TITAN INTERNATIONAL INC - FORM 10-K

Attached files

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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - TITAN INTERNATIONAL INC	twi12312016ex32.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - TITAN INTERNATIONAL INC	twi12312016ex312.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - TITAN INTERNATIONAL INC	twi12312016ex311.htm
EX-21 - EXHIBIT 21 - TITAN INTERNATIONAL INC	twi12312016ex21.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K



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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016



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

Commission file number 1-12936

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		36-3228472
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2701 Spruce Street, Quincy, IL 62301

(Address of principal executive offices)

(217) 228-6011

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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



Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.0001 par value	New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: TWI)

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ

The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was approximately $268 million based upon the last reported sale price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2016.

Indicate the number of shares of Titan International, Inc. outstanding: 59,643,711 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value, as of February 28, 2017

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders, to be held on June 14, 2017, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K



Part I.		Page

Item 1.	Business	3

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	11

Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	15

Item 2.	Properties	15

Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	17

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	17

Part II.

Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	18

Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	20

Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21

Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	40

Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	40

Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	40

Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	40

Item 9B.	Other Information	42

Part III.

Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	43

Item 11.	Executive Compensation	43

Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	44

Item 13.	Certain Relationships, Related Transactions, and Director Independence	44

Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	44

Part IV.

Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	45

	Signatures	46

	Exhibit Index	47

PART I

ITEM 1 – BUSINESS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements give current expectations and projections relating to financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, or cautionary statements, and other important information about forward-looking statements are disclosed under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Forward-Looking Statements” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

INTRODUCTION

Titan International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (Titan or the Company), is a global wheel, tire, and undercarriage industrial manufacturer and supplier servicing customers across its target markets. As a leading manufacturer in the off-highway industry, Titan produces a broad range of products to meet the specifications of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket customers in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction, and consumer markets. As a manufacturer of both wheels and tires, the Company is uniquely positioned to offer customers added value through complete wheel and tire assemblies. Titan's agricultural products include rims, wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems and components manufactured for use on various agricultural equipment. Titan’s earthmoving/construction products include rims, wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems and components for various types of off-the-road (OTR) earthmoving, mining, military, construction, and forestry equipment. The Company's consumer products include, but are not limited to, bias truck tires in Latin America and light truck tires in Russia, as well as products for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), turf, and golf cart applications.

As one of the few companies dedicated to off-highway wheels, tires and assemblies, Titan’s engineering and manufacturing resources are focused on designing quality products that address the needs of our customers and end-users across the markets that Titan serves. Titan’s team of experienced engineers continuously work on new and improved engineered solutions that evolve with today’s applications for the off-highway wheel, tire, and assembly markets.


•	History

The Company traces its roots to the Electric Wheel Company in Quincy, Illinois, which was founded in 1890. Titan was incorporated in 1983. The Company has grown through six major acquisitions in recent years. In 2005, Titan Tire Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s North American farm tire assets. In 2006, Titan Tire Corporation of Bryan, another subsidiary of the Company, acquired the OTR tire assets of Continental Tire North America, Inc. In 2011, the Company acquired The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's Latin American farm tire business. In August 2012, the Company purchased a 56% controlling interest in Planet Corporation Group, now known as Titan National (Australia) Holdings PTY LTD (TNAH). In October 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of Titan Europe. Through separate acquisitions in October 2013 and the first half of 2014, the Company, in partnership with One Equity Partners (OEP) and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), acquired all of the equity interests in Voltyre-Prom, a leading producer of agricultural and industrial tires in Volgograd, Russia. These acquisitions have allowed Titan to expand its global footprint and enhance product offerings in the Company’s target markets.


•	Market Segments

In 2016, Titan’s agricultural segment sales represented 46% of net sales, the earthmoving/construction segment represented 41% of net sales, and the consumer segment represented 13% of net sales.

COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS

Titan’s strong market position in the off-highway wheel, tire, and undercarriage market and its long-term core customer relationships contribute to the Company’s competitive strengths. Titan produces both wheels and tires which allows the Company to provide a one-stop solution for its customers' wheel and tire assembly needs. These strengths, along with Titan’s dedication to the off-highway equipment market, continue to drive the Company forward.


•	Strong Market Position

As a result of Titan’s offering of a broad range of specialized wheels, tires, assemblies, and undercarriage systems and components, Titan is a leader in the global off-highway market. Through an extensive dealer network and sales force, the Company is able to reach an increasing number of aftermarket and OEM customers and build Titan’s image and brand recognition. The Company’s acquisition of the Goodyear Farm Tire brand in North America and Latin America contributes to overall visibility and customer confidence, and through the 2012 acquisition of Titan Europe, Titan has a strong presence in Europe. The 2013 acquisition of Voltyre-Prom expanded Titan's footprint into the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. Years of product design and engineering experience have enabled Titan to improve existing products and develop new ones, such as Low Sidewall (LSW®), that have been well received in the marketplace. Titan believes it has benefited from significant barriers to entry, such as the substantial investment necessary to replicate the Company’s manufacturing equipment and numerous tools, dies and molds, many of which are used in custom processes.


•	Wheel and Tire Manufacturing Capabilities

The Company’s position as a manufacturer of both wheels and tires allows Titan to mount and deliver one of the largest selections of off-highway assemblies in North America. Titan offers this value-added service of one-stop shopping for wheel and tire assemblies for the agricultural, earthmoving/construction, and consumer segments. Both standard and LSW assemblies are delivered as a single, complete unit based on each customer’s unique requirements.


•	Long-Term Core Customer Relationships

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

BUSINESS STRATEGY

Titan’s business strategy is to increase its presence in the segments it serves through its one-stop solutions, including LSW technology. The Company continues to seek global expansion of this complete wheel and tire assembly product offering within the geographies it competes. This may be through strategic worldwide acquisitions or through expanded manufacturing capabilities in regions where the Company lacks either the wheel or the tire production. In addition, Titan continues to improve operating efficiencies and gain additional synergies.


•	Low Sidewall (LSW) Technology

The Company has developed a low sidewall (LSW) tire technology, featuring a larger rim diameter and a smaller sidewall than standard tires. As a cornerstone of the Company's strategy, Titan continues to expand the LSW product offering in both the agricultural and construction segments. Titan’s capabilities as both a wheel and tire manufacturer allow the Company to drive further adoption within these markets. Titan seeks to be at the forefront of off-road equipment advancement through the innovation of its LSW solution with the goal that it will become the industry standard.

The Company pursues an adoption strategy whereby LSW assemblies are placed with certain end users in order to demonstrate the superior performance of this innovative solution. With LSW, these end users experience reduced power hop, road lope, soil compaction, and fuel consumption as well as improved safety and performance. Both power hop and road lope can disturb ride and impede equipment performance. Low sidewall technology has been widely adopted within the automotive industry for many years. The benefits translate to Titan's markets through superior comfort, ride and fuel economy.


•	Increase Aftermarket Tire Business

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


•	Improve Operating Efficiencies

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


•	Enhance Design Capacity and New Product Development

Equipment manufacturers constantly face changing industry dynamics. Titan directs its business and marketing strategy to understand and address the needs of its customers and demonstrate the advantages of its products. In particular, the Company often collaborates with customers in the design of new and enhanced products. Titan recommends modified products to its customers based on its own market information. These value-added services enhance Titan’s relationships with its customers. The Company tests new designs and technologies and develops methods of manufacturing to improve product quality, performance, and cost. Titan continues to expand low sidewall (LSW) tire technology, featuring a larger rim diameter and smaller sidewall than standard tires, which helps reduce power hop, road lope, soil compaction, and provides improved safety and performance.


