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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

Commission file number   1-7007


BANDAG, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Iowa
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

42-0802143
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2905 North Highway 61
Muscatine, Iowa 52761-5886

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:   (563) 262-1400

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock - $1 Par Value
Class A Common Stock - $1 Par Value
New York Stock Exchange and
Chicago Stock Exchange
(Title of Class) (Name of each exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

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

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.    [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).      Yes     X         No          

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2004: Common Stock, $286,830,927, Class A Common Stock (non-voting), $197,703,487, Class B Common Stock, $701,748.

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of January 31, 2005: Common Stock, 9,116,770 shares; Class A Common Stock, 9,421,307 shares; Class B Common Stock, 918,591 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders to be held May 3, 2005 are incorporated by reference in Part III.




Bandag, Incorporated
Annual Report on Form 10-K
Year Ended December 31, 2004

Table of Contents

Page

PART I
             Item 1.     Business
             Item 2.     Properties 10 
             Item 3.     Legal Proceedings 11 
             Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 11 

PART II
12 
             Item 5.     Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
                                  Purchases of Equity Security
12 
             Item 6.     Selected Financial Data 14 
             Item 7.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition 15 
             Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 28 
             Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 29 
             Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 64 
             Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures 64 
             Item 9B.  Other Information 64 

PART III
64 
             Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 64 
             Item 11.   Executive Compensation 65 
             Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
                                  Stockholder Matters
65 
             Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 65 
             Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services 65 

PART IV
             Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules 65 




PART I


Item 1.  BUSINESS

Introduction

All references herein to the “Company” or “Bandag” refer to Bandag, Incorporated and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.

The Company has three reportable business segments: the manufacture and sale of precured tread rubber, equipment and supplies for retreading tires (the Traditional Business), the sale and maintenance of new and retread tires to principally commercial and industrial customers through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tire Distribution Systems, Inc. (TDS) and the providing of quick-service truck lubrication and tire service by its 87.5% owned subsidiary, Speedco, Inc. (Speedco) through 33 on-highway locations. Refer to Note 15 of the consolidated financial statements for further details.

As a result of a recapitalization of the Company approved by the Company’s shareholders on December 30, 1986, and substantially completed in February 1987, the Carver Family (as hereinafter defined) obtained absolute voting control of the Company. As of January 31, 2005, the Carver Family beneficially owned shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock constituting 64% of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors and other corporate matters. The Carver Family is composed of (i) Lucille A. Carver, a former director and widow of Roy J. Carver, (ii) the lineal descendants of Roy J. Carver and their spouses, and (iii) certain trusts and other entitles for the benefit of the Carver Family members. Shares of Class B Common Stock have ten (10) votes per share. The Carver Family owns over 98% of the Class B Common Stock. Shares of Class B Common Stock automatically convert to shares of Common Stock on January 16, 2007.

On February 13, 2004, the Company acquired an 87.5% majority interest in Speedco from its founders and Equilon Enterprises, LLC, a Royal Dutch Shell Group company. In total, Bandag paid approximately $53,716,000, net of cash received, for its 87.5% interest and to assume and retire $20,079,000 of debt. The Company recorded $12,127,000 of goodwill and $12,800,000 of other intangible assets. Speedco generated unaudited revenues of approximately $46,000,000 and unaudited pre-tax income of approximately $4,800,000 in 2003.

On June 10, 2004, Speedco acquired the assets of six licensed locations, which were owned and operated by PM Express, Inc. Speedco paid approximately $15,609,000, net of cash acquired, for these assets. The Company recorded $5,194,000 of goodwill. These locations generated unaudited revenues of approximately $10,800,000 and unaudited pre-tax income of approximately $400,000 in 2003.

Reported earnings for fiscal years 1997 through 2002 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets for 1997 through 2003 have been restated to correct for an accounting error in 1997 and 1998 related to the stock acquisitions of tire dealerships by TDS. The accounting error was inadvertent and resulted from a failure to correctly apply certain provisions of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Taxes” to the 1997 and 1998 acquisitions. The accounting error was not detected until it surfaced as a result of a review of the Company’s deferred tax liability account and accounting for a 2004 stock acquisition by the Company’s tax accounting staff. For further details, refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements – Restatement.

