10-K 1 twi1231201110-k.htm TWI 12.31.2011 10-K


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-K
þ
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-12936

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Illinois
 
36-3228472
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2701 Spruce Street, Quincy, IL 62301
(Address of principal executive offices)

(217) 228-6011
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, no par value
New York Stock Exchange (Symbol:  TWI)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o  No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o  No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ  No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o  No þ

The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was approximately $958 million based upon the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2011.

As of February 15, 2012, a total of 42,218,259 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 17, 2012, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.



TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2



PART I

ITEM 1 – BUSINESS

INTRODUCTION
Titan International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Titan or the Company) hold the unique position in North America of manufacturing both wheels and tires for its target markets.  As a leading manufacturer in the off-highway industry, Titan produces a broad range of specialty products to meet the specifications of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket customers in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.  Titan’s earthmoving/construction market includes wheels and tires supplied to the mining industry, while the consumer market includes bias truck tires in Latin America, products for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and recreational/utility trailers.

As one of the few companies dedicated to off-highway wheel and tire products, Titan’s engineering and manufacturing resources are focused on designing quality products that address the needs of our end-users.  Titan’s team of experienced engineers continually works on new and improved engineered products that evolve with today’s applications for the off-highway wheel and tire markets.

History
Titan traces its roots to the Electric Wheel Company in Quincy, Illinois, which was founded in 1890.  The Company was incorporated in 1983.  The Company has grown through three major acquisitions in recent years.  In 2005, Titan Tire Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s North American farm tire assets.  In 2006, Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired the off-the-road (OTR) tire assets of Continental Tire North America, Inc.  In April 2011, the Company acquired the The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's Latin American farm tire business. These acquisitions have allowed Titan to achieve higher sales levels and enhance product offering in the Company’s target markets.

Market Sales
In 2011, Titan’s agricultural market sales represented 64% of net sales, the earthmoving/construction market represented 21% and the consumer market represented 15% of net sales.  For information concerning the revenues, certain expenses, income from operations and assets attributable to each of the segments in which the Company operates, see Note 29 to the consolidated financial statements of Titan, included in Item 8 herein.
 
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
Titan’s strong market position in the off-highway wheel and tire market and its long-term core customer relationships contribute to the Company’s competitive strengths.  These strengths, along with Titan’s dedication to the off-highway wheel and tire market, continue to drive the Company forward.

Strong Market Position
Titan’s ability to offer a broad range of specialized wheels, tires and assemblies has resulted in the Company’s strong position in the domestic off-highway market.  Through a diverse dealer network, the Company is able to reach an increasing number of customers in the aftermarket and build Titan’s image and brand recognition.  The Company’s acquisition of the Goodyear Farm Tire brand in North America and Latin America contributes to overall visibility and customer confidence.  Years of product design and engineering experience have enabled Titan to improve existing products and develop new ones that have been well received in the marketplace.  In addition, Titan believes it has benefited from significant barriers to entry, such as the substantial investment necessary to replicate the Company’s manufacturing equipment and numerous tools, dies and molds, many of which are used in custom processes.

Long-Term Core Customer Relationships
The Company’s top customers, including global leaders in agricultural and construction equipment manufacturing, have been purchasing products from Titan or its predecessors for numerous years.  Customers including AGCO Corporation, CNH Global N.V., Deere & Company and Kubota Corporation have helped sustain Titan’s leadership in wheel, tire and assembly innovation.


3



BUSINESS STRATEGY
Titan’s business strategy is to continue its growth into the giant OTR market, increase its presence in the tire aftermarket, continue to improve operating efficiencies, maintain emphasis on new product development and explore additional strategic acquisitions.

Giant Mining Tire Product
The Company’s 2006 acquisition of the OTR tire assets of Continental Tire North America, Inc. in Bryan, Ohio, expanded Titan’s product offering into larger earthmoving, construction and mining tires.  The Company subsequently expanded the Bryan facility production capacity to include giant mining tires.  The mining tire market currently offers attractive opportunities and the Company is expanding capacity to help meet the growing demand for these giant tires.  The “Big Daddy” giant tire is approximately 13 feet tall and weighs in at approximately 12,500 pounds.

Increase Aftermarket Tire Business
The Company has concentrated on increasing its presence in the tire aftermarket, which historically has tended to be somewhat less cyclical than the OEM market.  The aftermarket also offers the potential for higher profit margins and is larger in most cases.

Improve Operating Efficiencies
The Company continually works to improve the operating efficiency of its assets and manufacturing facilities.  Titan integrates each facility’s strengths, which may include transferring equipment and business to the facilities that are best equipped to handle the work.  This provides capacity to increase utilization and spread operating costs over a greater volume of products.  Titan is also continuing a comprehensive program to refurbish, modernize and enhance the computer technology of its manufacturing equipment.

Enhance Design Capacity and New Product Development
Equipment manufacturers constantly face changing industry dynamics.  Titan directs its business and marketing strategy to understand and address the needs of its customers and demonstrate the advantages of its products.  In particular, the Company often collaborates with customers in the design of new and enhanced products.  Titan recommends modified products to its customers based on its own market information.  These value-added services enhance Titan’s relationships with its customers.  The Company tests new designs and technologies and develops methods of manufacturing to improve product quality and performance.  Titan’s engineers have introduced designs for giant mining wheels and tires, which employ an innovative steel radial construction technology, new to the OTR tire industry, to enhance performance and durability.

Explore Additional Strategic Acquisitions
The Company’s expertise in the manufacture of off-highway wheels and tires has permitted it to take advantage of opportunities to acquire businesses that complement this product line, including companies engaged in the tire market and companies that have wheel and tire assembly capabilities.  In the future, Titan may make additional strategic acquisitions of businesses that have an off-highway focus. The Company is currently exploring worldwide opportunities to expand manufacturing and distribution into new geographies.

AGRICULTURAL MARKET
Titan’s agricultural rims, wheels and tires are manufactured for use on various agricultural and forestry equipment, including tractors, combines, skidders, plows, planters and irrigation equipment, and are sold directly to OEMs and to the aftermarket through independent distributors, equipment dealers and Titan’s own distribution centers.  The wheels and rims range in diameter from 9 to 54 inches, with the 54-inch diameter being the largest agricultural wheel manufactured in North America.  Basic configurations are combined with distinct variations (such as different centers and a wide range of material thickness) allowing the Company to offer a broad line of products to meet customer specifications.  Titan’s agricultural tires range from approximately 1 foot to approximately 7 foot in outside diameter and from 5 to 44 inches in width.  The Company offers the added value of delivering a complete wheel and tire assembly to customers.

EARTHMOVING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET
The Company manufactures rims, wheels and tires for various types of OTR earthmoving, mining, military and construction equipment, including skid steers, aerial lifts, cranes, graders and levelers, scrapers, self-propelled shovel loaders, articulated dump trucks, load transporters, haul trucks and backhoe loaders.  The earthmoving/construction market is often referred to as OTR, an acronym for off-the-road.  The Company provides OEM and aftermarket customers with a broad range of earthmoving/construction wheels ranging in diameter from 20 to 63 inches and in weight from 125 pounds to 7,000 pounds.  The 63-inch diameter wheel is the largest manufactured in North America for the earthmoving/construction market. Titan’s earthmoving/construction tires range from approximately 3 feet to approximately 13 feet in outside diameter and in weight from 50 pounds to 12,500 pounds.  The Company offers the added value of wheel and tire assembly for certain applications in the earthmoving/construction market.

4



CONSUMER MARKET
Titan manufactures bias truck tires in Latin America, provides wheels and tires and assembles brakes, actuators and components for the domestic boat, recreational and utility trailer markets.  Titan also offers select products for ATVs, turf, and golf car applications.  Likewise, Titan produces a variety of tires for the consumer market.
 
MARKET SALES
 
Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
Net Sales
 
% of Total
Net Sales
 
Net Sales
 
% of Total
Net Sales
 
Net Sales
 
% of Total
Net Sales
Agricultural
$
960,693

 
64
%
 
$
675,178

 
76
%
 
$
563,528

 
77
%
Earthmoving/construction
306,821

 
21
%
 
191,042

 
22
%
 
144,589

 
20
%
Consumer
219,484

 
15
%
 
15,371

 
2
%
 
19,482

 
3
%
 
$
1,486,998

 
 

 
$
881,591

 
 

 
$
727,599

 
 


MARKET CONDITIONS OUTLOOK
In 2011, Titan experienced significantly higher sales than 2010. The higher sales were primarily the result of increased demand and price increases in all of the Company's segments, as well as additional sales resulting for the acquisition of Goodyear's Latin American farm tire business and accompanying supply agreements. For 2012, the Company expects sales to continue at strong levels.   

OPERATIONS
Titan’s operations include manufacturing wheels, manufacturing tires, and combining these wheels and tires into assemblies for use in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.  These operations entail many manufacturing processes in order to complete the finished products.

Wheel Manufacturing Process
Most agricultural wheels are produced using a rim and a center disc.  A rim is produced by first cutting large steel sheets to required width and length specifications.  These steel sections are rolled and welded to form a circular rim, which is flared and formed in the rollform operation.  The majority of discs are manufactured using presses that both blank and form the center to specifications in multiple stage operations.  The Company e-coats wheels using a multi-step process prior to the final paint top coating.
 
Large earthmoving/construction steel wheels are manufactured from hot and cold-rolled steel sections.  Hot-rolled sections are generally used to increase cross section thickness in high stress areas of large diameter wheels.  A special cold forming process for certain wheels is used to increase cross section thickness while reducing the number of wheel components.  Rims are built from a series of hoops that are welded together to form a rim base.  The complete rim base is made from either three or five separate parts that lock together after the rubber tire has been fitted to the wheel and inflated.
 
For most consumer market wheels, the Company manufactures rims and center discs from steel sheets.  Rims are rolled and welded, and discs are stamped and formed from the sheets.  The manufacturing process then entails welding the rims to the centers and painting the assembled product.

Tire Manufacturing Process
The first stage in tire production is the mixing of rubber, carbon black and chemicals to form various rubber compounds.  These rubber compounds are then extruded and processed with textile or steel materials to make specific components.  These components – beads (wire bundles that anchor the tire with the wheel), plies (layers of fabric that give the tire strength), belts (fabric or steel fabric wrapped under the tread in some tires), tread and sidewall – are then assembled into an uncured tire carcass.  The uncured carcass is placed into a press that molds and vulcanizes the carcass under set time, temperature and pressure into a finished tire.

Wheel and Tire Assemblies
The Company’s position as a manufacturer of both wheels and tires allows Titan to mount and deliver one of the largest selections of off-highway assemblies in North America. Titan offers this value-added service of one-stop shopping for wheel and tire assemblies for the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.  Customer orders are entered into the Company’s system either through electronic data interchange or manually.  The appropriate wheel-tire assembly delivery schedule is established based on each customer’s requirements and products are received by the customer on a just-in-time basis.

