LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 16, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

• Fourth quarter sales of $4.0 billion-- an increase of 7%; record full year sales of $16.2 billion-- an increase of 13%.
• Fourth quarter GAAP net earnings of $3.27per diluted share; full year GAAP net earnings of $8.82per diluted share.
• Excluding special items, fourth quarter net earnings of $1.84per diluted share; full year net earnings of $7.42per diluted share.
• Fourth quarter free cash flow (cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures) of $341 million; 2011 full year free cash flow of $549 million.
• Total gross and net debt of $1,532 millionand $291 million, respectively -- both historic lows for the Company.

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW), the global leader in active and passive safety systems, today reported fourth quarter 2011 financial results with sales of $4.0 billion, an increase of seven percent compared to the prior year period.  The Company reported GAAP fourth quarter net earnings of $425 millionor $3.27per diluted share, which compares to net earnings of $204 millionor $1.56per diluted share in the prior year period.  

The Company's current and prior year quarterly results contain special items which primarily consist of restructuring and debt retirement charges, an adjustment to a gain on business acquisition, and favorable net tax items, including a benefit associated with the reversal of the valuation allowance on the Company's deferred income tax assets in the United States.  Excluding special items, the Company reported fourth quarter 2011 net earnings of $238 million, or $1.84per diluted share, which compares to net earnings of $225 millionor $1.72per diluted share in the prior year period.  

The Company's full year 2011 sales grew to a record $16.2 billion, an increase of $1.9 billionor 13 percent compared to 2010.  For the year, GAAP net earnings were $1,157 million, or $8.82per diluted share, which compares to net earnings of $834 million, or $6.49per diluted share in the prior year.

Similar to the Company's quarterly results, the 2011 and 2010 full year results contain special items such as restructuring charges, a gain related to favorable resolution of a commercial matter, charges related to the termination of a service contract, debt retirement charges, a gain on business acquisition, and favorable net tax items.  Excluding special items, the Company reported full year 2011 net earnings of $971 million, or $7.42per diluted share, which compares to net earnings of $844 million, or $6.57per diluted share in 2010.

"TRW's solid fourth quarter performance sustained the positive momentum established earlier in the year and propelled the Company to its second consecutive year of record earnings," said John C. Plant, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "Achieving record sales and net earnings in 2011 despite the fragile and uncertain business environment demonstrates the strong market position of the Company."

Fourth Quarter 2011

The Company reported fourth quarter 2011 sales of $4.0 billion, an increase of $273 millionor seven percent from the prior year period.  The increase in sales resulted from improved vehicle production volumes, primarily in North America, and increasing demand for TRW's broad array of active and passive safety products compared to the prior year quarter.                

The Company's fourth quarter 2011 operating income was $280 million, compared with $293 millionin the 2010 period.  The 2011 and 2010 periods included restructuring and asset impairment charges totaling $27 millionand $35 million, respectively.  In addition, the 2010 period included a net gain of $18 millionrelating to certain pension matters, primarily the curtailment of the Company's salaried pension plan in the U.S.  Excluding these special items from both periods, operating income for the fourth quarter was $307 million, which compares to $310 millionin the prior year period.  The year-to-year decline in profit was driven by the negative profit impact from higher raw material prices, higher legal fees and planned increases in costs to support future growth, partially offset by the improved profit from the higher level of sales between the two quarters.                    

Net interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2011 totaled $28 million, which compares favorably to $37 millionin the 2010 period as a result of lower debt levels.  In addition, both the 2011 and 2010 periods include net losses on retirement of debt totaling $1 millionand $13 million, respectively.                  

A tax benefit of $174 millionwas recognized in the fourth quarter of 2011, which compares to a tax expense of $36 millionin the prior year period.  The 2011 period included $217 millionof net special tax benefit items, the most significant of which was associated with the reversal of the valuation allowance on the Company's deferred income tax assets in the United States.                          

The Company reported 2011 fourth quarter GAAP earnings of $425 million, or $3.27per diluted share, which compares to GAAP net earnings of $204 million, or $1.56per diluted share in the 2010 period.  

Excluding special items, the Company reported fourth quarter 2011 net earnings of $238 million, or $1.84per diluted share, which compares to net earnings of $225 millionor $1.72per diluted share in the 2010 period.  

