%

Net Sales

Net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, were $253.5 million, an increase of $27.2 million or approximately 12% when compared to $226.3 million in 2007. The record quarterly sales were attributed to strong demand in the Company’s agricultural market, which reported higher sales of approximately 28% for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the previous year’s first quarter.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

Cost of sales was $221.2 million for the first quarter of 2008, compared to $199.1 million in 2007. The higher cost of sales resulted from an increase in sales and raw material prices and hiring costs. Raw material prices increased by approximately $5 million to $6 million in the first quarter of 2008, as compared to the first quarter of 2007. Costs associated with hiring and training workers to be utilized in giant OTR production were estimated to be approximately $1 million for the quarter.

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2008 was $32.3 million or 12.8% of net sales, compared to $27.2 million or 12.0% of net sales for the first quarter of 2007. The gross profit margin for the quarter showed an improvement of approximately 1% as compared to the first quarter of 2007, even though the margin was hampered by higher raw material prices and training costs, which had a negative impact of approximately 2% to 3% on the margin.

Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008			2007
Selling, general and administrative	$	14,077		$	11,284
Percentage of net sales		5.6	%		5.0	%

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2008 were $14.1 million or 5.6% of net sales, compared to $11.3 million or 5.0% of net sales for 2007. Administrative expense increased as the result of higher selling expenses of approximately $1 million due to record sales and approximately $1 million of higher professional fees.

Royalty Expense

Royalty expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Royalty expense	$	2,147	$	1,564

The Goodyear North American farm tire asset acquisition included a license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America under the Goodyear name. Royalty expenses were $2.1 million and $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The higher royalty expense was the result of the strong sales in the agricultural segment.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Income from Operations

Income from operations was as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008			2007
Income from operations	$	16,120		$	14,343
Percentage of net sales		6.4	%		6.3	%

Income from operations for the first quarter of 2008 was $16.1 million or 6.4% of net sales, compared to $14.3 million or 6.3% in 2007. The improvement in income from operations was the net result of the items previously discussed in the sales, cost of sales, administrative and royalty line items.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Interest expense	$	3,984	$	5,749

Interest expense was $4.0 million for the first quarter of 2008, compared to $5.7 million in 2007. The reduction in interest costs was primarily the result of: (i) lower debt levels that accounted for approximately $1 million of the reduction and (ii) capitalization of interest of $0.6 million related to the giant OTR project in 2008.

Noncash Convertible Debt Conversion Charge

Noncash convertible debt conversion charge was as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Noncash convertible debtconversion charge	$	0	$	13,376

In March 2007, the Company converted $81.2 million of convertible notes into 6,577,200 shares of Titan common stock. Titan recognized a noncash charge of $13.4 million in connection with this exchange in accordance with SFAS No. 84, “Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt.”

Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) was as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Other income (expense)	$	1,420	$	(185	)

Other income for the first quarter of 2008 was $1.4 million, compared to other expense of $(0.2) million in 2007. Interest income included in other income was $0.5 million for each of the first quarters of 2008 and 2007. The first quarter of 2008 included income from a legal settlement of approximately $1 million, while the first quarter of 2007 included debt termination expense of $0.7 million.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Income Taxes

Income taxes were as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Income tax expense (benefit)	$	5,422	$	(2,484	)

The Company recorded income tax expense of $5.4 million and income tax benefit of $(2.5) million for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate was 40% and 50% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company’s 2007 income tax expense and rate differ from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of the $13.4 million noncash charge taken in connection with the Company’s convertible debt. This noncash charge was not deductible for income tax purposes.

Net Income (Loss)

Net income (loss) was as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Net income (loss)	$	8,134	$	(2,483	)

Net income for the first quarter of 2008 was $8.1 million, compared to net loss of $(2.5) million in 2007. Basic earnings per share were $.30 for the first quarter of 2008, compared to loss per share of $(.12) in the first quarter of 2007. Diluted earnings per share were $.29 for the first quarter of 2008, compared to loss per share of $(.12) in 2007. The Company’s net income and earnings per share increased due to the items detailed above.

Agricultural Segment Results

Agricultural segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Net sales	$	173,486	$	135,296
Gross profit		19,693		10,826
Income from operations		16,443		8,038

Net sales in the agricultural market were $173.5 million for the first quarter of 2008, as compared to $135.3 million in 2007. The increase of $38.2 million, or approximately 28%, in agricultural segment sales was the result of higher demand from the Company’s customers resulting from record farm income in 2007.