•	Explore Additional Strategic Acquisitions

The Company’s expertise in the manufacture of off-highway wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems and components has permitted it to take advantage of opportunities to acquire businesses that complement this product line. In the future, Titan may make additional strategic acquisitions of businesses that have an off-highway focus. The Company continually explores worldwide opportunities to expand manufacturing and distribution in order to serve new and existing geographies.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Titan designs and manufactures products for OEMs and aftermarket customers in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets. For additional information concerning the revenues, expenses, income from operations and assets attributable to each of the segments in which the Company operates, see Note 30 to the Company's consolidated financial statements, included in Item 8 of this annual report.

AGRICULTURAL SEGMENT

Titan’s agricultural rims, wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems and components are manufactured for use on various agricultural equipment, including tractors, combines, skidders, plows, planters, and irrigation equipment, and are sold directly to OEMs and to the aftermarket through independent distributors, equipment dealers and Titan’s distribution centers. The wheels and rims range in diameter from 9 inches to 54 inches, with the 54-inch diameter being the largest agricultural wheel manufactured in North America. Basic configurations are combined with distinct variations (such as different centers and a wide range of material thickness) allowing the Company to offer a broad line of products to meet customer specifications. Titan’s agricultural tires range from approximately 1 foot to approximately 7 feet in outside diameter and from 5 inches to 55 inches in width. The Company offers the added value of delivering a complete wheel and tire assembly to OEM and aftermarket customers.

EARTHMOVING/CONSTRUCTION SEGMENT

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

CONSUMER SEGMENT

Titan manufactures bias truck tires in Latin America and light truck tires in Russia. Titan also offers select products for ATVs, turf, and golf cart applications. This segment also includes sales that do not readily fall into the Company's other segments.

SEGMENT SALES



	Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
	Net Sales		% of Total Net Sales	Net Sales		% of Total Net Sales	Net Sales		% of Total Net Sales
Agricultural	$	583,324	46%	$	651,804	47%	$	924,034	49%
Earthmoving/construction	524,289		41%	566,988		41%	684,726		36%
Consumer	157,884		13%	175,979		12%	286,767		15%
	$	1,265,497		$	1,394,771		$	1,895,527

OPERATIONS

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


•	Wheel Manufacturing Process

Most agricultural wheels are produced using a rim and a center disc. A rim is produced by first cutting large steel sheets to required width and length specifications. These steel sections are rolled and welded to form a circular rim, which is flared and formed in the rollform operation. The majority of discs are manufactured using presses that both blank and form the center to specifications in multiple stage operations. The Company e-coats wheels using a multi-step process prior to the final paint top coating.

Large earthmoving/construction steel wheels are manufactured from hot and cold-rolled steel sections. Hot-rolled sections are generally used to increase cross section thickness in high stress areas of large diameter wheels. A special cold forming process for certain wheels is used to increase cross section thickness while reducing the number of wheel components. Rims are built from a series of hoops that are welded together to form a rim base. The complete rim base is made from either three or five separate parts that lock together after the rubber tire has been fitted to the wheel, the parts have been fully assembled, and the assembly inflated.

For most wheels in our consumer segment, the Company manufactures rims and center discs from rolled and flat steel. Rims are rolled and welded, and discs are stamped and formed from the sheets. The manufacturing process then entails welding the rims to the centers and painting the assembled product.


•	Tire Manufacturing Process

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


•	Wheel and Tire Assemblies

The Company’s position as a manufacturer of both wheels and tires allows Titan to mount and deliver one of the largest selections of off-highway assemblies in North America. Titan offers this value-added service of one-stop shopping for wheel and tire assemblies for the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer segments. Both standard and LSW assemblies are delivered as a single, complete unit based on each customer’s unique requirements.


•	Undercarriage Manufacturing Process

The undercarriage components (track groups, track and carrier rollers, idler assemblies, and sprockets) are all manufactured from steel and produced according to customer specifications.

All of the track groups produced by the Company are built from four major parts: shoes, right and left hand links, pins, and bushings. Shoes are manufactured from steel cast in the Company foundry or obtained from different shapes of hot rolled profiles (depending on application), sheared to length, and then heat treated for high wear bending and breaking resistance. Right and left hand links are hot forged, trimmed, mass heat treated, machined and finally induction hardened on rail surface for optimal wear and fatigue resistance. Pins are made from round bars that are cut, machined, heat treated, and surface finished. Bushings are generally cold extruded, machined, mass heat treated, and finally carburized or induction hardened for wear resistance and optimal toughness.

The lifetime lubricated and maintenance free track and carrier rollers are assembled with two major components: single or double flange roller shells (typically hot forged in halves, deep hardened, friction or arc welded, and finish machined with metallurgical characteristics depending upon size and application) and shafts (generally cut from bars or forged, mass heat treated, rough machined, induction hardened, and ground).

The idler assemblies are also lifetime lubricated, for virtually no maintenance. They are offered with cast (single web or hollow design) or fabricated shells, depending on size and application, and feature induction-hardened tread surfaces for optimal wear resistance.

The sprockets, designed to transfer the machine driving loads from the final drive to the track, are produced cast or forged in several geometric options, depending upon size and application. They are also heat treated for wear resistance and cracking resistance.

The undercarriage systems, custom designed and produced by the Company, consist of a structured steel fabricated frame, all the undercarriage components mentioned above (track groups, track and carrier rollers, idler assemblies, and sprockets) and a final drive. They are completely assembled in house, for consistent quality.


•	Quality Control

The Company is ISO certified at all four main domestic manufacturing facilities located in Bryan, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Freeport, Illinois; and Quincy, Illinois, as well as the majority of the foreign manufacturing facilities. The ISO series is a set of related and internationally recognized standards of management and quality assurance. The standards specify guidelines for establishing, documenting, and maintaining a system to ensure quality. The ISO certifications are a testament to Titan’s dedication to providing quality products for its customers.

RAW MATERIALS

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

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

Capital expenditures for 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $41.9 million, $48.4 million, and $58.4 million, respectively. The capital expenditures in each year were used primarily for expanding capabilities, updating manufacturing equipment, and for further automation at the Company’s facilities.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND ROYALTIES

The Company owns various patents and trademarks and continues to apply for patent protection for new products. Due to the difficult nature of predicting the interpretation of patent laws, the Company cannot anticipate or predict any material adverse effect on its operations, cash flows, or financial condition as a result of associated liabilities created under such patent interpretations should the Company be unable to protect its patents or be found to be infringing others' patents.

The Company has trademark license agreements with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain farm tires under the Goodyear name. These agreements cover sales in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and other Commonwealth of Independent States countries. The North American and Latin American farm tire royalties were prepaid through March 2018 as a part of the 2011 Goodyear Latin American farm tire acquisition. The Company also has a trademark license agreement with Goodyear to manufacture and sell certain non-farm tire products in Latin America under the Goodyear name.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

The Company employs an internal sales force and utilizes several manufacturing representative firms for sales in North America, Europe, Latin America, the CIS region, and other worldwide locations. Sales representatives are primarily organized within geographic regions.