5




Quality Control
The Company is ISO certified at all six main manufacturing facilities located in Bryan, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Freeport, Illinois; Quincy, Illinois; Saltville, Virginia; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The ISO series is a set of related and internationally recognized standards of management and quality assurance.  The standards specify guidelines for establishing, documenting and maintaining a system to ensure quality.  The ISO certifications are a testament to Titan’s dedication to providing quality products for its customers.

RAW MATERIALS
Steel and rubber are the primary raw materials used by the Company in all segments.  To ensure a consistent steel supply, Titan purchases raw steel from key steel mills and maintains relationships with steel processors for steel preparation.  The Company is not dependent on any single producer for its steel supply.  Rubber and other raw materials for tire manufacture represent some of the Company’s largest commodity expenses.  Titan buys rubber in markets where there are usually several sources of supply.  In addition to the development of key domestic suppliers, the Company’s strategic procurement plan includes international steel and rubber suppliers to assure competitive price and quality in the global marketplace.  As is customary in the industry, the Company does not have long-term contracts for the purchase of steel or rubber and, therefore, purchases are subject to price fluctuations.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Capital expenditures for 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $35.7 million, $28.9 million and $39.5 million, respectively.  The capital expenditures in each year were used primarily for updating manufacturing equipment, expanding manufacturing capacity and for further automation at the Company’s facilities.  Capital expenditures for 2012 are forecasted to be approximately $50 million.  These capital expenditures are anticipated to be used to expand capacity and enhance the Company’s existing facilities and manufacturing capabilities.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND ROYALTIES
The Company owns various patents and trademarks and continues to apply for patent protection for new products.  While patents are considered significant to the operations of the business, at this time Titan does not consider any one of them to be of such importance that the patent’s expiration or invalidity could materially affect the Company’s business.  However, due to the difficult nature of predicting the interpretation of patent laws, the Company cannot anticipate or predict the material adverse effect on its operations, cash flows or financial condition as a result of associated liabilities created under such patent interpretations.

The Company has a trademark license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America and Latin America under the Goodyear name. The North American and Latin American royalties were prepaid for seven years as a part of the Goodyear Latin American farm tire acquisition.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
The Company employs an internal sales force and utilizes several manufacturing representative firms for sales in North America and Latin America.  Sales representatives are primarily organized within geographic regions.

Titan distributes wheels and tires directly to OEMs. The distribution of aftermarket tires occurs primarily through a network of independent and OEM-affiliated dealers.  The Company distributes wheel and tire assemblies directly to OEMs and aftermarket customers through its distribution network consisting of facilities in the United States and Latin America.

SEASONALITY
Agricultural equipment sales are seasonal by nature.  Farmers generally order equipment to be delivered before the growing season.  Shipments to OEMs in the U.S. usually peak during the Company’s first and second quarters for the spring planting period.  Earthmoving/construction and consumer markets also historically tend to experience higher demand in the first and second quarters.  These markets are affected by mining, building and economic conditions.

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING
The Company’s research, development and engineering staff tests original designs and technologies and develops new manufacturing methods to improve product performance.  These services enhance the Company’s relationships with its customers. Titan’s engineers have introduced designs for giant OTR tires.  These giant tires employ an innovative steel radial construction technology, new to the OTR tire industry, to enhance performance and durability.  Research and development (R&D) expenses are expensed as incurred.  R&D costs were $4.2 million, $6.3 million and $8.9 million for the years of 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

6




CUSTOMERS
Titan’s 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 55% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to approximately 58% for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Net sales to Deere & Company in Titan’s agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets combined represented approximately 18% and 26% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net sales to CNH Global N.V. in Titan’s three markets represented approximately 11% and 15% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  No other customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s net sales in 2011 or 2010.  Management believes the Company is not totally dependent on any single customer; however, certain products are dependent on a few customers.  While the loss of any substantial customer could impact Titan’s business, the Company believes that its diverse product mix and customer base may minimize a longer-term impact caused by any such loss.

ORDER BACKLOG
As of January 31, 2012, Titan estimates $542 million in firm orders compared to $227 million at January 31, 2011, for the Company’s operations.  Orders are considered firm if the customer would be obligated to accept the product if manufactured and delivered pursuant to the terms of such orders.  The Company believes that the majority of the current order backlog will be filled during the present year.

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
In April of 2011, the Company closed on the acquisition of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's Latin American farm tire business. Subsequent to this transaction, the Company is operating a manufacturing facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Latin American operations recorded approximately 19% of the Company's 2011 sales. The Company also maintains an investment in Titan Europe Plc, which is recorded as an available-for-sale security and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.  The Company’s stock ownership interest in Titan Europe Plc was 21.8% at December 31, 2011 and 22.9% at December 31, 2010.  The fair value of the Company’s investment in Titan Europe Plc was $29.0 million and $22.7 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Titan Europe Plc is publicly traded on the AIM market in London, England.

EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 2011, the Company employed approximately 3,600 people in the United States and Latin America. Approximately 34% of the Company’s employees were covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  This 34% is comprised of employees at the Des Moines, Iowa facility, with a collective bargaining agreement that expires in November 2012, and the Brazil facility, with a collective bargaining agreement that expires in May 2012.  The labor agreements for the Company’s Bryan, Ohio and Freeport, Illinois, facilities expired in November 2010, for the employees covered by their respective collective bargaining agreements, which account for approximately 26% of the Company’s employees.  As of December 31, 2011, the employees of these two facilities were working without a contract under the terms of the Company’s latest offer.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
In the ordinary course of business, like other industrial companies, Titan is subject to extensive and evolving federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, and has made provisions for the estimated financial impact of environmental cleanup.  The Company’s policy is to accrue environmental cleanup-related costs of a non-capital nature when those costs are believed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated.  Expenditures that extend the life of the related property, or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination, are capitalized. The Company does not currently anticipate any material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities.  The quantification of environmental exposures requires an assessment of many factors, including changing laws and regulations, advances in environmental technologies, the quality of information available related to specific sites, the assessment stage of the site investigation, preliminary findings and the length of time involved in remediation or settlement.  Due to the difficult nature of predicting future environmental costs, the Company cannot anticipate or predict the material adverse effect on its operations, cash flows or financial condition as a result of efforts to comply with, or its liabilities under, environmental laws.

EXPORT SALES
The Company had total aggregate export sales of approximately $164.4 million, $80.2 million and $82.7 million, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

7




COMPETITION
The Company competes with several domestic and international companies, some of which are larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than Titan.  The Company believes it is a primary source of steel wheels and rims to the majority of its North American customers.  Major competitors in the off-highway wheel market include Carlisle Companies Incorporated, GKN Wheels, Ltd., Topy Industries, Ltd. and certain other foreign competitors.  Significant competitors in the off-highway tire market include Bridgestone/Firestone, Carlisle Companies Incorporated, Michelin, Pirelli and certain other foreign competitors.

The Company competes primarily on the basis of price, quality, customer service, design capability and delivery time.  The Company’s ability to compete with international competitors may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations.  Titan owns the molds and dies used to produce its wheels and tires. However, certain of the Company’s OEM customers could, under individual circumstances, elect to manufacture the Company’s products to meet their requirements or to otherwise compete with the Company.  There can be no assurance that the Company will not be adversely affected by increased competition in the markets in which it operates, or that competitors will not develop products that are more effective, less expensive or otherwise render certain of Titan’s products less competitive.  From time to time, certain of the Company’s competitors have reduced their prices in particular product categories, which has prompted Titan to reduce prices as well.  There can be no assurance that competitors of the Company will not further reduce prices in the future or that any such reductions would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

PURCHASE OF GOODYEAR'S LATIN AMERICAN FARM TIRE BUSINESS
On April 1, 2011, Titan closed on the acquisition of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's Latin American farm tire business for approximately $98.6 million U.S. dollars, subject to post-closing conditions and adjustments. The transaction includes Goodyear's Sao Paulo, Brazil manufacturing plant, property, equipment; inventories; a licensing agreement that allows Titan to sell Goodyear-brand farm tires in Latin America for seven years; and extends the North American licensing agreement for seven years.

NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE CERTIFICATION
The Company submitted to the New York Stock Exchange during fiscal 2011 the Annual CEO Certification required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports are made available, without charge, through the Company’s website located at www.titan-intl.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The SEC 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.  The following documents are also posted on the Company’s website:
 
Corporate Governance Policy
Business Conduct Policy
Audit Committee Charter
Compensation Committee Charter
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Charter
 
Printed copies of these documents are available, without charge, by writing to:  Titan International, Inc.,
c/o Corporate Secretary, 2701 Spruce Street, Quincy, IL 62301.

8




ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

The Company is subject to various risks and uncertainties relating to or arising out of the nature of its business and general business, economic, financing, legal and other factors or conditions that may affect the Company. Realization of any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on Titan’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

The Company is exposed to price fluctuations of key commodities.
The Company does not generally enter into long-term commodity contracts and does not use derivative commodity instruments to hedge exposures to commodity market price fluctuations.  Therefore, the Company is exposed to price fluctuations of key commodities, which consist primarily of steel and rubber.  Although the Company attempts to pass on certain material price increases to its customers, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to do so in the future.  Any increase in the price of steel and rubber that is not passed on to customers could have an adverse material effect on Titan’s results of operations.
 
The Company relies on a limited number of suppliers.
The Company currently relies on a limited number of suppliers for certain key commodities, which consist primarily of steel and rubber, in the manufacturing of Titan products.  The loss of key suppliers or their inability to meet price, quality, quantity and delivery requirements could have a significant adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company’s revolving credit facility and debt obligations contain covenants.
The Company’s revolving credit facility and debt obligations contain covenants and restrictions.  These covenants and restrictions could limit Titan’s ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments, to raise additional debt or equity capital, to pay dividends or to take advantage of business opportunities, including future acquisitions.  The failure to meet these items could result in the Company ultimately being in default.  Titan’s ability to comply with the covenants may be affected by events beyond its control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions.
 
The Company operates in cyclical industries and is subject to numerous changes in the economy.
The Company's sales are substantially dependent on three major industries: agricultural equipment, earthmoving/construction equipment and consumer products.  The business activity levels in these industries are subject to specific industry and general economic cycles.  Any downturn in these industries or the general economy could have an adverse material effect on Titan’s business.
 
The agricultural equipment industry is affected by crop prices, farm income and farmland values, weather, export markets and government policies. The earthmoving/construction industry is affected by the levels of government and private construction spending and replacement demand. The consumer products industry is affected by consumer disposable income, weather, competitive pricing, energy prices and consumer attitudes. In addition, the performance of these industries is sensitive to interest rate and foreign exchange rate changes and varies with the overall level of economic activity.
 
 The Company’s customer base is relatively concentrated.
The Company’s ten largest customers, which are primarily original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), accounted for approximately 55% of Titan’s net sales for 2011.  Net sales to Deere & Company and CNH Global N.V.  represented 18% and 11% , respectively, of total 2011 net sales.  No other customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales in 2011.  As a result, Titan’s business could be adversely affected if one of its larger customers reduces its purchases from Titan due to work stoppages or slow-downs, financial difficulties, as a result of termination provisions, competitive pricing or other reasons.  There is also continuing pressure from the OEMs to reduce costs, including the cost of products and services purchased from outside suppliers such as Titan.  The Company has had long-term relationships with major customers and expects to continue these relationships.  There can be no assurance that Titan will be able to maintain such ongoing relationships.  Any failure to maintain the Company’s relationship with a leading customer could have an adverse effect on results of operations.
 
