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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

FOR QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2003
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-12068

METALDYNE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware 38-2513957
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
47659 Halyard Drive, Plymouth, Michigan 48170-2429
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(734) 207-6200

(Registrant's telephone number)

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

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

There is currently no public market for the registrant's common stock.

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


Class Shares outstanding at
October 31, 2003
Common stock, par value $1 per share   43,871,745  

    




METALDYNE CORPORATION

INDEX


    Page No.
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
  Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002   2  
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002   3  
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002   4  
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   5-23  
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   24-40  
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk   40  
Item 4. Controls and Procedures   41  
Part II. Other Information and Signature   42-43  

1




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements

METALDYNE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
September 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)


  September 28,
2003
December 29,
2002
  (Unaudited)
ASSETS            
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents $   $ 19,130  
Receivables, net:            
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts   159,940     147,670  
Affiliates   19,190     27,820  
Other   9,980     11,380  
Total receivables, net   189,110     186,870  
Inventories   80,670     76,820  
Deferred and refundable income taxes   1,590     23,550  
Prepaid expenses and other assets   38,750     29,140  
Total current assets   310,120     335,510  
Equity investments in affiliates   144,580     147,710  
Property and equipment, net   717,260     697,510  
Excess of cost over net assets of acquired companies   552,530     552,100  
Intangible and other assets   268,370     286,220  
Total assets $ 1,992,860   $ 2,019,050  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY            
Current liabilities:            
Accounts payable $ 167,870   $ 186,440  
Accrued liabilities   131,310     108,330  
Current maturities, long-term debt   7,140     99,900  
Total current liabilities   306,320     394,670  
Long-term debt   765,440     668,960  
Deferred income taxes   117,970     146,510  
Other long-term liabilities   132,580     143,300  
Total liabilities   1,322,310     1,353,440  
Redeemable preferred stock, 545,154 shares outstanding   71,510     64,510  
Redeemable restricted common stock, 0.8 million and
1.7 million shares outstanding, respectively
  17,360     23,790  
Less: Restricted unamortized stock awards   (530   (3,120
Total redeemable stock   88,340     85,180  
Preferred stock (non-redeemable), $1 par, Authorized: 25 million; Outstanding: None        
Common stock, $1 par, Authorized: 250 million; Outstanding: 42.7 million and 42.6 million shares, respectively   42,730     42,650  
Paid-in capital   686,130     684,870  
Accumulated deficit   (172,400   (147,100
Accumulated other comprehensive income   25,750     10  
Total shareholders' equity   582,210     580,430  
Total liabilities, redeemable stock and shareholders' equity $ 1,992,860   $ 2,019,050  
             

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

2




METALDYNE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)


  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
  September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
Net sales $ 346,280   $ 352,150   $ 1,117,890   $ 1,442,480  
Cost of sales   (311,160   (303,910   (990,740   (1,193,480
Gross profit   35,120     48,240     127,150     249,000  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (26,070   (32,590   (81,860   (145,840
Restructuring charges   (3,220   (1,120   (7,080   (1,120
Legacy restricted stock award expense   (950   (1,050   (2,430   (4,210
Operating profit   4,880     13,480     35,780     97,830  
Other expense, net:
Interest expense   (18,690   (17,780   (53,810   (74,400
Loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loans       (6,860       (68,860
Loss on interest rate arrangements upon early retirement of term loans               (7,550
Equity earnings (loss) from affiliates, net   1,130     (2,240   (1,580   90  
Other, net   (1,250   (1,010   (6,470   (8,690
Other expense, net   (18,810   (27,890   (61,860   (159,410
Loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   (13,930   (14,410   (26,080   (61,580
Income tax benefit   (4,360   (3,020   (7,620   (41,260
Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   (9,570   (11,390   (18,460   (20,320
Cumulative effect of change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment               (36,630
Net loss   (9,570   (11,390   (18,460   (56,950
Preferred stock dividends   2,340     3,570     6,840     6,980  
Loss attributable to common stock $ (11,910 $ (14,960 $ (25,300 $ (63,930
Basic earnings (loss) per share:                        
Before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle less preferred stock dividends $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (0.64
Cumulative effect of change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment               (0.86
Net loss attributable to common stock $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (1.50
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:                        
Before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle less preferred stock dividends $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (0.64
Cumulative effect of change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment               (0.86
Net loss attributable to common stock $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (1.50

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

3




METALDYNE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)


  Nine Months Ended
  (Unaudited)
  September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
Operating activities:      
Net loss $ (18,460 $ (56,950
Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization   78,790     88,380  
Legacy stock award expense   2,430     4,210  
Debt fee amortization   1,540     4,040  
Deferred income taxes   (27,220   2,060  
Non-cash interest expense (interest accretion)   5,340     11,320  
Loss on interest rate arrangements       7,550  
Equity (earnings) losses from affiliates, net of dividends   1,580     (90
Cumulative effect of change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment       36,630  
Loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loans       68,860  
Other, net   (6,080   2,130  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition/disposition of business:
Accounts receivable   4,210     (60,260
Net repayments of accounts receivable sale       (138,360
Inventory   (3,940   4,370  
Deferred and refundable income taxes   32,430     (20,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets   (10,350   (5,510
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (16,270   (42,300
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities   44,000     (93,920
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures   (82,630   (78,970
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of fixed assets   8,460     33,370  
Disposition of businesses to a related party   22,570     840,000  
Proceeds from sale of TriMas shares   20,000      
Acquisition of business, net   (7,650    
Investment in joint venture   (20,000    
Other, net       (3,810
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities   (59,250   790,590  
Financing activities:
Proceeds of term loan facilities       400,000  
Principal payments of term loan facilities   (1,000   (1,112,450
Proceeds of revolving credit facility   180,000     319,800  
Principal payments of revolving credit facility   (180,000   (319,800
Proceeds of senior subordinated notes due 2012       250,000  
Principal payments of convertible subordinated debentures, due 2003
(net of $1.2 million non-cash portion of repurchase)
      (205,290
Proceeds of other debt   6,690     1,120  
Principal payments of other debt   (7,320   (4,540
Capitalization of debt refinancing fees   (2,250   (11,590
Penalties on early extinguishment of debt       (6,480
Net cash used for financing activities   (3,880   (689,230
Net increase (decrease) in cash   (19,130   7,440  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   19,130      
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $   $ 7,440  
Supplementary cash flow information:
Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net $ (27,700 $ (5,160
Cash paid for interest $ 39,590   $ 78,190  

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

4




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    Business and Other Information

We ("Metaldyne" or the "Company") are a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered metal components for the global light vehicle market. Our products include metal-formed and precision-engineered components and modular systems used in vehicle transmission, engine and chassis applications.

In the opinion of Company management, the unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments, including adjustments of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002 (the "2002 Form 10-K"), as amended by Item 7 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 25, 2003. The results of operations for the period ended September 28, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.

The Company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest December 31. The Company's fiscal quarters end on the Sundays nearest March 31, June 30, and September 30. All year and quarter references relate to the Company's fiscal year and fiscal quarters unless otherwise stated.

2.    Stock Options and Awards

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123" effective for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002. The following disclosure for the financial statements for the period ended September 28, 2003 assumes that the Company continues to account for stock-based employee compensation using the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board ("APB") No. 25 and related interpretations.

The Company has one stock-based employee compensation plan. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under this plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to stock-based employee compensation.


  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
                         
Net loss attributable to common stock, as reported $ (11,910 $ (14,960 $ (25,300 $ (63,930
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects   (400   (470   (1,340   (1,410
Pro forma net loss attributable to common stock $ (12,310 $ (15,430 $ (26,640 $ (65,340
Loss per share:                        
Basic — as reported $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (1.50
Basic — pro forma for stock-based compensation $ (0.29 $ (0.36 $ (0.62 $ (1.53
Diluted — as reported $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (1.50
Diluted — pro forma for stock-based compensation $ (0.29 $ (0.36 $ (0.62 $ (1.53

5




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

3.    Earnings per Share

The following reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share:


  (In thousands except per share amounts)
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
                         
Weighted average number of shares outstanding   42,730     42,650     42,730     42,650  
Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $ (9,570 $ (11,390 $ (18,460 $ (20,320
Cumulative effect of change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment               (36,630
Net loss   (9,570   (11,390   (18,460   (56,950
Less: Preferred stock dividends   2,340     3,570     6,840     6,980  
Loss used for basic and diluted earnings per share computation $ (11,910 $ (14,960 $ (25,300 $ (63,930
Basic earnings (loss) per share:                        
Before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle less preferred stock $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (0.64
Cumulative effect of change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment               (0.86
Net loss attributable to common stock $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (1.50
Total shares used for basic earnings per share computation   42,730     42,650     42,730     42,650  
Contingently issuable shares                
Total shares used for diluted earnings per share computation   42,730     42,650     42,730     42,650  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:                        
Before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle less preferred stock $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (0.64
Cumulative effect of change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment               (0.86
Net loss attributable to common stock $ (0.28 $ (0.35 $ (0.59 $ (1.50

Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share are stock options representing 2,470,000 and 2,490,000 of common shares as they are anti-dilutive at September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002, respectively.

Contingently issuable shares, representing approximately 890,000 and 1,730,000 restricted common shares, have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002, respectively.

6




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

4.    Joint Venture

On December 8, 2002, the Company announced a Joint Venture Formation Agreement ("Agreement") with DaimlerChrysler Corporation ("DaimlerChrysler") to operate DaimlerChrysler's New Castle (Indiana) machining and forge facility. On January 2, 2003, the Company closed on this joint venture, known as NC-M Chassis Systems, LLC. In connection with the closing, DaimlerChrysler contributed substantially all of the assets of the business conducted at this facility in exchange for 100% of the common and preferred interests in the joint venture. In addition, the joint venture assumed certain liabilities of the business from DaimlerChrysler. Immediately following the contribution, the Company purchased 40% of the common interests in the joint venture from DaimlerChrysler for $20 million in cash. This investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, due to the Company's investment representing greater than 20% but less than 50% of the interest in the joint venture. However, with respect to the Agreement, the Company does not recognize losses in the joint venture to the extent that DaimlerChrysler provides funding for the joint venture's operations and capital expenditures.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company has an option to purchase DaimlerChrysler's common and preferred interests in the joint venture for $118.8 million in cash, approximately $31.7 million in principal amount of a new issue of 10-year 10% senior subordinated notes of Metaldyne and approximately $64.5 million in liquidation preference of a new series of preferred stock of Metaldyne. The Company's call option is available to be exercised once a satisfactory collective bargaining agreement regarding the new Metaldyne employees is ratified and a satisfactory collective bargaining agreement is reached with the DaimlerChrysler employees that will be leased to Metaldyne after the final stock purchase date. If Metaldyne does not exercise its call option within 20 business days of DaimlerChrysler's ratification of a satisfactory collective bargaining agreement or the Company fails to close within 120 days of the exercise because it cannot finance the acquisition, DaimlerChrysler has a call option to purchase the Company's initial investment for $1.00. If a new satisfactory collective bargaining agreement is not ratified by January 31, 2004, the Company has a put option on its equity in the joint venture at $20 million and DaimlerChrysler has a call option on the Company's equity in the joint venture at $20 million. In addition, the Company's current credit agreement requires that the Company exercise its purchase option by January 14, 2004, and that certain credit statistics are met. The Company is currently planning to exercise its purchase option prior to that date.