Titan distributes wheels, tires, assemblies, and undercarriage systems directly to OEMs. The distribution of aftermarket tires occurs primarily through a network of independent and OEM-affiliated dealers.

SEASONALITY

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

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING

The Company’s research, development and engineering staff tests original designs and technologies and develops new manufacturing methods to improve product performance. These services enhance the Company’s relationships with its customers. Titan's advantage as both a wheel and tire manufacturer allow the Company to design, test, and bring to market innovative solutions to meet the specific needs of its customers. For example, Titan has also developed a low sidewall (LSW) tire technology, featuring a larger rim diameter and a smaller sidewall than standard tires, which helps reduce power hop, road lope, soil compaction, and provides improved safety and performance. Research and development (R&D) expenses are expensed as incurred. R&D costs were $10.0 million, $11.2 million, and $14.0 million for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

CUSTOMERS

Titan’s 10 largest customers accounted for 34% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2016, and 31% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net sales to Deere & Company in Titan’s agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer segments combined represented 9% and 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. No other customer accounted for more than 7% of the Company’s net sales in 2016 or 2015. Management believes the Company is not dependent on any single customer; however, certain products are dependent on a few customers. While the loss of any substantial customer could impact Titan’s business, the Company believes that its diverse product mix and customer base should minimize a longer-term impact caused by any such loss.

ORDER BACKLOG

Titan estimates that, at January 31, 2017, it had $240 million in orders believed to be firm compared to $203 million at January 31, 2016. The January 31, 2017, order amount included $81 million in the agricultural segment, $152 million in the earthmoving/construction segment, and $7 million in the consumer segment. The January 31, 2016, order amount included $76 million in the agricultural segment, $118 million in the earthmoving/construction segment, and $9 million in the consumer segment. The Company believes the above orders at January 31, 2017 will be filled during the current year. The Company does not believe that its backlog is material to, or a significant factor in, evaluating and understanding any of its business segments or its businesses considered as a whole.

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

The Company operates a manufacturing facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Latin American operations recorded 14% and 12% of the Company's sales for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Titan Europe operations, which sells to OEM and aftermarket customers, accounted for 33% and 31% of the Company's sales for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company operates a manufacturing facility in Volgograd, Russia, expanding its presence to the CIS region. The Voltyre-Prom operations accounted for 7% and 5% of the Company's sales for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

EMPLOYEES

At December 31, 2016, the Company employed approximately 6,100 people worldwide, including approximately 4,200 located outside the United States.

The collective bargaining agreements at each of the Company's Bryan, Ohio; Freeport, Illinois; and Des Moines, Iowa facilities, which collectively account for approximately 40% of the Company’s U.S. employees at December 31, 2016, were originally scheduled to expire in November 2016, were extended until January 2017 and have since expired. Union employees at these facilities, which represent all of the Company's union employees in the U.S., have been working without a collective bargaining agreement while the Company and the United Steelworkers (USW) continue negotiations toward a new contract.

Outside the United States, the Company enters into employment agreements in those countries in which such relationships are mandatory or customary. The provisions of these agreements correspond in each case with the required or customary terms in the subject jurisdiction.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

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

As of December 31, 2016, two of Titan’s subsidiaries were involved in litigation concerning environmental laws and regulations:

In October 2010, the United States of America, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a complaint against Dico, Inc. (Dico) and Titan Tire Corporation (Titan Tire) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, wherein the EPA sought civil penalties, punitive damages and response costs against Dico and Titan Tire pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA).

In June 2015, Titan Tire and Dico, Inc. appealed the U.S. District Court’s order granting the EPA’s motion for summary judgment that found Dico and Titan Tire liable for civil penalties and response costs for violating CERCLA and Dico liable for civil penalties and punitive damages for violating an EPA Administrative Order.

In December 2015, the United States Court of Appeals reversed the District Court’s summary judgment order with respect to “arranger” liability for Titan Tire and Dico under CERCLA and the imposition of punitive damages against Dico for violating the EPA Administrative Order, but affirmed the summary judgment order imposing civil penalties in the amount of $1.62 million against Dico for violating the EPA Administrative Order violation.

The case has been remanded to the District Court for trial expected to commence in March 2017 on the issues of “arranger” liability under CERCLA as to Titan Tire and Dico and whether punitive damages should be imposed upon Dico for alleged violations of the EPA Administrative Order.

COMPETITION

The Company competes with several domestic and international companies, some of which are larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than Titan. The Company believes it is a primary source of steel wheels and rims to the majority of its North American customers. Major competitors in the off-highway wheel market include GKN Wheels, Ltd., Trelleborg Group, and Topy Industries, Ltd. Significant competitors in the off-highway tire market include Alliance Tire Company Ltd., Balkrishna Industries Limited (BKT), Bridgestone/Firestone, Michelin, Mitas a.s., and Pirelli. Significant competitors in the undercarriage market include Berco and Caterpillar.

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

NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE CERTIFICATION

The Company submitted to the New York Stock Exchange during fiscal 2016 the Annual CEO Certification required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports are made available, without charge, through the Company’s website located at www.titan-intl.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). You can also obtain copies of these materials by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, by calling the SEC at 800-SEC-0330, or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.SEC.gov. The following documents are also posted on the Company’s website:


•	Corporate Governance Policy


•	Business Conduct Policy


•	Audit Committee Charter


•	Compensation Committee Charter


•	Nominating Committee Charter


•	Corporate Governance Committee Charter

Printed copies of these documents are available, without charge, by writing to: Titan International, Inc.,

c/o Corporate Secretary, 2701 Spruce Street, Quincy, IL 62301.

The information on, or that may be accessed through, the aforementioned websites is not incorporated into this filing and should not be considered a part of this filing.

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

The Company is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, relating to or arising out of the nature of its business and general business, economic, financing, legal, and other factors or conditions that may affect the Company. Realization of any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on Titan’s business, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations and, in turn, the value of Titan securities. In addition, other risks not presently known or that the Company currently believes to be immaterial may also adversely affect Titan's business, financial condition and results of operations, perhaps materially. The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and actual results and events may differ substantially from those discussed or highlighted in these forward-looking statements. Before making an investment decision with respect to any of Titan securities, you should carefully consider the following risks and uncertainties described below and elsewhere in this annual report.


•	The Company is exposed to price fluctuations of key commodities.

The Company uses various raw materials, most significantly steel and rubber, in manufacturing products across all of its market segments. The Company does not generally enter into long-term commodity contracts and does not use derivative commodity instruments to hedge exposures to commodity market price fluctuations. Therefore, the Company is exposed to price fluctuations of key commodities. Although the Company attempts to pass on certain material price increases to its customers, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to do so in the future. Any increase in the price of steel and rubber that is not passed on to customers could have a material adverse effect on Titan’s results of operations.


•	The Company relies on a limited number of suppliers.