Gross profit in the agricultural market was $19.7 million for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of $8.9 million, or approximately 82%, when compared to the $10.8 million in 2007. Income from operations in the agricultural market was $16.4 million for the first quarter of 2008, an improvement of approximately 105% when compared to $8.0 million for the first quarter of 2007. The increase in gross profit and income from operations in the agricultural market was attributed to robust farm equipment sales. These improved results were achieved despite higher raw material prices of $3 million to $4 million that negatively impacted the profit during the current quarter.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Earthmoving/Construction Segment Results

Earthmoving/Construction segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Net sales	$	73,833	$	75,118
Gross profit		11,911		15,892
Income from operations		9,802		13,875

The Company’s earthmoving/construction market net sales were $73.8 million for the first quarter of 2008, as compared to $75.1 million in 2007.

Gross profit in the earthmoving/construction market was $11.9 million for the first quarter of 2008, as compared to $15.9 million in 2007. Income from operations in the earthmoving/construction market was $9.8 million for the first quarter of 2008 versus $13.9 million in 2007. With the lower sales level, the segments gross profit and income from operations had a corresponding reduction. In addition, the Company estimates gross profit was negatively impacted by: (i) higher raw material prices of approximately $1 million to $2 million and (ii) costs associated with hiring and training workers to be utilized in giant OTR production, estimated to be approximately $1 million for the quarter.

Consumer Segment Results

Consumer segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008		2007
Net sales	$	6,206	$	15,864
Gross profit		1,049		1,100
Income from operations		869		848

Consumer market net sales were $6.2 million for the first quarter of 2008, as compared to $15.9 million in 2007. The Goodyear farm tire acquisition agreement included an off-take/mixing agreement for certain product sales to Goodyear. The reduction in consumer market sales is related to lower sales to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company of approximately $9 million quarter over quarter.

Gross profit from the consumer market was $1.0 million for the first quarter of 2008, as compared to $1.1 million in 2007. Consumer market income from operations was $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2008, as compared to $0.8 million for 2007. Despite, the lower sales level, consumer market gross profit and income from operations remained stable with the previous year due to a shift to higher margin consumer products.

Segment Summary (Amounts in thousands)

Three months ended March 31, 2008	Agricultural		Earthmoving/ Construction		Consumer		Corporate Expenses			Consolidated Totals
Net sales	$	173,486	$	73,833	$	6,206	$	0		$	253,525
Gross profit (loss)		19,693		11,911		1,049		(309	)		32,344
Income (loss) from operations		16,443		9,802		869		(10,994	)		16,120

Three months ended March 31, 2007
Net sales	$	135,296	$	75,118	$	15,864	$	0		$	226,278
Gross profit (loss)		10,826		15,892		1,100		(627	)		27,191
Income (loss) from operations		8,038		13,875		848		(8,418	)		14,343

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Corporate Expenses

Income from operations on a segment basis does not include corporate expenses or depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment carried at the corporate level totaling $11.0 million for the first quarter of 2008, as compared to $8.4 million for the first quarter of 2007.

Corporate expenses for the first quarter of 2008 were composed of the following: (i) selling and marketing expenses of approximately $5 million; (ii) CEO and executive incentives of approximately $1 million; and (iii) administrative expenses of approximately $5 million.

Corporate expenses for the first quarter of 2007 were composed of the following: (i) selling and marketing expenses of approximately $4 million; (ii) CEO and executive incentives of approximately $1 million; and (iii) administrative expenses of approximately $3 million.

The increase of approximately $1 million in selling and marketing expenses in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to first quarter 2007 resulted from the higher sales levels. Administration expenses increased as a result of higher professional fees, which increased approximately $1 million quarter over quarter.

MARKET RISK SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company’s risks related to foreign currencies, commodity prices and interest rates are consistent with those for 2007. For more information, see the “Market Risk Sensitive Instruments” discussion in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

As of March 31, 2008, the Company had $47.6 million of cash balances within various bank accounts. This cash balance decreased by $10.7 million from December 31, 2007, due to the following cash flow items.