5.    Acquisition

On May 30, 2003, the Company acquired a facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, from Dana Corporation ("Dana") for approximately $7.7 million at closing and agreed to pay an additional $1.4 million in cash over a period of time ending on December 31, 2004. The Company may also be obligated to pay up to an additional $1.4 million in cash on December 31, 2004 depending upon the extent of new business awards at the facility. The Greensboro facility became part of the Driveline Group's Transmission and Program Management division. The Greensboro operation, which employs approximately 150 people, machines cast iron and aluminum castings, including various steering knuckles and aluminum carriers for light truck applications.

As part of the agreement with Dana, the Company agreed to obtain a third party buyer of the Greensboro facility, and agreed to sign a lease agreement with this party. If the Company failed to obtain a third party buyer for this property within 60 days of the acquisition, it agreed to pay Dana $10 million to purchase the facility. To secure this arrangement, the Company gave Dana a letter of credit for $10 million. On July 14, 2003, the Company subsequently entered into a long-term lease agreement with a third party, thereby releasing the Company from the $10 million letter of credit.

In addition, the Company signed a seven-year supply agreement with Dana covering all existing business at Greensboro, including right of last refusal on successor programs, as well as a commitment to award $20 million of new forging business to the Company. Dana has also issued purchase orders, to be satisfied at other of our facilities, for incremental other tube, gear and carrier business for a number of platforms.

7




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

6.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" and ceased amortizing goodwill. At September 28, 2003, the goodwill balance was approximately $553 million. For purposes of testing this goodwill for potential impairment, fair values were determined based upon the discounted cash flows of the reporting units using a 9.5% discount rate. The initial assessment for the Automotive Group indicated that the fair value of the reporting units within the Automotive Group exceeded their corresponding carrying value. This analysis was completed again for the year ended December 29, 2002, which indicated that the fair value of these units continued to exceed their carrying values.

The initial assessment for the Company's former TriMas Group indicated the carrying value of these units exceeded their fair value. A non-cash, after tax charge of $36.6 million was taken as of January 1, 2002, related to the industrial fasteners business of TriMas. Sales, operating profits and cash flows for this TriMas owned business were lower than expected beginning in the first quarter of 2001, due to the overall economic downturn and cyclical declines in certain markets for industrial fastener products. Based on that trend, the earnings and cash flow forecasts for the next five years indicated the goodwill impairment loss. Consistent with the requirements of SFAS No. 142, the Company recognized this impairment charge as the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle as of January 1, 2002.

Acquired Intangible Assets

The change in the gross carrying amount of acquired intangible assets is primarily attributable to the exchange impact from foreign currency.


  (In thousands, except weighted average life)
  As of September 28, 2003 As of December 29, 2002
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Weighted
Average
Life
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Weighted
Average
Life
Amortized Intangible Assets:                                  
Customer Contracts $ 93,200   $ (27,670 8.2 years $ 91,000   $ (20,920 8.2 years
Technology and Other   163,160     (31,470 14.9 years   160,820     (23,790 14.9 years
Total $ 256,360   $ (59,140 13.6 years $ 251,820   $ (44,710 13.6 years
                                   
Aggregate Amortization Expense (Included in Cost of Sales):                                  
For the nine months ended September 28, 2003       $ 16,200                        
                                   
Estimated Amortization Expense:                                  
For the year ending
December 28, 2003
        21,460                        
For the year ending
December 31, 2004
        21,460                        
For the year ending
December 31, 2005
        21,060                        
For the year ending
December 31, 2006
        21,060                        

8




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 28, 2003 are as follows:


  Chassis Driveline Engine Total
Balance as of December 29, 2002 $ 66,590   $ 361,470   $ 124,040   $ 552,100  
Disposition of Fittings   (5,210           (5,210
Impact from foreign currency       3,610     2,030     5,640  
Balance as of September 28, 2003 $ 61,380   $ 365,080   $ 126,070   $ 552,530  

7.    Disposition of Business

On June 6, 2002, the Company sold TriMas Corporation ("TriMas") common stock to Heartland Industrial Partners, L.P. ("Heartland") and other investors amounting to approximately 66% of the fully diluted common equity of TriMas. The Company retained approximately 34% of the fully diluted common equity of TriMas in the form of common stock and a presently exercisable warrant to purchase shares of TriMas common stock at a nominal exercise price. Pursuant to the terms of a stock purchase agreement, Heartland and the other investors invested approximately $265 million in cash in TriMas to acquire the 66% interest. In connection with the investment, TriMas entered into a senior credit facility and a receivables facility and issued senior subordinated notes due 2012. TriMas used borrowings under the senior credit facility and proceeds from the issuance of the notes to repay borrowings made by its subsidiaries under the Company's credit agreement, to repay certain debt that was owed to the Company and to repurchase TriMas originated receivables balances under the Company's receivables facility. In addition, prior to the closing, TriMas declared and paid a cash dividend to the Company equal to the difference between $840 million and the aggregate amount of such debt repayment and receivables repurchase. Consequently, as a result of the investment and the other transactions, the Company (1) received $840 million in the form of cash, debt reduction and reduced receivables facility balances and (2) received or retained common stock and a warrant in TriMas representing the Company's 34% retained interest.

As Heartland is the Company's controlling shareholder, this transaction was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control and accordingly no gain or loss has been recognized. Since the date of disposition, the Company has accounted for its retained interest in TriMas under the equity method of accounting.

On April 2, 2003, TriMas exercised its right to repurchase 1 million shares of its common stock from the Company at $20 per share, the same price as it was valued on June 6, 2002. As a result of this sale, and as a result of acquisitions performed by TriMas in 2003, Metaldyne's ownership percentage in TriMas decreased to approximately 28% as of September 28, 2003.

On May 9, 2003, the Company sold its Chassis Group's Fittings division to TriMas for $22.6 million plus the assumption of an operating lease. This transaction was accounted for as a sale of entities under common control. Therefore, the proceeds in excess of the book value of $6.3 million were recorded as additional paid-in capital in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Fittings division, which is a leading manufacturer of specialized fittings and cold-headed parts used in automotive and industrial applications, became part of the TriMas Fastening Systems Group.

8.    Restructuring Actions

In 2001, the Company began to implement plans to integrate the three legacy companies into the Company's new vision and align the business units under the Company's new operating structure and leadership team in an effort to reformulate a cost structure more competitive in the marketplace. To facilitate these initiatives, the Company terminated 292 employees and closed unprofitable businesses and

9




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

plants. The majority of these actions were completed in 2001 and 2002, but some are ongoing as of September 28, 2003. All employees have been terminated under this integration action. The amounts reflected below represent total estimated cash payments, of which $3.2 million and $1.9 million are recorded in "other long-term liabilities" in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at September 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002, respectively. The remaining $4.3 million and $9.8 million are recorded in "accrued liabilities" in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at September 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002, respectively.

In June 2002, the Company announced the reorganization of its Engine Group's European operations, to streamline the engineering, manufacturing and reporting structure of its European operations. This restructuring included the closure of a manufacturing facility in Halifax, England and termination of approximately 25 employees. In addition, the Company closed a small manufacturing location in Memphis, Tennessee and restructured management within its North American engine operations, resulting in the termination of 12 employees. In the first nine months of 2003, the Company recorded additional restructuring charges relating to the termination of an additional 75 employees at certain facilities and the completion of the European operations' reorganization.

The following table provides a rollforward of the restructuring accrual related to the above restructuring actions as of September 28, 2003.


      
Acquisition Related
(In thousands)
2002
Additional
Severance
and Other
Exit Costs
2003
Additional
Severance
and Other
Exit Costs
Total
  Severance
Costs
Exit and
Integration
Costs
Balance at December 29, 2002 $ 9,880   $ 540   $ 2,380   $   $ 12,800  
Cash payments   (6,690   (330   (1,860   (3,490   (12,370
Charges to expense               7,080     7,080  
Balance at September 28, 2003 $ 3,190   $ 210   $ 520   $ 3,590   $ 7,510  

9.    Accounts Receivable Securitization

The Company has entered into an arrangement to sell, on an ongoing basis, the trade accounts receivable of substantially all domestic business operations to MTSPC, Inc. ("MTSPC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. MTSPC from time to time may sell an undivided fractional ownership interest in the pool of receivables up to approximately $225 million to a third party multi-seller receivables funding company. The net proceeds of sale are less than the face amount of accounts receivable sold by an amount that approximates the purchaser's financing costs, which amounted to a total of $2.4 million and $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002, respectively, and is included in "other expense, net" in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. At September 28, 2003, the Company's funding under the facility was zero with $76 million available but not utilized. The discount rate at September 28, 2003 was 2.23% compared to 2.48% at December 29, 2002. The usage fee under the facility is 1.5%. In addition, the Company is required to pay a fee of 0.5% on the unused portion of the facility. This facility expires in November 2005.

10




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

10.    Inventories

Inventories by component are as follows:


  (In thousands)
  September 28,
2003
December 29,
2002
             
Finished goods $ 24,180   $ 25,720  
Work in process   30,370     26,230  
Raw materials   26,120     24,870  
  $ 80,670   $ 76,820  

11.    Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company manages its exposure to changes in interest rates through the use of interest rate protection agreements. These interest rate derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of each derivative's gain or loss is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes.

In February 2001, the Company entered into interest rate protection agreements with various financial institutions to hedge a portion of its interest rate risk related to the term loan borrowings under its credit facility. These agreements include two interest rate collars with a term of three years, a total notional amount of $200 million, and a three-month LIBOR interest rate cap and floor of 7% and approximately 4.5%, respectively. The agreements also include four interest rate caps at a three-month LIBOR interest rate of 7% with a total notional amount of $314 million. The two interest rate collars and two of the interest rate caps totaling $200 million were redesignated to the Company's new term note in June 2002. The remaining two interest rate caps totaling $114 million no longer qualify for hedge accounting. Therefore, any unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other income or expense in the consolidated statement of operations beginning June 20, 2002.

Under these agreements, the Company recognized additional interest expense of $4.9 million during the nine months ended September 28, 2003. The Company expects to recognize a portion of the $0.6 million currently included in other comprehensive income into earnings as quarterly interest payments are made.