The Company currently relies on a limited number of suppliers for certain key commodities, which consist primarily of steel and rubber, in the manufacturing of Titan products. If the Company's suppliers are unable to provide raw materials to Titan in a timely manner, or are unable to meet quality, quantity, or cost requirements, the Company may not in all cases be able to promptly obtain substitute sources. Any extended delay in receiving critical materials could impair Titan's ability to deliver products to its customers. The loss of key suppliers, the inability to establish relationships with replacement suppliers, or the inability of Titan's suppliers to meet price, quality, quantity, and delivery requirements could have a significant adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations.


•	The Company’s revolving credit facility and other debt obligations contain covenants that could limit how the Company conducts its business.

The Company’s revolving credit facility and other debt obligations contain covenants and restrictions. These covenants and restrictions could limit Titan’s ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments, to raise additional debt or equity capital, to pay dividends, or to take advantage of business opportunities, including future acquisitions. Titan’s ability to comply with the covenants may be affected by events beyond its control, including prevailing economic, financial, and industry conditions.


•	The Company operates in cyclical industries and is subject to numerous changes in the economy.

The Company's sales are substantially dependent on three major industries: agricultural equipment, earthmoving/construction equipment, and consumer products. The business activity levels in these industries are subject to specific industry and general economic cycles. Any downturn in these industries or the general economy could have a material adverse effect on Titan’s business.

The agricultural equipment industry is affected by crop prices, farm income and farmland values, weather, export markets, and government policies. The earthmoving/construction industry is affected by the levels of government and private construction spending and replacement demand. The mining industry, which is within the earthmoving/construction industry, is affected by raw material commodity prices. The consumer products industry is affected by consumer disposable income, weather, competitive pricing, energy prices, and consumer attitudes. In addition, the performance of these industries is sensitive to interest rate and foreign exchange rate changes and varies with the overall level of economic activity.


•	The Company’s revenues are seasonal in nature due to Titan’s dependence on seasonal industries.

The agricultural, earthmoving/construction, and recreational industries are seasonal, with typically lower sales during the second half of the year. This seasonality in demand has resulted in fluctuations in the Company’s revenues and operating results. Because much of Titan’s overhead expenses are fixed, seasonal trends can cause volatility in profit margins and financial condition when comparing results from consecutive quarters.


•	The Company’s customer base is relatively concentrated.

The Company’s ten largest customers, which are primarily original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), accounted for 34% of Titan’s net sales for 2016. Net sales to Deere & Company represented 9% of total 2016 net sales. No other customer accounted for more than 7% of net sales in 2016. Titan’s business could be adversely affected if one of its larger customers reduces, or otherwise eliminates in full, its purchases from Titan due to work stoppages or slow-downs, financial difficulties, as a result of termination provisions, competitive pricing, or other reasons. There is also continuing pressure from the OEMs to reduce costs, including the cost of products and services purchased from outside suppliers such as Titan, and the risk of OEMs developing in-house tire and wheel capabilities. There can be no assurance that Titan will be able to maintain its relationships with its current customers, including its most significant customers. Any failure to maintain the Company’s relationship with any of its leading customers could have an adverse effect on results of operations.


•	The Company may be adversely affected by changes in government regulations and policies.

Domestic and foreign political developments and government regulations and policies directly affect the agricultural, earthmoving/construction, and consumer products industries in the United States and abroad. Regulations and policies in the agricultural industry include those encouraging farm acreage reduction in the United States and granting ethanol subsidies. Regulations and policies relating to the earthmoving/construction industry include the construction of roads, bridges, and other items of infrastructure. The modification of existing laws, regulations, or policies, or the adoption of new laws, regulations, or policies could have an adverse effect on any one or more of these industries and, therefore, on Titan’s business.


•	The Company is subject to corporate governance requirements, and costs related to compliance with, or failure to comply with, existing and future requirements could adversely affect Titan’s business.

The Company is subject to corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). These laws, rules, and regulations continue to evolve and may become increasingly restrictive. Failure to comply with these laws, rules, and regulations may have a material adverse effect on Titan’s reputation, financial condition, and the value of the Company’s securities.


•	The Company faces substantial competition from domestic and international companies.

The Company competes with several domestic and international competitors, some of which are larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than Titan. The Company competes primarily on the basis of price, quality, customer service, design capability, and delivery time. The Company’s ability to compete with international competitors may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. In addition, certain OEM customers could elect to manufacture certain products to meet their own requirements or to otherwise compete with Titan. The success of the Company's business depends in large part on its ability to provide comprehensive wheel and tire assemblies to its customers. The development or enhancement by Titan's competitors of similar capabilities could adversely affect its business.

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


•	The Company may be affected by unfair trade.

Titan faces intense competition from producers both in the United States and around the world, some of which may engage in unfair trade practices. In early January 2016, Titan, along with the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Worker International Union, AFL-CIO, CLC of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, filed petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that imported off-the-road tires from India and Sri Lanka and wheel and tire assemblies from China were being dumped and/or subsidized and were a cause of material injury to the domestic industry. See “Item 3 - Legal Proceedings” for further details regarding these proceedings. Unfair trade may have a material adverse effect on Titan's business.


•	The Company could be negatively impacted if Titan fails to maintain satisfactory labor relations.

The Company was previously party to three collective bargaining agreements with separate locals of the USW and covering certain of its employees in Des Moines, Iowa, Freeport, Illinois, and Bryan, Ohio. Each of the three collective bargaining agreements covering its employees in the U.S., which were originally scheduled to expire in November 2016, was extended until January 2017 and each agreement has since expired. Notwithstanding the expiration of the three agreements, and in keeping with its obligations under Federal labor law, Titan is presently in negotiations with the USW. If Titan is unable to negotiate new collective bargaining agreements that are satisfactory to the Company, the employees covered thereby could engage in strikes, or the Company may otherwise experience work slowdowns or be subject to other labor actions. Any such actions, and any other labor disputes with the Company's employees domestically or internationally, could materially disrupt its operations. New collective bargaining agreements may impose significant additional costs on Titan, which could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.


•	Unfavorable outcomes of legal proceedings could adversely affect results of operations.

The Company is a party to routine legal proceedings arising out of the normal course of business. Due to the difficult nature of predicting unresolved and future legal claims, the Company cannot anticipate or predict any material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows as a result of efforts to comply with, or its liabilities pertaining to, legal judgments. Any adverse outcome in any litigation involving Titan or any of its subsidiaries could negatively affect the Company's business, reputation, and financial condition.


•	Acquisitions/divestitures may require significant resources and/or result in significant losses, costs, or liabilities.

Any future acquisitions or divestitures will depend on the ability to identify suitable candidates, to negotiate acceptable terms, and to finance acquisitions. Titan will also face competition for suitable acquisition candidates, which may increase costs. In addition, acquisitions and divestitures require significant managerial attention, which may be diverted from current operations. Furthermore, acquisitions and divestitures of businesses or facilities entail a number of additional risks, including:

- problems with effective integration or separation of operations, including challenges in implementing uniform standards, controls, procedures, and policies throughout an acquired business;

- potential disruption of the Company's ongoing business and the distraction of management from its day-to-day operations;

- the inability to maintain key pre-acquisition customer, supplier, and employee relationships;

- the potential that expected benefits or synergies are not realized and operating costs increase; and

- exposure to unanticipated liabilities.

International acquisitions or divestitures may be more complex and time consuming. Also, international acquisitions and divestitures may include a number of additional risks, including the integration of acquisitions or separation of divestitures operating under differing laws and regulations.

