10-Q 1 axl-q32018x10q.htm SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 FORM 10-Q Document
                                                


 

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 the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
 
 
or
 
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
For the transition period from  _____________ to _____________
 
 
Commission File Number:  1-14303
_______________________________________________________________________________

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 
Delaware
 
38-3161171
 
 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One Dauch Drive, Detroit, Michigan
 
48211-1198
 
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(313) 758-2000
(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 for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes þ No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).     Yes  þ No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer   þ         Accelerated filer  o         Non-accelerated filer   o         Smaller reporting company   o         Emerging growth company   o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

As of October 30, 2018, the latest practicable date, the number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding was 111,701,601 shares.
 
Internet Website Access to Reports

The website for American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. is www.aam.com.  Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.




AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 
 
 
Page Number
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Quarterly Report), we make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and future events or performance. Such statements are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and relate to trends and events that may affect our future financial position and operating results. The terms such as “will,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “project,” "target," and similar words or expressions, as well as statements in future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

reduced purchases of our products by General Motors Company (GM), FCA US LLC (FCA), or other customers;
reduced demand for our customers' products (particularly light trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover vehicles produced by GM and FCA);
our ability to respond to changes in technology, increased competition or pricing pressures;
our ability to develop and produce new products that reflect market demand;
lower-than-anticipated market acceptance of new or existing products;
our ability to attract new customers and programs for new products;
risks inherent in our global operations (including tariffs and the potential consequences thereof to us, our suppliers, and our customers and their suppliers, adverse changes in trade agreements, such as NAFTA or USMCA, immigration policies, political stability, taxes and other law changes, potential disruptions of production and supply, and currency rate fluctuations);
a significant disruption in operations at one or more of our key manufacturing facilities;
global economic conditions;
risks related to a failure of our information technology systems and networks, and risks associated with current and emerging technology threats and damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, cyber attack and other similar disruptions;
supply shortages or price increases in raw material and/or freight, utilities or other operating supplies for us or our customers as a result of natural disasters or otherwise;
our ability or our customers' and suppliers' ability to successfully launch new product programs on a timely basis;
our ability to successfully integrate the business and information systems of Metaldyne Performance Group, Inc. (MPG) and to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger;
an impairment of our goodwill, other intangible assets, or long-lived assets if our business or market conditions indicate that the carrying values of those assets exceed their fair values;
negative or unexpected tax consequences;
liabilities arising from warranty claims, product recall or field actions, product liability and legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party, or the impact of product recall or field actions on our customers;
our ability to achieve the level of cost reductions required to sustain global cost competitiveness;
our ability to realize the expected revenues from our new and incremental business backlog;
our ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and avoid work stoppages;
our suppliers', our customers' and their suppliers' ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and avoid work stoppages;
price volatility in, or reduced availability of, fuel;
potential liabilities or litigation relating to, or assumed in, the MPG merger;
potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the completion of the merger with MPG;
our ability to protect our intellectual property and successfully defend against assertions made against us;
our ability to attract and retain key associates;
availability of financing for working capital, capital expenditures, research and development (R&D) or other general corporate purposes including acquisitions, as well as our ability to comply with financial covenants;
our customers' and suppliers' availability of financing for working capital, capital expenditures, R&D or other general corporate purposes;
changes in liabilities arising from pension and other postretirement benefit obligations;
risks of noncompliance with environmental laws and regulations or risks of environmental issues that could result in unforeseen costs at our facilities or reputational damage;
adverse changes in laws, government regulations or market conditions affecting our products or our customers' products;
our ability or our customers' and suppliers' ability to comply with regulatory requirements and the potential costs of such compliance; and
other unanticipated events and conditions that may hinder our ability to compete.

It is not possible to foresee or identify all such factors and we make no commitment to update any forward-looking statement or to disclose any facts, events or circumstances after the date hereof that may affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statement.


1



PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(in millions, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,817.0

 
$
1,724.4

 
$
5,576.3

 
$
4,532.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
1,549.6

 
1,426.7

 
4,661.2

 
3,707.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
267.4

 
297.7

 
915.1

 
824.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
96.3

 
102.3

 
288.6

 
289.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangible assets
24.8

 
24.4

 
74.5

 
50.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
11.7

 
22.8

 
66.8

 
90.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale of business

 

 
(15.5
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
134.6

 
148.2

 
500.7

 
394.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(54.9
)
 
(57.5
)
 
(162.5
)
 
(139.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income
0.6

 
0.8

 
1.6

 
2.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt refinancing and redemption costs

 

 
(14.6
)
 
(2.7
)
Gain on settlement of capital lease

 

 
15.6

 

     Other income (expense), net
(4.8
)
 
0.5

 
(4.6
)
 
(7.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
75.5

 
92.0

 
336.2

 
246.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
11.5

 
5.7

 
31.4

 
15.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
64.0

 
$
86.3

 
$
304.8

 
$
231.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to AAM
$
63.8

 
$
86.2

 
$
304.3

 
$
230.8

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share
$
0.55

 
$
0.76

 
$
2.65

 
$
2.28

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.55

 
$
0.75

 
$
2.63

 
$
2.27

 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2



AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(in millions)
Net income
$
64.0

 
$
86.3

 
$
304.8

 
$
231.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

Defined benefit plans, net of tax (a)
1.0

 
3.1

 
14.5

 
3.7

     Foreign currency translation adjustments
(11.9
)
 
42.8

 
(55.0
)
 
79.3

     Changes in cash flow hedges, net of tax (b)
12.4

 
1.1

 
19.6

 
21.5

Other comprehensive income (loss)
1.5

 
47.0

 
(20.9
)
 
104.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
$
65.5

 
$
133.3

 
$
283.9

 
$
335.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to AAM
$
65.3

 
$
133.2

 
$
283.4

 
$
335.3

(a)
Amounts are net of tax of $(0.3) million and $(4.8) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, and $(1.0) million and $(1.2) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
(b)
Amounts are net of tax of $(0.5) million and $(1.7) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.                   

3



AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
(in millions)
Current assets
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
439.4

 
$
376.8

Accounts receivable, net
 
1,271.8

 
1,035.9

Inventories, net
 
443.6

 
392.0

Prepaid expenses and other
 
143.6

 
140.3

Total current assets
 
2,298.4

 
1,945.0

 
 
 

 
 

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
2,467.9

 
2,402.9

Deferred income taxes
 
31.8

 
37.1

Goodwill
 
1,633.0

 
1,654.3

Intangible assets, net
 
1,135.2

 
1,212.5

GM postretirement cost sharing asset
 
246.3

 
252.2

Other assets and deferred charges
 
433.5

 
378.8

Total assets
 
$
8,246.1

 
$
7,882.8

 
 
 

 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 
 

 
 

Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
16.5

 
$
5.9

Accounts payable
 
946.4

 
799.0

Accrued compensation and benefits
 
185.6

 
200.0

Deferred revenue
 
44.9

 
34.1

Accrued expenses and other
 
220.7

 
177.4

Total current liabilities
 
1,414.1

 
1,216.4

 
 
 

 
 

Long-term debt, net
 
3,874.3

 
3,969.3

Deferred revenue
 
79.6

 
78.8

Deferred income taxes
 
159.8

 
101.7

Postretirement benefits and other long-term liabilities
 
879.6

 
976.6

Total liabilities
 
6,407.4

 
6,342.8

 
 
 

 
 

Stockholders' equity
 
 

 
 

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 150.0 million shares authorized;
 
 
 
 
118.8 million shares issued as of September 30, 2018 and 118.2 million shares issued as of December 31, 2017
 
1.2

 
1.2

Paid-in capital
 
1,285.5

 
1,264.6

Retained earnings
 
1,065.3

 
761.0

Treasury stock at cost, 7.2 million shares as of September 30, 2018 and 6.9 million shares as of December 31, 2017
 
(201.8
)
 
(198.1
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit plans, net of tax
 
(237.5
)
 
(252.0
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(89.1
)
 
(34.1
)
Unrecognized income (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax
 
13.0

 
(6.6
)
Total AAM stockholders' equity
 
1,836.6

 
1,536.0

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
2.1

 
4.0

Total stockholders' equity
 
1,838.7

 
1,540.0

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
8,246.1

 
$
7,882.8

 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 

4



AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in millions)
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
304.8

 
$
231.0

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
390.9

 
303.4

Impairment of long-lived assets
 
26.6

 

Deferred income taxes
 
51.7

 
(43.8
)
Stock-based compensation
 
20.7

 
37.2

Pensions and other postretirement benefits, net of contributions
 
(3.1
)
 
0.6

Gain on sale of business
 
(15.5
)
 

Loss (Gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net
 
(3.3
)
 
0.7

Debt refinancing and redemption costs and (gain) on settlement of capital lease
 
(0.8
)
 
2.7

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired or disposed
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(248.0
)
 
(131.0
)
Inventories
 
(67.2
)
 
(3.3
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
188.7

 
65.3

Deferred revenue
 
13.3

 
10.1

Other assets and liabilities
 
(145.6
)
 
(52.2
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
513.2

 
420.7

 
 
 

 
 

Investing activities
 
 

 
 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
(391.8
)
 
(278.7
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
 
3.2

 
1.7

Purchase buyouts of leased equipment
 
(0.5
)
 
(12.6
)
Proceeds from sale of business, net
 
47.1

 
5.9

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
 
(1.3
)
 
(895.5
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(343.3
)
 
(1,179.2
)
 
 
 

 
 

Financing activities
 
 

 
 

Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
(568.0
)

(1,944.6
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 
481.3


2,858.1

Debt issuance costs
 
(6.9
)

(90.8
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
 
(2.2
)
 

Purchase of treasury stock
 
(3.7
)

(7.0
)
Employee stock option exercises
 

 
0.9

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
(99.5
)

816.6

 
 
 

 
 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(5.3
)

10.3

 
 
 

 
 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
65.1


68.4

 
 
 

 
 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
 
376.8


481.2

 
 
 

 
 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
 
$
441.9


$
549.6

 
 
 

 
 

Supplemental cash flow information
 
 

 
 

     Interest paid
 
$
127.8

 
$
108.9

     Income taxes paid, net of refunds
 
$
33.6

 
$
30.2

     Non-cash investing activities: AAM common shares issued for acquisition of MPG
 
$

 
$
576.7

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)

1.
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Organization We are a global Tier 1 supplier to the automotive, commercial and industrial markets. We design, engineer, validate and manufacture driveline, metal forming, powertrain and casting products, employing over 25,000 associates, operating at nearly 90 facilities in 17 countries, to support our customers on global and regional platforms with a continued focus on delivering operational excellence, technology leadership and quality.

Basis of Presentation We have prepared the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but include all normal recurring adjustments, which we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the information set forth herein. Results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full fiscal year.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2017 presented herein has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for complete consolidated financial statements.
 
In order to prepare the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Sale of Powertrain Aftermarket Business In April 2018, we completed the sale of the aftermarket business associated with our Powertrain segment for approximately $50 million, of which we received net proceeds of approximately $47 million. The difference between the selling price and the net proceeds received was primarily attributable to $2.5 million of cash that was placed into an escrow account that we expect to be distributed to us 18 months subsequent to the date of the sale. We have recorded this amount as restricted cash in Other assets and deferred charges in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018. As a result of the sale, we recorded a $15.5 million pre-tax gain, which is disclosed in the Gain on sale of business line of our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The impact to our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was immaterial.

Effect of New Accounting Standards

Accounting Standard Update 2018-15

On August 15, 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-15 - Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract (Topic 350-40). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing or hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. This guidance becomes effective at the beginning of our 2020 fiscal year, and early adoption is permitted for financial statements which have not yet been issued. This guidance may be applied either retrospectively or prospectively and we are currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.


6

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Accounting Standards Update 2018-02

On February 14, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). ASU 2018-02 allows companies the option to reclassify disproportionate tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) caused by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, also known as stranded tax effects, to retained earnings. ASU 2018-02 also requires expanded disclosures related to disproportionate income tax effects from AOCI, some of which are applicable to all companies regardless of whether the option to reclassify the stranded tax effects is exercised. This guidance becomes effective at the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year, and we are currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update 2017-04

On January 26, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 - Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendments in this update modify the concept of impairment from the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value to the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. An entity no longer will determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination, or what is referred to under existing guidance as "Step 2." Instead, under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance becomes effective at the beginning of our 2020 fiscal year and early adoption is permitted. The guidance requires a prospective transition method. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, however, goodwill could be more susceptible to impairment in periods subsequent to adoption.

Accounting Standards Update 2016-02

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842), and has subsequently issued ASUs 2018-10 - Codification Improvements (Topic 842), and 2018-11 - Targeted Improvements (Topic 842) (collectively, the Lease ASUs) which supersede the existing lease accounting guidance and establish new criteria for recognizing lease assets and liabilities. The most significant impact of the update, to AAM, is that a lessee will be required to recognize a "right-of-use" asset and lease liability for operating lease agreements that were not previously included on the balance sheet under the existing lease guidance. A lessee will be permitted to make a policy election, excluding recognition of the right-of-use asset and associated liability for lease terms of 12 months or less. Expense recognition in the statement of income along with cash flow statement classification for both financing (capital) and operating leases under the new standard will not be significantly changed from existing lease guidance. This guidance becomes effective for AAM at the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year and requires transition under a modified retrospective method. As part of our adoption of this standard, we are currently in the process of implementing a software solution to assist in managing our inventory of leases and in complying with the disclosure requirements of this standard.


7

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

On January 1, 2018, we adopted new accounting guidance under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (ASC 606) Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASC 606 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The guidance is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We have elected to adopt this guidance utilizing the modified retrospective transition method, which requires a one-time adjustment to opening retained earnings for the cumulative impact of adopting the new guidance. No adjustment to retained earnings was required as of January 1, 2018 as there was no impact to previously reported revenue or expenses associated with adopting ASC 606.