The Company’s revenues are seasonal in nature due to Titan’s dependence on seasonal industries.
The agricultural, earthmoving/construction and recreational industries are seasonal, with typically lower sales during the second half of the year.  This seasonality in demand has resulted in fluctuations in the Company’s revenues and operating results.  Because much of Titan’s overhead expenses are fixed, seasonal trends can cause reductions in quarterly profit margins and financial condition, especially during slower periods.

9



 
The Company may be adversely affected by changes in government regulations and policies.
Domestic and foreign political developments and government regulations and policies directly affect the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer products industries in the United States and abroad. Regulations and policies in the agricultural industry include those encouraging farm acreage reduction in the United States and granting ethanol subsidies. Regulations and policies relating to the earthmoving/construction industry include the construction of roads, bridges and other items of infrastructure. The modification of existing laws, regulations or policies or the adoption of new laws, regulations or policies could have an adverse effect on any one or more of these industries and therefore on Titan’s business.
 
The Company is subject to corporate governance requirements, and costs related to compliance with, or failure to comply with, existing and future requirements could adversely affect Titan’s business.
The Company is subject to corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules and regulations subsequently adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). These laws, rules and regulations continue to evolve and may become increasingly restrictive in the future. Failure to comply with these laws, rules and regulations may have an adverse material effect on Titan’s reputation, financial condition and the value of the Company’s securities.
 
The Company faces substantial competition from domestic and international companies.
The Company competes with several domestic and international competitors, some of which are larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than Titan.  Titan competes primarily on the basis of price, quality, customer service, design capability and delivery time.  The Company’s ability to compete with international competitors may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations.  In addition, certain OEM customers could, under certain circumstances, elect to manufacture certain products to meet their own requirements or to otherwise compete with Titan.

There can be no assurance that Titan’s businesses will not be adversely affected by increased competition in the Company’s markets or that competitors will not develop products that are more effective or less expensive than Titan products or which could render certain products less competitive.  From time to time certain competitors have reduced prices in particular product categories, which has caused Titan to reduce prices. There can be no assurance that in the future Titan’s competitors will not further reduce prices or that any such reductions would not have a material adverse effect on Titan’s business.

The Company could be negatively impacted if Titan fails to maintain satisfactory labor relations.
At December 31, 2011, approximately 34% of Titan employees were covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  This 34% is comprised of employees at the Des Moines, Iowa facility, with collective bargaining agreement that expires in November 2012, and the Brazil facility, with a collective bargaining agreement that expires in May 2012.  Upon the expiration of any of the collective bargaining agreements, however, Titan may be unable to negotiate new collective bargaining agreements on terms that are cost effective to the Company.  The business operations may be affected as a result of labor disputes or difficulties and delays in the process of renegotiating collective bargaining agreements.

The labor agreements for the Company’s Bryan, Ohio and Freeport, Illinois, facilities expired in November 2010, for the employees covered by their respective collective bargaining agreements, which account for approximately 26% of Titan employees.  As of December 31, 2011, the employees of these two facilities were working without a contract under the terms of the Company’s latest offer.  The respective unions have retained their rights to challenge the Company’s actions.

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

10




Acquisitions may require significant resources and/or result in significant losses, costs or liabilities.
Any future acquisitions will depend on the ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, to negotiate acceptable terms for their acquisition and to finance those acquisitions.  Titan will also face competition for suitable acquisition candidates that may increase costs.  In addition, acquisitions require significant managerial attention, which may be diverted from current operations.  Furthermore, acquisitions of businesses or facilities entail a number of additional risks, including:
 
-   problems with effective integration of operations
 
-   the inability to maintain key pre-acquisition customer, supplier and employee relationships
 
-   the potential that expected benefits or synergies are not realized and operating costs increase
 
-   exposure to unanticipated liabilities
 
Subject to the terms of indebtedness, the Company may finance future acquisitions with cash from operations, additional indebtedness and/or by issuing additional equity securities.  These commitments may impair the operation of Titan’s businesses.  In addition, the Company could face financial risks associated with incurring additional indebtedness such as reducing liquidity and access to financing markets and increasing the amount of cash flow required to service such indebtedness.

The Company has export sales and purchases raw material from foreign suppliers.
The Company had total aggregate export sales of approximately $164.4 million, $80.2 million and $82.7 million, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Export Sales – Exports to foreign markets are subject to a number of special risks, including but not limited to risks with respect to currency exchange rates, economic and political destabilization, other disruption of markets and restrictive actions by foreign governments (such as restrictions on transfer of funds, export duties and quotas and foreign customs).  Other risks include changes in foreign laws regarding trade and investment; difficulties in obtaining distribution and support; nationalization; reforms of United States laws and policies affecting trade, foreign investment and loans; and foreign tax laws.  There can be no assurance that one, or a combination of these factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to increase or maintain its export sales.
 
Foreign Suppliers – The Company purchases raw materials from foreign suppliers.  The production costs, profit margins and competitive position of the Company are affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where Titan purchases goods, relative to the strength of the currencies in countries where the products are sold.  The Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position may be affected by fluctuations in foreign currencies.
 
The Company may be subject to product liability and warranty claims.
The Company warrants its products to be free of certain defects and accordingly may be subject in the ordinary course of business to product liability or product warranty claims.  Losses may result or be alleged to result from defects in Titan products, which could subject the Company to claims for damages, including consequential damages.  There can be no assurance that Company insurance will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred or that adequate insurance will be available on terms acceptable to the Company. Any claims relating to defective products that result in liability exceeding Titan’s insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on financial condition and results of operations. Further, claims of defects could result in negative publicity against Titan, which could adversely affect the Company’s business.
 
The Company has incurred, and may incur in the future, net losses.
The Company reported net loss of $(5.9) million for the year ended December 31, 2010 and $(24.6) million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 The Company may be adversely affected by a disruption in, or failure of, information technology systems.
The Company relies upon information technology systems, some of which are managed by third parties, to process, transmit and store electronic information. Technology systems are used in a variety of business processes and activities, including purchasing, manufacturing, distribution, invoicing and financial reporting. The Company utilizes security measures and business continuity plans to prevent, detect and remediate damage from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, utility failures and other similar disruptions. Despite these measures, a security breach or information technology system failure may disrupt and adversely affect the Company's operations.

11




The Company is subject to risks associated with climate change and climate change regulations.
Governmental regulatory bodies in the United States and other countries have, or are, contemplating introducing regulatory changes in response to the potential impacts of climate change.  Laws and regulations regarding climate change and energy usage may impact the Company directly through higher costs for energy and raw materials.  The Company’s customers may also be affected by climate change regulations that may impact future purchases.  Physical climate change may potentially have a large impact on the Company’s two largest industry segments, agriculture and earthmoving/construction.  The potential impacts of climate change and climate change regulations are highly uncertain at this time, and the Company cannot anticipate or predict the material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as a result of climate change and climate change regulations.
 
The Company is subject to risks associated with environmental laws and regulations.
The Company’s operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge to waters and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste and other materials.  The Company’s operations entail risks in these areas, and there can be no assurance that Titan will not incur material costs or liabilities.  In addition, potentially significant expenditures could be required in order to comply with evolving environmental and health and safety laws, regulations or requirements that may be adopted or imposed in the future.

ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.
 
ITEM 2 – PROPERTIES

The Company’s properties are detailed by the location, size and focus of each facility as provided in the table below:
 
 
Approximate square footage
 
 
 
 
Location
 
Owned
 
Leased
 
Use
 
Segment
Union City, Tennessee
 
2,149,000

 
 
 
See note (a)
 
See note (a)
Des Moines, Iowa
 
2,047,000

 
 
 
Manufacturing, distribution
 
All segments
Quincy, Illinois
 
1,322,000

 
 
 
Manufacturing, distribution
 
All segments
Sao Paulo, Brazil
 
1,282,000

 
 
 
Manufacturing, distribution
 
Agricultural, Consumer
Freeport, Illinois
 
1,202,000

 
 
 
Manufacturing, distribution
 
All segments
Brownsville, Texas
 
993,000

 
 
 
Storage
 
See note (b)
Bryan, Ohio
 
714,000

 
 
 
Manufacturing, distribution
 
All segments
Greenwood, S. Carolina
 
110,000

 
 
 
Storage
 
See note (b)
Danville, Illinois
 
80,000

 
 
 
Manufacturing
 
Consumer
Dublin, Georgia
 
20,000

 
 
 
Distribution
 
All segments
Saltville, Virginia
 
14,000

 
245,000

 
Manufacturing, distribution
 
Earthmoving/Construction
Natchez, Mississippi
 
 

 
1,203,000

 
Storage
 
See note (b)
Pendergrass, Georgia
 
 

 
120,000

 
Distribution
 
All segments
Los Angeles, California
 
 
 
9,000

 
Manufacturing
 
Consumer
Elko, Nevada
 
 

 
4,000

 
Distribution
 
Earthmoving/Construction

(a)
The Union City facility was purchased in November of 2011. The Company is in the process of determining the use for this facility.
(b)
The Brownsville, Greenwood and Natchez facilities are currently being used for storage.  The Company’s facilities in Brownsville, Texas; Greenwood, South Carolina, and Natchez, Mississippi, are not in operation. Approximately 293,000 square feet of the Brownsville facility is being leased to a third party.

The Company considers each of its facilities to be in good condition and adequate for present use.  Management believes that the Company has sufficient capacity to meet current market demand with the active facilities.  The Company has no current plans to restart manufacturing at the storage facilities described in note (b) above.

12





 
ITEM 3 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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


ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


13



PART II
ITEM 5
– MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol TWI.  On February 15, 2012, there were approximately 500 holders of record of Titan common stock and an estimated 15,100 beneficial stockholders.  The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported on the NYSE, as well as information concerning per share dividends declared for the periods indicated. 
2011
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
Declared
First quarter
 
$
26.65

 
$
17.92

 
$
0.005

Second quarter
 
31.42

 
20.74

 
0.005

Third quarter
 
27.92

 
15.37

 
0.005

Fourth quarter
 
23.34

 
13.00

 
0.005

2010
 
 

 
 

 
 

First quarter
 
$
9.84

 
$
7.15

 
$
0.005

Second quarter
 
13.10

 
8.81

 
0.005

Third quarter
 
14.27

 
9.37

 
0.005

Fourth quarter
 
19.86

 
12.85

 
0.005


PERFORMANCE COMPARISON GRAPH
 
The performance graph compares cumulative total return for the Company’s common stockholders over the past five years against the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 600 Construction and Farm Machinery and Heavy Trucks Index, and against the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index.  The graph depicts the value on December 31, 2011, of a $100 investment made on December 31, 2006, in Company common stock and each of the other two indices, with all dividends reinvested.  Titan’s common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol TWI. 
 
Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
Titan International, Inc.
$
100.00

 
$
155.24

 
$
51.27

 
$
50.55

 
$
121.99

 
$
121.61

S&P 500 Index
100.00

 
105.49

 
66.46

 
84.05

 
96.71

 
98.76

S&P 600 Construction. & Farm Machinery & Heavy Trucks Index
100.00

 
126.02

 
79.40

 
86.09

 
124.11

 
117.22


14




ITEM 6 – SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data presented below, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007, are derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements, as audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

(All amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Net sales
$
1,486,998

 
$
881,591

 
$
727,599

 
$
1,036,700

 
$
837,021

Gross profit
232,108

 
104,090

 
55,965

 
139,714

 
84,131

Noncash goodwill impairment charge

 

 
11,702

 

 

Income (loss) from operations
132,173

 
30,945

 
(18,894
)
 
73,321

 
24,838

Noncash Titan Europe Plc charge

 

 

 
(37,698
)
 

Noncash debt conversion charge

 

 

 

 
(13,376
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
95,895

 
(9,190
)
 
(32,002
)
 
23,010

 
(3,884
)
Net income (loss)
58,136

 
(5,926
)
 
(24,645
)
 
13,337

 
(7,247
)
Net income (loss) per share – basic *
1.40

 
(.17
)
 
(.71
)
 
.39

 
(.23
)
Net income (loss) per share – diluted *
1.18

 
(.17
)
 
(.71
)
 
.38

 
(.23
)
Dividends declared per common share *
0.02

 
0.02

 
0.02

 
0.018

 
0.016

*
Adjusted to reflect the five-for-four stock split that took place in 2008.    

(All amounts in thousands)
As of December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Working capital
$
388,827

 
$
388,997

 
$
375,144

 
$
232,564

 
$
239,985

Current assets
564,593

 
481,350

 
445,216

 
369,199

 
327,765

Total assets
1,010,286

 
780,880

 
736,463

 
654,782

 
590,495

Long-term debt (a)
317,881

 
373,564

 
366,300

 
200,000

 
200,000

Stockholders’ equity
396,879

 
272,031

 
261,953

 
279,188

 
272,522

(a)
Excludes amounts due within one year and classified as a current liability.

15




ITEM 7
– MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (MD&A) is designed to provide readers of these financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of the management of Titan International, Inc. (Titan or the Company) on Titan’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and other factors which may affect the Company’s future results.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding, among other items:
Anticipated trends in the Company’s business
Future expenditures for capital projects
The Company’s ability to continue to control costs and maintain quality
Ability to meet financial covenants and conditions of loan agreements
The Company’s business strategies, including its intention to introduce new products
Expectations concerning the performance and success of the Company’s existing and new products
The Company’s intention to consider and pursue acquisition and divestiture opportunities
Readers of this Form 10-K should understand that these forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those in Item 1A, Part I of this report, “Risk Factors,” certain of which are beyond the Company’s control.

Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including:
The effect of a recession on the Company and its customers and suppliers
Changes in the Company’s end-user markets as a result of world economic or regulatory influences
Changes in the marketplace, including new products and pricing changes by the Company’s competitors
Ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations
Unfavorable outcomes of legal proceedings
Availability and price of raw materials
Levels of operating efficiencies
Unfavorable product liability and warranty claims
Actions of domestic and foreign governments
Results of investments
Fluctuations in currency translations
Climate change and related laws and regulations
Risks associated with environmental laws and regulations
Any changes in such factors could lead to significantly different results.  The Company cannot provide any assurance that the assumptions referred to in the forward-looking statements or otherwise are accurate or will prove to transpire.  Any assumptions that are inaccurate or do not prove to be correct could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve the results as indicated in forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this document will in fact transpire.

16





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

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

The following table provides highlights for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 2010 (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
Net sales
$
1,486,998

 
$
881,591

Income from operations
132,173

 
30,945

Net income (loss)
58,136

 
(5,926
)

The Company recorded sales of $1,487.0 million for 2011, which were approximately 69% higher than the 2010 sales of $881.6 million.  The higher sales levels were primarily the result of increased demand and pricing/mix improvements which resulted largely from increased raw material prices that were passed on to customers. In addition, sales increased as the result of the April 2011 acquisition of the Goodyear Latin American farm tire business including the Sao Paulo, Brazil manufacturing facility which recorded sales of $276.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Company’s income from operations was $132.2 million for 2011 compared to $30.9 million for 2010.  Titan’s net income was $58.1 million for 2011 compared to net loss of $(5.9) million in 2010.  Diluted income per share was $1.18 in 2011, compared to diluted loss per share of $(0.17) in 2010.  The operating gains were primarily related to increased sales levels as well as gains from improved plant utilization resulting from the higher sales levels.
 
PURCHASE OF GOODYEAR'S LATIN AMERICAN FARM TIRE BUSINESS
On April 1, 2011, Titan closed on the acquisition of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's Latin American farm tire business for approximately $98.6 million U.S. dollars, subject to post-closing conditions and adjustments. The transaction includes Goodyear's Sao Paulo, Brazil manufacturing plant, property, equipment; inventories; a licensing agreement that allows Titan to sell Goodyear-brand farm tires in Latin America for seven years; and extends the North American licensing agreement for seven years.

CONVERTIBLE SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES CONVERSION
In the first quarter of 2011, the Company closed an Exchange Agreement with a note holder of the convertible notes, pursuant to which such holder exchanged approximately $59.6 million in aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes for approximately 6.6 million shares of the Company's common stock, plus a payment for the accrued and unpaid interest. In connection with the exchange, the Company recognized a noncash charge of $16.1 million in accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options.

DISCHARGE OF SENIOR UNSECURED NOTES
In the first quarter of 2011, Titan satisfied and discharged the indenture relating to the 8% senior unsecured notes due January 2012 by depositing with the trustee $1.1 million cash representing the outstanding principal of such notes and interest payments due on July 15, 2011, and at maturity on January 15, 2012. Titan irrevocably instructed the trustee to apply the deposited money toward the interest and principal of the notes.


17




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the Company’s statement of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.  This table and subsequent discussions should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

 
As a Percentage of Net Sales
Year ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
Cost of sales
84.4

 
88.2

 
92.3

Gross profit
15.6

 
11.8

 
7.7

Selling, general and administrative expenses
5.8

 
6.5

 
6.4

Research and development
0.3

 
0.7

 
1.2

Royalty expense
0.7

 
1.1

 
1.1

Noncash goodwill impairment charge

 

 
1.6

Income (loss) from operations
8.8

 
3.5

 
(2.6
)
Interest expense
(1.7
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(2.2
)
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge
(1.1
)
 

 

Gain (loss) on note repurchase

 
(1.7
)
 
0.2

Other income, net
0.3

 
0.1

 
0.2

Income (loss) before income taxes
6.3

 
(1.1
)
 
(4.4
)
Income tax provision (benefit)
2.5

 
(0.4
)
 
(1.0
)
Net income (loss)
3.8
 %
 
(0.7
)%
 
(3.4
)%
 
In addition, the following table sets forth components of the Company’s net sales classified by segment for the years ended December 31, (amounts in thousands):

 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Agricultural
$
960,693

 
$
675,178

 
$
563,528

Earthmoving/Construction
306,821

 
191,042

 
144,589

Consumer
219,484

 
15,371

 
19,482

Total
$
1,486,998

 
$
881,591

 
$
727,599

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

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

18



Impairment of Goodwill
The Company reviews goodwill to assess recoverability from future operations during the fourth quarter of each annual reporting period, and whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. The carrying value of the Company's goodwill was $19.8 million at December 31, 2011 and zero at December 31, 2010. The Company has elected to early adopt Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-08 and first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. Based on a qualitative assessment at December 31, 2011, the Company determined the two-step goodwill impairment test was not required. Significant assumptions relating to future operations must be made when estimating future cash flows in analyzing goodwill for impairment.
 
When the two-step goodwill impairment test is performed, the Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill by estimating the future discounted cash flows of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates and using an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) multiple approach.  In determining the estimated future cash flows, the Company considers current and projected future levels of income as well as business trends and economic conditions.  When the Company’s estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a second step of the impairment analysis is performed.  In this second step, the implied fair value of goodwill is calculated as the excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the fair values assigned to its assets and liabilities.  If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss.
 
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  At December 31, 2011, approximately 30% of the Company's inventories were valued under the last-in, first out (LIFO) method. The major steel material inventory and related work-in-process and their finished goods are accounted for under the LIFO method.  The remaining inventories were valued under the first-in, first out (FIFO) method or average cost method. Market value is estimated based on current selling prices.  Estimated provisions are established for slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
 
Income Taxes
Deferred income tax provisions are determined using the liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities.  The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax asset positions and recognizes and measures uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 Income Taxes.
 
Retirement Benefit Obligations
Pension benefit obligations are based on various assumptions used by third-party actuaries in calculating these amounts.  These assumptions include discount rates, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates and other factors.  Revisions in assumptions and actual results that differ from the assumptions affect future expenses, cash funding requirements and obligations.  The Company has three frozen defined benefit pension plans and one defined benefit plan that previously purchased a final annuity settlement.  Titan expects to contribute approximately $7 million to these frozen defined pension plans in 2012.  For more information concerning these costs and obligations, see the discussion of the “Pensions” and Note 23 to the Company’s financial statements.
 
The effect of hypothetical changes to selected assumptions on the Company’s frozen pension benefit obligations would be as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
2012
Assumptions
Percentage
Change
 
Increase
(Decrease)
PBO (a)
 
Increase
(Decrease)
Equity
 
Increase
(Decrease)
Expense
Pension
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
+/-5
 
$(5,334)/$5,802
 
$5,334/$(5,802)
 
$(338)/$356
Expected return on assets
+/-5
 
 
 
 
 
$(334)/$334
 
(a)
Projected benefit obligation (PBO) for pension plans.
 
Product Warranties
The Company provides limited warranties on workmanship on its products in all market segments. The majority of the Company's products have a limited warranty that ranges from zero to ten years, with certain products being prorated after the first year. The Company calculates a provision for warranty expense based on past warranty experience. Actual warranty experience may differ from historical experience. The Company's warranty accrual was $17.7 million at December 31, 2011, and $12.5 million at December 31, 2010.

19




FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 2010 (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Net sales
$
1,486,998

 
$
881,591

 
69
%
Cost of sales
1,254,890

 
777,501

 
61
%
Gross profit
232,108

 
104,090

 
123
%
Gross profit percentage
15.6
%
 
11.8
%
 
 


Net Sales
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011, were $1,487.0 million compared to $881.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The higher sales levels were primarily the result of increased demand and pricing/mix improvements which resulted largely from increased raw material prices that were passed on to customers. In addition, sales increased as the result of the April acquisition of the Goodyear Latin American farm tire business including the Sao Paulo, Brazil manufacturing facility which recorded sales of $276.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
Cost of sales was $1,254.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $777.5 million in 2010.  The higher cost of sales resulted from the significant increase in the sales levels and increased raw material prices. The cost of sales increased 61%, compared to a 69% increase in net sales.