Operating cash flows

Summary of cash flows from operating activities (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
	2008			2007			Change
Net income (loss)	$	8,134		$	(2,483	)	$	10,617
Depreciation and amortization		7,153			7,465			(312	)
Deferred income tax provision		5,386			(2,845	)		8,231
Noncash debt charge		0			13,376			(13,376	)
Accounts receivable		(35,426	)		(47,431	)		12,005
Inventories		3,852			10,646			(6,794	)
Accounts payable		18,664			24,274			(5,610	)
Other current liabilities		(2,179	)		11,891			(14,070	)
Other operating activities		3,239			851			2,388
Cash provided by operating activities	$	8,823		$	15,744		$	(6,921	)

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

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

For the first quarter of 2007, positive cash flows from operating activities of $15.7 million resulted primarily from increases of $24.3 million in accounts payable and $11.9 million in other current liabilities along with a decrease of $10.6 million in inventories. Included in net loss were noncash charges of $13.4 million for a debt conversion charge and $7.5 million of depreciation and amortization. Positive cash flows were offset by an increase in accounts receivable balance of $47.4 million and a net loss of $2.5 million.

Operating cash flows decreased $6.9 million when comparing the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2007. The net income in the first quarter of 2008 was a $10.6 million increase from the loss in first quarter 2007. However, the first quarter 2007 loss included a $13.4 million noncash charge, which offset the increase in income. Cash flows from current liabilities decreased $14.1 million when comparing the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2007. The change in cash flows from current liabilities was the result of the timing of payments, primarily interest payable.

Investing cash flows

Net cash used for investing activities was $20.9 million in the first quarter of 2008, as compared to $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2007. The Company invested a total of $20.9 million in capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2008, compared to $4.1 million in 2007. Of the $20.9 million of capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2008, approximately $16 million relates to the Company’s giant OTR mining tire project. The remaining expenditures represent various equipment purchases and improvements to enhance production capabilities.

The Company estimates that current commitments related to the OTR project at this time are approximately $60 million, including disbursements as of March 31, 2008, of approximately $38 million. The large increase in cash used for investing activities in the first quarter of 2008, as compared to the first quarter of 2007, was a result of the capital expenditures on the giant OTR project. In addition to the OTR Project, the Company estimates that its capital expenditures for other projects for the remainder of 2008 could be approximately $13 million.

Financing cash flows

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

In the first quarter of 2007, cash of $6.2 million was used for financing activities. This cash use was primarily the result of net debt payment of $10.2 million offset by $3.6 million in proceeds from stock option exercises.

Financing cash flows increased $7.5 million when comparing the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2007. This increase resulted primarily from a decrease in the cash used for debt payment.

Debt Covenants

The Company’s revolving credit facility contains various covenants and restrictions. The financial covenants in this agreement require that:

·	Collateral coverage be equal to or greater than 1.2 times the outstanding revolver balance.

·	If the 30-day average of the outstanding revolver balance exceeds $225 million, the fixed charge coverage ratio be equal to or greater than a 1.0 to 1.0 ratio.

Restrictions include:

·	Limits on payments of dividends and repurchases of the Company’s stock.

·	Restrictions on the ability of the Company to make additional borrowings, or to consolidate, merge or otherwise fundamentally change the ownership of the Company.

·	Limitations on investments, dispositions of assets and guarantees of indebtedness.

·	Other customary affirmative and negative covenants.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

These covenants and restrictions could limit the Company’s ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments, to raise additional debt or equity capital, to pay dividends or to take advantage of business opportunities, including future acquisitions. The failure by Titan to meet these covenants could result in the Company ultimately being in default on these loan agreements.

The Company is in compliance with these covenants and restrictions as of March 31, 2008. The collateral coverage was calculated to be approximately 69 times the outstanding revolver balance at March 31, 2008.

The fixed charge coverage ratio did not apply for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. The credit facility usage was $6.1 million at March 31, 2008, consisting exclusively of letters of credit of $6.1 million with no cash borrowings.

Other Issues

The Company’s business is subject to seasonal variations in sales that affect inventory levels and accounts receivable balances. Historically, Titan tends to experience higher sales demand in the first and second quarters.

Liquidity Outlook

At March 31, 2008, the Company had $47.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $243.9 million of unused availability under the terms of its revolving credit facility (credit facility). The availability under the Company’s $250 million credit facility was reduced by $6.1 million for outstanding letters of credit. The Company expects to contribute approximately $1 million to its frozen defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of 2008. At December 31, 2007, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $13 million, which is expected to reduce the Company’s income tax payments in 2008.