We are obligated under our contracts with customers to manufacture and supply products for use in our customers’ operations. We satisfy these performance obligations at the point in time that the customer obtains control of the products, which is the point in time that the customer is able to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from, the products. This typically occurs upon shipment to the customer in accordance with purchase orders and delivery releases issued by our customers. There is significant judgment involved in determining when the customer obtains control of the products and we have utilized the following indicators of control in our assessment:

We have the present right to payment for the asset;
The customer has legal title to the asset;
We have transferred physical possession of the asset;
The customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset; and
The customer has accepted the asset.

Our product offerings by segment are as follows:

Driveline products consist primarily of axles, driveshafts, power transfer units, rear drive modules, transfer cases, and electric and hybrid driveline products and systems for light trucks, SUVs, crossover vehicles, passenger cars and commercial vehicles;
Metal Forming products consist primarily of axle and transmission shafts, ring and pinion gears, differential gears, transmission gears, and suspension components for Original Equipment Manufacturers and Tier 1 automotive suppliers;
The Powertrain segment products consist primarily of transmission module and differential assemblies, transmission valve bodies, connecting rod forging and assemblies, torsional vibration dampers, and variable valve timing products for Original Equipment Manufacturers and Tier I automotive suppliers; and
The Casting segment produces both thin wall castings and high strength ductile iron castings, as well as differential cases, steering knuckles, control arms, brackets, and turbo charger housings for the global light vehicle, commercial and industrial markets.

Our contracts with customers generally state the terms of the sale, including the quantity and price of each product purchased. Trade accounts receivable from our customers are generally due approximately 50 days from the date our customers receive our product. Our contracts typically do not contain variable consideration as the contracts include stated prices. We provide our customers with assurance type warranties, which are not separate performance obligations and are outside the scope of ASC 606. Refer to Note 11 - Product Warranties for further information.


8

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Disaggregation of Net Sales

Net sales recognized from contracts with customers, disaggregated by segment and geographical location, are presented in the following table for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. Net sales are attributed to regions based on the location of production. Intersegment sales have been excluded from the table.

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
Driveline
 
Metal Forming
 
Powertrain
 
Casting
 
Total
North America
 
$
855.9

 
$
207.2

 
$
199.7

 
$
193.8

 
$
1,456.6

Asia
 
142.9

 
1.6

 
25.1

 

 
169.6

Europe
 
34.3

 
64.6

 
56.0

 

 
154.9

South America
 
34.6

 

 
1.3

 

 
35.9

Total
 
$
1,067.7

 
$
273.4

 
$
282.1

 
$
193.8

 
$
1,817.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Driveline
 
Metal Forming
 
Powertrain
 
Casting
 
Total
North America
 
$
832.4

 
$
197.8

 
$
177.0

 
$
198.2

 
$
1,405.4

Asia
 
112.3

 
1.4

 
32.7

 

 
146.4

Europe
 
26.6

 
62.2

 
47.2

 

 
136.0

South America
 
36.4

 

 
0.2

 

 
36.6

Total
 
$
1,007.7

 
$
261.4

 
$
257.1

 
$
198.2

 
$
1,724.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
Driveline
 
Metal Forming
 
Powertrain
 
Casting
 
Total
North America
 
$
2,640.2

 
$
639.8

 
$
596.1

 
$
613.2

 
$
4,489.3

Asia
 
425.0

 
4.2

 
86.1

 

 
515.3

Europe
 
94.0

 
208.3

 
166.8

 

 
469.1

South America
 
98.9

 

 
3.7

 

 
102.6

Total
 
$
3,258.1

 
$
852.3

 
$
852.7

 
$
613.2

 
$
5,576.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Driveline
 
Metal Forming
 
Powertrain
 
Casting
 
Total
North America
 
$
2,559.6

 
$
450.5

 
$
381.2

 
$
393.6

 
$
3,784.9

Asia
 
301.7

 
2.1

 
65.2

 

 
369.0

Europe
 
68.5

 
119.8

 
91.8

 

 
280.1

South America
 
97.8

 

 
0.3

 

 
98.1

Total
 
$
3,027.6

 
$
572.4

 
$
538.5

 
$
393.6

 
$
4,532.1



9

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Contract Assets and Liabilities

The following table summarizes our beginning and ending balances for accounts receivable and contract liabilities associated with our contracts with customers:

 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
Contract Liabilities (Current)
Contract Liabilities (Long-term)
December 31, 2017
$
1,035.9

$
34.1

$
78.8

September 30, 2018
1,271.8

44.9

79.6

Increase/(decrease)
$
235.9

$
10.8

$
0.8


Contract liabilities relate to deferred revenue associated with cash receipts from our customers for various settlements and commercial agreements for which we have a future performance obligation to the customer. We recognize this deferred revenue into revenue over the life of the associated program as we satisfy our performance obligations to the customer. We do not have contract assets as defined in ASC 606.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recognized contract liabilities of $17.2 million and $44.9 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, we also amortized $12.4 million and $33.3 million, respectively, of previously recorded contract liabilities into revenue as we satisfied performance obligations with our customers.

Sales and Other Taxes

ASC 606 provides a practical expedient that allows companies to exclude from the transaction price any amounts collected from customers for all sales (and other similar) taxes. We do not include sales and other taxes in our transaction price and thus do not recognize these amounts as revenue.


10

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3.
RESTRUCTURING AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS

In 2016, AAM initiated actions under a global restructuring program focused on creating a more streamlined organization in addition to reducing our cost structure and preparing for acquisition integration activities. Since the inception of our global restructuring program, we have incurred severance charges totaling $2.8 million and implementation costs totaling $29.6 million. We expect minimal restructuring charges in future periods related to this global restructuring plan.
A summary of our restructuring activity for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 is shown below:
 
Severance Charges
 
Implementation Costs
 
Asset Impairment Charges
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Accrual as of December 31, 2016
$
0.6

 
$
9.2

 
$

 
$
9.8

Charges
1.7

 
13.5

 

 
15.2

Cash utilization
(2.3
)
 
(17.8
)
 

 
(20.1
)
Accrual as of September 30, 2017
$

 
$
4.9

 
$

 
$
4.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrual as of December 31, 2017
$
0.3

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.3

Charges
2.3

 
8.8

 
26.6

 
37.7

Cash utilization
(0.4
)
 
(6.6
)
 

 
(7.0
)
Non-cash utilization

 

 
(26.6
)
 
(26.6
)
Accrual as of September 30, 2018
$
2.2

 
$
2.2

 
$

 
$
4.4


As part of our restructuring actions, we incurred severance charges of approximately $2.3 million and $1.7 million, as well as implementation costs, including professional expenses, of approximately $8.8 million and $13.5 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We expect to incur up to $45 million of total restructuring charges in 2018. The increase in estimated restructuring charges, which was previously disclosed as a range of $10 to $20 million for the full year 2018, is the result of the non-cash impairment charges described below.
In the first nine months of 2018, we initiated actions to exit operations at manufacturing facilities in our Driveline, Metal Forming and Powertrain segments. As a result of these actions, we were required to assess the associated long-lived assets for impairment. Based on our analysis, assets that were not to be redeployed to other AAM facilities were determined to be fully impaired resulting in a charge of $26.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. See Note 8 - Fair Value for further detail.
In 2017, we completed the acquisitions of Metaldyne Performance Group, Inc. (MPG) and USM Mexico Manufacturing LLC (USM Mexico). During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we incurred the following charges related to these acquisitions:
 
Acquisition-Related Costs
 
Integration Expenses
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Charges
$
1.2

 
$
27.9

 
$
29.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total restructuring and acquisition-related charges
$
66.8

Acquisition-related costs primarily consist of advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and certain other professional or consulting fees incurred. Integration expenses reflect costs incurred for information technology systems, ongoing operational activities, and consulting fees incurred in conjunction with the acquisitions. Total restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges of $11.7 million and $66.8 million are shown on a separate line item titled Restructuring and acquisition-related costs in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.


11

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Acquisition of MPG

On April 6, 2017, AAM completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity interests of MPG for a total purchase price of approximately $1.5 billion plus the assumption of approximately $1.7 billion in net debt (comprised of approximately $1.9 billion in debt less approximately $0.2 billion of MPG cash and cash equivalents). Under the terms of the agreement and plan of merger (Merger Agreement), each share of MPG common stock (other than MPG excluded shares as defined in the Merger Agreement) was converted into the right to receive (a) $13.50 in cash, without interest, and (b) 0.5 of a share of AAM common stock (Merger Consideration). Further, MPG stock options outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger were accelerated and holders of the stock options received the Merger Consideration less the per share exercise price of the MPG stock options. All MPG restricted shares and restricted stock unit awards outstanding under an MPG equity plan were also accelerated and each holder thereof received the Merger Consideration for each restricted share or restricted stock unit award of MPG common stock.

MPG provides highly-engineered components for use in powertrain and safety-critical platforms for the global light, commercial and industrial markets. MPG produces these components using complex metal-forming manufacturing technologies and processes for a global customer base of OEMs and Tier I suppliers, which help their customers meet fuel economy, performance and safety standards. Our acquisition of MPG contributes significantly to diversifying our global customer base and end markets, while also allowing us to expand our presence as a global Tier I supplier to the commercial and industrial markets, in addition to our existing presence as a global Tier I supplier to the automotive industry.

The aggregate cash consideration for the acquisition of MPG was financed using (i) net proceeds from the issuance in March 2017 by AAM of $1.2 billion of new senior notes consisting of $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due 2025, and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior notes due 2027, and on April 6, 2017: (ii) borrowings by AAM of $100.0 million under a term loan that matures in 2022, (iii) borrowings by AAM of $1.55 billion under a term loan that matures in 2024, and (iv) cash on hand.

The acquisition of MPG was accounted for under the acquisition method under ASC 805 with the purchase price allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired company based on the respective fair values of the assets and liabilities.

12

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


The following represents the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulting from the acquisition, as well as the calculation of goodwill:

(in millions)
April 6, 2017
Cash consideration
$
953.5

Share consideration
576.7

Total consideration transferred
$
1,530.2

Fair value of MPG noncontrolling interests
3.6

Total fair value of MPG
$
1,533.8

 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
202.1

Accounts receivable
403.1

Inventories
199.0

Prepaid expenses and other long-term assets
119.9

Property, plant and equipment
971.8

Intangible assets
1,223.1

     Total assets acquired
$
3,119.0

Accounts payable
287.8

Accrued expenses and other
137.7

Deferred income tax liabilities
580.2

Debt
1,918.7

Postretirement benefits and other long-term liabilities
54.1

     Net assets acquired
$
140.5

Goodwill
$
1,393.3


Under the guidance in ASC 805, estimated amounts that are designated as provisional may be adjusted during a period referred to as the "measurement period." The measurement period is a period not to exceed one year from the acquisition date during which we may adjust estimated or provisional amounts recorded during purchase accounting if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in revised estimated values of those assets or liabilities as of that date. Measurement period adjustments are recorded in the period identified with an offsetting entry to goodwill. Any adjustments to amounts recorded in purchase accounting that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments are included in earnings in the period identified.

We finalized the valuation of the assets and liabilities of MPG in the first quarter of 2018. In doing so, we made measurement period adjustments to reflect changes to facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, which resulted in a net increase in Goodwill of $0.9 million. These adjustments related to Property, plant and equipment, as well as the corresponding impact on Deferred income tax liabilities, as a result of customary post-closing reviews.

Goodwill resulting from the acquisition is primarily attributable to anticipated synergies and economies of scale from which we expect to benefit as a combined entity. None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

We recognized $1,223.1 million of amortizable intangible assets for customer platforms, customer relationships, developed technology and licensing agreements as a result of the acquisition of MPG. These intangible assets will be amortized over a period ranging from five to 17 years. The intangible assets were valued using primarily the relief from royalty method or the multi-period excess earnings method, both of which utilize significant unobservable inputs. These inputs are defined in the fair value hierarchy as Level 3 inputs, which require management to make estimates and assumptions regarding certain financial measures using forecasted or projected information.

AAM had an existing accounts payable balance of $12.4 million with MPG as of the date of acquisition. As a result of the acquisition, this pre-existing accounts payable balance was settled and AAM accounted for this settlement separately from the acquisition. This resulted in a $12.4 million reduction in the purchase price.

13

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, net sales and net income attributable to AAM included approximately $2,170 million and $110 million, respectively, attributable to MPG. For the period April 6, 2017 through September 30, 2017, net sales and net income attributable to AAM included approximately $1,351 million and $42 million, respectively, attributable to MPG.

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

Unaudited pro forma net sales for AAM, on a combined basis with MPG for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were approximately $5.3 billion, excluding MPG sales to AAM during this period. Unaudited pro forma net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was approximately $290 million. Unaudited pro forma earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were approximately $2.57 per share.

The unaudited pro forma net income amount for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 has been adjusted by approximately $65 million, net of tax, for acquisition-related costs reclassified from 2017 to 2016 as we are required to disclose the pro forma amounts as if our acquisition of MPG had been completed on January 1, 2016. The disclosure of unaudited pro forma net sales and earnings is for informational purposes only and does not purport to indicate the results that would actually have been obtained had the merger been completed on the assumed date for the periods presented, or which may be realized in the future.

Acquisition of USM Mexico

On March 1, 2017, AAM completed the acquisition of 100% of USM Mexico, a former subsidiary of U.S. Manufacturing Corporation (USM). The purchase price was funded with available cash and the acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method.