Gross profit for the year 2011 was $232.1 million, or 15.6% of net sales, compared to $104.1 million, or 11.8% of net sales for 2010.  The Sao Paulo, Brazil manufacturing facility provided gross profit of $21.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The remaining increase in the Company's gross profit was primarily related to increased sales levels as well as gains from improved plant utilization resulting from the higher sales levels.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Selling, general and administrative
$
85,917

 
$
57,565

 
49
%
Percentage of net sales
5.8
%
 
6.5
%
 
 


Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $85.9 million, or 5.8% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $57.6 million, or 6.5% of net sales, for 2010.  The higher SG&A expenses were primarily the result of higher selling and marketing expenses related to the increased sales levels, higher legal fees, an increase in incentive compensation, travel, and a write off of a receivable related to an equipment sale. Selling and marketing expenses were approximately $7 million higher, primarily due to increased sales levels. Legal related cost and fees were approximately $3 million higher. Incentive compensation, travel, and a write-off of receivables from equipment sales each increased approximately $2 million. Approximately $11 million of SG&A expenses of recently acquired facilities also contributed to the increase.

Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Decrease
Research and development
$
4,228

 
$
6,317

 
(33
)%
Percentage of net sales
0.3
%
 
0.7
%
 
 


Research and development (R&D) expenses were $4.2 million, or 0.3% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $6.3 million, or 0.7% of net sales, for 2010.  The Company R&D costs related to the Giant OTR products were less in 2011 than 2010.

20




Royalty Expense
Royalty expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Royalty expense
$
9,790

 
$
9,263

 
6
%

The Company has a trademark license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America and Latin America under the Goodyear name.  Royalty expenses were $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $9.3 million in 2010.  The North American and Latin American royalties were prepaid through March 2018 as a part of the Goodyear Latin American farm tire acquisition.

Income from Operations
Income from operations was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Income from operations
$
132,173

 
$
30,945

 
327
%
Percentage of net sales
8.8
%
 
3.5
%
 
 


Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2011, was $132.2 million, or 8.8% of net sales, compared to $30.9 million, or 3.5% of net sales, in 2010.  This increase was the net result of the items previously discussed above.

Interest Expense
Interest expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Decrease
Interest expense
$
25,259

 
$
26,667

 
(5
)%

Interest expense for the year 2011 was $25.3 million compared to $26.7 million in 2010.  The Company’s interest expense for 2011 decreased from the previous year primarily as a result of the repurchase of 8% senior unsecured notes in 2010 and the exchange agreement for 5.625% convertible senior subordinated notes in the first quarter of 2011, offset by the interest recorded for the 7.875% senior secured notes issued in the fourth quarter of 2010. Interest expense from Titan Brazil also offset the decreased interest expense for 2011.

Noncash Convertible Debt Conversion Charge
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge
$
16,135

 
$

 
n/a
 
In the first quarter of 2011, the Company closed an exchange agreement converting approximately $59.6 million of the 5.625% convertible senior subordinated notes into approximately 6.6 million shares of the Company's common stock. In connection with the exchange, the Company recognized a noncash charge of $16.1 million in accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options.

Loss on Senior Note Repurchase
Loss on senior note repurchase was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Decrease
Loss on senior note repurchase
$

 
$
14,573

 
(100
)%
 
In June 2010, the Company closed on a tender transaction to purchase $47.4 million of its 8% outstanding senior unsecured notes due January 2012 (senior unsecured notes).  In October 2010, the Company closed on another tender transaction to purchase $138.9 million of its outstanding senior unsecured notes.  In connection with these tender offers and an additional note repurchase of $6.5 million in July 2010, the Company recorded expenses of $14.6 million.  These expenses were related to: (i) early tender premium of $13.0 million, (ii) unamortized deferred financing fees of $1.2 million and (iii) other fees of $0.4 million.  

21




Other Income
Other income was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Other income
$
5,116

 
$
1,105

 
363
%

Other income was $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $1.1 million in 2010.  The major items included in 2011 were:  (i) discount amortization on prepaid royalty of $3.1 million; (ii) investment gain on marketable securities of $1.6 million; and (iii) gain on purchase transaction of $0.3 million.

The major items included in 2010 were:  (i) investment gain on contractual obligations of $0.8 million; (ii) interest income of $0.4 million; and (iii) other expense of $(0.1) million.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
37,759

 
$
(3,264
)
 
n/a

The Company recorded provision for income taxes of $37.8 million in 2011 and benefit from income taxes of $(3.3) million in 2010.   The Company's effective tax rate was 39% in 2011 and 36% in 2010. The Company's 2011 income tax expense and rate differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of the $16.1 million noncash charge taken in connection with the exchange agreement on the Company's convertible debt. This noncash charge is not fully deductible for income tax purposes. The Company's 2010 income tax expense and rate differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to the pre-tax income primarily as the result of state taxes.

Net Income (Loss)
Net income (loss) was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Net income (loss)
$
58,136

 
$
(5,926
)
 
n/a

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2011, was $58.1 million, compared to net loss of $(5.9) million in 2010. Basic earnings per share was $1.40 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to loss per share of $(.17) in 2010. Diluted earnings per share was $1.18 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to loss per share of $(.17) in 2010. The Company's net income and earnings per share were higher due to the items previously discussed.

Agricultural Segment Results
Agricultural segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Net sales
$
960,693

 
$
675,178

 
42
%
Gross profit
177,055

 
108,102

 
64
%
Income from operations
158,295

 
91,953

 
72
%

Net sales in the agricultural market were $960.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $675.2 million in 2010. The increase in net sales was the result of increasing demand and pricing/mix improvements which were primarily the result of increased raw material prices that were passed to customers, and manufacturing capacity resulting from the acquisition of the Goodyear Latin American farm tire business including the Sao Paulo, Brazil manufacturing facility. Agricultural market sales from this facility were $89.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  

Gross profit in the agricultural market was $177.1 million for the year 2011, as compared to $108.1 million in 2010.  Income from operations in the agricultural market was $158.3 million for the year 2011, as compared to $92.0 million in 2010.  The Company's gross profit and income from operations benefited from improved plant utilization resulting from the higher sales levels.

22




Earthmoving/Construction Segment Results
Earthmoving/construction segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Net sales
$
306,821

 
$
191,042

 
61
%
Gross profit (loss)
39,328

 
(3,400
)
 
n/a

Income (loss) from operations
32,781

 
(11,296
)
 
n/a


The Company's earthmoving/construction market net sales were $306.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $191.0 million in 2010. The increase in net sales was the result of increasing demand and pricing/mix improvements which were primarily the result of increased raw material prices that were passed to customers and price increases resulting from additional demand. The Company continues to see increasing demand in the earthmoving/construction segment.

Gross profit in the earthmoving/construction market was $39.3 million for the year 2011, as compared to gross loss of $(3.4) million in 2010. The Company's earthmoving/construction market income from operations was $32.8 million for the year 2011, as compared to a loss of $(11.3) million in 2010. The Company's gross profit and income from operations benefited from improved plant utilization resulting from the higher sales levels.

Consumer Segment Results
Consumer segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2011
 
2010
 
% Increase
Net sales
$
219,484

 
$
15,371

 
1,328
%
Gross profit
18,900

 
2,867

 
559
%
Income from operations
11,104

 
2,542

 
337
%

Consumer market net sales were $219.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $15.4 million in 2010.  The increase in net sales was primarily the result of the Goodyear Latin American farm tire acquisition agreement, which included supply agreements for certain product sales, which are included in the consumer segment. Sales under these agreements were $186.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Gross profit from the consumer market was $18.9 million in 2011 as compared to $2.9 million in 2010.  Consumer market income from operations was $11.1 million for the year 2011, as compared to $2.5 million in 2010.  The Company's increase in gross profit and income from operations primarily resulted from the supply agreements.

Segment Summary
(Amounts in thousands)
 
2011
 
Agricultural
 
Earthmoving/
Construction
 
Consumer
 
Corporate
 Expenses
 
Consolidated
 Totals
Net sales
 
$
960,693

 
$
306,821

 
$
219,484

 
$

 
$
1,486,998

Gross profit (loss)
 
177,055

 
39,328

 
18,900

 
(3,175
)
 
232,108

Income (loss) from operations
 
158,295

 
32,781

 
11,104

 
(70,007
)
 
132,173

2010
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
675,178

 
191,042

 
$
15,371

 
$

 
$
881,591

Gross profit (loss)
 
108,102

 
(3,400
)
 
2,867

 
(3,479
)
 
104,090

Income (loss) from operations
 
91,953

 
(11,296
)
 
2,542

 
(52,254
)
 
30,945


Corporate Expenses
Income from operations on a segment basis does not include corporate expenses or depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment carried at the corporate level totaling $70.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $52.3 million in 2010.

23




Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011, were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $28 million and administrative expenses of approximately $42 million.

Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010, were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $20 million and administrative expenses of approximately $32 million.

Selling & marketing expenses were approximately $8 million higher in 2011 primarily as the result of higher sales levels.  Corporate administrative expenses were approximately $10 million higher in 2011, when compared to 2010.  Corporate administrative expenses were higher primarily as the result of (i) legal related cost and fees which were approximately $3 million higher, (ii) incentive compensation which was approximately $2 million higher, (iii) travel which was approximately $2 million higher, and (iv) write-off of a receivable from an equipment sale of approximately $2 million in 2011.

FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to 2009 (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Increase
Net sales
$
881,591

 
$
727,599

 
21
%
Cost of sales
777,501

 
671,634

 
16
%
Gross profit
104,090

 
55,965

 
86
%
Gross profit percentage
11.8
%
 
7.7
%
 
 


Net Sales
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2010, were $881.6 million compared to $727.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The higher sales were primarily the result of a substantial increase in demand in the Company’s agricultural segment, up approximately 20%; and earthmoving/construction segment, up approximately 32%.  Second half sales in 2009 were affected by reduced demand for the Company’s products, as many of the Company’s major customers implemented extended shutdowns during the period as a consequence of the recession.  Titan in turn implemented extended shutdowns at its production facilities to manage lower demand during this time period.  Extended shutdowns were not required during the second half of 2010 as Titan’s customers were aided by the stabilization of the overall economy and an increase in demand for their products.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
Cost of sales was $777.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $671.6 million in 2009. The cost of sales increased 16% as a result of higher sales levels of 21%.

Gross profit for the year 2010 was $104.1 million, or 11.8% of net sales, compared to $56.0 million, or 7.7% of net sales for 2009. The gross profit margin for 2010 was higher than 2009 primarily due to the negative margins in the second half of 2009 resulting from extended production facility shutdowns and improved plant utilization resulting from the higher sales levels.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Increase
Selling, general and administrative
$
57,565

 
$
46,734

 
23
%
Percentage of net sales
6.5
%
 
6.4
%
 
 


Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $57.6 million, or 6.5% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $46.7 million, or 6.4% of net sales, for 2009.  The higher SG&A expenses for 2010 were primarily the result of an increase in CEO and management incentive compensation, higher selling and marketing expenses related to sales levels, and higher legal and professional fees.  Expenses recorded for CEO and management incentive compensation were approximately $6 million higher in 2010, when compared to 2009.  Selling and marketing expenses for 2010 were approximately $2 million higher than 2009 primarily due to the higher sales levels.  Legal and professional fees for 2010 were approximately $2 million higher than 2009 due primarily to fees associated with potential acquisitions.