Traditional Business

(a)  General

The Traditional Business is engaged primarily in the production and sale of precured tread rubber and equipment used by its franchisees for the retreading of tires primarily for trucks, but also for buses, light commercial trucks, industrial equipment, off-the-road equipment and passenger cars. Bandag specializes in a proprietary cold-bonding retreading process which it introduced to the United States in 1957 (the Bandag Method). The Bandag Method separates the process of vulcanizing the tread rubber from the process of bonding the tread rubber to the tire casing, allowing for optimization of temperature and pressure levels at each stage of the retreading process.


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The Company and its licensees have 985 franchisees worldwide, with 33% located in the United States and 67% internationally. The majority of Bandag’s franchisees are independent operators of full service tire distributorships. The remaining franchises are owned by TDS. The Traditional Business’ revenues primarily come from the sale of retread material and equipment to its franchisees. The Traditional Business’ products compete in the replacement tire market with new tire sales, as well as retreads produced using the cold-bonding method and other retread processes. The Company concentrates its marketing efforts on existing franchisees and on expanding their respective market penetrations. Due to its strong distribution system, marketing efforts and leading technology, Bandag, through its independent franchise network and TDS, has been able to maintain the largest market presence in the retreading industry.

The Traditional Business in the United States competes primarily in the medium and wide base commercial truck tire replacement market. Medium and wide base truck tires are designed for medium trucks Classes 4 through 6, heavy trucks Classes 7 and 8, as well as trailers and commercial chassis. Both new tire manufacturers and tread rubber suppliers compete in this market. While the Company has franchisees in 103 countries, and competes in all of these geographic markets, its largest market is the United States. Truck tires retreaded by the Company’s franchisees make up approximately 23% of the United States medium and wide base commercial tire replacement market. Other companies who supply to trucking fleets in the replacement tire market include large new tire manufacturers such as The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (Goodyear), Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) and Groupe Michelin (Michelin). Goodyear, Michelin and Cooper Tire and Rubber Company also compete in the United States market as well as in other markets as a tread rubber supplier to a combination of company-owned and independent retreaders.

The Traditional Business consists of the franchising of a proprietary process for the retreading of tires primarily for trucks, buses, light commercial trucks, and the production and sale of precured tread rubber and related products and equipment used in connection with this process.

The Traditional Business can be divided into two main areas: (i) manufacturing the tread rubber and (ii) providing and supporting the retreading system to bond the tread rubber to the tire casing. Bandag manufactures over 500 separate tread designs and sizes, treads specifically designed for various applications, allowing fleet managers to fine-tune their tire programs. Bandag tread rubber is vulcanized prior to shipment to its franchisees. The Bandag franchisee prepares the tire casing for retreading and performs the retreading process of bonding the cured tread to the prepared tire casing. This two-step process allows utilization of the optimum temperature and pressure levels at each step. Lower temperature levels during the bonding process result in a consistent, higher quality finished retread with less damage to the casing. Bandag has developed a totally integrated retreading system with the materials, bonding process and manufacturing equipment specifically designed to work together as a whole.

(b)  Markets and Distribution

The principal market categories for the Traditional Business are medium and wide base commercial truck tires, with more than 90% of the tread rubber sold by the Company used in the retreading of these tires. Additionally, the Company markets tread rubber for the retreading of passenger, light truck, heavy truck, off-the-road equipment, and industrial tires; however, historically, sales of tread rubber for these applications have not contributed materially to the Company’s results of operations.

Trucks and Buses. Tread rubber, equipment, and supplies for retreading and repairing truck and bus tires are sold by the Company primarily to independent franchisees and TDS which use the Bandag Method for that purpose.

National Account Business. The Company has entered into contracts with companies pursuant to which Bandag agrees to sell retread tires directly to transportation fleets of such companies and provide maintenance and service for the retread tires (the National Accounts). Bandag subcontracts the sales, maintenance, and service components of the National Accounts to its independent franchisees and to TDS.