USM Mexico includes USM's operations in Guanajuato, Mexico, which has historically been one of the largest suppliers to AAM's Guanajuato Manufacturing Complex. This acquisition allows AAM to vertically integrate the supply chain and helps ensure continuity of supply for certain parts to our largest manufacturing facility.

14

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


The following represents the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulting from the acquisition, as well as the calculation of goodwill:
(in millions)
March 1, 2017
Contractual purchase price
$
162.5

Adjustment to contractual purchase price for working capital settlement
2.5

Adjustment to contractual purchase price for capital equipment
4.9

Adjustment to contractual purchase price for settlement of existing accounts payable balance
(22.8
)
Cash acquired
(0.5
)
Adjusted purchase price, net of cash acquired
$
146.6

Accounts receivable
1.1

Inventories
4.8

Prepaid expenses and other
3.6

Property, plant and equipment
38.4

Intangible assets
31.7

     Total assets acquired
$
79.6

Accounts payable
10.8

Accrued expenses and other
2.7

Deferred income tax liabilities
1.2

     Net assets acquired
$
64.9

Goodwill
$
81.7


The purchase agreement specified a period of time subsequent to the acquisition date for calculating the final working capital amount of USM Mexico as of the acquisition date, which was finalized in the first quarter of 2018. None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

AAM had an existing accounts payable balance of $22.8 million with USM Mexico as of the date of acquisition. As a result of the acquisition, this pre-existing accounts payable balance was settled and AAM accounted for this settlement separately from the acquisition. This resulted in a $22.8 million reduction in the purchase price.

The operating results of USM Mexico were insignificant to AAM's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017. Further, we have not included pro forma revenue and earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as the inclusion of USM Mexico would be insignificant to AAM's consolidated results for this period.


15

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

5. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

 
Driveline
 
Metal Forming
 
Powertrain
 
Casting
 
Consolidated
 
(in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2017
$
211.1

 
$
558.9

 
$
478.8

 
$
405.5

 
$
1,654.3

Acquisition of MPG

 
0.9

 

 

 
0.9

Acquisition of USM Mexico
1.3

 

 

 

 
1.3

Sale of business

 

 
(15.1
)
 

 
(15.1
)
Foreign currency translation
(0.3
)
 
(5.6
)
 
(2.5
)
 

 
(8.4
)
Balance as of September 30, 2018
$
212.1

 
$
554.2

 
$
461.2

 
$
405.5

 
$
1,633.0


In April 2018, we completed the sale of the aftermarket business associated with our Powertrain segment. We allocated $15.1 million of goodwill to the sold business, which represents the fair value of the business sold relative to the fair value of the associated reporting unit.

Intangible Assets The following table provides a reconciliation of the gross carrying amount and associated accumulated amortization for AAM's total intangible assets, which are all subject to amortization:
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
(in millions)
Capitalized computer software
$
37.4

 
$
(18.6
)
 
$
18.8

 
$
35.6

 
$
(14.3
)
 
$
21.3

e-AAM in-process research and development
5.4

 
(0.6
)
 
4.8

 
5.9

 

 
5.9

Customer platforms
952.2

 
(105.8
)
 
846.4

 
952.2

 
(52.9
)
 
899.3

Customer relationships
147.0

 
(14.2
)
 
132.8

 
151.8

 
(7.3
)
 
144.5

Technology and other
150.8

 
(18.4
)
 
132.4

 
150.8

 
(9.3
)
 
141.5

Total
$
1,292.8

 
$
(157.6
)
 
$
1,135.2

 
$
1,296.3

 
$
(83.8
)
 
$
1,212.5


As a result of the acquisition of MPG in 2017, we recorded intangible assets related to aftermarket customer relationships that were associated with the Powertrain aftermarket business that we sold in the second quarter of 2018. As such, during the second quarter we reduced the gross carrying amount of our customer relationships by $4.8 million, and reduced the associated accumulated amortization by $0.3 million.

Amortization expense for our intangible assets was $24.8 million and $74.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 respectively, and $24.4 million and $50.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the years 2018 through 2022 is approximately $100 million.

16

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

6.
INVENTORIES

We state our inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  The cost of our inventories is determined using the first-in first-out method.  When we determine that our gross inventories exceed usage requirements, or if inventories become obsolete or otherwise not saleable, we record a provision for such loss as a component of our inventory accounts.

Inventories consist of the following: 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials and work-in-progress
 
$
388.1

 
$
319.7

Finished goods
 
73.0

 
89.6

Gross inventories
 
461.1

 
409.3

Inventory valuation reserves
 
(17.5
)
 
(17.3
)
Inventories, net
 
$
443.6

 
$
392.0





17

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

7.
LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
$

 
$

Term Loan A Facility
 
83.8

 
92.5

Term Loan B Facility
 
1,511.2

 
1,526.8

7.75% Notes due 2019
 
200.0

 
200.0

6.625% Notes due 2022
 
450.0

 
550.0

6.50% Notes due 2027
 
500.0

 
500.0

6.25% Notes due 2026
 
400.0

 

6.25% Notes due 2025
 
700.0

 
700.0

6.25% Notes due 2021
 

 
400.0

Foreign credit facilities
 
107.6

 
53.2

Capital lease obligations
 
8.5

 
28.3

Total debt
 
3,961.1

 
4,050.8

    Less: Current portion of long-term debt
 
16.5

 
5.9

Long-term debt
 
3,944.6

 
4,044.9

    Less: Debt issuance costs
 
70.3

 
75.6

Long-term debt, net
 
$
3,874.3

 
$
3,969.3


Senior Secured Credit Facilities In 2017, Holdings and American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (AAM, Inc.) entered into a credit agreement (the Credit Agreement). In connection with the Credit Agreement, Holdings, AAM, Inc. and certain of their restricted subsidiaries entered into a Collateral Agreement and Guarantee Agreement with the financial institutions party thereto as collateral agent and administrative agent. The Credit Agreement includes a $100.0 million term loan A facility (the Term Loan A Facility), a $1.55 billion term loan B facility (the Term Loan B Facility) and a $932 million multi-currency revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility, and together with the Term Loan A Facility and the Term Loan B Facility, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities). The proceeds of the Revolving Credit Facility are used for general corporate purposes.

As of September 30, 2018 we have prepaid $10.0 million of the outstanding principal on our Term Loan A Facility and $19.4 million of the outstanding principal on our Term Loan B Facility. These payments satisfy our obligation for principal payments under the Term Loan A Facility and Term Loan B Facility through the end of 2019. As such there are no amounts related to the Term Loan A Facility and Term Loan B Facility presented in the Current portion of long-term debt line item in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018.

At September 30, 2018, we had $895.7 million available under the Revolving Credit Facility. This availability reflects a reduction of $36.3 million for standby letters of credit issued against the facility.

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities provide back-up liquidity for our foreign credit facilities.  We intend to use the availability of long-term financing under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities to refinance any current maturities related to such debt agreements that are not otherwise refinanced on a long-term basis in their local markets, except where otherwise reclassified to Current portion of long-term debt on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

6.25% Notes due 2026 In March 2018, we issued $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due 2026 (the 6.25% Notes due 2026). Proceeds from the 6.25% Notes due 2026 were used primarily to fund the tender offer for the 6.25% senior notes due 2021 (the 6.25% Notes due 2021) described below. We paid debt issuance costs of $6.6 million in the first nine months of 2018 related to the 6.25% Notes due 2026.

Tender Offer of 6.25% Notes due 2021 Also in March 2018, we made a tender offer for our 6.25% Notes due 2021. Under this tender offer, we retired $383.1 million of the 6.25% Notes due 2021 in the first quarter of 2018. We redeemed the remaining $16.9 million of the 6.25% Notes due 2021 during the second quarter of 2018. During the nine months ended

18

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

September 30, 2018, we expensed $2.5 million for the write-off of the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs that we had been amortizing over the expected life of the borrowing and $8.0 million in tender premiums.

Redemption of 6.625% Notes due 2022 In May 2018, we voluntarily redeemed a portion of our 6.625% Notes due 2022. This resulted in a principal payment of $100.0 million, and a payment of $0.8 million in accrued interest. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we expensed $0.8 million for the write-off of a portion of the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs that we had been amortizing over the expected life of the borrowing and $3.3 million for an early redemption premium.

Settlement of Capital Lease Obligation In the second quarter of 2018, we reached a settlement agreement related to a capital lease obligation that we had recognized as a result of the acquisition of MPG. In the third quarter of 2018, we paid $6.6 million related to this settlement agreement. As of September 30, 2018, $4.8 million is presented in the Current portion of long-term debt in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet related to this capital lease obligation, which we expect to pay in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Foreign credit facilities We utilize local currency credit facilities to finance the operations of certain foreign subsidiaries. At September 30, 2018, $107.6 million was outstanding under our foreign credit facilities as compared to $53.2 million at December 31, 2017. The increase in outstanding borrowings under our foreign credit facilities primarily relate to our operations in China as we prepare for program launch activity. At September 30, 2018, an additional $95.1 million was available under our foreign credit facilities.

Redemption of 7.75% Notes due 2019 In October 2018, we issued an irrevocable notice to the holders of our 7.75% Notes due 2019 to voluntarily redeem a portion of our 7.75% Notes due 2019 in the fourth quarter of 2018. This will result in a principal payment of $100 million and $3.9 million in accrued interest. We will also expense approximately $0.3 million for the write-off of a portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs that we had been amortizing over the expected life of the borrowing, and approximately $4.5 million for an early redemption premium. As the irrevocable notice of redemption was issued subsequent to September 30, 2018, we have presented the $100 million amount of 7.75% Notes due 2019 to be redeemed as Long-term debt, net on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018.
The weighted-average interest rate of our long-term debt outstanding was 5.9% at September 30, 2018 and 5.7% at December 31, 2017.  

19

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

8.
FAIR VALUE

Accounting Standards Codification 820 - Fair Value Measurement defines fair value as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.”  The definition is based on an exit price rather than an entry price, regardless of whether the entity plans to hold or sell the asset.  This guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy to prioritize inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1:  Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2:  Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3:  Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Financial instruments   The estimated fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, using available market information and other observable data, are as follows:
 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Input
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
Balance Sheet Classification
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
76.8

 
$
76.8

 
$
72.8

 
$
72.8

 
Level 1
Prepaid expenses and other
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Cash flow hedges - currency forward contracts
 
3.0

 
3.0

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
Level 2
Cash flow hedges - variable-to-fixed interest rate swap
 
1.6

 
1.6

 
1.3

 
1.3

 
Level 2
Nondesignated - currency forward contracts
 
0.5

 
0.5

 

 

 
Level 2
Other assets and deferred charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Cash flow hedges - currency forward contracts
 
2.7

 
2.7

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
Level 2
     Cash flow hedges - variable-to-fixed interest rate swap
 
3.2

 
3.2

 
0.9

 
0.9

 
Level 2
Accrued expenses and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Cash flow hedges - currency forward contracts
 
0.1

 
0.1

 
6.0

 
6.0

 
Level 2
     Nondesignated - currency forward contracts
 
0.1

 
0.1

 
2.8

 
2.8

 
Level 2
Postretirement benefits and other long-term liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Cash flow hedges - currency forward contracts
 

 

 
2.6

 
2.6

 
Level 2
     Cash flow hedges - variable-to-fixed interest rate swap
 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
0.3

 
Level 2

The carrying values of our cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.  The carrying values of our borrowings under the foreign credit facilities approximate their fair value due to the frequent resetting of the interest rates.  

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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

We estimated the fair value of the amounts outstanding on our debt using available market information and other observable data, to be as follows:
 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Carrying  Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying  Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
Input
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
Level 2
Term Loan A Facility
 
83.8

 
83.2

 
92.5

 
92.5

 
Level 2
Term Loan B Facility
 
1,511.2

 
1,507.5

 
1,526.8

 
1,528.7

 
Level 2
7.75% Notes due 2019
 
200.0

 
208.8

 
200.0

 
217.5

 
Level 2
6.625% Notes due 2022
 
450.0

 
459.0

 
550.0

 
570.2

 
Level 2
6.50% Notes due 2027
 
500.0

 
495.0

 
500.0

 
527.5

 
Level 2
6.25% Notes due 2026
 
400.0

 
393.0

 

 

 
Level 2
6.25% Notes due 2025
 
700.0

 
696.5

 
700.0

 
736.8

 
Level 2
6.25% Notes due 2021
 

 

 
400.0

 
410.0

 
Level 2

Long-Lived Assets   During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded asset impairment charges as a result of restructuring actions initiated during this period. See Note 3 - Restructuring and Acquisition-Related Costs for further detail.

The following table summarizes the impairments of long-lived assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to initial recognition:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Classification
 
Fair Value at
Measurement Date
 
Asset Impairment for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$

 
$
25.7

Other assets and deferred charges
 

 
0.9



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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

9.
DERIVATIVES

Our business and financial results are affected by fluctuations in world financial markets, including interest rates and currency exchange rates.  Our hedging policy has been developed to manage these risks to an acceptable level based on management’s judgment of the appropriate trade-off between risk, opportunity and cost.  We do not hold financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

On January 1, 2018, we early adopted new accounting guidance under Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-12 - Targeted Improvements for Hedging Activities (Topic 815). ASU 2017-12 is intended to better align the risk management activities of a company with the company's financial reporting for hedging relationships. This guidance expands and refines several aspects of hedge accounting. The most applicable changes to AAM as a result of the new guidance are as follows: 1) the concept of risk component hedging is introduced in ASU 2017-12, which could allow us to hedge contractually specified components in a contract; 2) the guidance now allows entities to utilize a 31-day period in assessing whether the critical terms of a forecasted transaction match the maturity of the hedging derivative, which could allow for expanded use of hedging instruments for certain sales and purchases; and 3) we may now qualitatively assess hedge effectiveness on a quarterly basis when the facts and circumstances related to the hedging relationship have not changed significantly. The early adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the measurement of our existing hedging relationships.