11




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

12.    Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company's total comprehensive income (loss) for the period was as follows:


  (In thousands)
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
                         
Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $ (9,570 $ (11,390 $ (18,460 $ (20,320
Cumulative effect of change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment               (36,630
Net loss   (9,570   (11,390   (18,460   (56,950
Other comprehensive income (loss):                        
Impact of TriMas disposition on foreign currency translation               (1,910
Foreign currency translation adjustment   520     (3,040   24,370     36,620  
Interest rate agreements fair value adjustments   980     (1,090   1,370     5,760  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)   1,500     (4,130   25,740     40,470  
Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (8,070 $ (15,520 $ 7,280   $ (16,480

13.    Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to claims and litigation in the ordinary course of our business, but does not believe that any such claim or litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

14.    Segment Information

The Company has defined a segment as a component with business activity resulting in revenue and expense that has separate financial information evaluated regularly by the Company's chief operating decision maker and its board of directors in determining resource allocation and assessing performance.

The Company has established Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") as an indicator of our operating performance and as a measure of our cash generating capabilities. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as operating profit plus depreciation and amortization plus legacy stock award expense (contractual obligation from November 2000 acquisition, which will runoff completely by 2003).

In the second quarter of 2002, the Company modified its organizational structure. As a result, the Company is now comprised of three reportable segments: Chassis, Driveline and Engine. Accordingly, the Company has restated sales for all prior periods to reflect this change. Adjusted EBITDA is presented using the Company's modified segment structure beginning in 2002. In addition, in 2003 the Company moved one of its European operations that had historically been part of the Chassis segment to the Engine segment, and moved one of its domestic operations that had historically been part of the Driveline segment to the Engine segment. Both periods have been adjusted to reflect these changes.

CHASSIS — Manufactures components, modules and systems used in a variety of engineered chassis applications, including wheel-ends, axle shaft, knuckles and mini-corner assemblies. This segment utilizes a variety of processes including hot, warm and cold forging, powder metal forging and machinery and assembly.

12




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

DRIVELINE — Manufactures components, modules and systems, including precision shafts, hydraulic controls, hot and cold forgings and integrated program management used in a broad range of transmission applications. These applications include transmission and transfer case shafts, transmission valve bodies, cold extrusion and Hatebur hot forgings.

ENGINE — Manufactures a broad range of engine components, modules and systems, including sintered metal, powder metal, forged and tubular fabricated products used for a variety of applications. These applications include balance shaft modules and front cover assemblies.

As discussed in Note 7, the Company completed a divestiture of a portion of its TriMas Group on June 6, 2002. The TriMas Group is presented at the group level, rather than by segment, for all periods presented.

Segment activity for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002 is as follows:


  (In thousands)
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
September 28,
2003
September 29,
2002
Sales
Automotive Group                        
Chassis $ 24,850   $ 32,600   $ 87,900   $ 111,490  
Driveline   186,710     197,260     590,470     618,520  
Engine   134,720     122,290     439,520     383,890  
Automotive Group   346,280     352,150     1,117,890     1,113,900  
                         
TriMas Group               328,580  
Total sales $ 346,280   $ 352,150   $ 1,117,890   $ 1,442,480  
Adjusted EBITDA                        
Automotive Group                        
Chassis $ 1,710   $ 3,090   $ 5,830   $ 10,970  
Driveline   18,020     26,630     59,860     78,290  
Engine   17,920     15,790     65,960     53,890  
Automotive Operating   37,650     45,510     131,650     143,150  
Automotive/centralized resources ("Corporate")   (5,740   (6,140   (14,650   (15,140
Automotive Group   31,910     39,370     117,000     128,010  
TriMas Group               62,410  
Total Adjusted EBITDA   31,910     39,370     117,000     190,420  
Depreciation & amortization   (26,080   (24,840   (78,790   (88,380
Legacy stock award expense   (950   (1,050   (2,430   (4,210
Operating profit $ 4,880   $ 13,480   $ 35,780   $ 97,830  

15.    New Accounting Pronouncements

On December 30, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections." With the rescission of SFAS No. 4 and 64, only gains and losses from extinguishments of debt that meet the criteria of APB Opinion No. 30 are classified as extraordinary items. This statement also rescinds SFAS No. 44, "Accounting for Intangible Assets of Motor Carriers." This statement amends SFAS No. 13, "Accounting

13




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

for Leases," to eliminate the inconsistency between the required accounting for sale-leaseback transactions and the required accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to sale-leaseback transactions. SFAS No. 145 also amends other existing authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify meanings or describe their applicability under changed conditions. As a result of the Company's adoption of SFAS No. 145, $68.9 million ($43.4 million, net of taxes of $25.5 million) extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt recorded for the nine months ended September 29, 2002 has been reclassified as "loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loans" in other expense, net.

On December 30, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS No. 146 requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of the commitment to an exit or disposal plan. Accordingly, all costs associated with exit or disposal activities will be recognized when they are incurred effective with the Company's 2003 fiscal year. This Statement did not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

On December 30, 2002, the Company also adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, "Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." FIN No. 45 clarifies disclosures that are required to be made for certain guarantees and establishes a requirement to record a liability at fair value for certain guarantees at the time of the guarantee's issuance. FIN No. 45 did not have any impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or required disclosures.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB 51." FIN No. 46 requires that the primary beneficiary in a variable interest entity consolidate the entity even if the primary beneficiary does not have a majority voting interest. The consolidation requirements of this Interpretation are required to be implemented for any variable interest entity created on or after January 31, 2003. In addition, FIN No. 46 requires disclosure of information regarding guarantees or exposures to loss relating to any variable interest entity existing prior to January 31, 2003 in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003. The Company completed its review of certain potential variable interest entities, which are lessors under some of its operating lease agreements, as well as the accounts receivable securitization facility, to determine the impact of FIN No. 46. The Company has determined that there will be no impact on the financial position or results of operations due to the adoption of this Interpretation.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This Statement amends Statement 133 for certain decisions made as part of the Derivatives Implementation Group process that effectively required amendments to Statement 133, in connection with other FASB projects dealing with financial instruments and in connection with implementation issues raised in relation to the application of the definition of a derivative. This Statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 (with exceptions) and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. SFAS No. 149 did not have any impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or required disclosures.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities, for which it is effective for the first fiscal period beginning after December 15, 2003. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of this Statement. Due to the Company being a nonpublic entity as defined in SFAS No. 150, it will adopt this Statement effective with the quarter ending March 28, 2004.

14




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (CONTINUED)

16.    Subsequent Events

On October 20, 2003, the Company issued $150 million of 10% senior notes due 2013 in a private placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company will use the net proceeds from this offering to redeem the balance of the $98.5 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 4.5% subordinated debentures due in December 2003, and has repaid approximately $46.6 million of term loan debt under its credit facility.

On October 1, 2003, the Company entered into a sale-leaseback transaction for machinery and equipment with a third-party lessor. The Company received $8.5 million cash as part of this transaction.

17.    Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements of Guarantors of Senior Subordinated Notes

The following condensed consolidating financial information presents:

(1) Condensed consolidating financial statements as of September 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002, and for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002 of (a) Metaldyne Corporation, the parent and issuer, (b) the guarantor subsidiaries, (c) the non-guarantor subsidiaries and (d) the Company on a consolidated basis, and
(2) Elimination entries necessary to consolidate Metaldyne Corporation, the parent, with guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries.

The condensed consolidating financial statements are presented on the equity method. Under this method, the investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the Company's share of the subsidiaries' cumulative results of operations, capital contributions, distributions and other equity changes. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

All investments in non-domestic subsidiaries are held directly at Metaldyne Company LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metaldyne Corporation and the guarantor subsidiaries. Equity in non-domestic subsidiary investees is included in the guarantor column of the accompanying consolidating financial information.

15




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets September 28, 2003

(In thousands)


  Parent Guarantor Non-Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
Assets                              
Current assets:                              
Cash and cash equivalents $   $   $   $   $  
Total receivables, net       25,580     163,530         189,110  
Inventories       52,910     27,760         80,670  
Deferred and refundable income taxes       620     970         1,590  
Prepaid expenses and other assets       31,310     7,440         38,750  
Total current assets       110,420     199,700         310,120  
Equity investments in affiliates   144,580                 144,580  
Property and equipment, net       497,430     219,830         717,260  
Excess of cost over net assets of acquired
companies
      423,630     128,900         552,530  
Investment in subsidiaries   525,970     232,410         (758,380    
Intangible and other assets       248,160     20,210         268,370  
Total assets $ 670,550   $ 1,512,050   $ 568,640   $ (758,380 $ 1,992,860  
Liabilities And Shareholders' Equity                              
Current liabilities:                              
Accounts payable $   $ 128,130   $ 39,740   $   $ 167,870  
Accrued liabilities       112,530     18,780         131,310  
Current maturities, long-term debt       4,680     2,460         7,140  
Total current liabilities       245,340     60,980         306,320  
Long-term debt   250,000     504,600     10,840         765,440  
Deferred income taxes       95,320     22,650         117,970  
Long-term liabilities       131,450     1,130         132,580  
Intercompany accounts, net   (250,000   9,370     240,630          
Total liabilities       986,080     336,230         1,322,310  
Total redeemable stock   88,340                 88,340  
Shareholders' equity:                              
Preferred stock                    
Common stock   42,730                 42,730  
Paid-in capital   686,130                 686,130  
Accumulated deficit   (172,400               (172,400
Accumulated other comprehensive income   25,750                 25,750  
Investment by Parent/Guarantor       525,970     232,410     (758,380    
Total shareholders' equity   582,210     525,970     232,410     (758,380   582,210  
Total liabilities, redeemable stock and shareholders' equity $ 670,550   $ 1,512,050   $ 568,640   $ (758,380 $ 1,992,860  

16




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets December 29, 2002

(In thousands)


  Parent Guarantor Non-Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
Assets                              
Current assets:                              
Cash and cash equivalents $   $ 14,610   $ 4,520   $   $ 19,130  
Total receivables, net       33,610     153,260         186,870  
Inventories       55,700     21,120         76,820  
Deferred and refundable income taxes       22,620     930         23,550  
Prepaid expenses and other assets       23,620     5,520         29,140  
Total current assets       150,160     185,350         335,510  
Equity investments in affiliates   147,710                 147,710  
Property and equipment, net       496,670     200,840         697,510  
Excess of cost over net assets of acquired companies       355,560     196,540         552,100  
Investment in subsidiaries   517,900     234,980         (752,880    
Intangible and other assets       284,320     1,900         286,220  
Total assets $ 665,610   $ 1,521,690   $ 584,630   $ (752,880 $ 2,019,050  
Liabilities And Shareholders' Equity                              
Current liabilities:                              
Accounts payable $   $ 133,920   $ 52,520   $   $ 186,440  
Accrued liabilities       78,980     29,350         108,330  
Current maturities, long-term debt       95,030     4,870         99,900  
Total current liabilities       307,930     86,740         394,670  
Long-term debt   250,000     409,190     9,770         668,960  
Deferred income taxes       126,520     19,990         146,510  
Long-term liabilities       137,810     5,490         143,300  
Intercompany accounts, net   (250,000   22,340     227,660          
Total liabilities       1,003,790     349,650         1,353,440  
Total redeemable stock   85,180                 85,180  
Shareholders' equity:                              
Preferred stock                    
Common stock   42,650                 42,650  
Paid-in capital   684,870                 684,870  
Accumulated deficit   (147,100               (147,100
Accumulated other comprehensive income   10                 10  
Investment by Parent/Guarantor       517,900     234,980     (752,880    
Total shareholders' equity   580,430     517,900     234,980     (752,880   580,430  
Total liabilities, redeemable stock and shareholders' equity $ 665,610   $ 1,521,690   $ 584,630   $ (752,880 $ 2,019,050  