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Other Applications. The Company continues to manufacture and supply to its franchisees and other dealers a limited amount of tread rubber for off-the-road tires, industrial tires, including solid and pneumatic, passenger car tires and light commercial tires for light trucks and recreational vehicles.

Franchisees. Bandag has 985 franchisees throughout North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. These franchises are owned and operated by franchisees, some with multiple franchises and/or locations. Of these franchisees, 324 are located in the United States. Thirty-two (32) of Bandag’s foreign franchisees are franchised by a licensee of the Company in Australia. The Company also has joint ventures in India and Sri Lanka.

The current franchise agreement offered by the Company grants the franchisee the non-exclusive retread manufacturing rights to use the Bandag Method for one or more applications and the Bandag trademarks in connection therewith within a specified territory, but the franchisee is free to market Bandag retreads outside the territory.

(c)  Competition

The Company faces strong competition in the market for replacement truck tires, the principal retreading market which it serves. The competition comes not only from the major manufacturers of new tires, including less expensive tires from Asia, but also from manufacturers of retreading materials. Competitors include producers of “camelback,” “strip stock,” and “slab stock” for “hot-cap” retreading, as well as a number of producers of precured tread rubber. Various methods for bonding precured tread rubber to tire casings are used by competitors.

Bandag retreads often command a higher price than tires retreaded by the competitors’ systems. The Company believes that the superior quality and greater performance of Bandag retreads and expanded service programs to end-users validate this price differential.

Bandag franchisees compete with many other new-tire dealers and retreading operators of varying sizes. These include retreading shops operated by the major new-tire manufacturers, large independent retread companies, and smaller commercial tire dealers.

The Company’s franchise agreements with its independent franchisees typically terminate after five years unless extended by mutual consent for an additional five years. In most cases the agreements are extended. In addition, independent franchisees have the option of terminating the agreements after three years. Since Michelin entered the United States retread market in 1997, the Company has experienced increasing competition in the United States retread market. Although Michelin is substantially larger than the Company and has greater resources, the Company believes that it can effectively compete with Michelin and maintain the stability of its United States franchise organization.

For additional information on competition faced by the Traditional Business see the foregoing discussion under “General” herein.

(d)  Sources of Supply

The Company manufactures the precured tread rubber, cushion gum, and related supplies in Company-owned and in leased manufacturing plants in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Belgium and Mexico. The Company also participates in joint venture agreements in Sri Lanka and India. The Company also manufactures pressure chambers, tire casing analyzers, buffers, tire builders, tire-handling systems, and other items of equipment used in the Bandag Method. Curing rims, chucks, spreaders, rollers, certain miscellaneous equipment, and various retreading supplies, sold by the Company, are purchased from others.

The Company purchases rubber and other materials for the production of tread rubber and other rubber products from a number of suppliers. The rubber for tread is primarily synthetic and obtained principally from sources which most conveniently serve the respective areas in which the Company’s plants are located. Although synthetic rubber and other petrochemical products have periodically been in short supply and significant cost fluctuations have been experienced in previous years, including significant price increases throughout 2004, the Company has not experienced any significant difficulty in obtaining an adequate supply of such materials. Synthetic prices historically have been related to the cost of petrochemical feedstocks. However, the effect on operations of future shortages will depend upon their duration and severity and cannot presently be forecast.



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The principal source of natural rubber, used for the Company’s cushion gum, is Asia. The supply of natural rubber has historically been adequate for the Company’s purposes. Natural rubber is a commodity subject to wide price fluctuations as a result of the forces of supply and demand.

(e)  Patents

The Company owns or has licenses for the use of a number of United States and international patents covering various elements of the Bandag Method. The Company has patents covering improved features, some of which will not expire until 2019. The Company has applications pending for additional patents.

The Company does not consider that patent protection is the primary factor in its successful retreading operation, but rather that its proprietary technical “know-how,” product quality, franchisee support programs and effective marketing programs are more important to its success.

The Company has secured registrations for its trademark and service mark BANDAG, as well as other trademarks and service marks, in the United States and most of the other important commercial countries.