Currency derivative contracts  From time to time, we use foreign currency forward and option contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates relating to the Mexican Peso, Euro, Brazilian Real, British Pound Sterling, Thai Baht, Swedish Krona, Chinese Yuan, Polish Zloty and Indian Rupee.  As of September 30, 2018, we have currency forward contracts outstanding with a notional amount of $199.2 million that hedge our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates for certain payroll expenses into the second quarter of 2021 and other items into the first quarter of 2019. 

Variable-to-fixed interest rate swap In 2017, we entered into a variable-to-fixed interest rate swap to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on our variable rate debt. In the second quarter of 2018, we discontinued this variable-to-fixed interest rate swap, which was in an asset position of $5.6 million on the date that it was discontinued.

Also in the second quarter of 2018, we entered into a new variable-to-fixed interest rate swap to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on our variable rate debt. We have the following notional amounts hedged in relation to our variable-to-fixed interest rate swap: $900.0 million through May 2019, $750.0 million through May 2020, $500.0 million through May 2021, $400.0 million through May 2022 and $400.0 million through May 2023.

The following table summarizes the reclassification of derivative gains and losses into net income from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for those derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging:
 
 
Location
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified During
 
Total of Financial
 
Gain Expected
 
 
of Gain (Loss)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Statement
 
to be Reclassified
 
 
  Reclassified into
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Line Item
 
During the
 
 
  Net Income
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
Next 12 Months
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
$
(0.9
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
(3.7
)
 
$
(4.6
)
 
$
4,661.2

 
$
2.9

Variable-to-fixed interest rate swap
 
Interest Expense
 
0.8

 

 
2.1

 

 
162.5

 
4.3

 

See Note 14 - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) for amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.


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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table summarizes the amount and location of gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for those derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:

 
 
 
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized During
Total of Financial
 
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
Statement Line
 
 
 Recognized in
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Item
 
 
  Net Income
 
2018

2017
 
2018
 
2017
2018
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
$
2.3

 
$
0.4

 
$
2.8

 
$
6.1

$
4,661.2

Currency forward contracts
 
Other Income (Expense), net
 
(0.5
)
 

 
1.3

 

(4.6
)
Currency option contracts
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 

 
0.3

 

 
1.4

4,661.2



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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

10.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

In 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07 - Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The amendments in this update require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of defined benefit pension cost and postretirement benefit cost (net benefit cost). The amendments also provide explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allow only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. This guidance became effective January 1, 2018 and requires a retrospective transition method for the income statement classification of the net benefit cost components and a prospective transition method for the capitalization of the service cost component in assets.

Upon adoption of this guidance, we now include the components of net benefit cost other than service cost in Other income (expense) in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We have not retrospectively restated the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2017 as the total of the components of net benefit cost other than service cost were immaterial for these periods. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the total of the components of net benefit cost other than service cost included in Other income (expense) was expense of $0.3 million and $0.8 million respectively, which excludes the curtailment shown in the table below. This curtailment was associated with a recent restructuring of certain benefit plans as a result of our integration of MPG and has been presented in the Restructuring and acquisition-related costs line item in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) are as follows:
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
1.1

 
$
0.7

 
$
3.2

 
$
2.6

Interest cost
 
6.9

 
7.2

 
20.6

 
21.4

Expected asset return
 
(11.4
)
 
(11.1
)
 
(34.4
)
 
(32.7
)
Amortized loss
 
2.2

 
1.9

 
6.6

 
5.4

Amortized prior service cost (credit)
 

 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
Curtailment
 

 

 
3.2

 

Settlement
 

 
2.9

 

 
2.9

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
1.5

 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
(0.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

Interest cost
 
3.1

 
3.3

 
9.3

 
9.9

Amortized loss
 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.6

 
0.5

Amortized prior service credit
 
(0.7
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(2.1
)
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
2.7

 
$
2.8

 
$
8.2

 
$
8.6


The noncurrent liabilities associated with our pension and other postretirement benefit plans are classified as Postretirement benefits and other long-term liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we have a noncurrent pension liability of $110.7 million and $134.7 million, respectively. In the first nine months of 2018, our AAM Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) was amended and restated to freeze

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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

further benefit accruals and the vesting of benefits, as well as new eligibility to participate in the SERP. As a result, we recorded a reduction of our noncurrent pension liability, as well as a reduction of the accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the SERP, of $11.6 million in the first nine months of 2018.

As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we have a noncurrent other postretirement benefits liability of $578.8 million and $583.0 million, respectively.

Due to the availability of our pre-funded pension balances (previous contributions in excess of prior required pension contributions) related to certain of our U.S. pension plans, we expect our regulatory pension funding requirements in 2018 to be approximately $2 million. We expect our cash payments for other postretirement benefit obligations in 2018, net of GM cost sharing, to be approximately $17 million.


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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

11.
PRODUCT WARRANTIES

We record a liability for estimated warranty obligations at the dates our products are sold. These estimates are established using sales volumes and internal and external warranty data where there is no payment history and historical information about the average cost of warranty claims for customers with prior claims. We estimate our costs based on the contractual arrangements with our customers, existing customer warranty terms and internal and external warranty data, which includes a determination of our warranty claims and actions taken to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims. We continuously evaluate these estimates and our customers' administration of their warranty programs. We closely monitor actual warranty claim data and adjust the liability, as necessary, on a quarterly basis.

The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the product warranty liability:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
58.4

 
$
47.9

 
$
49.5

 
$
42.9

     Accruals
 
4.4

 
4.4

 
14.9

 
14.0

Payments
 
(2.2
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(4.5
)
     Adjustment to prior period accruals
 
5.1

 
(3.7
)
 
4.9

 
(6.3
)
     Foreign currency translation
 
(0.2
)
 
0.2

 
(0.5
)
 
0.6

Ending balance
 
$
65.5

 
$
46.7

 
$
65.5

 
$
46.7




26

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

12.
INCOME TAXES

Tax Provision for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

We adjust our effective tax rate each quarter based on our estimated annual effective tax rate. We also record the tax impact of certain discrete, unusual or infrequently occurring items, including changes in judgment about valuation allowances and effects of changes in tax laws or rates, in the interim period in which they occur. In addition, jurisdictions with a projected loss for the year or a year-to-date loss where no tax benefit can be recognized are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate. The impact of such an exclusion could result in a higher or lower effective tax rate during a particular quarter, based upon the mix and timing of actual earnings versus annual projections.

Income tax expense was $11.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an effective income tax rate of 15.2%, as compared to $5.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, an effective income tax rate of 6.2%.  Income tax expense was $31.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an effective income tax rate of 9.3%, as compared to $15.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, an effective income tax rate of 6.3%. The current year income tax expense for both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 reflect the reduction in the U.S. statutory tax rate and other U.S. tax law changes as a result of the 2017 Act (defined below). 

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2018, is higher than our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as a result of a decrease in the proportionate share of income from lower tax rate jurisdictions, as well as an income tax benefit recorded in the third quarter of 2017 related to the re-evaluation of certain valuation allowance positions subsequent to the acquisition of MPG.

Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, is higher than our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, for the reasons stated above related to the three month period ended September 30, 2018, as well as a discrete tax expense related to the sale of the aftermarket business associated with our Powertrain segment. This was partially offset by a $20.0 million discrete tax benefit associated with the reduction of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits as described below.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, our effective income tax rates vary from the U.S. federal statutory rates of 21% and 35%, respectively, primarily due to favorable foreign tax rates, and tax credits, as well as the effect of the items noted above.

We operate in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world and the income tax returns of several subsidiaries in various tax jurisdictions are currently under examination. Based on the protocol of finalizing audits and advance pricing agreements with the relevant tax authorities, it is not possible to estimate the timing or impact of changes, if any, to previously recorded uncertain tax positions. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we have recorded a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits and related interest and penalties of $36.3 million and $55.2 million, respectively.

In the first nine months of 2018, we finalized an advance pricing agreement in a foreign jurisdiction, which resulted in a reduction of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties of $20.0 million. During the next 12 months, we may finalize another advance pricing agreement in a foreign jurisdiction, which could result in a cash payment to the relevant tax authorities and a reduction of our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties. We do not expect any potential settlement to be materially different from what we have recorded in unrecognized tax benefits. We will continue to monitor the progress and conclusions of current and future audits and other communications with tax authorities and will adjust our estimated liability as necessary.


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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Act) was enacted in the United States. The following is a summary of the key provisions of the 2017 Act:

Reduces the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate for corporations from 35% to 21%
Requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax (Transition Tax) on certain foreign earnings for which U.S. income tax was previously deferred
Generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries
Requires a current inclusion in U.S. federal taxable income of certain earnings of controlled foreign corporations (GILTI)
Creates a new limitation on deductible net interest expense incurred by U.S. corporations
Allows for immediate expensing of certain capital investments in the U.S. for the period September 27, 2017 through December 31, 2022
Creates a new base erosion anti-abuse minimum tax (BEAT)
Allows for a current deduction for a portion of foreign derived intangible income (FDII)

Following the enactment of the 2017 Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 to provide guidance on the accounting and reporting impacts of the 2017 Act. For the impact of changes resulting from the 2017 Act, under the guidance in SAB 118, we either 1) recorded an estimated provisional amount when the impact of the change could be reasonably estimated; or 2) continued to apply the accounting guidance that was in effect immediately prior to the 2017 Act when the impact of the change could not be reasonably estimated.

As of December 31, 2017, we had not yet completed our accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Act. In March 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. The guidance provides for a provisional one-year measurement period for entities to finalize their accounting for certain tax effects related to the 2017 Act. We expect to finalize the provisional amounts in the fourth quarter of 2018.

As of September 30, 2018, we estimated our annual effective tax rate for the full year 2018. We will continue to examine the potential impact of certain provisions of the 2017 Act that could affect our 2018 effective tax rate, including the provisions related to global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI), foreign derived intangible income (FDII), and the base erosion and anti-abuse tax (BEAT). We continue to evaluate the GILTI tax rules and have not yet adopted our policy to account for the related impacts.




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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

13.
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

We present earnings per share using the two-class method. This method allocates undistributed earnings between common shares and non-vested share based payment awards that entitle the holder to non-forfeitable dividend rights. Our participating securities include non-vested restricted stock units.

The following table sets forth the computation of our basic and diluted EPS available to shareholders of common stock (excluding participating securities):

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in millions, except per share data)
Numerator
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to AAM
 
$
63.8

 
$
86.2

 
$
304.3

 
$
230.8

    Less: Net income attributable to participating securities
 
(2.0
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(8.9
)
 
(5.1
)
Net income attributable to common shareholders - Basic and Dilutive
 
$
61.8

 
$
84.3

 
$
295.4

 
$
225.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominators
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic common shares outstanding -
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
   Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
115.3

 
113.9

 
115.0

 
101.5

        Less: Participating securities
 
(3.6
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(3.4
)
 
(2.3
)
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
111.7

 
111.3

 
111.6

 
99.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities -
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
   Dilutive stock-based compensation
 
1.0

 
0.4

 
0.7

 
0.4

 
 


 


 
 
 
 
Diluted shares outstanding -
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
   Adjusted weighted-average shares after assumed conversions
 
112.7

 
111.7

 
112.3

 
99.6

 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic EPS
 
$
0.55

 
$
0.76

 
$
2.65

 
$
2.28

 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
0.55

 
$
0.75

 
$
2.63

 
$
2.27

 


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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

14.
RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (AOCI)

Reclassification adjustments and other activity impacting accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 are as follows (in millions):

 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Unrecognized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
Balance at June 30, 2018
$
(238.5
)
 
$
(77.2
)
 
$
0.6

 
$
(315.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 
(11.9
)
 
12.8

 
0.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax effect of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

 
(0.7
)
 
(0.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
1.3

(a)

 
0.1

(b)
1.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes reclassified into net income
(0.3
)
 

 
0.2

 
(0.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
1.0

 
(11.9
)
 
12.4

 
1.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2018
$
(237.5
)
 
$
(89.1
)
 
$
13.0

 
$
(313.6
)


 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Unrecognized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
Balance at June 30, 2017
$
(242.9
)
 
$
(85.9
)
 
$
(3.3
)
 
$
(332.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 
42.8

 
0.4

 
43.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax effect of other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
4.1

(a)

 
0.7

(b)
4.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes reclassified into net income
(1.0
)
 

 

 
(1.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net current period other comprehensive income
3.1

 
42.8

 
1.1

 
47.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2017
$
(239.8
)
 
$
(43.1
)
 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
(285.1
)
(a)
The amount reclassified from AOCI included $1.5 million in cost of goods sold (COGS) and $(0.1) million in selling, general & administrative expenses (SG&A) for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and $4.2 million in COGS and $(0.1) million in SG&A for the three months ended September 30, 2017.
 
 
(b)
The amounts reclassified from AOCI included $0.9 million in COGS and $(0.8) million in interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and $0.7 million in COGS for the three months ended September 30, 2017.