17




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations
Three Months Ended September 28, 2003

(In thousands)


  Parent Guarantor Non-Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
Net sales $   $ 264,520   $ 81,760   $       —   $ 346,280  
Cost of sales       (244,110   (67,050       (311,160
Gross profit       20,410     14,710         35,120  
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
      (19,230   (6,840       (26,070
Restructuring charges       (2,990   (230       (3,220
Legacy restricted stock award expense       (840   (110       (950
Operating profit       (2,650   7,530         4,880  
Other income (expense), net:                              
Interest expense       (16,130   (2,560       (18,690
Equity earnings (loss) from affiliates, net   1,130                 1,130  
Other, net       (2,600   1,350         (1,250
Other expense, net   1,130     (18,730   (1,210       (18,810
Income (loss) before income taxes   1,130     (21,380   6,320         (13,930
Income tax expense (benefit)       (460   (3,900       (4,360
Equity in net income of subsidiaries   (10,700   10,220         480      
Net income (loss) $ (9,570 $ (10,700 $ 10,220   $ 480   $ (9,570
Preferred stock dividends   2,340                 2,340  
Earnings (loss) attributable to common
stock
$ (11,910 $ (10,700 $ 10,220   $ 480   $ (11,910

18




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations
Three Months Ended September 29, 2002

(In thousands)


  Parent Guarantor Non-Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
Net sales $   $ 276,260   $ 75,940   $ (50 $ 352,150  
Cost of sales       (241,810   (62,150   50     (303,910
Gross profit       34,450     13,790         48,240  
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
      (27,230   (5,360       (32,590
Restructuring charges       (1,120           (1,120
Legacy restricted stock award expense       (1,050           (1,050
Operating profit       5,050     8,430         13,480  
Other income (expense), net:                              
Interest expense       (17,610   (170       (17,780
Loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loans       (6,860           (6,860
Equity earnings (loss) from affiliates, net   (2,240               (2,240
Other, net       (120   (890       (1,010
Other income (expense), net   (2,240   (24,590   (1,060       (27,890
Income (loss) before income taxes   (2,240   (19,540   7,370         (14,410
Income tax expense (benefit)       (5,630   2,610         (3,020
Equity in net income of subsidiaries   (9,150   4,760         4,390      
Net income (loss) $ (11,390 $ (9,150 $ 4,760   $ 4,390   $ (11,390
Preferred stock dividends   3,570                 3,570  
Earnings (loss) attributable to common
stock
$ (14,960 $ (9,150 $ 4,760   $ 4,390   $ (14,960

19




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 28, 2003

(In thousands)


  Parent Guarantor Non-Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
Net sales $   $ 860,480   $ 257,410   $   $ 1,117,890  
Cost of sales       (784,200   (206,540       (990,740
Gross profit       76,280     50,870         127,150  
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
      (69,800   (12,060       (81,860
Restructuring charges       (5,780   (1,300       (7,080
Legacy restricted stock award expense       (2,020   (410       (2,430
Operating profit       (1,320   37,100         35,780  
Other income (expense), net:                              
Interest expense       (50,470   (3,340       (53,810
Equity earnings (loss) from affiliates, net   (1,580               (1,580
Other, net       (5,310   (1,160       (6,470
Other expense, net   (1,580   (55,780   (4,500       (61,860
Income (loss) before income taxes   (1,580   (57,100   32,600         (26,080
Income tax expense (benefit)       (12,980   5,360         (7,620
Equity in net income of subsidiaries   (16,880   27,240         (10,360    
Net income (loss) $ (18,460 $ (16,880 $ 27,240   $ (10,360 $ (18,460
Preferred stock dividends   6,840                 6,840  
Earnings (loss) attributable to common
stock
$ (25,300 $ (16,880 $ 27,240   $ (10,360 $ (25,300

20




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2002

(In thousands)


  Parent Guarantor Non-Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
Net sales $   $ 897,020   $ 545,890   $ (430 $ 1,442,480  
Cost of sales       (789,010   (404,900   430     (1,193,480
Gross profit       108,010     140,990         249,000  
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
      (76,240   (69,600       (145,840
Restructuring charges       (1,120           (1,120
Legacy restricted stock award expense       (4,210           (4,210
Operating profit       26,440     71,390         97,830  
Other income (expense), net:                              
Interest expense       (73,570   (830       (74,400
Loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loans       (68,860           (68,860
Loss on interest rate arrangements upon early retirement of term loans       (7,550           (7,550
Equity earnings (loss) from affiliates, net   90                 90  
Other, net       (6,540   (2,150       (8,690
Other income (expense), net   90     (156,520   (2,980       (159,410
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   90     (130,080   68,410         (61,580
Income tax expense (benefit)       (68,370   27,110         (41,260
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle   90     (61,710   41,300         (20,320
Cumulative effect of a change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment       (36,630      
    (36,630
Equity in net income of subsidiaries   (57,040   41,300         15,740      
Net income (loss) $ (56,950 $ (57,040 $ 41,300   $ 15,740   $ (56,950
Preferred stock dividends   6,980                 6,980  
Earnings (loss) attributable to common
stock
$ (63,930 $ (57,040 $ 41,300   $ 15,740   $ (63,930

21




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 28, 2003

(In thousands)


  Parent Guarantor Non-Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:                              
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities $   $ 54,390   $ (10,390 $       —   $ 44,000  
Cash flows from investing activities:                              
Capital expenditures       (64,450   (18,180       (82,630
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of fixed assets       8,460             8,460  
Disposition of business           22,570         22,570  
Proceeds from sale of TriMas shares   20,000                 20,000  
Acquisition of business, net       (7,650           (7,650
Investment in joint venture       (20,000           (20,000
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities   20,000     (83,640   4,390         (59,250
Cash flows from financing activities:                              
Principal payments of term loan facilities       (1,000           (1,000
Proceeds of revolving credit facility       180,000             180,000  
Principal payments of revolving credit facility       (180,000           (180,000
Proceeds of other debt       3,730     2,960         6,690  
Principal payments of other debt       (3,000   (4,320       (7,320
Capitalization of debt refinancing fees       (2,250           (2,250
Change in intercompany accounts   (20,000   17,160     2,840          
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities   (20,000   14,640     1,480         (3,880
Net increase (decrease) in cash       (14,610   (4,520       (19,130
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
period
      14,610     4,520         19,130  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $   $   $   $   $  

22




METALDYNE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

Guarantor/Non-Guarantor
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2002

(In thousands)


  Parent Guarantor Non-Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:                              
Net cash used for operating activities $   $ 106,740   $ (200,660 $       —   $ (93,920
Cash flows from investing activities:                              
Capital expenditures       (53,240   (25,730       (78,970
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of fixed assets       33,370             33,370  
Disposition of business           840,000         840,000  
Other, net       (3,810           (3,810
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities       (23,680   814,270         790,590  
Cash flows from financing activities:                              
Proceeds of term loan facilities       400,000             400,000  
Principal payments of term loan facilities       (671,850   (440,600       (1,112,450
Proceeds of revolving credit facility       319,800             319,800  
Principal payments of revolving credit facility       (319,800           (319,800
Proceeds of senior subordinated notes due 2012   250,000                 250,000  
Principal payments of convertible subordinated debentures, due 2003 (net of $1.2 million non-cash portion of repurchase)       (205,290           (205,290
Proceeds of other debt       830     290         1,120  
Principal payments of other debt       (3,050   (1,490       (4,540
Capitalization of debt refinancing fees       (11,590           (11,590
Penalties on early extinguishment of debt       (6,480           (6,480
Change in intercompany accounts   (250,000   425,300     (175,300        
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities       (72,130   (617,100       (689,230
Net increase (decrease) in cash       10,930     (3,490       7,440  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
period
      (12,930   12,930          
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $   $ (2,000 $ 9,440   $   $ 7,440  

23




ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In addition to net income and other financial measures, the Company uses Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") as an indicator of our operating performance and as a measure of our cash generating capabilities. Adjusted EBITDA is the financial performance measure used by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and management to evaluate the Company's operating performance. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as operating profit plus depreciation and amortization plus legacy stock award expense (representing contractual obligations from the November 2000 acquisition, which will runoff completely in 2003).

Adjusted EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure for determining operating performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, Adjusted EBITDA, as we calculate it, may not be comparable to calculations of similarly titled measures by other companies.

24




Results of Operations

Quarter Ended September 28, 2003 Versus September 29, 2002


  (In thousands)
Three Months Ended
  September 28, 2003 September 29, 2002
Sales
Chassis $ 24,850   $ 32,600  
Driveline   186,710     197,260  
Engine   134,720     122,290  
Total Company $ 346,280   $ 352,150  
Adjusted EBITDA and Operating Profit (1)            
Chassis $ 1,710   $ 3,090  
Driveline   18,020     26,630  
Engine   17,920     15,790  
Automotive Operating Adjusted EBITDA   37,650     45,510  
Automotive/centralized resources ("Corporate")   (5,740   (6,140
Total Company Adjusted EBITDA   31,910     39,370  
Depreciation and amortization   (26,080   (24,840
Legacy stock award expense   (950   (1,050
Total Company operating profit $ 4,880   $ 13,480  
Other Income and Expense and Net Loss            
Other expense, net:            
Interest expense $ (18,690 $ (17,780
Loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loans       (6,860
Equity gain (loss) from affiliates, net   1,130     (2,240
Other, net   (1,250   (1,010
Other expense, net   (18,810   (27,890
             
Loss before income taxes   (13,930   (14,410
Income tax benefit   (4,360   (3,020
Net loss $ (9,570 $ (11,390
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating profit before depreciation, amortization and legacy restricted stock award expense. Adjusted EBITDA-related information is presented in the manner as defined herein because we believe it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to service and/or incur indebtedness. Adjusted EBITDA is the financial performance measure used by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and management to evaluate the Company's operating performance. Operating profit is the most closely applicable financial measure calculated based on generally accepted accounting principles. However, Adjusted EBITDA-related information should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of operating results or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because Adjusted EBITDA-related information is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation in this report is not likely to be comparable to those disclosed by other companies.