In May 2007, Titan’s Board of Directors approved funding for the Company to increase giant OTR mining tire production capacity to include 57-inch and 63-inch giant radial tires (the “OTR Project”). The Company estimates that current commitments related to the OTR Project at this time are approximately $60 million, of which approximately $38 million was disbursed from inception through March 31, 2008. Additional capital expenditure commitments will be incurred through 2008 as the OTR Project moves to completion. The final cost of these additional OTR capital items have not been finalized at this time.

The Company currently anticipates that cash on hand and anticipated internal cash flows from operations will allow the Company sufficient funds for completion of the OTR Project. In addition to the OTR Project, the Company estimates that its capital expenditures for other projects for remainder of 2008 could be approximately $13 million.

Cash on hand, anticipated internal cash flows from operations and utilization of remaining available borrowings are expected to provide sufficient liquidity for working capital needs and capital expenditures. If the Company were to exhaust all currently available working capital sources or not meet the financial covenants and conditions of its loan agreements, the Company’s ability to secure additional funding may be negatively impacted.

PENSIONS

The Company has three frozen defined benefit pension plans and one defined benefit plan that purchased a final annuity settlement in 2002. These plans are described in Note 20 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company’s recorded liability for pensions is based on a number of assumptions, including discount rates, rates of return on investments, mortality rates and other factors. Certain of these assumptions are determined with the assistance of outside actuaries. Assumptions are based on past experience and anticipated future trends. These assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and revised when appropriate. Revisions in assumptions and actual results that differ from the assumptions affect future expenses, cash funding requirements and the carrying value of the related obligations. Titan expects to contribute approximately $1 million to these frozen defined pension plans during the remainder of 2008.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

MARKET CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK

Titan is experiencing strong demand for the Company’s agricultural and earthmoving/construction products. This strong demand is expected to continue through 2008. The strength in the agricultural market is the result of higher commodity prices which have resulted from the continuing use of biofuels. High prices for metals, oil and gas have created a large demand for the Company’s earthmoving and mining products.

Higher energy, raw material and petroleum-based product costs may continue to negatively impact the Company’s margins. Many of Titan’s overhead expenses are fixed; therefore, lower seasonal trends may cause negative fluctuations in quarterly profit margins and affect the financial condition of the Company.

AGRICULTURAL MARKET OUTLOOK

Agricultural market sales are forecasted to remain strong through 2008. The farm economy is being helped by strong commodity prices. However, the farm economy is also affected by high input costs for fuel and fertilizer. The increasing demand for grain-based ethanol and soybean-based biodiesel fuel has increased commodity prices and should support farm income levels in the long-term. Ethanol production is projected to continue to expand sharply through 2009/2010. The increasing demand for biofuels has supported all agricultural commodity prices as acreage has been shifted from other crops to those used in biofuels. In April 2008, Titan signed a three-year agreement to supply farm tires to various John Deere affiliates. Many variables, including weather, grain prices, export markets and future government policies and payments can greatly influence the overall health of the agricultural economy.

EARTHMOVING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET OUTLOOK

Sales for the earthmoving/construction market are expected to remain strong in 2008. Metals, oil and gas prices have remained high and at levels that are attractive for continued investment, which will maintain support for earthmoving and mining sales. However, the decline in the United States housing market has caused a decline in equipment used for housing construction. The giant OTR project should begin to add significant capacity for giant mining tires in the second half of 2008. The earthmoving/construction segment is affected by many variables, including commodity prices, road construction, infrastructure, government appropriations and housing starts.

CONSUMER MARKET OUTLOOK

The current overall uncertainty in consumer spending resulting from the housing market decline makes consumer market projections especially difficult. Titan’s sales in the consumer market include sales to Goodyear, which fluctuate significantly based upon their future product requirements, which includes an off-take/mixing agreement. This agreement includes mixed stock, which is a prepared rubber compound used in tire production. The Company’s consumer market sales may fluctuate significantly related to sales volumes under the off-take/mixing agreement with Goodyear. The Company expects challenging conditions for the consumer market for the remainder of 2008. Many factors affect the consumer market including weather, competitive pricing, energy prices and consumer attitude.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 141 (revised 2007)

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 160

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 161

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

See the Company’s 2007 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K (Item 7A). There has been no material change in this information.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer believe the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no material changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the first quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluations of the effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 6. Exhibits

(a)

Exhibits

31.1	Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32	Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

SIGNATURES

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

	TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	(Registrant)

Date:	April 28, 2008	By:	/s/ MAURICE M. TAYLOR JR.
			Maurice M. Taylor Jr.
			Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

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

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Titan International (TWI) 10-Q2008 Q1 Quarterly report

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