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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Reclassification adjustments and other activity impacting accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 are as follows (in millions):

 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Unrecognized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
(252.0
)
 
$
(34.1
)
 
$
(6.6
)
 
$
(292.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
14.7

 
(55.2
)
 
19.7

 
(20.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax effect of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(3.6
)
 

 
(2.2
)
 
(5.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
4.6

(a)
0.2

 
1.6

(b)
6.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes reclassified into net income
(1.2
)
 

 
0.5

 
(0.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
14.5

 
(55.0
)
 
19.6

 
(20.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2018
$
(237.5
)
 
$
(89.1
)
 
$
13.0

 
$
(313.6
)


 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Unrecognized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
(243.5
)
 
$
(122.4
)
 
$
(23.7
)
 
$
(389.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(1.7
)
 
79.3

 
16.2

 
93.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax effect of other comprehensive income before reclassifications
0.6

 

 
0.7

 
1.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
6.6

(a)

 
4.6

(b)
11.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes reclassified into net income
(1.8
)
 

 

 
(1.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net current period other comprehensive income
3.7

 
79.3

 
21.5

 
104.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2017
$
(239.8
)
 
$
(43.1
)
 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
(285.1
)
(a)
The amount reclassified from AOCI included $4.5 million in cost of goods sold (COGS) and $0.1 million in selling, general & administrative expenses (SG&A) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $7.0 million in COGS and $(0.4) million in SG&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
 
 
(b)
The amounts reclassified from AOCI included $3.7 million in COGS and $(2.1) million in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $4.6 million in COGS for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.


31

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

15.
SEGMENT REPORTING

Our business is organized into four business units, each representing a reportable segment under ASC 280 Segment Reporting. The four segments are Driveline, Metal Forming, Powertrain and Casting. The results of each segment are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to assess the performance of the segment and make decisions regarding the allocation of resources to the segments. Refer to Note 2 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers for a description of our product offerings by segment.

We use Segment Adjusted EBITDA as the measure of earnings to assess the performance of each segment and determine the resources to be allocated to the segments. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA for our reportable segments excluding the impact of restructuring and acquisition-related costs, debt refinancing and redemption costs, gain on the sale of a business, and non-recurring items. The following tables represent information by reportable segment for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):



Three Months Ended September 30, 2018


Driveline

Metal Forming

Powertrain

Casting

Total
Sales

$
1,068.0


$
382.2


$
285.4


$
219.1


$
1,954.7

Less: intersegment sales

0.3


108.8


3.3


25.3


137.7

Net external sales
 
$
1,067.7


$
273.4


$
282.1


$
193.8


$
1,817.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
159.3

 
$
66.9

 
$
34.3

 
$
14.5

 
$
275.0



Three Months Ended September 30, 2017


Driveline

Metal Forming

Powertrain

Casting

Total
Sales

$
1,007.9


$
368.2


$
260.9


$
226.6


$
1,863.6

Less: intersegment sales

0.2


106.8


3.8


28.4


139.2

Net external sales
 
$
1,007.7


$
261.4


$
257.1


$
198.2


$
1,724.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
181.5

 
$
70.7

 
$
36.8

 
$
8.8

 
$
297.8


The following tables represent information by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
Driveline
 
Metal Forming
 
Powertrain
 
Casting
 
Total
Sales
 
$
3,258.8

 
$
1,176.3

 
$
865.6

 
$
701.3

 
$
6,002.0

Less: intersegment sales
 
0.7

 
324.0

 
12.9

 
88.1

 
425.7

Net external sales
 
$
3,258.1

 
$
852.3

 
$
852.7

 
$
613.2

 
$
5,576.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
514.2

 
$
231.3

 
$
131.4

 
$
63.0

 
$
939.9

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Driveline
 
Metal Forming
 
Powertrain
 
Casting
 
Total
Sales
 
$
3,028.7

 
$
887.5

 
$
544.5

 
$
452.2

 
$
4,912.9

Less: intersegment sales
 
1.1

 
315.1

 
6.0

 
58.6

 
380.8

Net external sales
 
$
3,027.6

 
$
572.4

 
$
538.5

 
$
393.6

 
$
4,532.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
513.7

 
$
170.5

 
$
88.7

 
$
34.3

 
$
807.2







32

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table represents a reconciliation of Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2018

2017

2018

2017
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
275.0

 
$
297.8

 
$
939.9

 
$
807.2

Interest expense
(54.9
)
 
(57.5
)
 
(162.5
)
 
(139.9
)
Depreciation and amortization
(132.9
)
 
(122.6
)
 
(390.9
)
 
(303.4
)
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
(11.7
)
 
(22.8
)
 
(66.8
)
 
(90.5
)
Pension settlement

 
(2.9
)
 

 
(2.9
)
Gain on sale of business

 

 
15.5

 

Gain on settlement of capital lease

 

 
15.6

 

Acquisition-related fair value inventory adjustment

 

 

 
(24.9
)
Impact of change in accounting principle

 

 

 
3.7

Debt refinancing and redemption costs

 

 
(14.6
)
 
(2.7
)
Income before income taxes
$
75.5

 
$
92.0

 
$
336.2

 
$
246.6



33

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

16.
SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Holdings has no significant assets other than its 100% ownership in AAM, Inc. and Metaldyne Performance Group, Inc. (MPG Inc.), and no direct subsidiaries other than AAM, Inc. and MPG Inc. The 7.75% Notes, 6.625% Notes, 6.50% Notes, 6.25% Notes (due 2026), and 6.25% Notes (due 2025) are senior unsecured obligations of AAM, Inc.; all of which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by Holdings and substantially all domestic subsidiaries of AAM, Inc. and MPG Inc.

These Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements are prepared under the equity method of accounting whereby the investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the parent’s share of the subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions, and other equity changes.
 
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holdings
 
AAM Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Elims
 
Consolidated
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
 
$

 
$
247.1

 
$
544.3

 
$
1,025.6

 
$

 
$
1,817.0

Intercompany
 

 
0.7

 
75.6

 
10.8

 
(87.1
)
 

Total net sales
 

 
247.8

 
619.9

 
1,036.4

 
(87.1
)
 
1,817.0

Cost of goods sold
 

 
220.6

 
594.2

 
821.9

 
(87.1
)
 
1,549.6

Gross profit
 

 
27.2

 
25.7

 
214.5

 

 
267.4

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 

 
63.4

 
19.6

 
13.3

 

 
96.3

Amortization of intangible assets
 

 
1.0

 
22.9

 
0.9

 

 
24.8

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
 

 
5.0

 
3.9

 
2.8

 

 
11.7

Operating income (loss)
 

 
(42.2
)
 
(20.7
)
 
197.5

 

 
134.6

Non-operating income (expense), net
 

 
(60.0
)
 
2.8

 
(1.9
)
 

 
(59.1
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 

 
(102.2
)
 
(17.9
)
 
195.6

 

 
75.5

Income tax expense (benefit)
 

 
(1.0
)
 
0.1

 
12.4

 

 
11.5

Earnings from equity in subsidiaries
 
63.8

 
68.1

 
33.8

 

 
(165.7
)
 

Net income (loss) before royalties
 
63.8

 
(33.1
)
 
15.8

 
183.2

 
(165.7
)
 
64.0

Royalties
 

 
87.6

 
0.7

 
(88.3
)
 

 

Net income after royalties
 
63.8

 
54.5

 
16.5

 
94.9

 
(165.7
)
 
64.0

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 
(0.2
)
 

 
(0.2
)
Net income attributable to AAM
 
$
63.8

 
$
54.5

 
$
16.5

 
$
94.7

 
$
(165.7
)
 
$
63.8

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
1.5

 
1.0

 
(10.3
)
 

 
9.3

 
1.5

Comprehensive income attributable to AAM
 
$
65.3

 
$
55.5

 
$
6.2

 
$
94.7

 
$
(156.4
)
 
$
65.3


34

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holdings
 
AAM Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Elims
 
Consolidated
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

External
 
$

 
$
250.0

 
$
529.0

 
$
945.4

 
$

 
$
1,724.4

Intercompany
 

 
0.2

 
80.0

 
7.0

 
(87.2
)
 

Total net sales
 

 
250.2

 
609.0

 
952.4

 
(87.2
)
 
1,724.4

Cost of goods sold
 

 
229.6

 
546.3

 
738.0

 
(87.2
)
 
1,426.7

Gross profit
 

 
20.6

 
62.7

 
214.4

 

 
297.7

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 

 
57.8

 
24.7

 
19.8

 

 
102.3

Amortization of intangible assets
 

 
1.5

 
22.3

 
0.6

 

 
24.4

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
 

 
21.6

 

 
1.2

 

 
22.8

Operating income (loss)
 

 
(60.3
)
 
15.7

 
192.8

 

 
148.2

Non-operating income (expense), net
 

 
(60.8
)
 
5.5

 
(0.9
)
 

 
(56.2
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 

 
(121.1
)
 
21.2

 
191.9

 

 
92.0

Income tax expense (benefit)
 

 
(29.0
)
 
17.8

 
16.9

 

 
5.7

Earnings from equity in subsidiaries
 
86.2

 
29.9

 
25.5

 

 
(141.6
)
 

Net income (loss) before royalties
 
86.2

 
(62.2
)
 
28.9

 
175.0

 
(141.6
)
 
86.3

Royalties
 

 
84.9

 
1.3

 
(86.2
)
 

 

Net income after royalties
 
86.2

 
22.7

 
30.2

 
88.8

 
(141.6
)
 
86.3

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.1
)
Net income attributable to AAM
 
$
86.2

 
$
22.7

 
$
30.2

 
$
88.7

 
$
(141.6
)
 
$
86.2

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
47.0

 
16.7

 
42.6

 
51.3

 
(110.6
)
 
47.0

Comprehensive income attributable to AAM
 
$
133.2

 
$
39.4

 
$
72.8

 
$
140.0

 
$
(252.2
)
 
$
133.2



35

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holdings
 
AAM Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Elims
 
Consolidated
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
 
$

 
$
851.4

 
$
1,699.2

 
$
3,025.7

 
$

 
$
5,576.3

Intercompany
 

 
4.0

 
231.6

 
31.1

 
(266.7
)
 

Total net sales
 

 
855.4

 
1,930.8

 
3,056.8

 
(266.7
)
 
5,576.3

Cost of goods sold
 

 
804.5

 
1,713.3

 
2,410.1

 
(266.7
)
 
4,661.2

Gross profit
 

 
50.9

 
217.5

 
646.7

 

 
915.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 

 
183.4

 
61.4

 
43.8

 

 
288.6

Amortization of intangible assets
 

 
3.9

 
68.0

 
2.6

 

 
74.5

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
 

 
31.1

 
31.8

 
3.9

 

 
66.8

Gain on sale of business
 

 

 
(15.5
)
 

 

 
(15.5
)
Operating income (loss)
 

 
(167.5
)
 
71.8

 
596.4

 

 
500.7

Non-operating income (expense), net
 

 
(193.8
)
 
11.0

 
18.3

 

 
(164.5
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 

 
(361.3
)
 
82.8

 
614.7

 

 
336.2

Income tax expense
 

 
8.1

 
0.6

 
22.7

 

 
31.4

Earnings from equity in subsidiaries
 
304.3

 
241.6

 
141.6

 

 
(687.5
)
 

Net income (loss) before royalties
 
304.3

 
(127.8
)
 
223.8

 
592.0

 
(687.5
)
 
304.8

Royalties
 

 
256.8

 
2.6

 
(259.4
)
 

 

Net income after royalties
 
304.3

 
129.0

 
226.4

 
332.6

 
(687.5
)
 
304.8

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 
(0.5
)
 

 
(0.5
)
Net income attributable to AAM
 
$
304.3

 
$
129.0

 
$
226.4

 
$
332.1

 
$
(687.5
)
 
$
304.3

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
(20.9
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(50.5
)
 
(37.3
)
 
90.4

 
(20.9
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AAM
 
$
283.4

 
$
126.4

 
$
175.9

 
$
294.8

 
$
(597.1
)
 
$
283.4



36

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holdings
 
AAM Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Elims
 
Consolidated
2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

External
 
$

 
$
806.9

 
$
1,139.8

 
$
2,585.4

 
$

 
$
4,532.1

Intercompany
 

 
2.4

 
214.7

 
19.9

 
(237.0
)
 

Total net sales
 

 
809.3

 
1,354.5

 
2,605.3

 
(237.0
)
 
4,532.1

Cost of goods sold
 

 
752.2

 
1,188.0

 
2,004.1

 
(237.0
)
 
3,707.3

Gross profit
 

 
57.1

 
166.5

 
601.2

 

 
824.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 

 
196.0

 
45.7

 
47.4

 

 
289.1

Amortization of intangible assets
 

 
4.3

 
45.0

 
1.5

 

 
50.8

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
 

 
87.0

 

 
3.5

 

 
90.5

Operating income (loss)
 

 
(230.2
)
 
75.8

 
548.8

 

 
394.4

Non-operating income (expense), net
 

 
(148.7
)
 
14.9

 
(14.0
)
 

 
(147.8
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 

 
(378.9
)
 
90.7

 
534.8

 

 
246.6

Income tax expense (benefit)
 

 
(62.2
)
 
42.0

 
35.8

 

 
15.6

Earnings from equity in subsidiaries
 
230.8

 
202.9

 
41.4

 

 
(475.1
)
 

Net income (loss) before royalties
 
230.8

 
(113.8
)
 
90.1

 
499.0

 
(475.1
)
 
231.0

Royalties
 

 
253.6

 
2.6

 
(256.2
)
 

 

Net income after royalties
 
230.8

 
139.8

 
92.7

 
242.8

 
(475.1
)
 
231.0

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 
(0.2
)
 

 
(0.2
)
Net income attributable to AAM
 
$
230.8

 
$
139.8

 
$
92.7

 
$
242.6

 
$
(475.1
)
 
$
230.8

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
104.5

 
55.3

 
74.7

 
94.8

 
(224.8
)
 
104.5

Comprehensive income attributable to AAM
 
$
335.3

 
$
195.1

 
$
167.4

 
$
337.4

 
$
(699.9
)
 
$
335.3






37

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holdings
 
AAM Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Elims
 
Consolidated
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
129.2

 
$
0.2

 
$
310.0

 
$

 
$
439.4

    Accounts receivable, net
 

 
174.4

 
351.8

 
745.6

 