Subject to the terms of its existing indebtedness, the Company may finance future acquisitions with cash from operations, additional indebtedness, and/or by issuing additional equity securities. These commitments may impair the operation of Titan’s businesses. In addition, the Company could face financial risks associated with incurring additional indebtedness, such as reducing liquidity and access to financing markets and increasing the amount of cash flow required to service such indebtedness.


•	The Company has international operations and purchases raw material from foreign suppliers.

The Company had total aggregate sales outside the United States of approximately $707.2 million, $750.2 million and $1,028.0 million, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sales outside the United States have become a significant proportion of total sales, accounting for 56%, 54% and 54% for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sales from these international operations are expected to continue to represent a similar portion of total sales.

International Operations and Sales – International operations and sales are subject to a number of special risks, including, but not limited to, risks with respect to currency exchange rates, economic and political destabilization, other disruption of markets, and restrictive actions by foreign governments (such as restrictions on transfer of funds, export duties, and quotas and foreign customs). Other risks include changes in foreign laws regarding trade and investment; difficulties in obtaining distribution and support; nationalization; reforms of United States laws and policies affecting trade, foreign investment, and loans; and changes in foreign tax and other laws. There may also be restrictions on the Company's ability to repatriate earnings and investments from international operations. There can be no assurance that one or a combination of these factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to increase or maintain its foreign sales.

Foreign Suppliers – The Company purchases raw materials from foreign suppliers. The production costs, profit margins, and competitive position of the Company are affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where Titan purchases goods, relative to the strength of the currencies in countries where the products are sold. The Company’s results of operations, cash flows, and financial position may be affected by fluctuations in foreign currencies.


•	The Company is subject to anti-corruption laws and regulations.

The Company has international operations and must comply with anti-corruption laws and regulations including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). These anti-bribery laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments or providing anything of value for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA prohibits these payments regardless of local customs and practices. Violations of these laws could adversely affect the Company's business.


•	The Company may be subject to product liability and warranty claims.

The Company warrants its products to be free of certain defects and, accordingly, may be subject to product liability or product warranty claims in the ordinary course of business. Losses may result or be alleged to result from defects in Titan products, which could subject the Company to claims for damages, including consequential damages. There can be no assurance that Company insurance will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred or that adequate insurance will be available on terms acceptable to the Company. Any claims relating to defective products that result in liability exceeding Titan’s insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on financial condition and results of operations. Further, claims of defects could result in negative publicity against Titan, which could adversely affect the Company’s business.


•	The Company has incurred, and may incur in the future, net losses.

The Company reported loss before income taxes of $32.9 million, $52.0 million, and $152.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and may incur losses in the future. There is no guarantee the Company will be profitable in the future. Any failure by Titan to obtain or sustain profitability could cause the price of Titan common stock to decline significantly.


•	The Company may be adversely affected by a disruption in, or failure of, information technology systems.

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


•	The Company is subject to risks associated with climate change regulations.

Governmental regulatory bodies in the United States and other countries have adopted, or are contemplating introducing regulatory changes in response to the potential impacts of climate change. Laws and regulations regarding climate change and energy usage may impact the Company directly through higher costs for energy and raw materials. The Company’s customers may also be affected by climate change regulations that may impact future purchases of the Company's products. Physical climate change may potentially have a large impact on the Company’s two largest industry segments, agriculture and earthmoving/construction. The potential impacts of climate change and climate change regulations are highly uncertain at this time, and the Company cannot anticipate or predict any material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows as a result of climate change and climate change regulations.


•	The Company is subject to risks associated with environmental laws and regulations.

The Company’s operations are subject to federal, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge to waters, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste and other materials. The Company’s operations entail risks in these areas, and there can be no assurance that Titan will not incur material costs or liabilities. In addition, potentially significant expenditures could be required in order to comply with evolving environmental and health and safety laws, regulations or requirements that may be adopted or imposed in the future. Titan’s customers may also be affected by environmental laws and regulations that may impact future purchases of the Company's products.


•	The Company is subject to foreign currency translation risk.

The Company continues to expand globally and now operates in many worldwide locations and transacts business in many foreign currencies. Titan's financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars with financial statements of international subsidiaries being initially recorded in foreign currencies and translated into U.S. dollars. Large fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other world currencies may materially adversely affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.


•	The Company may incur additional tax expense or tax exposure.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions, and has domestic and international tax liabilities which are dependent upon the distribution of income among these different jurisdictions. Titan's income tax provision and cash tax liability in the future could be adversely affected by numerous factors, including income before taxes being lower than anticipated in countries with lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated in countries with higher statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax laws and regulations.


•	The Company is subject to risks associated with uncertainties related to social, political, and economic conditions in Russia and Brazil.

Geopolitical and economic uncertainties relating to Russia and Brazil have and could continue to have a negative impact on the Company's sales and results of operations at the Company's Russian and Brazilian operations.


•	The Company is subject to risks associated with failure to maintain adequate disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting.

The Company has previously disclosed a material weakness in its internal controls over financial reporting. Failure to maintain adequate financial and management processes and controls could affect the accuracy and timing of the Company’s financial reporting. Testing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting involves significant costs and could divert management’s attention from other matters that are important to Titan's business. If the Company’s management is unable to certify the effectiveness of its internal controls, its independent registered public accounting firm cannot render an opinion on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting, which, together with any identified material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the Company’s internal controls, could subject the Company to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of public confidence. In addition, if the Company does not maintain adequate financial and management personnel, processes, and controls, it may not be able to accurately report its financial performance on a timely basis, which could have a material adverse effect on the confidence in its financial reporting, its credibility in the marketplace and the trading price of Titan's common stock.


•	The Company is not insured against all potential losses and could be harmed by natural disasters, catastrophes, or sabotage.

The Company's business activities involve substantial investments in manufacturing facilities and products are produced at a limited number of locations. These facilities could be materially damaged, including as a result of natural disasters, such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes or by sabotage. The Company could incur uninsured losses and liabilities arising from such events, as well as damage to its reputation, and/or suffer material losses in operational capacity and efficiency, which could have a material adverse impact on Titan's business, financial condition and results of operations.

ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2 – PROPERTIES

The Company’s properties with total square footage above 1 million are detailed by the location, size, and focus of each facility as provided in the table below (amounts in thousands):



	Approximate square footage
Location	Owned	Leased	Use	Segment
Volzhsky, Russia	2,153		Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
Union City, Tennessee	2,149		Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
Des Moines, Iowa	2,091		Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
Sao Paulo, Brazil	1,282		Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
Quincy, Illinois	1,209		Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
Freeport, Illinois	1,202		Manufacturing, distribution	All segments

The Company’s total properties by continent are detailed by the location, size and focus as provided in the table below (amounts in thousands):



	Approximate square footage
Location	Owned	Leased	Use	Segment
North America	8,704	1,629	Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
Europe	4,178	16	Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
South America	1,434	74	Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
Australia		1,197	Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
Asia	646	269	Manufacturing, distribution	All segments
Africa		11	Manufacturing, distribution	All segments

The Company considers each of its facilities to be in good condition and adequate for present use. Management believes that the Company has sufficient capacity to meet current market demand with the active facilities.