25




Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Adjusted EBITDA


  Three Months Ended
  September 28, 2003 September 29, 2002
Automotive Group            
Chassis            
Operating profit $ 500   $ 1,660  
Depreciation and amortization   1,210     1,430  
Adjusted EBITDA   1,710     3,090  
             
Driveline            
Operating profit   4,980     14,350  
Depreciation and amortization   13,040     12,280  
Adjusted EBITDA   18,020     26,630  
             
Engine            
Operating profit   8,410     7,270  
Depreciation and amortization   9,510     8,520  
Engine Adjusted EBITDA   17,920     15,790  
             
Automotive/centralized resources ("Corporate")            
Operating loss   (9,010   (9,800
Depreciation and amortization   2,320     2,610  
Legacy stock award expense   950     1,050  
Adjusted EBITDA   (5,740   (6,140
             
Total Company            
Operating profit   4,880     13,480  
Depreciation and amortization   26,080     24,840  
Legacy stock award expense   950     1,050  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 31,910   $ 39,370  

Our sales for the third quarter of 2003 were $346.3 million, a decrease of approximately $5.9 million or 1.7% versus the comparable period of 2002. The primary drivers of this decrease were an approximate 9% decline in North American production for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler (the "Big 3"), combined with a 3% decline in European vehicle production. Additionally, 2003 sales were negatively impacted by customer pricing concessions and the sale of our Fitting's business in May 2003, which generated $3.8 million of sales in the third quarter of 2002. Offsetting this decrease were new business launches in the Engine segment of approximately $11.1 million, $12.4 million incremental sales associated with the acquisition of the Greensboro facility and a $7.9 million increase related to foreign currency exchange.

Gross profit was $35.1 million, or 10.1% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2003 versus $48.2 million, or 13.7% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2002. The $13.1 million decrease is the net result of the reduced volumes in both North America and Europe, pricing concessions discussed above, approximately $2.0 million of launch costs, $1.3 million in costs associated with the August power outage in the Midwest and Northeast, $1.5 million in incremental lease costs, $2.0 million in steel increases and $1.3 million of incremental depreciation expense.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $26.1 million, or 7.5% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2003 versus $32.6 million, or 9.3% of net sales, for the comparable period in 2002. The net decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily related to net cost saving initiatives such as restructuring activities and the movement towards shared/centralized services.

26




Operating profit for the Automotive Group decreased to $4.9 million, or 1.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2003 versus $13.5 million, or 3.8% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2002. In addition to the factors discussed above, the primary driver of the net decrease was $2.1 million of incremental restructuring charges related to headcount reduction actions.

Adjusted EBITDA was $31.9 million for the third quarter of 2003 versus $39.4 million for the third quarter of 2002. The decrease results from the reduced volumes, pricing concessions discussed above, approximately $2.0 million of launch costs, $1.3 million in costs associated with the August power outage in the Midwest and Northeast, $1.5 million in incremental lease costs and $2.0 million in steel increases. These factors were partially offset by operational efficiencies and reductions in our selling, general and administrative expenses.

Interest expense was approximately $18.7 million for the third quarter of 2003 versus $17.8 million for the comparable period in 2002. The $0.9 million increase is primarily due to a 1.5% higher interest rate on our bank debt resulting from the amendment completed on our credit facility in July 2003. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below for additional discussion of debt in 2003 compared with 2002.

Equity earnings from affiliates was approximately $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2003 versus a loss of $2.2 million for the comparable period in 2002. Other, net was approximately $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2003 versus $1.0 million in the comparable period of 2002.

The provision for income taxes for the third quarter of 2003 was a benefit of $4.4 million as compared with a benefit of $3.0 million for the same period of 2002. The benefit for both years reflects the impact of foreign income taxed at rates greater than U.S. statutory rates, as well as state income taxes payable, even though the Company incurred a loss for U.S. tax purposes.

Net loss was approximately $9.6 million for the third quarter of 2003 compared with a net loss of approximately $11.4 million for the same period of 2002, or a $1.8 million decrease. This decrease is due to the factors discussed above.

Segment Information

Sales for our Chassis segment decreased 23.8% in the third quarter of 2003 versus the comparable period of 2002, primarily driven by the sale in May 2003 of its Fittings business, which resulted in a $3.8 million decrease in sales period over period. Excluding the effect of the sale of the Fittings business, the Chassis segment's revenue decreased quarter over quarter. The remaining decrease is due to lower volumes in both our heavy truck and brake bracket business driven by lower production from our customers year over year. Operating profit for the Chassis segment declined from $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2002 to $0.5 million for the same period in 2003, while Adjusted EBITDA declined from $3.1 million to $1.7 million for the same period. This decrease is primarily related to the decrease in sales, a $0.2 million of incremental leasing expense and the 2003 sale of the Fittings business.

Our Engine segment revenue increased approximately 10.2% over the prior year due principally to new product launches. Adjusting for the impact of currency fluctuations, the Engine segment's revenues increased by approximately 7.7% over the same period in 2002. Operating profit for the segment increased from $7.3 million in the third quarter of 2002 to $8.4 million for the same period in 2003, while Adjusted EBITDA increased from $15.8 million to $17.9 million for the same period. The increase is primarily attributable to the increase in sales and cost reduction efforts but is offset by customer pricing concessions, increased launch and development costs and approximately $0.6 million of incremental leasing expense.

Our Driveline segment revenue decreased 5.3% versus the comparable period of 2002, or approximately 7.8% after adjusting for currency fluctuations. In addition to the decrease in North American vehicle build for our three largest customers, the loss of certain customer contracts and continued pricing pressure from our core North American customer base contributed to the decline. Offsetting this decrease was the incremental sales associated with the acquisition of the Greensboro facility in May 2003.

The Driveline segment is rapidly working to replace the lost sales and has received contracts beginning in 2003 that are expected to mitigate the effect of the lost business. Operating profit for the segment decreased from $14.4 million in the third quarter of 2002 to $5.0 million in the third quarter of

27




2003, while Adjusted EBITDA decreased from $26.6 million to $18.0 million in the third quarter of 2002 and 2003, respectively. In addition to volume declines, the primary drivers of this decrease relate to material price increases combined with price concessions to customers outweighing the manufacturing cost reductions and efficiencies we were able to achieve during the quarter. Historically, price concessions to customers have been offset by advancements in engineering or manufacturing processes that allow us to reduce costs and selling prices. However, in 2003 the impact of the Section 201 steel tariffs negatively impacted this historical relationship and negatively impacted our 2003 performance. Steel price increases have contributed approximately $2 million of additional costs per quarter versus 2002 costs.

Automotive/centralized resources ("Corporate") operating loss was $9.0 million in the third quarter of 2003 versus $9.8 million for the comparable period in 2002, while Adjusted EBITDA was $(5.7) million and $(6.1) million for the third quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively. We are continuing to realize the benefits of our shared services initiatives to centralize standard processes and reduce redundant costs throughout our Company (e.g. capability in sales, procurement, IT infrastructure, finance expertise, etc.). The majority of shared services initiatives were completed in the fourth quarter of 2002, and as a result, we have started to see a decrease in selling, general and administrative costs in the Company in 2003.

28




Nine Months Ended September 28, 2003 Versus September 29, 2002


  (In thousands)
Nine Months Ended
  September 28, 2003 September 29, 2002
Sales
Automotive Group            
Chassis $ 87,900   $ 111,490  
Driveline   590,470     618,520  
Engine   439,520     383,890  
Automotive Group   1,117,890     1,113,900  
TriMas Group (1)       328,580  
Total Company $ 1,117,890   $ 1,442,480  
Adjusted EBITDA and Operating Profit (2)            
Automotive Group            
Chassis $ 5,830   $ 10,970  
Driveline   59,860     78,290  
Engine   65,960     53,890  
Automotive Operating Adjusted EBITDA   131,650     143,150  
Automotive/centralized resources ("Corporate")   (14,650   (15,140
Automotive Group Adjusted EBITDA   117,000     128,010  
Depreciation and amortization   (78,790   (72,370
Legacy stock award expense   (2,430   (3,950
Automotive Group operating profit   35,780     51,690  
TriMas Group Adjusted EBITDA (1)       62,410  
Depreciation and amortization (1)       (16,010
Legacy stock award expense (1)       (260
Total Company operating profit $ 35,780   $ 97,830  
Total Company Adjusted EBITDA $ 117,000   $ 190,420  
Other Income and Expense and Net Loss            
Other expense, net:            
Interest expense $ (53,810 $ (74,400
Loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loans       (68,860
Loss on interest rate arrangements upon early retirement of term loans       (7,550
Equity gain (loss) from affiliates, net   (1,580   90  
Other, net   (6,470   (8,690
Other expense, net   (61,860   (159,410
Loss before income taxes   (26,080   (61,580
Income tax benefit   (7,620   (41,260
Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   (18,460   (20,320
Cumulative effect of change in recognition and measurement of goodwill impairment       (36,630
Net loss $ (18,460 $ (56,950
(1) TriMas Group is included in our financial results through June 6, 2002, the date of our divestiture.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating profit before depreciation, amortization and legacy restricted stock award expense. Adjusted EBITDA-related information is presented in the manner as defined herein because we believe it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to service and/or incur indebtedness. Adjusted EBITDA is the financial performance measure used by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and management to evaluate the Company's operating performance. Operating profit is the most closely applicable financial measure calculated based on generally accepted accounting principles. However, Adjusted EBITDA-related information should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of operating results or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because Adjusted EBITDA-related information is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation in this report is not likely to be comparable to those disclosed by other companies.

29




Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Adjusted EBITDA


  Nine Months Ended
  September 28, 2003 September 29, 2002
Automotive Group            
Chassis            
Operating profit $ 1,850   $ 6,470  
Depreciation and amortization   3,980     4,500  
Adjusted EBITDA   5,830     10,970  
             
Driveline            
Operating profit   21,450     43,170  
Depreciation and amortization   38,410     35,120  
Adjusted EBITDA   59,860     78,290  
             
Engine            
Operating profit   35,700     29,420  
Depreciation and amortization   30,260     24,470  
Engine Adjusted EBITDA   65,960     53,890  
             
Automotive            
Operating profit   59,000     79,060  
Depreciation and amortization   72,650     64,090  
Adjusted EBITDA   131,650     143,150  
             
Automotive/centralized resources ("Corporate")            
Operating loss   (23,220   (27,370
Depreciation and amortization   6,140     8,280  
Legacy stock award expense   2,430     3,950  
Adjusted EBITDA   (14,650   (15,140
             
Total Automotive Group            
Operating profit   35,780     51,690  
Depreciation and amortization   78,790     72,370  
Legacy stock award expense   2,430     3,950  
Adjusted EBITDA   117,000     128,010  
             
TriMas Group            
Operating profit       46,140  
Depreciation and amortization       16,010  
Legacy stock award expense       260  
Adjusted EBITDA       62,410  
             
Total Company            
Operating profit   35,780     97,830  
Depreciation and amortization   78,790     88,380  
Legacy stock award expense   2,430     4,210  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 117,000   $ 190,420  

Due to the divestiture of our TriMas subsidiary in June 2002, the consolidated results for the first nine months of 2003 and 2002 are not comparable. For purposes of the following discussion, TriMas results are

30




excluded, where applicable and quantifiable, and the performance of our Automotive Group operations is discussed on a comparable basis between periods.