 
1,271.8

    Intercompany receivables
 

 
2,986.5

 
1,876.2

 
90.1

 
(4,952.8
)
 

    Inventories, net
 

 
40.6

 
150.1

 
252.9

 

 
443.6

    Prepaid expenses and other
 

 
39.4

 
5.9

 
98.3

 

 
143.6

Total current assets
 

 
3,370.1

 
2,384.2

 
1,496.9

 
(4,952.8
)
 
2,298.4

Property, plant and equipment, net
 

 
278.0

 
752.5

 
1,437.4

 

 
2,467.9

Goodwill
 

 

 
1,204.5

 
428.5

 

 
1,633.0

Intangible assets, net
 

 
18.6

 
1,083.7

 
32.9

 

 
1,135.2

Intercompany notes and accounts receivable
 

 
1,320.5

 
142.9

 

 
(1,463.4
)
 

Other assets and deferred charges
 

 
339.3

 
119.5

 
252.8

 

 
711.6

Investment in subsidiaries
 
3,143.5

 
2,236.3

 
1,711.5

 

 
(7,091.3
)
 

Total assets
 
$
3,143.5

 
$
7,562.8

 
$
7,398.8

 
$
3,648.5

 
$
(13,507.5
)
 
$
8,246.1

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current portion of long-term debt
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
16.5

 
$

 
$
16.5

Accounts payable
 

 
147.1

 
252.7

 
546.6

 

 
946.4

Intercompany payables
 

 
1,716.8

 
3,162.0

 
74.0

 
(4,952.8
)
 

Accrued expenses and other
 

 
173.3

 
45.8

 
232.1

 

 
451.2

Total current liabilities
 

 
2,037.2

 
3,460.5

 
869.2

 
(4,952.8
)
 
1,414.1

Intercompany notes and accounts payable
 
1,304.9

 
56.1

 

 
102.4

 
(1,463.4
)
 

Long-term debt, net
 

 
3,775.2

 
3.2

 
95.9

 

 
3,874.3

Other long-term liabilities
 

 
549.8

 
332.2

 
237.0

 

 
1,119.0

Total liabilities
 
1,304.9

 
6,418.3

 
3,795.9

 
1,304.5

 
(6,416.2
)
 
6,407.4

Total AAM Stockholders’ equity
 
1,836.5

 
1,144.5

 
3,602.9

 
2,341.9

 
(7,089.2
)
 
1,836.6

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
2.1

 

 

 
2.1

 
(2.1
)
 
2.1

Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,838.6

 
1,144.5

 
3,602.9

 
2,344.0

 
(7,091.3
)
 
1,838.7

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
3,143.5

 
$
7,562.8

 
$
7,398.8

 
$
3,648.5

 
$
(13,507.5
)
 
$
8,246.1


38

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holdings
 
AAM Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Elims
 
Consolidated
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$
91.9

 
$
0.1

 
$
284.8

 
$

 
$
376.8

    Accounts receivable, net
 

 
138.9

 
287.9

 
609.1

 

 
1,035.9

    Intercompany receivables
 

 
3,475.2

 
479.9

 
7.5

 
(3,962.6
)
 

    Inventories, net
 

 
37.2

 
147.4

 
207.4

 

 
392.0

    Prepaid expenses and other
 

 
40.4

 
9.9

 
90.0

 

 
140.3

Total current assets
 

 
3,783.6

 
925.2

 
1,198.8

 
(3,962.6
)
 
1,945.0

Property, plant and equipment, net
 

 
250.9

 
786.8

 
1,365.2

 

 
2,402.9

Goodwill
 

 

 
1,218.4

 
435.9

 

 
1,654.3

Intangible assets, net
 

 
21.0

 
1,155.6

 
35.9

 

 
1,212.5

Intercompany notes and accounts receivable
 
11.7

 

 
243.5

 

 
(255.2
)
 

Other assets and deferred charges
 

 
349.1

 
122.8

 
196.2

 

 
668.1

Investment in subsidiaries
 
2,841.3

 
1,955.2

 
1,280.1

 

 
(6,076.6
)
 

Total assets
 
$
2,853.0

 
$
6,359.8

 
$
5,732.4

 
$
3,232.0

 
$
(10,294.4
)
 
$
7,882.8

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current portion of long-term debt
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5.9

 
$

 
$
5.9

Accounts payable
 

 
139.0

 
204.6

 
455.4

 

 
799.0

Intercompany payables
 
1,313.0

 
563.7

 
2,017.7

 
68.2

 
(3,962.6
)
 

Accrued expenses and other
 

 
181.6

 
52.4

 
177.5

 

 
411.5

Total current liabilities
 
1,313.0

 
884.3

 
2,274.7

 
707.0

 
(3,962.6
)
 
1,216.4

Intercompany notes and accounts payable
 

 
11.7

 

 
243.5

 
(255.2
)
 

Long-term debt, net
 

 
3,894.6

 
4.4

 
70.3

 

 
3,969.3

Other long-term liabilities
 

 
639.1

 
333.2

 
184.8

 

 
1,157.1

Total liabilities
 
1,313.0

 
5,429.7

 
2,612.3

 
1,205.6

 
(4,217.8
)
 
6,342.8

Total AAM Stockholders’ equity
 
1,536.0

 
930.1

 
3,120.1

 
2,022.4

 
(6,072.6
)
 
1,536.0

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 
4.0

 

 

 
4.0

 
(4.0
)
 
4.0

Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,540.0

 
930.1

 
3,120.1

 
2,026.4

 
(6,076.6
)
 
1,540.0

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
2,853.0

 
$
6,359.8

 
$
5,732.4

 
$
3,232.0

 
$
(10,294.4
)
 
$
7,882.8


39

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holdings
 
AAM Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Elims
 
Consolidated
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$

 
$
240.0

 
$
103.0

 
$
170.2

 
$

 
$
513.2

Investing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 

 
(51.8
)
 
(121.2
)
 
(218.8
)
 

 
(391.8
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
 

 

 
2.7

 
0.5

 

 
3.2

Purchase buyouts of leased equipment
 

 

 
(0.5
)
 

 

 
(0.5
)
Proceeds from sale of business, net
 

 

 
42.7

 
4.4

 

 
47.1

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
 

 

 

 
(1.3
)
 

 
(1.3
)
Intercompany activity
 

 

 
(43.8
)
 
43.8

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities
 

 
(51.8
)
 
(120.1
)
 
(171.4
)
 

 
(343.3
)
Financing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net debt activity
 

 
(140.3
)
 
(0.6
)
 
54.2

 

 
(86.7
)
Debt issuance costs
 

 
(6.9
)
 

 

 

 
(6.9
)
Purchase of treasury stock
 
(3.7
)
 

 

 

 

 
(3.7
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
(2.2
)
 

 

 
(2.2
)
Intercompany activity
 
3.7


(3.7
)
 
22.5

 
(22.5
)
 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 

 
(150.9
)
 
19.7

 
31.7

 

 
(99.5
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 

 

 

 
(5.3
)
 

 
(5.3
)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 

 
37.3

 
2.6

 
25.2

 

 
65.1

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
 

 
91.9

 
0.1

 
284.8

 

 
376.8

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
 
$

 
$
129.2

 
$
2.7

 
$
310.0

 
$

 
$
441.9


40

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holdings
 
AAM Inc.
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Elims
 
Consolidated
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$

 
$
276.4

 
$
9.0

 
$
135.3

 
$

 
$
420.7

Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 

 
(43.1
)
 
(73.3
)
 
(162.3
)
 

 
(278.7
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
 

 
0.3

 
0.3

 
1.1

 

 
1.7

Purchase buyouts of leased equipment
 

 
(12.6
)
 

 

 

 
(12.6
)
Proceeds from sale of business, net
 

 
7.5

 
(1.6
)
 

 

 
5.9

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
 

 
(953.5
)
 
64.6

 
(6.6
)
 

 
(895.5
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 

 
(1,001.4
)
 
(10.0
)
 
(167.8
)
 

 
(1,179.2
)
Financing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net debt activity
 

 
926.1

 
(0.5
)
 
(12.1
)
 

 
913.5

Debt issuance costs
 

 
(90.8
)
 

 

 

 
(90.8
)
Employee stock option exercises
 

 
0.9

 

 

 

 
0.9

Purchase of treasury stock
 
(7.0
)
 

 

 

 

 
(7.0
)
Intercompany activity
 
7.0

 
(7.0
)
 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 

 
829.2

 
(0.5
)
 
(12.1
)
 

 
816.6

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 

 

 

 
10.3

 

 
10.3

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 

 
104.2

 
(1.5
)
 
(34.3
)
 

 
68.4

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
 

 
84.3

 
1.6

 
395.3

 

 
481.2

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
 
$

 
$
188.5

 
$
0.1

 
$
361.0

 
$

 
$
549.6



41



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

This management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Unless the context otherwise requires, references to "we," "our," "us" or "AAM" shall mean collectively (i) American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (Holdings), a Delaware corporation, (ii) American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (AAM, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, and, (iii) Metaldyne Performance Group, Inc. (MPG) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. AAM Inc. and MPG are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Holdings.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We are a global Tier 1 supplier to the automotive, commercial and industrial markets. We design, engineer, validate and manufacture driveline, metal forming, powertrain and casting products, employing over 25,000 associates, operating at nearly 90 facilities in 17 countries, to support our customers on global and regional platforms with a continued focus on delivering operational excellence, technology leadership and quality.

We are the principal supplier of driveline components to General Motors Company (GM) for its full-size rear-wheel drive (RWD) light trucks and SUVs manufactured in North America, supplying a significant portion of GM’s rear axle and four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (4WD/AWD) axle requirements for these vehicle platforms.  We also supply GM with various products from our Metal Forming, Powertrain and Casting segments. Sales to GM were approximately 41% of our consolidated net sales in the first nine months of 2018, 49% of our consolidated net sales in the first nine months of 2017 and 47% of our consolidated net sales for the full year of 2017.

We also supply driveline system products to FCA US LLC (FCA) for heavy-duty Ram full-size pickup trucks and its derivatives, the AWD Jeep Cherokee, and a passenger car driveshaft program. In addition, we sell various products to FCA from each of our Metal Forming, Powertrain and Casting segments. Sales to FCA were approximately 13% of our consolidated net sales in the first nine months of 2018, and 14% of our consolidated net sales in the first nine months of 2017 and for the full year of 2017.

In addition to GM and FCA, we are a supplier to several major automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers, as well as to customers in the commercial and industrial markets. Our consolidated net sales to customers other than GM increased to $3,275.7 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $2,327.5 million in the first nine months of 2017. This increase is primarily attributable to our acquisition of MPG, which occurred in the second quarter of 2017.

42



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS –– THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AS COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Net Sales  Net sales increased to $1,817.0 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $1,724.4 million in the third quarter of 2017.  Our sales in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to the third quarter of 2017, reflect an increase in production volumes related to crossover vehicles and increased production volumes from program launches associated with our new business backlog, partially offset by a reduction in production volumes for the North American light truck and SUV programs we currently support in preparation for program changeovers to occur in 2018. Net sales were also impacted by an increase of approximately $13 million related to metal market pass-throughs to our customers and the impact of foreign exchange related to translation adjustments.

Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold was $1,549.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $1,426.7 million in the third quarter of 2017. The change in cost of goods sold principally reflects the impact of increased sales, as well as an increase of approximately $13 million related to metal market pass-through costs and the impact of foreign exchange. The change in cost of goods sold also reflects increased material and freight costs, as well as costs associated with increased levels of global launch activity in the three months ended September 30, 2018. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, material costs were approximately 58% of total costs of goods sold as compared to approximately 60% for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

Gross Profit   Gross profit was $267.4 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $297.7 million in the third quarter of 2017.  Gross margin was 14.7% in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to 17.3% in the third quarter of 2017.  Gross profit and gross margin were impacted by the factors discussed in Net Sales and Cost of Goods Sold above.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)  SG&A (including research and development (R&D)) was $96.3 million or 5.3% of net sales in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $102.3 million or 5.9% of net sales in the third quarter of 2017.  R&D spending was approximately $37.7 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $41.0 million in the third quarter of 2017. The change in SG&A in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to the third quarter of 2017, primarily reflects lower R&D spending and the positive impact of achieving synergies associated with the acquisition of MPG.

Amortization of Intangible Assets As a result of the USM Mexico acquisition on March 1, 2017 and the MPG acquisition on April 6, 2017, we recognized $1,254.8 million of intangible assets. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $24.8 million and $24.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.

Restructuring and Acquisition-Related Costs Restructuring and acquisition-related costs were $11.7 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $22.8 million in the third quarter of 2017. As part of our restructuring actions, we incurred severance charges of approximately $0.3 million, as well as implementation costs, including professional expenses, of approximately $3.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018. This compares to severance charges of $0.2 million and implementation charges of $6.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

In the three months ended September 30, 2018, we initiated actions to exit operations at a manufacturing facility in our Driveline segment. As a result of these actions, we were required to assess the associated long-lived assets for impairment. Based on our analysis, assets that were not to be redeployed to other AAM facilities were determined to be fully impaired resulting in a charge of $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

In 2017, we completed the acquisitions of MPG and USM Mexico. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, we incurred $0.1 million of acquisition-related costs and $5.3 million of integration expenses associated with these acquisitions. This compares to $1.0 million of acquisition-related costs, $1.4 million of acquisition-related severance charges and $13.7 million of integration expenses related to these acquisitions during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

Acquisition-related costs primarily consist of advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and certain other professional or consulting fees incurred. Integration expenses reflect costs incurred for information technology systems, ongoing operational activities, and consulting fees incurred in conjunction with the acquisitions.