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and special items ("adjusted EBITDA") were $413 millionin the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to the prior year level of $426 million.  See page A6 for a description of the special items excluded in calculating adjusted EBITDA.    

Full Year 2011

The Company reported 2011 sales of $16.2 billion, an increase of $1.9 billionor 13% compared to prior year sales.  The increase in sales resulted from the higher level of global vehicle production volumes, increasing demand for TRW's innovative technologies and the positive impact of currency movements between the two periods.        

For full year 2011, the Company reported operating income of $1,260 millionwhich compares to $1,184 millionin the prior year.  The 2011 period included restructuring and asset impairment charges of $27 million, a gain related to a favorable resolution of a commercial matter totaling $19 millionand a charge related to the termination of a service contract totaling $10 million.  The 2010 period included restructuring and asset impairment charges totaling $45 million, as well as a net gain related primarily to the curtailment of its U.S. pension plan totaling $18 million.  Excluding these items from both periods, the Company reported operating income of $1,278 millionin the 2011 period, which compares to $1,211 millionin the prior year.  The year-to-year improvement in absolute profit was driven primarily by the positive profit impact of the higher level of sales between the two periods partially offset by inflationary pressures, including higher raw material prices and planned increases in costs to support future growth.          

Net interest expense for 2011 totaled $118 million, which compares to $162 millionin the prior year period.  In addition, the 2011 period included a net loss on retirement of debt totaling $40 million, compared with 2010, which recognized a net loss on retirement of debt totaling $15 million.        

The Company recognized a $7 milliongain on an acquisition related to the purchase of a shock absorber manufacturing facility during 2011.  The gain reflects the excess of fair value of the business in comparison to the purchase price.  

A tax benefit of $47 millionwas recognized in 2011, which compares to an expense of $166 millionin the prior year.  Excluding tax benefits related to special items in both periods, tax expense was $190 millionand $198 millionfor 2011 and 2010, respectively.        

The Company reported 2011 GAAP net earnings of $1,157 million, or $8.82per diluted share, which compares to GAAP net earnings of $834 million, or $6.49per diluted share in 2010.

Excluding special items, the Company reported full year 2011 net earnings of $971 million, or $7.42per diluted share, which compares to net earnings of $844 millionor $6.57per diluted share in 2010.  

Adjusted EBITDA totaled $1,726 million, compared to $1,673 millionin the prior year.  See page A6 for a description of the special items excluded in calculating adjusted EBITDA.

Cash Flow and Capital Structure

Fourth quarter 2011 net cash flow provided by operating activities was $608 million(after making $100 millionin discretionary contributions to certain pension plans), which compares to $362 millionin the fourth quarter of 2010, which included $170 millionin discretionary pension contributions.  Capital expenditures were $267 millionin the current quarter compared to $126 millionlast year.  Fourth quarter free cash flow (cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures) was a positive $341 million, compared to $236 millionin the prior year quarter.        

For full year 2011, net cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $1,120 million, which compares to $1,052 millionin the prior year period.  Capital expenditures were $571 millionin 2011, which compares to $294 millionlast year.  For 2011, free cash flow was a positive $549 millioncompared to $758 millionin 2010.  

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $1,532 millionof debt and $1,241 millionof cash and cash equivalents, resulting in net debt (defined as debt less cash and cash equivalents) of $291 million.  This net debt outcome is $477 millionlower than the balance at the end of 2010, making 2011 the sixth consecutive year the Company has reduced its net debt.  In addition to strengthening the balance sheet through reducing its overall level of debt, the Company made further progress on reducing its legacy liabilities.  

At year end 2011, the Company's pension and other postretirement benefits net unfunded liabilities position improved $346 millioncompared with year end 2010, despite the negative impact of lower discount rate assumptions between the two periods.  

Divestiture Activity

During the most recent quarter, the Company completed its previously announced divestitures of certain of its non-safety related businesses in Asia, including its cold forming business in Japan.  The divestitures, with annual sales of approximately $100 million, will enable the Company to concentrate its resources on the growing safety systems market in Asia.  Cash proceeds from the divestitures totaled approximately $40 million.                