ITEM 3 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

Presently, Titan is engaged in the following material legal proceeding:

In early January 2016, Titan, along with the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Worker International Union, AFL-CIO, CLC of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, filed petitions with the DOC and the ITC alleging that imported off-the-road tires from India and Sri Lanka and wheel and tire assemblies from China were being dumped and/or subsidized and were a cause of material injury to the domestic industry. Both the DOC and the ITC initiated investigations against India and Sri Lanka, but the ITC did not recommend pursuing the investigation into wheel and tire assemblies from China. On January 4, 2017, the DOC made a final affirmative determination in both the Indian and Sri Lankan countervailing duty cases, and subsequently made an amended affirmative final determination of dumping on imports from India for all but one company. Also on January 4, 2017, the ITC conducted the final injury hearing on Titan and the United Steel Workers’ petitions. In February 2017, the ITC determined, by unanimous vote, that the domestic industry producing certain off-the-road tires was materially injured by reason of subsidized imports from India and Sri Lanka and "dumped" imports from India. On March 9, 2017, countervailing duty orders on imports of off-the-road tires from India and Sri Lanka and an anti-dumping duty order on such tires from India (with the exception of imports from one company) were published in the Federal Register by DOC. Following the ITC's February 28, 2017, determination, importers of products covered by the DOC's countervailing duty orders and antidumping order are required to post cash deposits equal to the countervailing duty amounts identified in the orders.

Two of Titan’s subsidiaries, Dico, Inc. and Titan Tire Corporation, are currently involved in litigation concerning environmental laws and regulations. See "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 for additional information.

ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II


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

The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol TWI. As of February 15, 2017, there were approximately 400 holders of record of Titan common stock. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported on the NYSE, as well as information concerning per share dividends declared for the periods indicated.



2016	High		Low		Dividends Declared
First quarter	$	6.32	$	2.50	$	0.005
Second quarter	7.50		4.80		0.005
Third quarter	10.19		5.97		0.005
Fourth quarter	12.14		8.82		0.005
2015
First quarter	$	10.79	$	8.77	$	0.005
Second quarter	12.50		9.00		0.005
Third quarter	10.85		6.34		0.005
Fourth quarter	7.91		3.53		0.005

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON GRAPH

The performance graph below compares cumulative total return on the Company’s common stock over the past five years against the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 600 Agricultural & Farm Machinery Index, and against the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index. The graph depicts the value on December 31, 2016, of a $100 investment made on December 31, 2011, in Company common stock and each of the other two indices, with all dividends reinvested. The stock price performance reflected below is based on historical results and is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

The performance graph is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Titan under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



	Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016
Titan International, Inc.	$	100.00	$	111.72	$	92.59	$	54.82	$	20.38	$	58.14
S&P 500 Index	100.00		116.00		153.57		174.60		177.01		198.18
S&P 600 Agricultural & Farm Machinery Index (a)	100.00		140.54		175.81		163.61		154.41		211.59

(a) The S&P 600 Agricultural & Farm Machinery index was created March 2014. The index data above reflects the old S&P 600 Construction & Farm Machinery & Heavy Trucks index from 12/31/11 - 2/28/14 and the new S&P 600 Agricultural & Farm Machinery index from 3/31/14 - forward.

ITEM 6 – SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data presented below, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012, are derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements, as audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

(All amounts in thousands, except per share data)



	Year Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014			2013			2012
Net sales	$	1,265,497		$	1,394,771		$	1,895,527		$	2,163,595		$	1,820,678
Mining asset impairment and inventory write-down	—			—			39,932			—			—
Gross profit	142,482			137,809			140,643			295,190			294,139
Non-cash goodwill impairment charge	—			—			36,571			—			—
Supply agreement termination income	—			—			—			—			(26,134		)
Income (loss) from operations	(21,333		)	(24,279		)	(97,625		)	102,395			174,708
Loss on senior note repurchase	—			—			—			(22,734		)	—
Non-cash Titan Europe gain	—			—			—			—			26,700
Gain on earthquake insurance recovery	—			—			—			22,451			—
Income (loss) before income taxes	(32,856		)	(52,006		)	(152,244		)	54,734			192,251
Net income (loss)	(36,137		)	(90,287		)	(130,425		)	29,687			105,638
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,150		)	(14,654		)	(49,964		)	(5,518		)	(1,593		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Titan	(33,987		)	(75,633		)	(80,461		)	35,205			107,231
Net income (loss) per share – basic	(0.81		)	(1.74		)	(2.43		)	.66			2.47
Net income (loss) per share – diluted	(0.81		)	(1.74		)	(2.43		)	.64			2.05
Dividends declared per common share	0.02			0.02			0.02			0.02			0.02



(All amounts in thousands)	As of December 31,
	2016		2015		2014		2013		2012
Working capital	$	360,132	$	439,904	$	534,374	$	621,307	$	529,043
Current assets	726,236		710,001		835,930		1,007,878		996,123
Total assets	1,262,951		1,270,230		1,495,724		1,821,231		1,710,235
Long-term debt (a)	408,760		475,443		496,503		497,694		441,438
Stockholders’ equity	289,934		344,683		518,866		708,881		632,362


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

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

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, which are covered by the "Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. We have tried to identify forward-looking statements in this report by using words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” and “believes,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” These forward-looking statements include among other items:


•	The Company's financial performance;


•	Anticipated trends in the Company’s business;


•	Expectations with respect to the end-user markets into which the Company sells its products (including agricultural equipment, earthmoving/construction equipment, and consumer products);


•	Future expenditures for capital projects;


•	The Company’s ability to continue to control costs and maintain quality;


•	Ability to meet conditions of loan agreements;


•	The Company’s business strategies, including its intention to introduce new products;


•	Expectations concerning the performance and success of the Company’s existing and new products; and


•	The Company’s intention to consider and pursue acquisition and divestiture opportunities.

Readers of this Form 10-K should understand that these forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, including those in Item 1A, Part I of this report, “Risk Factors,” certain of which are beyond the Company’s control.

Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including:


•	The effect of a recession on the Company and its customers and suppliers;


•	Changes in the Company’s end-user markets into which the Company sells its products as a result of world economic or regulatory influences or otherwise;


•	Changes in the marketplace, including new products and pricing changes by the Company’s competitors;


•	Ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations;


•	Unfavorable outcomes of legal proceedings;


•	Availability and price of raw materials;


•	Levels of operating efficiencies;


•	The effects of the Company's indebtedness and its compliance with the terms thereof;


•	Changes in the interest rate environment and their effects on the Company's outstanding indebtedness;


•	Unfavorable product liability and warranty claims;


•	Actions of domestic and foreign governments;


•	Geopolitical and economic uncertainties relating to Russia and Brazil;


•	Risks associated with acquisitions, including difficulty in integrating operations and personnel, disruption of ongoing business, and increased expenses:


•	Results of investments;


•	The effects of previously announced processes to explore various strategic transactions, including potential dispositions;


•	Fluctuations in currency translations;


•	Climate change and related laws and regulations;


•	Risks associated with environmental laws and regulations; and


•	Risks related to financial reporting, internal controls, tax accounting, and information systems.