Operating Income  Operating income was $134.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $148.2 million in the third quarter of 2017.  Operating margin was 7.4% in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to 8.6% in the third quarter of 2017.  The changes in operating income and operating margin were due to factors discussed in Net Sales, Cost of Goods Sold, SG&A and Restructuring and Acquisition-Related Costs above.


43



Interest Expense and Investment Income  Interest expense was $54.9 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $57.5 million in the third quarter of 2017.  Investment income was $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2017

The weighted-average interest rate of our long-term debt outstanding was 5.9% in the third quarter of 2018 and 5.6% in the third quarter of 2017.

Other Income (Expense), Net Other income (expense), net includes the net effect of foreign exchange gains and losses, our proportionate share of earnings from equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries, and all components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs other than service cost. Other income (expense), net was expense of $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to income of $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2017.

Income Tax Expense  Income tax expense was $11.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $5.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.  Our effective income tax rate was 15.2% in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to 6.2% in the third quarter of 2017.

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2018 is higher than our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of a decrease in the proportionate share of income from lower tax rate jurisdictions, as well as an income tax benefit recorded in the third quarter of 2017 related to the re-evaluation of certain valuation allowance positions subsequent to the acquisition of MPG. These factors also impacted our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the U.S. statutory rate.

Net Income Attributable to AAM and Earnings Per Share (EPS) Net income attributable to AAM was $63.8 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $86.2 million in the third quarter of 2017. Diluted EPS was $0.55 per share in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $0.75 per share in the third quarter of 2017.

Net income attributable to AAM and EPS for the third quarters of 2018 and 2017 were primarily impacted by the factors discussed in Net Sales, Cost of Goods Sold, SG&A, Restructuring and Acquisition-Related Costs, and Income Tax Expense above.

44



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS –– NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AS COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Net Sales  Net sales increased to $5,576.3 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $4,532.1 million in the first nine months of 2017.  Our sales in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to the first nine months of 2017, reflect an increase in production volumes related to crossover vehicles and increased production volumes from program launches associated with our new business backlog, partially offset by a reduction in production volumes for the North American light truck and SUV programs we currently support in preparation for program changeovers in 2018. Net sales were also impacted by an increase of approximately $78 million related to metal market pass-throughs to our customers and the impact of foreign exchange related to translation adjustments, as well as approximately $738 million related to the inclusion of nine months of MPG sales in 2018, as compared to six months of MPG sales in 2017, as the acquisition was completed in April 2017.

Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold was $4,661.2 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $3,707.3 million in the first nine months of 2017. The change in cost of goods sold principally reflects the impact of increased sales, as well as an increase in project expense and costs associated with increased levels of global launch activity in 2018. Cost of goods sold was also impacted by an increase of approximately $78 million related to metal market pass-through costs and the impact of foreign exchange, as well as an increase of approximately $639 million attributable to the inclusion of nine months of MPG cost of goods sold in 2018, as compared to six months of MPG cost of goods sold in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, material costs were approximately 59% of total costs of goods sold as compared to approximately 63% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Gross Profit  Gross profit increased to $915.1 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $824.8 million in the first nine months of 2017. Gross margin was 16.4% in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to 18.2% in the first nine months of 2017. Gross profit and gross margin were impacted by the factors discussed in Net Sales and Cost of Goods Sold above.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)  SG&A (including research and development (R&D)) was $288.6 million or 5.2% of net sales in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $289.1 million or 6.4% of net sales in the first nine months of 2017.  R&D spending was approximately $110.3 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $123.0 million in the first nine months of 2017. The change in SG&A in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to the first nine months of 2017, reflects approximately $25 million associated with the inclusion of nine months of MPG SG&A in 2018 as compared to six months of MPG SG&A in 2017, which was offset by lower R&D spending and the achievement of synergies as a result of the acquisition of MPG.

Amortization of Intangible Assets As a result of the USM Mexico acquisition on March 1, 2017 and the MPG acquisition on April 6, 2017, we recognized $1,254.8 million of intangible assets. Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $74.5 million as compared to $50.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in amortization expense was attributable to the impact of nine months of amortization on the MPG intangibles in 2018 as compared to six months of amortization in 2017.

Restructuring and Acquisition-Related Costs Restructuring and acquisition-related costs were $66.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $90.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. As part of our restructuring actions, we incurred severance charges of approximately $2.3 million and $1.7 million, as well as implementation costs, including professional expenses, of approximately $8.8 million and $13.5 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We expect to incur up to $45 million of total restructuring charges in 2018. The increase in estimated restructuring charges, which was previously disclosed as a range of $10 to $20 million for the full year 2018, is the result of the non-cash impairment charges described below.

In the first nine months of 2018, we initiated actions to exit operations at manufacturing facilities in our Driveline, Metal Forming and Powertrain segments. As a result of these actions, we were required to assess the associated long-lived assets for impairment. Based on our analysis, assets that were not to be redeployed to other AAM facilities were determined to be fully impaired resulting in a charge of $26.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
In 2017, we completed the acquisitions of MPG and USM Mexico. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we incurred $1.2 million of acquisition-related costs and $27.9 million of integration expenses associated with these acquisitions. This compares to $40.7 million of acquisition-related costs, acquisition-related severance charges of $5.6 million and $29.0 million of integration expenses related to these acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.


45



Acquisition-related costs primarily consist of advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and certain other professional or consulting fees incurred. Also included in acquisition-related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was a one-time charge of approximately $20 million for MPG stock-based compensation that was accelerated and settled as a result of the acquisition. Integration expenses reflect costs incurred for information technology systems, ongoing operational activities, and consulting fees incurred in conjunction with the acquisitions. We expect to incur additional acquisition and integration charges of approximately $10 million throughout the remainder of 2018, primarily in conjunction with the integration of MPG.

Gain on Sale of Business In April 2018, we completed the sale of the aftermarket business associated with our Powertrain segment for approximately $50 million. As a result we recorded a $15.5 million pre-tax gain, which is disclosed in the Gain on sale of business line item of our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Operating Income  Operating income increased to $500.7 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $394.4 million in the first nine months of 2017.  Operating margin increased to 9.0% in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to 8.7% in the first nine months of 2017.  The changes in operating income and operating margin were due to factors discussed in Net Sales, Cost of Goods Sold, SG&A, Amortization of Intangible Assets, Restructuring and Acquisition-Related Costs and Gain on Sale of Business above.

Interest Expense and Investment Income  Interest expense was $162.5 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $139.9 million in the first nine months of 2017.   Investment income was $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $2.2 million in the first nine months of 2017

The change in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is primarily attributable to additional interest expense incurred on borrowings outstanding under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities entered into in April 2017, as well as on $700.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due 2025 and $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior notes due 2027, which were issued in March 2017.

We expect our interest expense to be $210 million to $220 million for the full year 2018. The weighted-average interest rate of our long-term debt outstanding was 5.8% for both the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Debt Refinancing and Redemption Costs In March 2018, we made a tender offer for our 6.25% Notes due 2021. Under this tender offer, we retired $383.1 million of the 6.25% Notes due 2021. We redeemed the remaining $16.9 million of the 6.25% Notes due 2021 during the second quarter of 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we expensed $2.5 million for the write-off of the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs that we had been amortizing over the expected life of the borrowing and $8.0 million in tender premiums.

In May 2018, we voluntarily redeemed a portion of our 6.625% Notes due 2022. This resulted in a principal payment of $100.0 million, and a payment of $0.8 million in accrued interest. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we expensed $0.8 million for the write-off of a portion of the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs that we had been amortizing over the expected life of the borrowing and $3.3 million for an early redemption premium.

Gain on Settlement of Capital Lease In the second quarter of 2018, we reached a settlement agreement related to a capital lease obligation that we had recognized as a result of the acquisition of MPG. This settlement resulted in a gain of $15.6 million, including accrued interest.

Other Income (Expense), Net Other income (expense), net includes the net effect of foreign exchange gains and losses, our proportionate share of earnings from equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries, and all components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs other than service cost. Other income (expense), net was expense of $4.6 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to expense of $7.4 million in the first nine months of 2017.

Income Tax Expense  Income tax expense was $31.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $15.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  Our effective income tax rate was 9.3% in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to 6.3% in the first nine months of 2017.

Our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is higher than our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of a decrease in the proportionate share of income from lower tax rate jurisdictions and certain discrete items in both periods. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded a discrete tax expense related to the sale of the aftermarket business associated with our Powertrain segment and a $20.0 million discrete tax benefit associated with finalizing an advance pricing agreement in a foreign jurisdiction. During the nine months

46



ended September 30, 2017, we recorded an income tax benefit related to the re-evaluation of certain valuation allowance positions subsequent to the acquisition of MPG. These factors also impacted our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the U.S. statutory rate.

Net Income Attributable to AAM and Earnings Per Share (EPS) Net income attributable to AAM increased to $304.3 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $230.8 million in the first nine months of 2017. Diluted EPS increased to $2.63 per share in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $2.27 per share in the first nine months of 2017. Primarily as a result of the issuance of AAM common shares in conjunction with the acquisition of MPG, our EPS denominator increased by approximately 12 million shares in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to the first nine months of 2017.

Net income attributable to AAM and EPS for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 were primarily impacted by the factors discussed in Net Sales, Cost of Goods Sold, SG&A, Amortization of Intangible Assets, Restructuring and Acquisition-Related Costs, Gain on Sale of Business, Debt Refinancing and Redemption Costs, Gain on Settlement of Capital Lease and Income Tax Expense above, as well as the impact of additional shares issued as a result of the acquisition of MPG.


47



SEGMENT REPORTING

Our business is organized into four operating segments, each representing a reportable segment under ASC 280 Segment Reporting. The four segments are Driveline, Metal Forming, Powertrain and Casting. The results of each segment are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to assess the performance of the segment and make decisions regarding the allocation of resources.

Our product offerings by segment are as follows:

Driveline products consist primarily of axles, driveshafts, power transfer units, rear drive modules, transfer cases, and electric and hybrid driveline products and systems for light trucks, SUVs, crossover vehicles, passenger cars and commercial vehicles;
Metal Forming products consist primarily of axle and transmission shafts, ring and pinion gears, differential gears, transmission gears, and suspension components for Original Equipment Manufacturers and Tier 1 automotive suppliers;
The Powertrain segment products consist primarily of transmission module and differential assemblies, transmission valve bodies, connecting rod forging and assemblies, torsional vibration dampers, and variable valve timing products for Original Equipment Manufacturers and Tier I automotive suppliers; and
The Casting segment produces both thin wall castings and high strength ductile iron castings, as well as differential cases, steering knuckles, control arms, brackets, and turbo charger housings for the global light vehicle, commercial and industrial markets.

The following table represents sales by reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Driveline
$
1,068.0

 
$
1,007.9

 
$
3,258.8

 
$
3,028.7

Metal Forming
382.2

 
368.2

 
1,176.3

 
887.5

Powertrain
285.4

 
260.9

 
865.6

 
544.5

Casting
219.1

 
226.6

 
701.3

 
452.2

Eliminations
(137.7
)
 
(139.2
)
 
(425.7
)
 
(380.8
)
Net Sales
$
1,817.0

 
$
1,724.4

 
$
5,576.3

 
$
4,532.1


The increase in Driveline sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily reflect an increase in production volumes related to crossover vehicles and increased production volumes from program launches associated with our new business backlog, which was partially offset by a reduction in production volumes for the North American light truck and SUV programs we currently support in preparation for program changeovers in 2018. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, were also impacted by an increase related to metal market pass-throughs to our customers and the impact of foreign exchange related to translation adjustments of approximately $33 million.

The increase in net sales in our Metal Forming segment in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, reflect an increase of approximately $10 million and $41 million, respectively, in metal market pass-throughs to our customers and the impact of foreign exchange related to translation adjustments. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is also attributable to the acquisition of MPG, which occurred in the second quarter of 2017.

The increase in net sales in our Powertrain segment in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, was primarily related to an increase in production volumes from program launches associated with our new business backlog. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of MPG, as AAM did not have Powertrain operations prior to the acquisition of MPG.


48



The change in net sales in our Casting segment in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, reflects reduced production volumes, partially offset by an increase of approximately $6 million in metal market pass-throughs to our customers. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is primarily attributable to the acquisition of MPG, as AAM did not have Casting operations prior to the acquisition of MPG.

We use Segment Adjusted EBITDA as the measure of earnings to assess the performance of each segment and determine the resources to be allocated to the segments. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA for our reportable segments excluding the impact of restructuring and acquisition-related costs, debt refinancing and redemption costs, gain on the sale of a business, and non-recurring items.

The amounts for Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Driveline
$
159.3

 
$
181.5

 
$
514.2

 
$
513.7

Metal Forming
66.9

 
70.7

 
231.3

 
170.5

Powertrain
34.3

 
36.8

 
131.4

 
88.7

Casting
14.5

 
8.8

 
63.0

 
34.3

Total Segment adjusted EBITDA
$
275.0

 
$
297.8

 
$
939.9

 
$
807.2


For the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, the change in Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Driveline segment was primarily attributable to increased material and freight costs, as well as costs associated with increased levels of global launch activity in 2018.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the increase in Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Driveline Segment was primarily attributable to contribution margin on increased sales, as well as the positive impact of vertically integrating our supply chain realized as a result of our acquisition of USM Mexico. This was partially offset by an increase in project expense of approximately $19 million, as well as an increase in material and freight costs, and costs associated with increased levels of global launch activity in 2018.

The change in Metal Forming Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, was primarily attributable to increased material and freight costs. The increase in Metal Forming Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is primarily attributable to the acquisition of MPG, which occurred in the second quarter of 2017.

The change in Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Powertrain segment for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, was primarily attributable to costs associated with increased levels of global launch activity. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is primarily attributable to the acquisition of MPG.