24




Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Decrease
Research and development
$
6,317

 
$
8,850

 
(29
)%
Percentage of net sales
0.7
%
 
1.2
%
 
 


Research and development (R&D) expenses were $6.3 million, or 0.7% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $8.9 million, or 1.2% of net sales, for 2009.  The Company R&D costs related to the Giant OTR products were less in 2010 than 2009.

Royalty Expense
Royalty expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Increase
Royalty expense
$
9,263

 
$
7,573

 
22
%

The Company has a trademark license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain off-highway tires in North America under the Goodyear name.  Royalty expenses were $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $7.6 million in 2009.  As sales subject to the license agreement increased in 2010, the Company’s royalty expense increased accordingly.

Noncash Goodwill Impairment Charge
Noncash goodwill impairment charge was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Decrease
Noncash goodwill charge
$

 
$
11,702

 
(100
)%

In the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a noncash charge for the impairment of goodwill of $11.7 million on both a pre-tax and after-tax basis.  The charge was associated with the reporting units of the Company’s agricultural ($6.9 million), earthmoving/construction ($3.6 million), and consumer ($1.2 million) segments.  The Company performed a fourth quarter 2009 goodwill assessment using a discounted cash flow model that employed a 12.25% discount rate and 2.5% terminal growth rate assumption and an EBITDA multiple approach.

Income (loss) from Operations
Income (loss) from operations was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Increase
Income (loss) from operations
$
30,945

 
$
(18,894
)
 
n/a
Percentage of net sales
3.5
%
 
(2.6
)%
 
 

Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010, was $30.9 million, or 3.5% of net sales, compared to loss from operations of $(18.9) million, or (2.6)% of net sales, in 2009.  This increase was the net result of the items previously discussed above.

Interest Expense
Interest expense was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Increase
Interest expense
$
26,667

 
$
16,246

 
64
%

Interest expense for the year 2010 was $26.7 million compared to $16.2 million in 2009.  The Company’s interest expense for 2010 increased from the previous year primarily as a result of additional interest expense of approximately $10 million related to the 5.625% convertible senior subordinated notes that were issued in December 2009.

25




Gain (Loss) on Note Repurchase
Gain (loss) on note repurchase was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Decrease
Gain (loss) on note repurchase
$
(14,573
)
 
$
1,398

 
n/a
 
In June 2010, the Company closed on a tender transaction to purchase $47.4 million of its 8% outstanding senior unsecured notes due January 2012 (senior unsecured notes).  In October 2010, the Company closed on another tender transaction to purchase $138.9 million of its outstanding senior unsecured notes.  In connection with these tender offers and an additional note repurchase of $6.5 million in July 2010, the Company recorded expenses of $14.6 million.  These expenses were related to: (i) early tender premium of $13.0 million, (ii) unamortized deferred financing fees of $1.2 million and (iii) other fees of $0.4 million.  For 2009, the Company recorded a gain on a note repurchase of $1.4 million resulting from the Company’s repurchase of $6.2 million of principal value of senior unsecured notes for approximately $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2009.

Other Income
Other income was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Decrease
Other income
$
1,105

 
$
1,740

 
(36
)%

Other income was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $1.7 million in 2009.  The major items included in 2010 were:  (i) investment gain on contractual obligations of $0.8 million; (ii) interest income of $0.4 million; and (iii) other expense of $(0.1) million.

The major items included in 2009 were:  (i) investment gain on contractual obligations of $1.3 million; (ii) interest income of $0.2 million; and (iii) other income of $0.2 million.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Decrease
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
(3,264
)
 
$
(7,357
)
 
(56
)%

The Company recorded benefit for income taxes of $(3.3) million in 2010 and $(7.4) million in 2009.   The Company's effective tax rate was 36% in 2010 and 23% in 2009. The Company's 2010 income tax expense and rate differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to the pre-tax income primarily as the result of state taxes. The Company's 2009 income tax expense and rate differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of the $11.7 million noncash goodwill impairment charge. This noncash goodwill charge is not deductible for income tax purposes.

Net Loss
Net loss was as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Decrease
Net income (loss)
$
(5,926
)
 
$
(24,645
)
 
(76
)%

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2010, was $(5.9) million, compared to $(24.6) million in 2009. Basic and diluted loss per share was $(.17) for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $(.71) in 2009. The Company's net loss and loss per share were lower due to the items previously discussed.

26




Agricultural Segment Results
Agricultural segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Increase
Net sales
$
675,178

 
$
563,528

 
20
%
Gross profit
108,102

 
51,955

 
108
%
Income from operations
91,953

 
26,980

 
241
%

Net sales in the agricultural market were $675.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $563.5 million in 2009.  Agricultural segment sales for the first quarter of 2010 sales were lower by $36.2 million when compared to the first quarter of 2009.  However, sales for the remainder of the year increased; more than offsetting the first quarter reduction.

Gross profit in the agricultural market was $108.1 million for the year 2010, as compared to $52.0 million in 2009.  Income from operations in the agricultural market was $92.0 million for the year 2010, as compared to $27.0 million in 2009.  The gross profit margin for 2010 was higher than 2009 primarily due to the negative margins in the second half of 2009 resulting from extended production facility shutdowns and improved plant utilization resulting from higher sales levels.

Earthmoving/Construction Segment Results
Earthmoving/construction segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Increase
Net sales
$
191,042

 
$
144,589

 
32
%
Gross profit (loss)
(3,400
)
 
3,595

 
n/a

Loss from operations
(11,296
)
 
(7,999
)
 
41
%

The Company's earthmoving/construction market net sales were $191.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $144.6 million in 2009. The sales in the earthmoving/construction segment have improved, yet remain at low levels, down over 30 percent when compared to 2008 or 2007. A primary reason for the low sales levels in this segment was the continued weakness in the construction areas related to the commercial, residential and infrastructure industries.

Gross loss in the earthmoving/construction market was $(3.4) million for the year 2010, as compared to gross profit of $3.6 million in 2009. The Company's earthmoving/construction market loss from operations was $(11.3) million for the year 2010, as compared to $(8.0) million in 2009. The lower gross profit in 2010 when compared to 2009 was primarily the result of a write-down in inventory value of approximately $15 million for certain large earthmoving/construction tires partially offset by substantially higher plant utilization rates.

Consumer Segment Results
Consumer segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
2010
 
2009
 
% Increase (Decrease)
Net sales
$
15,371

 
$
19,482

 
(21
)%
Gross profit
2,867

 
1,604

 
79
 %
Income (loss) from operations
2,542

 
(206
)
 
n/a


Consumer market net sales were $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $19.5 million in 2009.  The continued reduction in consumer market sales was primarily attributed to the sustained contraction in consumer discretionary spending.

Gross profit from the consumer market was $2.9 million in 2010 as compared to $1.6 million in 2009.  Consumer market income from operations was $2.5 million for the year 2010, as compared to loss from operations of $(0.2) million in 2009.  The gross profit and income from operations in 2009 were negatively affected by the second half extended production facility shutdowns.

27




Segment Summary
(Amounts in thousands)
 
2010
 
Agricultural
 
Earthmoving/
Construction
 
Consumer
 
Corporate
 Expenses
 
Consolidated
 Totals
Net sales
 
$
675,178

 
$
191,042

 
$
15,371

 
$

 
$
881,591

Gross profit (loss)
 
108,102

 
(3,400
)
 
2,867

 
(3,479
)
 
104,090

Income (loss) from operations
 
91,953

 
(11,296
)
 
2,542

 
(52,254
)
 
30,945

2009
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
563,528

 
$
144,589

 
$
19,482

 
$

 
$
727,599

Gross profit (loss)
 
51,955

 
3,595

 
1,604

 
(1,189
)
 
55,965

Income (loss) from operations
 
26,980

 
(7,999
)
 
(206
)
 
(37,669
)
 
(18,894
)

Corporate Expenses
Income from operations on a segment basis does not include corporate expenses or depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment carried at the corporate level totaling $52.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to $37.7 million in 2009.

Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010, were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $20 million and administrative expenses of approximately $32 million.

Corporate expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009, were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $18 million and administrative expenses of approximately $20 million.

Selling & marketing expenses were approximately $2 million higher in 2010 as the result of higher sales levels.  Corporate administrative expenses were approximately $12 million higher in 2010, when compared to 2009.  Corporate administrative expenses were higher primarily as the result of (i) CEO and management incentive compensation which was approximately $6 million higher, (ii) legal and professional fees which were approximately $2 million higher due primarily to fees associated with potential acquisitions, and (iii) approximately $2 million additional group insurance expense.



28




LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $129.2 million of cash within various bank accounts.  The cash balance decreased by $(110.3) million from December 31, 2010, due to the following items.
(amounts in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Change
Cash
$
129,170

 
$
239,500

 
$
(110,330
)

Operating Cash Flows
Summary of cash flows from operating activities:
(Amounts in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Change
Net income (loss)
$
58,136

 
$
(5,926
)
 
$
64,062

Depreciation and amortization
44,908

 
37,567

 
7,341

Noncash convertible debt conversion charge
16,135

 

 
16,135

Deferred income tax provision
(449
)
 
(2,080
)
 
1,631

Loss on note repurchase

 
14,573

 
(14,573
)
Accounts receivable
(105,619
)
 
(21,491
)
 
(84,128
)
Inventories
(55,607
)
 
(8,007
)
 
(47,600
)
Accounts payable
44,991

 
11,035

 
33,956

Other current liabilities
9,192

 
11,426

 
(2,234
)
Other operating activities
(7,261
)
 
13,614

 
(20,875
)
Cash provided by operating activities
$
4,426

 
$
50,711

 
$
(46,285
)
 
For the year ended December 31, 2011, operating activities provided cash of $4.4 million, that was $46.3 million less than the prior year, primarily due to changes in operational working capital. The major source of funds was net income of $58.1 million, adjusted for noncash provision of depreciation and amortization of $44.9 million, and the noncash convertible debt conversion charge of $16.1 million, all of which increased from the prior year. The changes in operational working capital decreased cash flows by $109.3 million in 2011 compared to an increase of $1.6 million in 2010, primarily due to the acquisition of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's Latin American farm tire business that did not include accounts receivable, and an increase in inventory due to sales growth in the business and increased raw material costs. For additional details, see the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows on page F-6.

In comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2010, operating activities provided cash of $50.7 million which included a net loss of $(5.9) million, an increase in accounts payable of $11.0 million, an increase in other current liabilities of $11.4 million and cash flows from other operating activities of $13.6 million. Net loss included noncash charges of $37.6 million for depreciation and amortization and a $14.6 million loss on note repurchase. Positive cash flows were offset by increases in accounts receivable and inventory of $21.5 million and $8.0 million, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, operating activities provided cash of $72.3 million. This cash was primarily provided by decreases in accounts receivable of $59.0 million and inventories of $37.2 million. Positive cash flows were offset by net loss of $(24.6) million and decreases in accounts payable of $41.3 million. Included as a reduction to net income were noncash charges of $34.3 million for depreciation and amortization and $11.7 million for the noncash goodwill impairment charge.