Our Automotive Group sales for the first nine months of 2003 were $1,117.9 million, an increase of approximately $4 million or 0.4% versus the comparable period of 2002. The primary drivers of this increase were new business launches in the Engine segment, incremental sales associated with the acquisition of the Greensboro facility in May 2003 and a $32.3 million benefit related to currency exchange. Offsetting this increase was an approximate 6.3% reduction in North American production for the "Big 3". Additionally, 2003 sales were negatively impacted by customer pricing concessions and the loss of certain customer contracts in our Driveline segment.

Gross profit was $127.2 million in the first nine months of 2003 versus $249 million in the comparable period in 2002. Excluding our former TriMas subsidiary, gross profit was $127.2 million or 11.4% of net sales in the first nine months of 2003 versus an approximate $148.2 million or 13.3% of net sales for the first nine months of 2002. The $21.0 million decrease is the net combination of several offsetting factors, but primarily represents approximately $6 million in increased steel costs, an incremental $4.9 million in depreciation expense and $3.4 million of incremental lease expense for the period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $81.9 million for the first nine months of 2003 versus $145.8 million in the comparable period in 2002. Excluding TriMas, selling, general and administrative charges approximated $91.5 million in the first nine months of 2002, or 8.2% of Automotive Group sales, versus an approximate $81.9 million in the first nine months of 2003, or 7.3% of Automotive Group sales. The net decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily related to net cost saving initiatives such as the Engine segment restructuring and the movement towards shared/centralized services.

Operating profit for the Automotive Group decreased to $35.8 million, or 3.2% of sales, in the first nine months of 2003 versus $51.7 million, or 3.6% of sales, in the first nine months of 2002. In addition to the factors discussed above, operating profit was negatively impacted by $6 million of incremental restructuring efforts.

Adjusted EBITDA for the Automotive Group was $117.0 million in the first nine months of 2003 versus $128.0 million in the comparable period of 2002. The incremental restructuring efforts of $6.0 million, incremental lease expense of $3.4 million and the $6 million in increased steel costs were the primary contributors to the decline. Other factors such as price concessions to customers were more than offset by operational efficiencies and reductions in our selling, general and administrative expenses.

Interest expense was approximately $53.8 million for the first nine months of 2003 versus $74.4 million for the comparable period in 2002. This decrease is primarily due to a reduction in interest resulting from a lower average debt balance and an approximate 0.6% reduction in average LIBOR for the year-to-date period in 2003 as compared to 2002. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below for additional discussion of the reduction in debt levels from fiscal 2002.

Equity from affiliates was approximately a $1.6 million loss for the first nine months of 2003 versus a gain of $0.1 million for the comparable period in 2002. Other, net expense was approximately $6.5 million in the first nine months of 2003 versus $8.7 million in the comparable period of 2002. This is the result of a decrease in debt fee amortization due to our debt refinancing in 2002 and a decrease in accounts receivable securitization financing fees due to decreased usage of our securitization facility in the first nine months of 2003 compared with the same period of 2002.

The provision for income taxes for the first nine months of 2003 was a benefit of $7.6 million as compared with a benefit of $41.3 million for the same period of 2002. The 2002 tax amount includes a tax benefit of $25.5 million for the loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loans as a result of our debt restructuring efforts in the second quarter of 2002. The provision for both years reflects the impact of foreign income taxed at rates greater than U.S. statutory rates, as well as state income taxes payable, even though the Company incurred a loss for U.S. tax purposes. The 2003 tax benefit is primarily attributable to the U.S. net operating loss ("NOL"). This loss must be carried forward and utilized over the next 20 years. It is anticipated that this NOL will be fully utilized before expiration. All but $4.2

31




million of the entire 2002 NOL was carried back to prior years, resulting in a refund of approximately $37.5 million. $20 million of the tax benefit recorded in 2002 related to a change in tax law and should be refunded by the IRS in 2004.

Net loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle was approximately $18.5 million for the first nine months of 2003, versus $20.3 million for the same period of 2002. These results are due to the factors discussed above.

A non-cash, after-tax charge of $36.6 million was taken as of January 1, 2002 resulting from our transitional impairment test required to measure the amount of any goodwill impairment of our former TriMas subsidiary, as required by SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Consistent with the requirements of SFAS No. 142, we recognized this impairment charge as the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle as of January 1, 2002.

Segment Information

Sales for our Chassis segment decreased 21.2% in the first nine months of 2003 versus the comparable period of 2002, primarily driven by the closure in June 2002 of one of its manufacturing facilities and sale of the Fittings business in May 2003 which resulted in a $8.7 million and $6.8 million decrease in sales period over period, respectively. Excluding the effect of this closed facility and sale of business, the Chassis segment's revenue decreased $8.1 million period over period primarily due to the production decline of our domestic "Big 3" customers. Operating profit for the Chassis segment declined from $6.5 million in the first nine months of 2002 to $1.9 million for the same period in 2003, while Adjusted EBITDA declined from $11 million to $5.8 million for the same period. This decrease is related to the reduction in volumes, the closure of the Troy, Ohio manufacturing facility and sale of business.

Our Engine segment revenue increased approximately 14.5% over the prior year due principally to new product launches. Adjusting for the impact of currency fluctuations, the Engine segment's revenues increased by approximately 11.2% over the same period in 2002. Operating profit for the segment increased from $29.4 million in the first nine months of 2002 to $35.7 million for the same period in 2003, while Adjusted EBITDA increased from $53.9 million to $66.0 million for the same period. The increase is primarily attributable to the increase in sales and cost reduction efforts in the first nine months of 2003 but is offset by customer pricing concessions, increased launch and development costs, charges related to the completion of its restructuring actions initiated in mid-2002 and approximately $1.6 million of incremental leasing expense.

Our Driveline segment revenue decreased 4.5% versus the comparable period of 2002, or approximately 7.7% after adjusting for currency fluctuations. In addition to the decrease in North American vehicle build for our "Big 3" customers, the loss of certain customer contracts and continued pricing pressure from our core North American customer base contributed to the decline. Offsetting this decrease was the incremental sales of $18.7 million associated with the acquisition of the Greensboro facility in May 2003.

The Driveline segment is rapidly working to replace the lost sales and has received contracts beginning in 2003 that are expected to mitigate the effect of the lost business. Operating profit for the segment decreased from $43.2 million in the first nine months of 2002 to $21.5 million in the first nine months of 2003, while Adjusted EBITDA decreased from $78.3 million to $59.9 million in the first nine months of 2002 and 2003, respectively. In addition to volume declines, the primary drivers of this decrease relate to material price increases combined with price concessions to customers outweighing the manufacturing cost reductions and efficiencies we were able to achieve during the first nine months of 2003. Historically, price concessions to customers have been offset by advancements in engineering or manufacturing processes that allow us to reduce costs and selling prices. However, in 2003 the impact of the Section 201 steel tariffs (approximately $6 million cost increase through September in 2003 versus 2002) and increases in our cost to procure aluminum negatively impacted this historical relationship and negatively impacted our 2003 performance. Further impacting our Driveline segment were several operational issues experienced during the quarter ended March 30, 2003, including difficulty in launching two new products, unexpected maintenance issues in one of its high volume manufacturing facilities and the consolidation of two of its manufacturing facilities. These operational issues were primarily corrected in the second quarter.

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Automotive/centralized resources ("Corporate") operating loss was $23.2 million in the first nine months of 2003 versus $27.4 million for the comparable period in 2002, while Adjusted EBITDA was $(14.7) million and $(15.1) million for the first nine months of 2003 and 2002, respectively. However, we are beginning to realize the benefits of our shared services initiatives to centralize standard processes and reduce redundant costs throughout our Company (e.g. capability in sales, procurement, IT infrastructure, finance expertise, etc.). The majority of shared services initiatives were completed in the fourth quarter of 2002, and as a result, we have started to see a decrease in selling, general and administrative costs in the Automotive segments in 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity.    We had $92.5 million of available funds as of September 28, 2003. Our funding under the accounts receivable securitization facility and revolving credit facility was zero.

Principal Sources of Liquidity.    Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flow from operations, our revolving credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility. We have significant unutilized capacity under our revolving credit facility and accounts receivable facility that may be utilized for acquisitions, investments or capital expenditure needs. We believe that our liquidity and capital resources including anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet debt service, capital expenditure and other short-term and long-term obligations and needs, but we are subject to unforeseeable events and the risk that we are not successful in implementing our business strategies.

Debt, Capitalization and Available Financing Sources.    In 2002, we entered into two arrangements to refinance our long-term debt. In the first arrangement, we issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 11% senior subordinated notes due 2012. In connection with the 11% senior subordinated notes offering described above, we also amended and restated our credit facility to replace the original tranche A, B and C term loans with a new $400 million tranche D term loan payable in semi-annual installments of $0.5 million with the remaining outstanding balance due December 31, 2009. In addition to the term loan, the credit facility also includes a revolving credit facility with a principal commitment of $200 million. The revolving credit facility matures on May 28, 2007. The obligations under the credit facility are collateralized by substantially all of our assets and are guaranteed by substantially all of our domestic subsidiaries.

On October 20, 2003, we issued $150 million of 10% senior notes due 2013 in a private placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We plan to use the net proceeds from this offering to redeem the balance of the $98.5 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 4.5% subordinated debentures due in December 2003, and have repaid $46.6 million of term loan debt under our credit facility.

Our debt as of September 28, 2003 and December 29, 2002 is summarized below.


  (In millions)
  September 28,
2003
December 29,
2002
Senior credit facilities:            
Tranche D term loan facility $ 399   $ 399  
Revolving credit facility        
Total senior credit facility $ 399   $ 399  
11% senior subordinated notes, due 2012   250     250  
4.5% subordinated debentures, due 2003 (face value $98.5 million)   97      
Other debt   20     20  
Total long-term debt   766     669  
4.5% subordinated debentures, due 2003 (face value $98.5 million)       91  
Other current maturities   7     9  
Total debt $ 773   $ 769  

Our working capital revolver facility has a blocked availability amount sufficient to meet our 2003 maturity of the $98.5 million face value 4.5% subordinated debentures. After we apply the proceeds of our

33




recent bond offering to retire the 4.5% subordinated debentures, the blocked availability will be reduced to zero and the principal commitment on our revolving credit facility will be reduced to $200 million.