Casting experienced an increase in Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily attributable to lower net manufacturing costs. The increase in Segment Adjusted EBITDA in the Casting segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is primarily attributable to the acquisition of MPG.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP and GAAP Information

In addition to results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) in this MD&A, we have provided certain non-GAAP financial measures such as EBITDA and Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Such information is reconciled to its closest GAAP measure in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules below.

We define EBITDA to be earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA for our reportable segments excluding the impact of restructuring and acquisition-related costs, debt refinancing and redemption costs, gain on the sale of a business, and non-recurring items. We believe that

49



EBITDA and Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA are meaningful measures of performance as they are commonly utilized by management and investors to analyze operating performance and entity valuation. Our management, the investment community and the banking institutions routinely use EBITDA and Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA, together with other measures, to measure our operating performance relative to other Tier 1 automotive suppliers and to assess the relative mix of Adjusted EBITDA by segment. We also believe that Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure as it is used for operational planning and decision-making purposes. These non-GAAP financial measures are not and should not be considered a substitute for any GAAP measure. Additionally, non-GAAP financial measures as presented by AAM may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
$
64.0

 
$
86.3

 
$
304.8

 
$
231.0

Interest expense
54.9

 
57.5

 
162.5

 
139.9

Income tax expense
11.5

 
5.7

 
31.4

 
15.6

Depreciation and amortization
132.9

 
122.6

 
390.9

 
303.4

EBITDA
$
263.3

 
$
272.1

 
$
889.6

 
$
689.9

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
11.7

 
22.8

 
66.8

 
90.5

Debt refinancing and redemption costs

 

 
14.6

 
2.7

Gain on sale of business

 

 
(15.5
)
 

Non-recurring items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on settlement of capital lease

 

 
(15.6
)
 

Pension settlement

 
2.9

 

 
2.9

Acquisition-related fair value inventory adjustment

 

 

 
24.9

Impact of change in accounting principle

 

 

 
(3.7
)
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA
$
275.0

 
$
297.8

 
$
939.9

 
$
807.2



50



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary liquidity needs are to fund debt service obligations, capital expenditures and working capital requirements, in addition to advancing our strategic initiatives.  We believe that operating cash flow, available cash and cash equivalent balances and available committed borrowing capacity under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities will be sufficient to meet these needs. 

Operating Activities  In the first nine months of 2018, net cash provided by operating activities increased to $513.2 million as compared to $420.7 million in the first nine months of 2017.  The following factors impacted cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to the first nine months of 2017:

Net income Net income increased to $304.8 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $231.0 million in the first nine months of 2017. The increase in net income in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to the first nine months of 2017, was the result of the factors discussed in the Results of Operations - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 as Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 section of this MD&A.

Accounts receivable For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we experienced a decrease in cash flow from operating activities of approximately $117 million related to the change in our accounts receivable balance from December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018, as compared to the change in accounts receivable from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017. This change was attributable to increased sales in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to the first nine months of 2017, as well as the timing of payments from customers.

Inventories For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we experienced a decrease in cash flow from operating activities of approximately $64 million related to the change in our inventories from December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018, as compared to the change in inventories from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017. The increase in inventories in the first nine months of 2018 was in preparation for program changeovers and new launch activity to occur throughout the remainder of 2018.

Accounts payable and accrued expenses For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we experienced an increase in cash flow from operating activities of approximately $123 million primarily related to the change in our accounts payable balance from December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018, as compared to the change in accounts payable balance from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017. This change was attributable to an increase in purchases in preparation for program changeovers to occur throughout the remainder of 2018, as well as the timing of payments to suppliers.

Also, in the first nine months of 2017, we settled accounts payable balances with USM Mexico and MPG totaling approximately $35 million, which was reflected as a reduction of cash flow from operating activities in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Refer to Note 4 - Business Combinations for further detail.

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs For the full year 2018, we expect to incur cash charges for restructuring, as well as acquisition and integration related cash charges, totaling approximately $60 to $75 million.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits  (OPEB)  Due to the availability of our pre-funded pension balances (previous contributions in excess of prior required pension contributions) related to certain of our U.S. pension plans, we expect our regulatory pension funding requirements in 2018 to be approximately $2 million. We expect our cash payments for other postretirement benefit obligations in 2018, net of GM cost sharing, to be approximately $17 million.

Investing Activities  In the first nine months of 2018, net cash used in investing activities was $343.3 million as compared to $1,179.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Capital expenditures were $391.8 million in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to $278.7 million in the first nine months of 2017.  The increase in capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to the first nine months of 2017, was primarily the result of preparation for our global program launches within our new and incremental business backlog occurring throughout 2018. We expect our capital spending to be approximately 7.5% to 8% of sales in 2018.

In the first nine months of 2018, we completed the sale of the aftermarket business associated with our Powertrain segment. As a result of this sale, we received net proceeds of approximately $47 million.

In the first nine months of 2017, we completed our acquisitions of MPG and USM Mexico. The purchase price for MPG was approximately $1.5 billion, which included a cash portion of approximately $750 million, net of cash acquired. For the acquisition of USM Mexico, we paid $144.1 million, net of cash acquired, during the first nine months of 2017.

51




Financing Activities  In the first nine months of 2018, net cash used in financing activities was $99.5 million as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $816.6 million in the first nine months of 2017. The following factors impacted cash from financing activities in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to the first nine months of 2017:

Senior Secured Credit Facilities In 2017, Holdings and American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (AAM, Inc.) entered into a credit agreement (the Credit Agreement). In connection with the Credit Agreement, Holdings, AAM, Inc. and certain of their restricted subsidiaries entered into a Collateral Agreement and Guarantee Agreement with the financial institutions party thereto as collateral agent and administrative agent. The Credit Agreement includes a $100.0 million term loan A facility (the Term Loan A Facility), a $1.55 billion term loan B facility (the Term Loan B Facility) and a $932 million multi-currency revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility, and together with the Term Loan A Facility and the Term Loan B Facility, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities). The proceeds of the Revolving Credit Facility are used for general corporate purposes.

As of September 30, 2018 we have prepaid $10.0 million of the outstanding principal on our Term Loan A Facility and $19.4 million of the outstanding principal on our Term Loan B Facility. These payments satisfy our obligation for principal payments under the Term Loan A Facility and Term Loan B Facility through the end of 2019. As such, there are no amounts related to the Term Loan A Facility and Term Loan B Facility presented in the Current portion of long-term debt line item in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018.

At September 30, 2018, we had $895.7 million available under the Revolving Credit Facility. This availability reflects a reduction of $36.3 million for standby letters of credit issued against the facility.

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities provide back-up liquidity for our foreign credit facilities.  We intend to use the availability of long-term financing under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities to refinance any current maturities related to such debt agreements that are not otherwise refinanced on a long-term basis in their local markets, except where otherwise reclassified to Current portion of long-term debt on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

6.25% Notes due 2026 In March 2018, we issued $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due 2026 (the 6.25% Notes due 2026). Proceeds from the 6.25% Notes due 2026 were used primarily to fund the tender offer for the 6.25% senior notes due 2021 (the 6.25% Notes due 2021) described below. We paid debt issuance costs of $6.6 million in the first nine months of 2018 related to the 6.25% Notes due 2026.

Tender Offer of 6.25% Notes due 2021 Also in March 2018, we made a tender offer for our 6.25% Notes due 2021. Under this tender offer, we retired $383.1 million of the 6.25% Notes due 2021 in the first quarter of 2018. We redeemed the remaining $16.9 million of the 6.25% Notes due 2021 during the second quarter of 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we expensed $2.5 million for the write-off of the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs that we had been amortizing over the expected life of the borrowing and $8.0 million in tender premiums.

Redemption of 6.625% Notes due 2022 In May 2018, we voluntarily redeemed a portion of our 6.625% Notes due 2022. This resulted in a principal payment of $100.0 million, and a payment of $0.8 million in accrued interest. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we expensed $0.8 million for the write-off of a portion of the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs that we had been amortizing over the expected life of the borrowing and $3.3 million for an early redemption premium.

Settlement of Capital Lease Obligation In the second quarter of 2018, we reached a settlement agreement related to a capital lease obligation that we had recognized as a result of the acquisition of MPG. In the third quarter of 2018, we paid $6.6 million related to this settlement agreement. As of September 30, 2018, $4.8 million is presented in Current portion of long-term debt in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet related to this capital lease obligation, which we expect to pay in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Foreign credit facilities We utilize local currency credit facilities to finance the operations of certain foreign subsidiaries. At September 30, 2018, $107.6 million was outstanding under our foreign credit facilities as compared to $53.2 million at December 31, 2017. The increase in outstanding borrowings under our foreign credit facilities primarily relate to our operations in China as we prepare for program launch activity. At September 30, 2018, an additional $95.1 million was available under our foreign credit facilities.

Redemption of 7.75% Notes due 2019 In October 2018, we issued an irrevocable notice to the holders of our 7.75% Notes due 2019 to voluntarily redeem a portion of our 7.75% Notes due 2019 in the fourth quarter of 2018. This will result in a principal payment of $100 million and $3.9 million in accrued interest. We will also expense approximately $0.3 million for

52



the write-off of a portion of the unamortized debt issuance costs that we had been amortizing over the expected life of the borrowing, and approximately $4.5 million for an early redemption premium. As the irrevocable notice of redemption was issued subsequent to September 30, 2018, we have presented the $100 million amount of 7.75% Notes due 2019 to be redeemed as Long-term debt, net on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018.
Treasury stock Treasury stock increased by $3.7 million in the first nine months of 2018 to $201.8 million as compared to $198.1 million at year-end 2017, due to the withholding and repurchase of shares of AAM stock to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of performance shares and restricted stock units.

53



CYCLICALITY AND SEASONALITY

Our operations are cyclical because they are directly related to worldwide automotive production, which is itself cyclical and dependent on general economic conditions and other factors.  Our business is also moderately seasonal as our major OEM customers historically have an extended shutdown of operations (typically 1-2 weeks) in conjunction with their model year changeover and an approximate one-week shutdown in December.  Our major OEM customers also occasionally have longer shutdowns of operations (up to six weeks) for program changeovers. Accordingly, our quarterly results may reflect these trends.

LITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

We are involved in various legal proceedings incidental to our business.  Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental and occupational safety and health laws, regulations and ordinances, including those regulating air emissions, water discharge, waste management and environmental cleanup. We closely monitor our environmental conditions to ensure that we are in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We have made, and anticipate continuing to make, capital and other expenditures, including recurring administrative costs, to comply with environmental requirements.  Such expenditures were not significant in the third quarter of 2018.




54



Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

MARKET RISK

Our business and financial results are affected by fluctuations in world financial markets, including currency exchange rates and interest rates.  Our hedging policy has been developed to manage these risks to an acceptable level based on management’s judgment of the appropriate trade-off between risk, opportunity and cost.  We do not hold financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Currency Exchange Risk  From time to time, we use foreign currency forward and option contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates relating to the Mexican Peso, Euro, Brazilian Real, British Pound Sterling, Thai Baht, Swedish Krona, Chinese Yuan, Polish Zloty and Indian Rupee.  At September 30, 2018, we had currency forward contracts with a notional amount of $199.2 million outstanding.  The potential decrease in fair value of foreign exchange contracts, assuming a 10% adverse change in the foreign currency exchange rates, would be approximately $18.5 million at September 30, 2018 and was approximately $14.7 million at December 31, 2017.

Future business operations and opportunities, including the expansion of our business outside North America, may further increase the risk that cash flows resulting from these global operations may be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates.  If and when appropriate, we intend to manage these risks by creating natural hedges in the structure of our global operations, utilizing local currency funding of these expansions and various types of foreign exchange contracts.

Interest Rate Risk  We are exposed to variable interest rates on certain credit facilities. From time to time, we have used interest rate hedging to reduce the effects of fluctuations in market interest rates. In the second quarter of 2018, we entered into a variable-to-fixed interest rate swap to reduce the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on our variable rate debt.  As of September 30, 2018, we have the following notional amounts hedged in relation to our variable-to-fixed interest rate swap: $900.0 million through May 2019, $750.0 million through May 2020, $500.0 million through May 2021, $400.0 million through May 2022 and $400.0 million through May 2023.  

The pre-tax earnings and cash flow impact of a one-percentage-point increase in interest rates (approximately 17% of our weighted-average interest rate at September 30, 2018) on our long-term debt outstanding, would be approximately $8.0 million at September 30, 2018 and was approximately $9.2 million at December 31, 2017, on an annualized basis.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) were effective as of September 30, 2018.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.




55



PART II.  OTHER  INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our December 31, 2017 Form 10-K.

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

In 2016, AAM's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 million of AAM's common shares through December 31, 2018 as part of AAM's overall capital allocation strategy. The repurchase of shares may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and will be funded through available cash balances and cash flow from operations. The timing and amount of any share repurchases will be determined based on market and economic conditions, share price, alternative uses of capital and other factors. There were no repurchases under the authorized share repurchase program during the third quarter of 2018 and there is approximately $98.5 million available for repurchase.

In the third quarter of 2018, we withheld and repurchased shares of AAM stock to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock units. The following table provides information about our equity security purchases during the quarter ended September 30, 2018:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)

 
July 1 - July 31, 2018
 
5,105

 
$
15.56

 

 
$

 
September 1 - September 30, 2018
 
2,038

 
17.71

 

 

 
Total
 
7,143

 
$
16.17

 

 
$

 



56



Item 6.  Exhibits


Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
**101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
**101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
**101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
**101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
**101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
**101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
*
Filed herewith
 
 
 
**
Submitted electronically with this Report.
 
 
 




    
    

57



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.

 
 
 AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
(Registrant)

 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Christopher J. May
Christopher J. May
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
(also in the capacity of Chief Accounting Officer)
November 2, 2018


58