TDS

(a)  General

TDS, which provides new and retread tire products and tire management services to national, regional and local fleet transportation companies, operates 14 Bandag franchise and manufacturing locations and 41 commercial and retail outlets in 8 states. During 2004, TDS sold or closed 6 retread plants and 15 commercial and retail outlets, and acquired 2 retread plants and 7 commercial and retail outlets. In 2003, TDS sold or closed 12 retread plants and 32 commercial and retail outlets. In 2002, TDS sold or closed 9 retread plants and 18 commercial and retail outlets.

(b)  Markets and Distribution

TDS offers complete tire management services including: the complete line of Bandag retreads, new tires (commercial, retail and off-the-road), alignment and 24-hour road service. The tire management services are provided over a broad geographic area west of the Mississippi in the United States. This geographic coverage allows TDS to provide consistent, cost-effective programs, information, products, and services to local, regional and national fleets.

Cost effective tire management service continues to grow in importance for fleets of all sizes. Trucking fleets are under intense pressure to be cost competitive and reliable in their services. Tire related costs are one of the top operating expenses for trucking fleets. Bandag and its dealer alliance network (including TDS) are able to provide trucking companies with comprehensive tire management services, which result in lower tire operating costs for the trucking company while, at the same time, helping the trucking company increase its service reliability through the same tire management programs.

In an effort to fully service its customers, TDS sells new truck tires manufactured primarily by Bridgestone/Firestone, Continental/General and Yokohama, and to a lesser extent, other tire manufacturers except for Michelin.

TDS markets its products through sales personnel located at each of its commercial locations, retread production facilities and retail facilities. TDS commercial locations operate as points of sale for retread tires, new tires and services. In addition, the commercial locations operate as a home base for mobile service trucks which must be able to provide customers with reliable and timely emergency service as well as regularly scheduled maintenance service. TDS’ sales personnel make personal sales calls on existing customers to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.



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(c)  Competition

TDS competitors are other tire dealers which offer competing retread applications, as well as Bandag franchised dealers. In addition, such tire dealers typically sell and service new tires produced by large new tire manufacturers and service providers such as those that supply TDS, as well as Goodyear and Michelin. Goodyear and Michelin also compete in the United States market as tread rubber suppliers through a combination of company-owned and independent retreaders.

(d)  Sources of Supply

TDS purchases precured tread rubber and its retreading equipment and supplies from Bandag and purchases new tires from new tire companies including Bridgestone/Firestone, Yokohama, Continental/General, and other manufacturers.

Speedco

(a)  General

On February 13, 2004, the Company acquired an 87.5% majority interest in Speedco, Inc. from its founders and Equilon Enterprises, LLC, a Royal Dutch Shell Group company. On June 10, 2004, Speedco, Inc. acquired the assets of six licensed locations, which were owned and operated by PM Express, Inc. Speedco provides quick-service truck lubrication and tire service and has 33 company-owned on-highway locations in the United States.

(b)  Markets and Distribution

Speedco markets its product/service through its on-highway truck service facility with a nationwide network. The multiple product/service options can be purchased independently or in combination. These include the oil change and lubrication service, and tire repair, replacement, and maintenance service. Both services are built on fast turn-around time, high-quality products and professional services to owner operators and local, regional and national fleets.

The primary product/service benefit to the customer is to avoid unscheduled repair and downtime. Customers use this service to maintain the integrity of their tractor and trailer vehicle and for tire preventative maintenance.

Speedco’s market positioning is premium product and premium price. Tire customers are divided into two types: Speedco Direct and Manufacturer National Accounts. Speedco Direct customers purchase tire product and services per the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price established by Speedco. For new tire manufacturers’ national accounts customers, the tire manufacturer sets the pricing for the new tire and Speedco earns a delivery commission.

(c)  Competition

Speedco is the only national on-highway network specializing in quick lubes and tire service for heavy-duty trucks. Speedco competitors in the quick lube and tire business are truck stop chains and other tire dealers, including Petro Stopping Centers and Travel Centers of America. Speedco’s tire competitors are other tire dealers that typically sell and service new and retread tires.