Any changes in such factors could lead to significantly different results. Any assumptions that are inaccurate or do not prove to be correct could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve the results as indicated in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information and assumptions contained in this document will in fact transpire. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this report or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by the Company, or on its behalf. All forward-looking statements attributable to Titan are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

OVERVIEW

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

Agricultural Segment: Titan's agricultural rims, wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems and components are manufactured for use on various agricultural equipment, including tractors, combines, skidders, plows, planters, and irrigation equipment, and are sold directly to OEMs and to the aftermarket through independent distributors, equipment dealers, and Titan's own distribution centers.

Earthmoving/Construction Segment: The Company manufactures rims, wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems and components for various types of off-the-road (OTR) earthmoving, mining, military, construction and forestry equipment, including skid steers, aerial lifts, cranes, graders and levelers, scrapers, self-propelled shovel loaders, articulated dump trucks, load transporters, haul trucks, backhoe loaders, crawler tractors, lattice cranes, shovels, and hydraulic excavators.

Consumer Segment: Titan manufactures bias truck tires in Latin America and light truck tires in Russia. Titan also offers select products for ATVs, turf, and golf cart applications.

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

The following table provides highlights for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):



	2016			2015			% Increase (Decrease)
Net sales	$	1,265,497		$	1,394,771		(9	)%
Gross profit	142,482			137,809			3	%
Loss from operations	(21,333		)	(24,279		)	12	%
Net loss	(36,137		)	(90,287		)	60	%
Basic earnings per share	(0.81		)	(1.74		)	53	%

The Company recorded sales of $1,265.5 million for 2016, which were 9% lower than the 2015 sales of $1,394.8 million. Sales declined across all reported segments. Sales volume was down 5% as both the agriculture and earthmoving/construction segments remained in cyclical downturns. The consumer segment was affected by the Company's exit from various low-margin supply agreements and declines in high-speed brake sales to China. Unfavorable currency translation affected sales by 2% and an additional 2% decrease in sales was attributable to changes in price/mix.

The Company’s loss from operations was $21.3 million for 2016, compared to loss of $24.3 million for 2015. Titan’s net loss was $36.1 million for 2016, compared to loss of $90.3 million for 2015. Basic earnings per share was $(0.81) in 2016, compared to basic earnings per share of $(1.74) in 2015.

Even as sales continued to decline in 2016, gross margin improved as a result of the Company's continued implementation of the Business Improvement Framework, which began in 2014. Gross margin in 2016 was 11.3% compared to 9.9% in 2015 as initiatives established under the Business Improvement Framework helped to drive increased productivity, reduce expenditures, lower material costs, improve quality, lower warranty costs, and price optimization.

Loss from operations improved primarily as a result of gross margin improvements. Net loss improvement was due to the initial recording of the U.S. valuation allowance (tax expense) in 2015 on the cumulative U.S. deferred tax assets.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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



	As a Percentage of Net Sales Year ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of sales	88.7		90.1		90.5
Mining asset impairment and inventory write-down	—		—		2.1
Gross profit	11.3		9.9		7.4
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11.5		10.1		9.2
Research and development	0.8		0.8		0.7
Royalty expense	0.7		0.8		0.7
Non-cash goodwill impairment charge	—		—		1.9
Loss from operations	(1.7	)	(1.8	)	(5.1	)
Interest expense	(2.6	)	(2.4	)	(1.9	)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	0.7		(0.3	)	(1.7	)
Other income	1.0		0.8		0.7
Loss before income taxes	(2.6	)	(3.7	)	(8.0	)
Income tax provision (benefit)	0.3		2.7		(1.2	)
Net loss	(2.9	)%	(6.4	)%	(6.8	)%
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(0.2	)	(1.1	)	(2.6	)
Net loss attributable to Titan	(2.7	)%	(5.3	)%	(4.2	)%

In addition, the following table sets forth components of the Company’s net sales classified by segment (amounts in thousands):



	2016		2015		2014
Agricultural	$	583,324	$	651,804	$	924,034
Earthmoving/Construction	524,289		566,988		684,726
Consumer	157,884		175,979		286,767
Total	$	1,265,497	$	1,394,771	$	1,895,527

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

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

Asset and Business Acquisitions

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

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The majority of inventories are valued under the first in, first out (FIFO) method or average cost method. Approximately 7% of the Company's inventories at December 31, 2016, were valued using the last in, first out (LIFO) method. The majority of steel material inventory in North America is accounted for under the LIFO method. Market value is estimated based on current selling prices. Estimated provisions are established for slow-moving and obsolete inventory.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the respective tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to apply in the years the temporary differences are expected to be settled or realized. A valuation allowance is recorded for the portion of the deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Management’s judgment is required to determine the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and valuation allowances against deferred tax assets.

Retirement Benefit Obligations

Pension benefit obligations are based on various assumptions used by third-party actuaries in calculating these amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. Revisions in assumptions and actual results that differ from the assumptions affect future expenses, cash funding requirements, and obligations. The Company has three frozen defined benefit pension plans in the United States and pension plans in several foreign countries. For more information concerning these obligations, see “Pensions” below and Note 23 to the Company’s financial statements.

The effect of hypothetical changes to selected assumptions on the Company’s frozen pension benefit obligations would be as follows (amounts in thousands):



		December 31, 2016		2017
Assumptions	Percentage Change	Increase (Decrease) PBO (a)	Increase (Decrease) Equity	Increase (Decrease) Expense
Pension
Discount rate	+/-5	$(5,180)/$5,631	$5,180/$(5,631)	$(208)/$204
Expected return on assets	+/-5			$(361)/$361


(a)	Projected benefit obligation (PBO) for pension plans.

Product Warranties

The Company provides limited warranties on workmanship on its products in all market segments. The majority of the Company's products are subject to a limited warranty that ranges between less than one year and ten years, with certain products being prorated after the first year. Actual warranty experience may differ from historical experience. The Company calculates an estimated warranty liability based on past warranty experience and the sales of products subject to that experience. The Company records warranty expense based on warranty payments made and changes to the estimated warranty liability. The Company's warranty liability was $17.9 million at December 31, 2016, and $23.1 million at December 31, 2015. The Company recorded warranty expense of $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company's estimated warranty liability and expense decreased primarily as the result of lower sales of product with historical warranty experience.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews fixed assets to assess recoverability from future operations whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. Factors that could result in an impairment review include, but are not limited to, a current period cash flow loss combined with a history of cash flow losses, current cash flows that may be insufficient to recover the investment in the property over the remaining useful life, or a projection that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset, significant changes in the manner of use of the assets, or significant changes in business strategies. Impairment losses are recognized in operating results when expected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset. Impairment losses are measured as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over the discounted expected future cash flows or the estimated fair value of the asset.

As a result of current operating losses combined with a history of operating losses, the Company determined that events and circumstances indicated that the carrying value of fixed assets may not be recoverable for two asset groups in the fourth quarter of 2016 and one asset group in the fourth quarter of 2015. These asset groups were reviewed for recoverability, however after the Company’s analysis no impairment was identified. As a result of the continued mining downturn combined with a history of operating losses, the Company determined in the second quarter of 2016, that the carrying value of the fixed assets at the Bryan, Ohio location may not be recoverable, however after the Company’s analysis no impairment was identified.