2012 Outlook

TRW's planning assumptions for industry production volumes in 2012 are approximately 13.9 million units in North Americaand 18.4 million units in Europe, up 6% and down 8%, respectively, compared to 2011 levels.  Within the forecast for North America, the Company expects production for the Detroit Three manufacturers will be about equal to their 2011 production levels.  The Company continues to expect expansion in vehicle production volumes in Chinaand the rest of world regions.  Based on these production levels and the Company's expectations for foreign currency exchange rates, full year 2012 sales are expected to range between $16.0 billion and $16.4 billion, with first quarter sales expected to be approximately $4.1 billion.                    

"TRW is positioned to sustain its positive momentum as we enter 2012 given its strong market position and continued growth opportunities resulting from increased global demand for TRW's innovative technologies," said Mr. Plant.  "Continuing to execute the Company's aggressive growth strategy is a key objective in 2012 that will further position the Company for long-term success."      

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Conference Call

The Company will host its fourth quarter conference call at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time)today, Thursday, February 16th, to discuss financial results and other related matters.  To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 852-7898 for U.S. locations, or (706) 634-1095 for international locations.  

An audio replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and will be accessible afterward for approximately one week.  To access the replay, U.S. locations should dial (800) 642-1687, and locations outside the U.S. should dial (706) 645-9291. The replay code is 42078050.  A live audio webcast and replay of the conference call will also be available on the Company's website at www.trw.com.

Reconciliation to GAAP

In addition to GAAP results included within this press release, the Company has provided certain information which is not calculated according to GAAP ("non-GAAP"), such as net earnings, operating income and diluted earnings per share each excluding special items; tax expense excluding certain tax benefits; adjusted EBITDA; and free cash flow.  Management uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate the operating performance of the Company and its business segments and to forecast future periods.  Management believes that investors will likewise find these non-GAAP measures useful in evaluating such performance.  Such measures are frequently used by security analysts, institutional investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry.  

Non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP and, as calculated, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.  For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure and for share amounts used to derive earnings per share, please see the financial schedules that accompany this release.

About TRW

With 2011 sales of $16.2 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in 26 countries and employs over 60,000 people worldwide.  TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services.  All references to "TRW Automotive", "TRW" or the "Company" in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.  TRW Automotive news is available on the internet at www.trw.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that are not statements of historical fact, but instead are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  All forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in our Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010(our "Form 10-K"), and our Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended April 1, July 1and September 30, 2011, such as: any developments related to antitrust investigations adversely affecting our financial condition, results, cash flows or reputation; general economic conditions causing a material contraction in automotive sales and production adversely affecting our results or the viability of our supply base; the unsuccessful implementation of our current expansion efforts adversely impacting our business and results; commodity inflationary pressures adversely affecting our profitability or supply base; strengthening of the U.S. dollar and other foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacting our results; any shortage of supplies causing a production disruption; pricing pressures from our customers adversely affecting our profitability; increasing costs negatively impacting our profitability; the loss of any of our largest customers materially adversely affecting us; risks associated with non-U.S. operations, including economic and political uncertainty in some regions, adversely affecting our business, results or financial condition; any inability to protect our intellectual property rights adversely affecting our business or our competitive position; costs of product liability, warranty and recall claims and efforts by customers to adversely alter contract terms and conditions concerning warranty and recall participation; costs or liabilities relating to environmental, health and safety regulations adversely affecting our results; any increase in the expense of our pension and other postretirement benefits or the funding requirements of our pension plans reducing our profitability; work stoppages or other labor issues at our facilities or at the facilities of our customers or suppliers adversely affecting our operations; volatility in our annual effective tax rate resulting from a change in our valuation allowances, our mix of earnings between jurisdictions or other factors; any impairment of a significant amount of our goodwill or other intangible assets; any disruption in our information technology systems adversely impacting our business and operations; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in our Form 10-K and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any update or revision to any of the forward-looking statements.    

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures, and is used by management in analyzing the Company's ability to service and repay its debt and to forecast future periods.  However, this measure does not represent funds available for investment or other discretionary uses since it does not deduct cash used to service debt or for other non-discretionary expenditures.

SOURCE TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.