(d)  Sources of Supply

Speedco purchases oils from Shell Oil, Exxon Mobil, and Chevron and filters from Baldwin, CAT and Fleetguard. Speedco purchases new tires direct from new tire companies including Goodyear, Michelin and Yokohama. Bandag retreads are purchased from Bandag franchised dealers.



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Regulations

The Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability and Documentation Act (TREAD Act), including the rules adopted thereunder, applies to tire manufacturers, importers of tires and, with respect to certain provisions, to retread tire manufacturers. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the federal agency that oversees certain aspects of the tire industry, has proposed and may propose additional rules under the TREAD Act that may affect retread tire manufacturers. There are numerous other federal and state safety and other regulations for motor vehicles and components, including tires and wheels.

Other Information

The Company conducts research and development of new products, primarily in the Traditional Business, and the improvement of materials, equipment, and retreading processes. The cost of this research and development program was approximately $7,063,000 in 2004, $7,238,000 in 2003, and $8,109,000 in 2002.

The Company’s business has seasonal characteristics, which are tied not only to the overall performance of the economy but, more specifically, to the level of activity in the trucking industry. Tire demand does, however, lag the seasonality of the trucking industry.

The Company has sought to comply with all statutory and administrative requirements concerning environmental quality. The Company has made and will continue to make necessary capital expenditures for environmental protection. It is not anticipated that such expenditures will materially affect the Company’s earnings or competitive position.

As of December 31, 2004, the Company had an estimated 3,384 employees.

Operating Segment and Geographic Area Information

Information concerning operating segment and geographic area information is incorporated by reference to “Operating Segment and Geographic Area Information” in Note 15 of the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.











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Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table sets forth the names and ages of all executive officers of the Company as of January 31, 2005, the period of service of each with the Company, positions and offices with the Company presently held by each, and the period during which each officer has served in his/her present office:

Name
Age
Period of
Service with
Company


Present Position or Office

Period in
Present
Office


Martin G. Carver*
56  25 Years Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer 23 Years
  and President

Timothy T. Chen
44  13 Years Vice President, Innovation 2 Years

David W. Dahms
45  15 Years Director, Treasury Services and Treasurer 10 Months

Dennis M. Fox
48  12 Years Vice President, Manufacturing Design 10 Months

Warren W. Heidbreder
58  22 Years Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and 8 Years
  Secretary

Frederico U. Kopittke
61  10 Years Vice President, International 3 Years

John C. McErlane
51  19 Years Vice President 3 Years

Jeffrey C. Pattison
49  19 Years Vice President, People Services 1 Year

Janet R. Sichterman
45  22 Years Vice President, North American Fleet Sales 3 Years

Andrew M. Sisler
50  17 Years Vice President, North American Franchise Sales 3 Years

Michael A. Tirona
55  19 Years Vice President and General Manager - Europe 3 Years

Charles W. Vesey
62  33 Years Vice President and Corporate Controller 6 Years

* Denotes that officer is also a director of the Company.


Mr. Martin G. Carver was elected Chairman of the Board effective June 23, 1981, Chief Executive Officer effective May 18, 1982, and President effective May 25, 1983. Prior to his present position, Mr. Carver was also Vice Chairman of the Board from January 5, 1981 to June 23, 1981.

Mr. Chen joined Bandag in 1991. From 1991 through 1997, he held several positions with the Company. In 1997, he was promoted to the position of Manager, Market Research and Planning. In 2000, he was promoted to the position of Director of Marketing and served in that position until May 2001 when he was promoted to the position of Vice President, Marketing. Mr. Chen was elected to his current office of Vice President, Innovation on May 14, 2002.

Mr. Dahms joined Bandag in 1989. From 1989 through 1997, he held several positions with the Company. In March of 1997 he was promoted to Credit Manager of North American Sales. In January 1999 he was promoted to Manager, Corporate Credit and held that position until January 2004, when he was promoted to Director, Treasury Services. In March 2004 he was elected to his current position of Director, Treasury Services and Treasurer.