At September 28, 2003, we were contingently liable for standby letters of credit totaling $30 million issued on our behalf by financial institutions. These letters of credit are used for a variety of purposes, including meeting various states' requirements in order to self-insure workers' compensation claims, including incurred but not reported claims.

Cash Flows

Operating activities — Operating activities provided $44.0 million of cash for the first nine months of 2003 as compared with a use of cash of $93.9 million in the comparable period of 2002. In 2002, we had a net payback of $138.4 million on the accounts receivable facility. Excluding this payment, operating activities decreased by $0.4 million over the comparable period, primarily due to the June 6, 2002 divestiture of TriMas. Additionally, cash flows for both periods were negatively impacted by the restricted stock award program, of which final payment for this program will be made in the first quarter of 2004.

Investing activities — Investing activities resulted in a use of cash of $59.3 million for the first nine months of 2003 as compared with a source of cash of $790.6 million for the comparable period of 2002. Our 2002 results are impacted by our disposition of TriMas for $840 million. Our 2003 results include the investment of $20 million in NC-M Chassis Systems, LLC joint venture, the acquisition of the Greensboro facility from Dana Corporation of $7.7 million and a reduction in sale-leaseback transactions in the first nine months of 2003 as compared with 2002. These activities were offset by the disposition of our Fittings division for $22.6 million and proceeds from the sale of part of our equity investment in TriMas for $20 million. Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions were $8.5 million for the first nine months of 2003 as compared with $33.4 million for the comparable period in 2002. Capital expenditures were $82.6 million for the first nine months of 2003 as compared with $79 million for the comparable period of 2002, or an increase of $3.6 million. 2002 capital expenditures include approximately $10 million related to TriMas prior to its disposition.

Financing activities — Financing activities resulted in a use of cash of $3.9 million for the first nine months of 2003 as compared to $689.2 million in the comparable period of 2002. Our 2002 results were impacted by our disposition of TriMas, repayment of term debt, issuance of senior subordinated debt and a $43.4 million (net of taxes of $25.5 million) loss on the repurchase of the debentures and early retirement of the term loans. Our 2003 results reflect a net repayment of debt of $1.6 million for the first nine months of the period.

Interest Rate Hedging Arrangements.    In February 2001, we entered into interest rate protection agreements with various financial institutions to hedge a portion of our interest rate risk related to the term loan borrowings under our credit facility. These agreements include two interest rate collars with a term of three years, a total notional amount of $200 million and a three month LIBOR interest rate cap and floor of 7% and 4.5%, respectively, and four interest rate caps at a three month LIBOR interest rate of 7% with a total notional amount of $314 million. The two interest rate collars and two of the interest rate caps totaling $200 million were redesignated to our new term loan borrowings in June 2002. The remaining two interest rate caps totaling $114 million no longer qualify for hedge accounting. Therefore, the unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other income or expense in the consolidated statement of operations beginning June 20, 2002.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our Receivables Facility.    We have entered into an agreement to sell, on an ongoing basis, the trade accounts receivable of certain business operations to our wholly owned bankruptcy-remote, special purposes subsidiary, or MTSPC. MTSPC has sold and, subject to certain conditions, may from time to time sell an undivided fractional ownership interest in the pool of domestic receivables, up to approximately $225 million, to a third party multi-seller receivables funding company, or conduit. Upon sale to the conduit, MTSPC holds a subordinated retained interest in the receivables. Under the terms of the agreement, new receivables are added to the pool as collections reduce previously sold receivables. We service, administer and collect the receivables on behalf of MTSPC and the conduit. The facility is an important source of liquidity to the Company. The receivables facility resulted in net expense of $2.4 million for the first nine months of 2003.

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The facility is subject to customary termination events, including, but not limited to, breach of representations or warranties, the existence of any event that materially adversely affects the collectibility of receivables or performance by a seller and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. At September 28, 2003, none of our $225 million receivables facility was utilized, with $76 million available based upon the amount of our outstanding eligible receivables. The proceeds of sale are less than the face amount of accounts receivable sold by an amount that approximates the purchaser's financing costs. The agreement expires in November 2005. If we are unable to renew or replace this facility, it could adversely affect our liquidity and capital resources.

We have entered into various third party non-recourse factoring arrangements on behalf of our foreign subsidiaries.

Sale-Leaseback Arrangements.    We have engaged in a number of sale-leaseback transactions since 2001. In March 2003, we entered into a sale-leaseback transaction with respect to certain manufacturing equipment for proceeds of approximately $8.5 million. All of our sale-leasebacks are accounted for as operating leases and the associated rent expense is included in our financial results on a straight-line basis.

Certain Other Commitments.    We have other cash commitments not relating to debt as well, such as those in respect to leases, preferred stock and restricted stock awards.

In November 2000, a group of investors led by Heartland and CSFB Private Equity acquired control of Metaldyne. Immediately following the November 2000 acquisition, we made restricted stock awards to certain employees of shares of our common stock. Under their terms, 25% of those shares became free of restriction, or vested upon the closing of the November 2000 acquisition and one quarter of the shares were due to vest on each January 14, 2002, 2003, and 2004. There will be no further payments required after January 14, 2004. Holders of restricted stock are entitled to elect cash in lieu of 40% of their restricted stock which vested at closing and 100% of their restricted stock on each of the other dates with the shares valued at $16.90 per share, together with cash accruing at approximately 6% per annum; to the extent that cash is not elected, additional common stock valued at $16.90 per share is issuable in lieu of the 6% accretion. As a result of the elections made for the January 14, 2003 payment and restrictions under our credit facility, we paid approximately $16.3 million in cash to vested holders of restricted stock in January 2003. We are entitled to reimbursement of certain amounts from our former subsidiary TriMas, representing approximately 50% of our obligations related to these restricted stock awards and, accordingly, a receivable from TriMas is included in our consolidated balance sheet at September 28, 2003.

We also have outstanding $71.5 million in aggregate liquidation value of Series A and Series B preferred stock in respect of which we have the option to pay cash dividends, subject to the terms of our debt instruments, at rates of 13% and 11.5%, respectively, per annum initially and to effect a mandatory redemption in December 2012 and June 2013, respectively. For periods that we do not pay cash dividends on the Series A preferred stock, an additional 2% per annum of dividends is accrued. In the event of a change in control or certain qualified equity offerings, we may be required to make an offer to repurchase our outstanding preferred stock. We may not be permitted to do so and may lack the financial resources to satisfy these obligations.

In the November 2000 recapitalization of the Company, our shares were converted into the right to receive $16.90 in cash plus additional cash amounts based upon the net proceeds of the disposition of the stock of Saturn Electronics & Engineering Inc. held by Metaldyne. Although no disposition of the stock of Saturn was made prior to the merger or has been made to date, former holders of our common stock as of the merger will be entitled to amounts based upon the net proceeds, if any, from any future disposition of that stock if and when a disposition is completed. The amount, which will be paid to such former stockholders will equal the proceeds in excess of $18 million and less than or equal to $40 million, any proceeds in excess of $55.7 million and less than or equal to $56.7 million as well as 60% of any such proceeds in excess of $56.7 million. All other amounts of the proceeds will be retained by us. We may seek to monetize our share of this investment in the future.

Contractual Cash Obligations.    Under various agreements, we are obligated to make future cash payments in fixed amounts. These include payments under our long-term debt agreements, rent payments required under lease agreements and various severance obligations related to our recent acquisitions. The

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following table summarizes our fixed cash obligations over various future periods as of September 28, 2003.


  (In millions)
Payments Due by Periods
  Total Less Than
One Year
1-3
Years
3-5
Years
After
5 Years
Long-term debt $ 399   $ 1   $ 2   $ 2   $ 394  
11% Senior subordinated notes   250                 250  
4.5% Convertible subordinated debentures   98                 98  
Other debt   18     3     4     3     8  
Capital lease obligations   9     4     3     2      
Operating lease obligations(1)   230     26     58     48     98  
Redeemable preferred stock, including accrued dividends   72                 72  
Redeemable restricted common stock(2)   17     17              
Pension contributions (data available through 2004)   23     11     12          
Contractual severance   7     5     2          
Total contractual obligations $ 1,123   $ 67   $ 81   $ 55   $ 920  
(1) Operating lease expense is deducted to arrive at operating profit.
(2) Redeemable restricted common stock includes TriMas' portion, consisting of approximately 50% of total obligations, which will be reimbursed to the Company.

At September 28, 2003, we were contingently liable for standby letters of credit totaling $30 million issued on our behalf by financial institutions. We are also contingently liable for future product warranty claims. We believe that our product warranty exposure is immaterial; however, it is continuously monitored for potential warranty implications of new and current business.

U.S. Pension Plans

We have replaced our existing combination of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans for non-union employees with an age-weighted profit-sharing plan and a 401(k) plan. Defined benefit plan benefits will no longer accrue after 2002. This change affected approximately 1,200 employees. The profit-sharing component of the new plan is calculated using allocation rates that are integrated with Social Security and that increase with age. Our 2003 defined benefit pension expense will be approximately $5.6 million and our defined contribution (profit-sharing and 401(k) matching contribution) expense will be approximately $6.8 million.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management has determined the following as critical accounting policies:

Use of Estimates.    The expenses and accrued liabilities or allowances related to certain policies are initially based on our best estimates at the time of original entry in our accounting records. Adjustments are recorded when our actual experience differs from the expected experience underlying the estimates. We make frequent comparisons of actual versus expected experience to mitigate the likelihood of material adjustments.

Goodwill.    In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") approved Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" which was effective for us on January 1, 2002. Fair value was determined based upon the discounted cash flows of the reporting units using a 9.5% discount. Assuming an increase in the discount rate to 12%, fair value would continue to exceed the respective carrying value of each segment.

Stock-Based Compensation.    In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an amendment of FASB Statement No 123." SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this

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Statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. We adopted SFAS No. 148 effective for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002.

At September 28, 2003, we have one stock-based employee compensation plan, which provides for the issuance of equity-based incentives in various forms to key employees of the Company. These options have a ten-year option period and vest ratably over a three-year period from date of grant. However, the options' exercisability is limited in the circumstances of a public offering whereby the shares are required to be held and exercised after the elapse of certain time periods. As of September 28, 2003, we had stock options outstanding for 2,470,000 shares at a price of $16.90 per share.

We account for this plan under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations and, accordingly, no stock option compensation expense is included in the determination of net income in the consolidated statement of operations. The weighted average fair value on the date of grant of options granted for the nine months ended September 28, 2003 was zero. Had stock option compensation expense been determined pursuant to the methodology of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the pro forma effects on our basic and diluted earnings per share would have been a reduction of approximately $0.01 and $0.03 for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2003, respectively.