Operating cash flows decreased $21.6 million from the year ended December 31, 2009, to December 31, 2010. The net loss for 2010 decreased $18.7 million from the loss in 2009. When comparing 2010 to 2009, cash flows from accounts receivable and inventories decreased $80.5 million and $45.2 million, respectively. These decreases were offset by increases in cash flow from accounts payable of $52.3 million. The increases in accounts receivable and accounts payable is the result of significantly higher fourth quarter sales, which increased approximately 59% when comparing the fourth quarter of 2010 to the fourth quarter of 2009. The inventory increase in 2010 was due to rebuilding inventory balances from the substantially reduced year-end 2009 inventory levels.

29



Investing Cash Flows
Summary of cash flows from investing activities:
(Amounts in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Change
Acquisitions
$
(99,118
)
 
$

 
$
(99,118
)
Purchases of marketable securities
(30,000
)
 

 
(30,000
)
Sales of marketable securities
31,586

 

 
31,586

Capital expenditures
(35,744
)
 
(28,854
)
 
(6,890
)
Other investing activities
2,473

 
106

 
2,367

Cash used for investing activities
$
(130,803
)
 
$
(28,748
)
 
$
(102,055
)
 
Net cash used for investing activities was $130.8 million in 2011, as compared to $28.7 million in 2010 and $40.9 million in 2009. The Company invested a total of  $99.1 million in acquisitions, and $30.0 million in marketable securities in 2011. This was partially offset by sales of marketable securities of $31.6 million. The Company invested a total of $35.7 million in capital expenditures in 2011, compared to $28.9 million in 2010 and $39.5 million in 2009.  In 2011, approximately $9 million of the capital expenditures related to the purchase of land, buildings, and certain equipment at Goodyear's Union City, TN closed tire plant. In 2010, approximately $7 million of the capital expenditures related to the purchase of Denman Tire molds and equipment.  Capital expenditures include Giant OTR Project expenditures of approximately $23 million in 2009.  The remaining capital expenditures of approximately $27 million in 2011, approximately $22 million in 2010, and approximately $16 million in 2009, represent various equipment purchases and improvements to enhance production capabilities of Titan’s existing business and maintaining existing equipment.

Cash used for investing increased $102.1 million from the year ended December 31, 2010, to December 31, 2011.  This increase in cash use was primarily the result of acquisitions, which included Goodyear's Latin American farm tire business for approximately $98.6 million.

Financing Cash Flows
Summary of cash flows from financing activities:
(Amounts in thousands)
Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Change
Proceeds from borrowings
$

 
$
200,000

 
$
(200,000
)
Repurchase of senior notes
(1,064
)
 
(206,166
)
 
205,102

Term loan borrowing
25,879

 

 
25,879

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
524

 
285

 
239

Payment of financing fees

 
(5,057
)
 
5,057

Payment on debt
(8,856
)
 

 
(8,856
)
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised
706

 

 
706

Dividends paid
(809
)
 
(707
)
 
(102
)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
$
16,380

 
$
(11,645
)
 
$
28,025

 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $16.4 million in 2011.  The cash was primarily provided by term loan borrowings of $25.9 million used to provide working capital to Titan's Latin American operations. This was partially offset by payment on debt of $8.9 million.

Net cash used for financing activities was $11.6 million in 2010.  $206.2 million was used to repurchase senior notes and $5.1 million was used for payment of financing fees.  This was offset by proceeds from the issuance of $200.0 million of 7.875 % senior secured notes due 2017.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $136.1 million in 2009.  This cash was provided primarily by 5.625% convertible senior subordinated notes proceeds of $172.5 million.  This was offset by payments on the Company’s credit facility of $25 million, payment of financing fees of $7.1 million and repurchase of senior notes of $4.7 million.

Financing cash flows increased by $28.0 million when comparing 2011 to 2010.  Also, financing cash flows decreased $147.8 million when comparing 2010 to 2009.  The changes from year to year are primarily the result of activity related to debt borrowings and payments.

30




Debt Covenants
The Company’s revolving credit facility (credit facility) contains various covenants and restrictions.  The financial covenants in this agreement require that:
Collateral coverage be equal to or greater than 1.2 times the outstanding revolver balance.
If the 30-day average of the outstanding revolver balance exceeds $70 million, the fixed charge coverage ratio be equal to or greater than a 1.1 to 1.0 ratio.

Restrictions include:
Limits on payments of dividends and repurchases of the Company’s stock.
Restrictions on the ability of the Company to make additional borrowings, or to consolidate, merge or otherwise fundamentally change the ownership of the Company.
Limitations on investments, dispositions of assets and guarantees of indebtedness.
Other customary affirmative and negative covenants.
 
These covenants and restrictions could limit the Company’s ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments, to raise additional debt or equity capital, to pay dividends or to take advantage of business opportunities, including future acquisitions.  The failure by Titan to meet these covenants could result in the Company ultimately being in default on these loan agreements.

The Company was in compliance with these covenants and restrictions as of December 31, 2011.  The collateral coverage ratio was not applicable as there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2011.  The fixed charge coverage ratio did not apply for the quarter ended December 31, 2011.

Other Issues
The Company’s business is subject to seasonal variations in sales that affect inventory levels and accounts receivable balances.  Historically, Titan tends to experience higher sales demand in the first and second quarters.  However, in 2011, Titan's third and fourth quarter sales continued at a high level due to increased demand in all of the Company's segments: agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer.

LIQUIDITY OUTLOOK
At December 31, 2011, the Company had $129.2 million of cash and cash equivalents and $88.0 million of unused availability under the terms of its credit facility. The availability under the Company's $100 million credit facility was reduced by $12.0 million for letters of credit used to provide working capital for the Sao Paulo, Brazil manufacturing facility.  Titan expects to contribute approximately $7 million to its frozen defined benefit pension plans during 2012.

Capital expenditures for 2012 are forecasted to be approximately $50 million.  Cash payments for interest are currently forecasted to be approximately $24 million in 2012 based on the Company's year-end 2011 debt balances.

In the future, Titan may seek to grow by making acquisitions which will depend on the ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, to negotiate acceptable terms for their acquisition and to finance those acquisitions.

Subject to the terms of indebtedness, the Company may finance future acquisitions with cash on hand, cash from operations, additional indebtedness and/or by issuing additional equity securities. Cash on hand, anticipated internal cash flows from operations and utilization of remaining available borrowings are expected to provide sufficient liquidity for working capital needs, capital expenditures and potential acquisitions.

INFLATION
The Company is subject to the effect of price fluctuations.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company realized price increases for certain purchases of steel and rubber used in the manufacture of its products.  While the cost outlook for commodities used in the Company’s production is not certain, management believes it can manage these inflationary pressures by introducing appropriate sales price adjustments and through contract provisions with OEMs.  However, these price adjustments may lag the inflationary pressures.

31




CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The Company’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2011, consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
Less than  1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
More than 5 years
7.875% senior secured notes due 2017
 
$
200,000

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
200,000

5.625% senior subordinated convertible notes due 2017
 
112,881

 

 

 

 
112,881

Other debt
 
16,723

 
11,723

 
5,000

 

 

Interest expense (a)
 
123,918

 
23,210

 
44,432

 
44,199

 
12,077

Operating leases
 
1,427

 
567

 
805

 
55

 

Purchase obligations
 
42,613

 
15,464

 
26,271

 
878

 

Other long-term liabilities (b)
 
38,100

 
7,000

 
10,400

 
7,700

 
13,000

Total
 
$
535,662

 
$
57,964

 
$
86,908

 
$
52,832

 
$
337,958

(a)
Interest expense is estimated based on the Company’s year-end 2011 debt balances, maturities and interest rates.  The estimates assume no credit facility borrowings.  The Company’s actual debt balances and interest rates may fluctuate in the future.  Therefore, actual interest payments may vary from those payments detailed in the above table.
(b)
Other long-term liabilities represent the Company’s estimated funding requirements for the frozen defined benefit pension plans. The Company’s liability for pensions is based on a number of assumptions, including discount rates, rates of return on investments, mortality rates and other factors.  Certain of these assumptions are determined with the assistance of outside actuaries.  Assumptions are based on past experience and anticipated future trends and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and may lead to significantly different pension liability funding requirements.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has no material off-balance sheet arrangements.

MARKET RISK SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS

Exchange Rate Sensitivity
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the Brazilian Real, British pound, Euro and other world currencies.  Titan does not hedge foreign currency transaction or translation exposures.  The Company’s net investment in foreign entities translated into U.S. dollars was $111.4 million at December 31, 2011, and $22.7 million at December 31, 2010.  The hypothetical potential loss in value of the Company’s net investment in foreign entities resulting from a 10% adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates at December 31, 2011, would amount to approximately $11.1 million.

Commodity Price Sensitivity
The Company does not generally enter into long-term commodity contracts and does not use derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposures to commodity market price fluctuations.  Therefore, the Company is exposed to price fluctuations of its key commodities, which consist primarily of steel, natural rubber, synthetic rubber and carbon black. The Company attempts to pass on certain material price increases and decreases to its customers, depending on market conditions.
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity
The Company has a $100 million credit facility that has a variable interest rate.  If the credit facility were fully drawn, a change in the interest rate of 100 basis points, or 1%, would change the Company’s interest expense by approximately $1.0 million.  At December 31, 2011, there were no borrowings under the credit facility.

32




MARKET CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK
In 2011, Titan experienced significantly higher sales when compared to 2010.  The higher sales were primarily the result of increased demand and price increases in all of the Company's segments, as well as additional sales resulting from the acquisition of Goodyear's Latin American farm tire business and accompanying supply agreements. For 2012, the Company expects overall sales to remain at strong levels.

Energy, raw material and petroleum-based product costs have been volatile and may negatively impact the Company’s margins.  Many of Titan’s overhead expenses are fixed; therefore, lower seasonal trends may cause negative fluctuations in quarterly profit margins and affect the financial condition of the Company.
 
The labor agreements for the Company’s Bryan, Ohio and Freeport, Illinois, facilities expired on November 19, 2010, for the employees covered by their respective collective bargaining agreements, which account for approximately 26% of the Company’s employees.  As of December 31, 2011, the employees of these two facilities were working without a contract under the terms of the Company’s latest offer.  The respective unions have retained the rights to challenge the Company's actions.

AGRICULTURAL MARKET OUTLOOK
Agricultural market sales were significantly higher in 2011 when compared to 2010.  The addition of Goodyear's Latin American farm tire business, price increases, and continued strong demand contributed to the higher sales levels. The increase in the global population and the rising middle class in emerging countries may help grow future demand.  The gradual increase in the use of biofuels may help sustain future production.  Many variables, including weather, grain prices, export markets and future government policies and payments can greatly influence the overall health of the agricultural economy.
 