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Mr. Fox joined Bandag in 1992. From 1992 to 1995 he was Plant Manager, Chino Manufacturing Plant. In 1995 he became Plant Manager, Abilene Manufacturing Plant. In 1999, he was promoted to Vice President, North American Manufacturing. In September 2001, he accepted the position of Vice President, People Services and held that position until January 2004, when he was promoted to the position of Vice President, Manufacturing Design. Mr Fox was elected to his current office of Vice President, Manufacturing Design in March 2004.

Mr. Heidbreder joined Bandag in 1982. In 1986 he was elected to the office of Vice President, Legal and Tax Administration, and Secretary. In November 1996, he was elected to his current office of Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary effective as of January 1, 1997.

Mr. Kopittke joined Bandag in July 1994 as Company Manager of Bandag do Brasil Ltda. He served in that position until March 1998 when he was elected to the office of Vice President, Latin America. He served in that position until July 1998 when he was elected to the office of Vice President Latin America and South Africa. In February 2001, he was elected to his current office of Vice President, International, effective March 1, 2001.

Mr. McErlane joined Bandag in 1985. From 1985 through 1995, he held several managerial positions with the Company. In 1996, he was promoted to the position of Director, Marketing. In January 1997, he was appointed to the office of Vice President, Marketing. In February 1998, he was elected to the office of Vice President, Marketing and Sales and served in that position until September 2001, when he was elected to his current offices of Vice President, Bandag, Incorporated and President, Tire Distribution Systems, Inc., Bandag’s distribution subsidiary.

Mr. Pattison joined Bandag in 1986. From 1986 through 1990, he held several positions with the Company. In 1990, he was promoted to the position of Manager, Taxes. In April 1999, he was promoted to Manager, Corporate Accounting. In October 1999, he was promoted to Director, Treasury Services and Assistant Treasurer and served in that position until August 2002, when he was elected to the office of Vice President and Treasurer. In January 2004, Mr. Pattison transferred from the Treasury Services department to the People Services department and assumed the responsibilities of Vice President, People Services.

Ms. Sichterman joined Bandag in 1982. From 1982 through 1999, she held several positions with the Company. In 1999, she was promoted to the position of Vice President, People Services and served in that position until September 2001, when she was promoted to the position of Vice President, North American Fleet Sales. Ms. Sichterman was elected to her current office of Vice President, North American Fleet Sales on November 13, 2001.

Mr. Sisler joined Bandag in 1987. From 1987 through 1997, he held several positions with the Company. In 1997, he was promoted to Director of Sales, West. In 1998, he was promoted to Vice President, North American Sales and served in that position until November 2001, when he was elected to his current office of Vice President, North American Franchise Sales on November 13, 2001.

Mr. Tirona joined Bandag in 1985. From 1985 through 1995, he held several positions with the Company. In 1995, he was promoted to General Manager, P.T. Bandag Indonesia. In 1997, he was promoted to Vice President, Tire Management Solutions, Inc. and served in that position until September 2001, when he was promoted to Vice President and General Manager – Europe. He was elected to his current office of Vice President and General Manager – Europe on November 13, 2001.

Mr. Vesey joined Bandag in 1971. In September 1977, he was named Corporate Controller. In May 1997, he was elected to the office of Vice President, Information Services and Corporate Controller and served in that position until October 1998, when he was elected to his current office of Vice President and Corporate Controller.

All of the above-named executive officers have been elected by the Board of Directors and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.




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Available Information

The Company maintains a website at http://www.bandag.com. The Company makes available on the website, free of charge, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, as soon as is reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, (i) the Company’s Global Ethics Policy, (ii) its Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Financial and Accounting Officers, (iii) charters for the Audit, Nominating and Corporate Governance and the Management Continuity and Compensation Committees of the Company’s Board of Directors, and (iv) the Company’s corporate governance guidelines are available on the Company’s website and available in print upon written request directed to Warren Heidbreder, Secretary, 2905 N. Highway 61, Muscatine, IA 52761. The Company is not including the information contained on or available through its website as a part of, or incorporating such information into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

Traditional Business

The general offices of the Company are located in a Company-owned 56,000 square foot office building in Muscatine, Iowa.