Receivables and Revenue Recognition.    Receivables are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts. We conduct a significant amount of business with a number of individual customers in the transportation industry. We monitor our exposure for credit losses and maintain adequate allowances for doubtful accounts; we do not believe that significant credit risk exists. In accordance with our accounts receivable securitization, trade accounts receivable of substantially all domestic business operations are available for sale, on an ongoing and as needed financing basis, to MTSPC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary. In compliance with Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements," we do not recognize revenue until it is realized or realizable and earned. Revenue generally is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the selling price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured. We are in compliance with SAB No. 101 as of September 28, 2003.

Fixed Assets and Other Intangibles Excluding Goodwill.    Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Annual depreciation rates are as follows: buildings and land improvements, 2.5% to 10%, and machinery and equipment, 6.7% to 33.3%. Amortization expense of other intangibles is approximately $16 million for the period ended September 28, 2003. The weighted average useful life of intangible assets ranges from 8.2 years to 14.9 years as of September 28, 2003. Potential impairment of these assets is evaluated by examining current operating results, business prospects, market trends, potential product obsolescence, competitive activities and other economic factors.

Foreign Currency Translation.    The financial statements of subsidiaries outside of the United States (U.S.) located in non-highly inflationary economies are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which they operate as the functional currency, which for the most part represents the local currency. Transaction gains and losses are included in net earnings. When translating into U.S. dollars, income and expense items are translated at average monthly rates of exchange and assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments resulting from translating the functional currency into U.S. dollars are deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity. Other comprehensive income (loss), net includes a translation gain of $0.5 million and $24.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2003, respectively. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, non-monetary assets are translated into U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates. Translation adjustments for these subsidiaries are included in net earnings.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions.    Annual net periodic expense and benefit liabilities under our defined benefit plans are determined on an actuarial basis. Assumptions used in the

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actuarial calculations have a significant impact on plan obligations and expense. Each September, we review the actual experience compared to the more significant assumptions used and make adjustments to the assumptions, if warranted. The healthcare trend rates are reviewed with the actuaries based upon the results of their review of claims experience. Discount rates are based upon an expected benefit payments duration analysis and the equivalent average yield rate for high-quality fixed-income investments. Pension benefits are funded through deposits with trustees and the expected long-term rate of return on fund assets is based upon actual historical returns modified for known changes in the market and any expected change in investment policy. Postretirement benefits are not funded and our policy is to pay these benefits as they become due.

Other Loss Reserves.    We have other loss exposures, such as environmental claims, product liability, litigation, recoverability of deferred income tax benefits, and accounts receivable. Establishing loss reserves for these matters requires the use of estimates and judgment in regards to risk exposure and ultimate liability. We estimate losses under the programs using consistent and appropriate methods; however, changes to our assumptions could materially affect our recorded liabilities for loss. Where available, we utilize published credit ratings for our debtors to assist us in determining the amount of required reserves.

New Accounting Pronouncements.    On December 30, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections." With the rescission of SFAS No. 4 and 64, only gains and losses from extinguishments of debt that meet the criteria of APB Opinion No. 30 are classified as extraordinary items. This statement also rescinds SFAS No. 44, "Accounting for Intangible Assets of Motor Carriers." This statement amends SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases," to eliminate the inconsistency between the required accounting for sale-leaseback transactions and the required accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to sale-leaseback transactions. SFAS No. 145 also amends other existing authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify meanings or describe their applicability under changed conditions. As a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 145, $68.9 million ($43.4 million, net of taxes of $25.5 million) extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt recorded for the nine months ended September 29, 2002 has been reclassified as "loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loans" in other expense, net.

On December 30, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS No. 146 requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of the commitment to an exit or disposal plan. Accordingly, all costs associated with exit or disposal activities will be recognized when they are incurred effective with our 2003 fiscal year. This Statement did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

On December 30, 2002, we also adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, "Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." FIN No. 45 clarifies disclosures that are required to be made for certain guarantees and establishes a requirement to record a liability at fair value for certain guarantees at the time of the guarantee's issuance. FIN No. 45 did not have any impact on our financial condition, results of operations or required disclosures.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB 51." FIN No. 46 requires that the primary beneficiary in a variable interest entity consolidate the entity even if the primary beneficiary does not have a majority voting interest. The consolidation requirements of this Interpretation are required to be implemented for any variable interest entity created on or after January 31, 2003. In addition, FIN No. 46 requires disclosure of information regarding guarantees or exposures to loss relating to any variable interest entity existing prior to January 31, 2003 in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003. We have completed our review of certain potential variable interest entities, which are lessors under some of our operating lease agreements, as well as our accounts receivable securitization facility, to determine the impact of FIN No. 46. We have determined that there will be no impact on our financial position or results of operations due to the adoption of this Interpretation.

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In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This Statement amends Statement 133 for certain decisions made as part of the Derivatives Implementation Group process that effectively required amendments to Statement 133, in connection with other FASB projects dealing with financial instruments and in connection with implementation issues raised in relation to the application of the definition of a derivative. This Statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 (with exceptions) and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. SFAS No. 149 did not have any impact on our financial condition, results of operations or required disclosures.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities, for which it is effective for the first fiscal period beginning after December 15, 2003. We are currently reviewing the provisions of this Statement. Due to the Company being a nonpublic entity as defined in SFAS No. 150, we will adopt it effective with the quarter ending March 28, 2003.

Outlook

Our principal use of funds from operating activities and borrowings for the next several years are expected to fund interest and principal payments on our indebtedness, growth related capital expenditures and working capital increases, strategic acquisitions and lease expense. We believe that our liquidity and capital resources including anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet debt service, capital expenditure and other short-term and long-term obligations and needs, but we are subject to unforeseeable events and the risk that we are not successful in implementing our business strategies.

Our largest raw material requirement is special bar quality steel. In response to the imposed tariffs on imported steel and growing instability in the domestic steel industry, Metaldyne has been negotiating with steel vendors and customers, petitioning the government to repeal the steel tariffs and designing re-sourcing strategies to mitigate the effect of the steel price increases.

Other Matters

Forward-Looking Statements

This discussion and other sections of this report contain statements reflecting the Company's views about its future performance and constitute "forward-looking statements." These views involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may cause the Company's actual results to differ significantly from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements. Readers should consider that various factors may affect our ability to attain the projected performance, including:

Dependence on Automotive Industry and Industry Cyclicality — The industries in which we operate depend upon general economic conditions and are highly cyclical.
Customer Concentration — Our base of customers is concentrated and the loss of business from a major customer, the discontinuance of particular vehicle models or a change in auto consumer preferences or regulations could materially adversely affect us.
Challenges of Acquisition Strategy — We intend to actively pursue acquisitions and/or joint ventures but we may not be able to identify attractive acquisition and/or joint venture candidates, successfully integrate our acquired operations or realize the intended benefits of our acquisitions and/or joint ventures.
Liquidity and Capital Resources — If we are unable to meet future capital requirements, our business may be adversely affected.
Dependence on Third-Party Suppliers and Manufacturers — Increases in our raw material or energy costs or the loss of a substantial number of our suppliers could negatively affect our financial health.

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Customer Pricing Pressures — As a result of the current market downturn and the highly competitive nature of the industries that we serve, the current trend among many of our customers is to demand significant price reductions. The commodity sections of our business, such as our forging operations, continue to receive the greatest pressure to reduce their prices.
Changing Technology — Our products are subject to changing technology, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to alternative products introduced by competitors.
Dependence on Key Personnel and Relationships — We depend on the services of key individuals and relationships, the loss of which would materially harm us.
Labor Stoppages Affecting OEMs — We may be subject to work stoppages at our facilities or those of our principal customers, which could seriously impact the profitability of our business.
Outsourcing Trend — Our strategy may not succeed if anticipated outsourcing fails to occur due to union considerations.
International Sales — A growing portion of our revenue may be derived from international sources, which exposes us to certain risks.
Product Liability — We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability and warranty claims that may be brought against us.
Environmental Matters — Our business may be materially and adversely affected by compliance obligations and liabilities under environmental laws and regulations.
Control by Principal Stockholder — We are controlled by Heartland, whose interests in our business may be different than yours.
Terms of Shareholders Agreement — Provisions of the shareholders agreement impose significant operating and financial restrictions on our business.
Leverage; Ability to Service Debt — We may not be able to manage our business as we might otherwise do so due to our high degree of leverage.
Substantial Restrictions and Covenants — Restrictions in our credit facility, under the indenture governing the exchange notes and under the indenture governing our 10% senior notes due 2013 limit our ability to take certain actions.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this quarterly report, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this quarterly report, the words "will," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this quarterly report. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements we make in this quarterly report are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk associated with fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. We are also subject to interest risk as it relates to long-term debt. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for details about our primary market risks, and the objectives and strategies used to manage these risks.

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ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) An evaluation was carried out by management with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed only to provide reasonable assurance that they will meet their objectives. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that they will meet their objectives.
(b) There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

METALDYNE CORPORATION

Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits And Reports On Form 8-K

(A) Exhibits:


Exhibit 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of MascoTech, Inc.(1)
Exhibit 3.2 Bylaws of Metaldyne Corporation.(2)
Exhibit 10.1 Employment Agreement with Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer dated July 16, 2003.
Exhibit 10.2 Release Agreement with Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer dated July 15, 2003.
Exhibit 12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.
Exhibit 31.1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.2 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(1) Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits filed with Metaldyne Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.
(2) Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits filed with MascoTech, Inc.'s (now known as Metaldyne Corporation) Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 27, 2000.

(B) Reports On Form 8-K:

We filed a current report on Form 8-K on August 25, 2003, reporting under Item 5, Other Events, to reissue Metaldyne Corporation's financial statements and related notes for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002, to reflect the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections." SFAS 145, among other things, requires the Company to reclassify the loss on repurchase of debentures and early retirement of term loan of $68.9 million (or $43.4 million, net of tax) originally recorded as an extraordinary loss in the December 29, 2002 financial statements to other income/expense.

42




SIGNATURE

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


  METALDYNE CORPORATION  
  (Registrant)
Date: November 10, 2003
  BY: /s/    Jeffrey M. Stafeil  
    Jeffrey M. Stafeil
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer (Chief Accounting
Officer and Authorized Signatory)

43




METALDYNE CORPORATION

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit


Exhibit 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of MascoTech, Inc.(1)
Exhibit 3.2 Bylaws of Metaldyne Corporation.(2)
Exhibit 10.1 Employment Agreement with Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer dated July 16, 2003.
Exhibit 10.2 Release Agreement with Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer dated July 15, 2003.
Exhibit 12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.
Exhibit 31.1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.2 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(1) Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits filed with Metaldyne Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year December 31, 2000.
(2) Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits filed with MascoTech, Inc.'s (now known as Metaldyne Corporation) Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 27, 2000.