EARTHMOVING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET OUTLOOK
Earthmoving and mining sales continue to improve, aided by increases in metals, oil and gas prices. Although they may fluctuate in the short-term, in the long-term, these prices are expected to remain at levels that are attractive for continued investment, which should help support future earthmoving and mining sales.  The decline in the United States housing market continues to cause a lower demand for equipment used for construction.  The earthmoving/construction segment is affected by many variables, including commodity prices, road construction, infrastructure, government appropriations, housing starts and the on-going banking and credit issues.  For 2012, the Company expects strong demand to continue.

CONSUMER MARKET OUTLOOK
Consumer market sales were significantly higher in 2011, when compared to previous years.  The increase in net sales was primarily the result of the Goodyear Latin American farm tire acquisition agreement, which included supply agreements for certain non-agricultural product sales, which are included in the consumer segment. The supply agreement sales, which currently make up a large portion of consumer market sales, may fluctuate from period to period.

PENSIONS
The Company has three frozen defined benefit pension plans and one defined benefit plan that previously purchased a final annuity settlement.  These plans are described in Note 23 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company’s recorded liability for pensions is based on a number of assumptions, including discount rates, rates of return on investments, mortality rates and other factors.  Certain of these assumptions are determined by the Company with the assistance of outside actuaries.  Assumptions are based on past experience and anticipated future trends.  These assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and revised when appropriate.  Revisions in assumptions and actual results that differ from the assumptions affect future expenses, cash funding requirements and the carrying value of the related obligations.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company contributed cash funds of $3.6 million to the frozen defined benefit pension plans.  Titan expects to contribute approximately $7 million to these frozen defined benefit pension plans during 2012.

Titan’s projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2011, was $112.0 million as compared to $98.8 million at December 31, 2010.  The Company’s defined benefit pension plans were underfunded by $42.9 million at December 31, 2011.  During 2011, the Company recorded net periodic pension expense of $4.3 million.  Accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded for defined benefit pension plans, net of tax, was $35.0 million and $27.4 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded as a direct charge to stockholders’ equity and does not affect net income.  Titan will be required to record net periodic pension cost in the future; these costs may fluctuate based upon revised assumptions and could negatively affect the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

33




RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Fair Value Measurement
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.” This update establishes common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  The amendments in this update are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Comprehensive Income
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” The objective of this update is to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. This update requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders' equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. In December of 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05." The adoption of these updates is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Goodwill Impairment Testing
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment.” The objective of this update is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. The amendments in the update permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted and the Company elected to adopt this update for the year ended December 31, 2011. The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 7A – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Reference is made to Item 7, Part II of this report.

ITEM 8 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Reference is made to Item 15, Part IV of this report, “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.”
 
ITEM 9
– CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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


34




Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Titan's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, Titan's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and effected by the Company's Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

Management has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria described in the “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, management concluded the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.

The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Remediation of Previously Disclosed Material Weakness
Management previously reported a material weakness in the Company's internal control over financial reporting, related to accounting for Gen 1 inventory in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2010. A material weakness is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

The Company has enhanced the monthly control related to the review of the Gen 1 inventory reserve by incorporating external market data from the mining industry, in addition to receiving input from a variety of management personnel, including those within the sales, marketing and accounting functions, to accurately calculate the value of the Gen 1 inventory.

The Company completed documentation and testing of the corrective actions above and as of December 31, 2011 has concluded that the steps taken have remediated the material weakness related to accounting for Gen 1 inventory.  

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
Other than the completed remediation actions described above, there were no material changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 

ITEM 9B – OTHER INFORMATION

None.


35



PART III

ITEM 10 – DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors
The information required by this item regarding the Company’s directors is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2012 Proxy Statement under the captions “Election of Mr. Billig and Mr. Soave as Directors,” “Directors Continuing in Office,” “Committees and Meetings of the Board of Directors” and “Corporate Governance.”

Executive Officers
The names, ages and positions of all executive officers of the Company are listed below, followed by a brief account of their business experience during the past five years.  Officers are normally appointed annually by the Board of Directors at a meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.  The Chief Executive Officer and Secretary are brother and sister.  There is no arrangement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which an officer was selected.

Maurice M. Taylor Jr., 67, has been Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company since 1990, when Titan was acquired in a management-led buyout by investors, including Mr. Taylor.  Mr. Taylor served as President of the Company from 1990 to 2005 and was appointed Chairman in 2005.

Paul G. Reitz, 39, joined the Company in July 2010 as Chief Financial Officer.  Before joining Titan, Mr. Reitz was chief accounting officer at Carmike Cinemas, Inc.  Mr. Reitz previously served as Controller at Yellowbook USA Inc. from April 2002 to July 2008.

Kent W. Hackamack, 53, served as Corporate Controller of the Company from 1994 to 1996.  Mr. Hackamack was appointed Vice President of Finance and Treasurer in 1996.  In July 2010, Mr. Hackamack was named executive vice president of corporate development.

Cheri T. Holley, 64, joined the Company in 1994 as General Counsel and Secretary.  Ms. Holley was appointed Vice President in 1996.

Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance
The information required by this item regarding beneficial ownership reporting compliance is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2012 Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Business conduct policy
The Company adopted a business conduct policy, which is applicable to directors, officers and employees.  The Company has also adopted corporate governance guidelines.  The business conduct policy and corporate governance guidelines are available under the investor information category of the Company’s website, www.titan-intl.com.  The Company intends to satisfy disclosure requirements regarding amendments to or waivers from its business conduct policy by posting such information on its website.  A printed copy of the business conduct policy and corporate governance guidelines are available, without charge, by writing to:  Titan International, Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, 2701 Spruce Street, Quincy, IL 62301.
 
ITEM 11 – EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2012 Proxy Statement under the caption “Compensation of Executive Officers.”













36



ITEM 12– SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Except for the information concerning equity compensation plans, the information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2012 Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

The following table provides information about shares of Titan common stock that may be issued under Titan’s equity compensation plans, as of December 31, 2011:

 
 
(i)
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
 
(ii)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
(iii)
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (i))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 
1,234,051

(a)
 
 17.40

 
2,349,580

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 

 
 
   n/a

 

Total
 
1,234,051

 
 
17.40

 
2,349,580



(a)
Amount includes outstanding stock options under the Company’s 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan and 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.
For additional information regarding the Company’s stock option plans, please see Note 24 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
ITEM 13 – CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2012 Proxy Statement under the caption “Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” and also appears in Note 28 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
ITEM 14 – PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2012 Proxy Statement under the caption “Audit and Other Fees.”


37



PART IV

ITEM 15 – EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


The accompanying Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

38



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
(Registrant)


Date:  
February 22, 2012
By:  
/s/  MAURICE M. TAYLOR JR.
 
 
 
Maurice M. Taylor Jr.
 
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 22, 2012.

Signatures
Capacity
 
 
 
 
/s/  MAURICE M. TAYLOR JR.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
Maurice M. Taylor Jr.
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/  PAUL G. REITZ
Chief Financial Officer
 
Paul G. Reitz
(Principal Financial Officer and
 
 
Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/  J. MICHAEL A. AKERS                                                   
Director
 
J. Michael A. Akers
 
 
 
 
 
/s/  ERWIN H. BILLIG                                        
Director
 
Erwin H. Billig
 
 
 
 
 
/s/  RICHARD M. CASHIN JR.                                                              
Director
 
Richard M. Cashin Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
/s/  ALBERT J. FEBBO                                                   
Director
 
Albert J. Febbo
 
 
 
 
 
/s/  MITCHELL I. QUAIN                                                   
Director
 
Mitchell I. Quain
 
 
 
 
 
/s/  ANTHONY L. SOAVE                                                   
Director
 
Anthony L. Soave
 
 


39



TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Exhibit Index
Annual Report on Form 10-K
Exhibit No.
DESCRIPTION
3.1 (a)
Amended Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company
3.2 (b)
Bylaws of the Company
4.1 (c)
Indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated December 21, 2009
4.2 (d)
Indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated October 1, 2010
10.1 (e)
1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
10.2 (f)
2005 Equity Incentive Plan as Amended
10.3 (g)
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Company and Bank of America, N.A. dated as of January 30, 2009
10.4 (h)
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 9, 2010
10.5 (i)
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 7, 2011
10.6 (j)
Maurice M. Taylor, Jr. Employment Agreement
10.7 (j)
Kent W. Hackamack Employment Agreement
10.8 (j)
Cheri T. Holley Employment Agreement
10.9 (k)
Maurice M. Taylor, Jr. Employment Agreement Amendment
10.10 (l)
Paul G. Reitz Employment Agreement
10.11 (a)
Trademark License Agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company **
10.12 (k)
Wheel Purchase Agreement with Deere & Company – November 2010 **
10.13 (m)
Supply Agreement with Deere & Company – August 2011 **
10.14 (m)
First Amendment to Supply Agreement with Deere & Company – September 2011 **
10.15 (n)
Maurice M. Taylor, Jr. Employment Agreement Amendment
21*
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23*
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32*
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
* Filed herewith
** Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit.  Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(a)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010 (No. 1-12936).
(b)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 33-69228).
(c)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2009 (No. 1-12936).
(d)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 5, 2010.  (No. 1-12936).
(e)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-61743).
(f)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 28, 2011.
(g)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (No 1-12936).
(h)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 9, 2010 (No. 1-12936).
(i)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2011 (No. 1-12936).
(j)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006 (No. 1-12936).
(k)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (No 1-12936).
(l)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2011 (No 1-12936).
(m)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011 (No 1-12936).
(n)
Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2012 (No 1-12936).

40



Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.  Management believes that the consolidated financial statements fairly reflect the Company’s financial transactions and the financial statements reasonably present the Company’s financial position and results of operations in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Board of Directors of the Company has an Audit Committee comprised entirely of outside directors who are independent of management.  The Committee meets periodically with management, the internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm to review accounting control, auditing and financial reporting matters.  The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm and approval of their fees.

The independent registered public accounting firm audits the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.


F- 1



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Titan International, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Titan International, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 22, 2012



F- 2



TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(All amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Net sales
$
1,486,998

 
$
881,591

 
$
727,599

Cost of sales
1,254,890

 
777,501

 
671,634

Gross profit
232,108

 
104,090

 
55,965

Selling, general and administrative expenses
85,917

 
57,565

 
46,734

Research and development expenses
4,228

 
6,317

 
8,850

Royalty expense
9,790

 
9,263

 
7,573

Noncash goodwill impairment charge

 

 
11,702

Income (loss) from operations
132,173

 
30,945

 
(18,894
)
Interest expense
(25,259
)
 
(26,667
)
 
(16,246
)
Noncash convertible debt conversion charge
(16,135
)
 

 

Gain (loss) on senior note repurchase

 
(14,573
)
 
1,398

Other income
5,116

 
1,105

 
1,740

Income (loss) before income taxes
95,895

 
(9,190
)
 
(32,002
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
37,759

 
(3,264
)
 
(7,357
)
Net income (loss)
58,136

 
(5,926
)
 
(24,645
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(16
)
 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Titan
$
58,152

 
$
(5,926
)
 
$
(24,645
)