The tread rubber manufacturing plants of the Company are located to service principal markets. The Company owns nine plants. However, the Company only operates eight of these plants, three of which are located in the United States, and the remainder in Canada, Belgium, Brazil (two plants) and Mexico. The plants vary in size up to 194,000 square feet with the first plant being placed into production in 1959. All of the plants are owned in fee. Operations in one tread rubber manufacturing plant located in the United States were suspended in the fourth quarter of 1999 but the facility remains viable for general corporate purposes. Operations in the Chino, California plant were suspended in the first quarter of 2002. This facility was sold during the fourth quarter of 2004.

Retreading equipment is manufactured at Company-owned plants located in Muscatine, Iowa and Campinas, S.P., Brazil, of approximately 60,000 square feet and 10,000 square feet, respectively.

In addition, in Muscatine the Company owns a research and development center of approximately 58,400 square feet, an 83,000 square foot training and conference center, and another 26,000 square foot office facility. Similar training facilities are located in Brazil and Europe. The Company also owns a 26,000 square foot office and machining facility in Muscatine.

Also, the Company mixes rubber and produces cushion gum and envelopes at a Company-owned 168,000 square foot plant in Long Beach, California. The Company owns its European headquarters facility in Brussels, Belgium and a 129,000 square foot warehouse in Born, Netherlands.

TDS

TDS currently owns 11 and leases 44 facilities. Fourteen (14) contain space for TDS retread production and 41 contain space for commercial and retail operations. The Company believes that it will be able to renew its existing leases as they expire or find suitable alternative locations. The leases generally provide for a base rental, as well as charges for real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance and various other items.

In the opinion of the Company, all of its and TDS’ properties are maintained in good operating condition and the production capacity of their plants is adequate for the near future. Because of the nature of the activities conducted, necessary additions can be made within a reasonable period of time.

Speedco

Speedco currently owns 33 locations. Each location is sited on two or more acres visible from major interstates with easy access to those interstates. Each facility has a minimum of an 8,500 square foot building with three pitted service bays. In the opinion of the Company, all of its properties are maintained in good operating condition and are adequate for the near future.



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Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

General

The Company is a party to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal course of business. While the results of such litigation are uncertain, management believes that the final outcome of any such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Changes in assumptions, as well as actual experience, could cause estimates made by management to change.

Yolanda Jackson v. Michael Rouse, et al. and Audra Smith v. Bandag, Inc., et al.

Bandag has been named as one of numerous defendants in two wrongful death actions brought in the Circuit Court of Warren County, Mississippi: Yolanda Jackson v. Michael Rouse, et al. and Audra Smith v. Bandag, Inc., et al. These cases arise from an explosion or fire which occurred on May 17, 2002, at a rubber recycling plant in Mississippi, operated by Rouse Rubber Co., killing five employees and seriously injuring at least seven others. So far, Bandag has been named in only two of about six pending cases.

The plaintiffs claim that a rubber recycling machine was dangerously designed or maintained, causing the explosion. Plaintiffs allege that Bandag may be passively liable as a “joint venturer” with the employer, Rouse Rubber Co., an allegation which Bandag believes is without any basis. To Bandag’s knowledge, no investigation or discovery has been undertaken to date in the cases in which Bandag is involved and Bandag is not privy to discovery, if any, in the other cases. To date, Bandag’s own investigation has not revealed any evidence of negligence by Bandag, vicarious or otherwise.

These cases have been in legal limbo for two years while the parties have been fighting over the defendants’ attempt to remove them to federal court. Recently, Bandag was dismissed without prejudice from the Jackson case for tactical reasons, but Bandag is likely to be renamed in that case or joined in another case involving the same decedent.

Astec, the manufacturer of the dryer system that exploded, settled with the plaintiffs in apparently all cases for about $45 million. This settlement will apply as a credit to the remaining defendants.

The Jackson case does not specify the amount of damages claimed; the Smith case claims compensatory damages of $40 million and punitive damages of $25 million. However, it is unclear from the pleadings whether the plaintiffs seek punitive damages against all defendants, including Bandag, or only from certain defendants, not including Bandag. Bandag considers the claims against it to be baseless and intends to vigorously defend itself against them.

Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.








11



PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Information concerning cash dividends declared and market prices of the Company’s Common Stock and Class A Common Stock for the last three fiscal years is as follows:

2004  %      
Change
 
2003  %      
Change
 
2002  %      
Change
 
Dividends Declared Per Share                  
  First Quarter $  0.325    $  0.320    $  0.315   
  Second Quarter 0.325    0.320    0.315   
  Third Quarter 0.325    0.320    0.315   
  Fourth Quarter 0.330    0.325    0.320   



Total Year $  1.305  1.6  $  1.285  1.6  $  1.265  2.8 
 
Stock Price Comparison (1) Low  High  Low  High  Low  High 
Common Stock
  First Quarter $  40.31  - 49.95  $  28.45  - 39.72  $  33.05  - 39.15 
  Second Quarter 38.32  - 51.30  31.28  - 39.28  27.80  - 39.98 
  Third Quarter 42.91  - 48.20  32.85  - 38.49  26.00  - 36.25 
  Fourth Quarter 43.22  - 50.83  33.60  - 42.97  28.12  - 42.01 
  Year-end Closing Price   49.81    41.20    38.68 
Class A Common Stock
  First Quarter $  39.86  - 47.71  $  25.60  - 35.60  $  27.90  - 33.40 
  Second Quarter 35.38  - 46.98  29.80  - 36.30  24.95  - 34.21 
  Third Quarter 39.60  - 43.68  30.19  - 35.50  23.00  - 31.10 
  Fourth Quarter 39.10  - 46.69  30.55  - 41.20  24.75  - 36.98 
  Year-end Closing Price     46.33  40.40  34.59 


(1) High and low composite prices in trading on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges (ticker symbol BDG for Common Stock and BDGA for Class A Common Stock).



The approximate number of record holders of the Company’s Common Stock as of January 31, 2005 was 1,652, the number of record holders of Class A Common Stock was 945 and the number of record holders of Class B Common Stock was 191. The Common Stock and Class A Common Stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange. There is no established trading market for the Class B Common Stock.









12



Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities(1)


October 1, 2004 -
December 31, 2004

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

Average Price
Paid per Share

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Programs

Maximum Number of
Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Program

Common Stock                    
October 1 - October 31    --    --    --    --  
November 1 - November 30    --    --    --    --  
December 1 - December 31    455   $ 48.60    455    927,813  




   Total    455   $ 48.60    455    927,813 (1)(2)



Class A Common Stock   
October 1 - October 31    7,500   $ 39.82    7,500    929,287  
November 1 - November 30    --    --    --    --  
December 1 - December 31    1,019   $ 45.21    1,019    927,813  




   Total    8,519   $ 40.47    8,519    927,813 (1)(2)





(1) On May 2, 2000, the Board of Directors approved a stock purchase program which authorized the purchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of outstanding Common Stock, Class A Common Stock, and/or Class B Common Stock in the open market or in private transactions. The program has no stated expiration date. No stock purchase program expired during the period covered by the above table.

(2) Represents the total number of shares of Common Stock, Class A Common Stock and/or Class B common Stock remaining to be purchased under the stock purchase program.












13



Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth certain Selected Financial Data for the periods and as of the dates indicated:

2004
2003
restated(4)

2002
restated(4)

2001
restated(4)

2000
restated(4)

(In thousands, except per share data)                        
Net sales   $ 854,193   $ 816,397   $ 900,503   $ 949,332   $ 973,938  
Earnings before cumulative effect of  
   accounting change(1)(2)    66,880    60,200    50,053    43,434    59,935  





Total assets(3)   $ 730,727   $ 657,287   $ 616,128   $ 731,959   $ 724,943  
Long-term debt and other obligations    29,963    35,259    45,373    50,359    111,510  
Earnings per share before cumulative  
  effect of accounting change  
     Basic   $ 3.47   $ 3.14   $ 2.53   $ 2.11   $ 2.90