The Company's impairment testing includes uncertainty because it requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimated future cash flows and asset fair values. If actual results are not consistent with estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, Titan may be exposed to impairment charges in the future, which could be material to the Company's results of operations.

STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS UPDATES

In 2016, a special committee of Titan's Board of Directors was formed for the purpose of evaluating a potential sale of ITM, Titan's undercarriage business. As previously disclosed, Goldman Sachs was engaged to serve as financial advisor for the potential sale. The Special Committee, upon the recommendation of Goldman Sachs and in consideration of the results of the ITM sale process, determined that selling ITM was not in the best interest of Titan and its shareholders at this time. Titan is, however, evaluating other possible strategic alternatives relating to ITM.

The Company has also explored strategic alternatives related to the potential sale of the facility located in Brownsville, Texas, and Titan Tire Reclamation Corporation (TTRC). The Brownsville, Texas, facility consists of a building which is being leased to third parties. The TTRC business is the Company's recently established tire reclamation facility located in the Canadian oil sands. Management and the Board may continue to explore strategic alternatives for these facilities.

FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015 (amounts in thousands):



	2016			2015			% Decrease
Net sales	$	1,265,497		$	1,394,771		(9	)%
Cost of sales	1,123,015			1,256,962			(11	)%
Gross profit	142,482			137,809			3	%
Gross profit percentage	11.3		%	9.9		%

Net Sales

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2016, were $1,265.5 million, compared to $1,394.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of 9%. Sales declined across all reported segments. Sales volume was down 5% as both the agriculture and earthmoving/construction segments remained in cyclical downturns. The consumer segment was affected by the Company's exit from various low-margin supply agreements and declines in high-speed brake sales to China. Unfavorable currency translation negatively affected sales by 2% and sales decreased an additional 2% due to a reduction in price/mix.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

Cost of sales was $1,123.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $1,257.0 million for 2015. Gross profit for 2016 was $142.5 million, or 11.3% of net sales, compared to $137.8 million, or 9.9% of net sales for 2015.

Even as sales continued to decline in 2016, gross margin improved as a result of the Company's continued implementation of the Business Improvement Framework which began in 2014. Gross margin in 2016 was 11.3% compared to 9.9% in 2015 as initiatives established under the Business Improvement Framework helped to drive increased productivity, reduce expenditures, lower material costs, improve quality, lower warranty costs, and optimize pricing.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, were $145.0 million, or 11.5% of net sales, up 3% compared to $140.4 million, or 10.1% of net sales, for 2015. The increase in SG&A expenses was driven by continued investment in legal fees in support of anti-dumping and circumvention of duties litigation, focused marketing expenditures to support LSW development, and higher incentive compensation as a result of improving profitability.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, were $10.0 million, or 0.8% of net sales, down 10% compared to $11.2 million, or 0.8% of net sales, for 2015.

Royalty Expense

The Company has trademark license agreements with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain farm tires under the Goodyear name. These agreements cover sales in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and other Commonwealth of Independent States countries. Royalties attributable to sales of farm tires in North America and Latin America were prepaid through March 2018 as a part of the 2011 Goodyear Latin American farm tire acquisition. The Company also has a trademark license agreement with Goodyear to manufacture and sell certain non-farm tire products in Latin America. Royalty expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, were $8.9 million compared to $10.5 million for 2015.

Loss from Operations

Loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $21.3 million, or 1.7% of net sales, compared to loss of $24.3 million, or 1.8% of net sales, for 2015. This improvement was the net result of the items previously discussed.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for 2016 was $32.5 million, compared to $34.0 million for 2015.

Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)

Foreign currency gain was $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to a loss of $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Foreign currency gain in 2016 and loss in 2015 primarily reflect the translation of intercompany loans at certain foreign subsidiaries denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies. Since such loans are expected to be settled in cash at some point in the future, these loans are adjusted each reporting period to reflect the current exchange rates. The strength of the U.S. dollar was mixed in 2016 across currencies in which Titan operates while it was predominately strong in 2015. The Company uses derivative financial instruments on such intercompany loans as well as other actions taken to reduce foreign exchange exposures.

Other Income

Other income was $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to other income of $11.1 million for 2015. The major items included in 2016 were: (i) interest income of $3.2 million; (ii) Wheels India Limited equity income of $3.0 million; (iii) gain on sale of assets of $2.3 million; (iv) building rental income of $2.1 million; and (v) discount amortization on prepaid royalty of $1.5 million.

The major items included in 2015 were: (i) interest income of $2.7 million; (ii) gain on sale of assets of $2.4 million; (iii) discount amortization on prepaid royalty of $2.0 million; and (iv) Wheels India Limited equity income of $1.8 million.

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company recorded tax expense for income taxes of $3.3 million in 2016, compared to income tax expense of $38.3 million in 2015. The Company's effective tax rate was (10)% in 2016 and (74)% in 2015. The Company’s 2016 income tax expense and rate differ from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of an increase in the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets partially offset by tax rates in foreign jurisdictions where the statutory rate is less than 35%. The Company's 2015 income tax expense and rate differ from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of a foreign exchange loss upon the outbound transfer of Brazil assets for U.S. tax purposes (check the box election) offset by an increase in the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.

Net Loss

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $36.1 million, compared to net loss of $90.3 million for 2015. Basic earnings per share was $(0.81) for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $(1.74) for 2015. Diluted earnings per share was $(0.81) for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $(1.74) for 2015. The Company's net loss and earnings per share were improved due to the items previously discussed.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Agricultural Segment Results

Agricultural segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	2016		2015		% Increase /Decrease
Net sales	$	583,324	$	651,804	(11	)%
Gross profit	78,603		75,679		4	%
Income from operations	44,271		40,125		10	%

Net sales in the agricultural market were $583.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $651.8 million for 2015, a decrease of 11%. Agriculture sales decreased 6% due to reduced volume and by an additional 2% due to changes in price/mix, as a consequence of decreased demand for new agricultural equipment. Unfavorable currency translation decreased sales by 3%.

Gross profit in the agricultural market was $78.6 million for 2016, as compared to $75.7 million for 2015. Income from operations in the agricultural market was $44.3 million for the year 2016, as compared to $40.1 million for 2015. Despite the continued sales erosion resulting from the agricultural cyclical downturn, the Company maintained its focus on business improvement initiatives within our Business Improvement Framework to minimize the margin impact. Initiatives born from the framework helped to drive headcount and expense reductions, increased productivity, lower raw material costs, lower warranty costs, and pricing optimization.

Earthmoving/Construction Segment Results

Earthmoving/construction segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	2016		2015			% Increase /Decrease
Net sales	$	524,289	$	566,988		(8	)%
Gross profit	46,268		42,835			8	%
Income (loss) from operations	3,615		(2,038		)	N/A

The Company's earthmoving/construction market net sales were $524.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $567.0 million for 2015, a decrease of 8%. Segment price/mix reductions decreased net sales by 8% which was offset by changes in volume that increased net sales by 2% and unfavorable currency translation increasing net sales by an additional 2%.

Gross profit in the earthmoving/construction market was $46.3 million for the year 2016, as compared to $42.8 million for 2015. The Company's earthmoving/construction market income from operations was $3.6 million for the year 2016, as compared to loss from operations of $2.0 million for 2015.

Consumer Segment Results

Consumer segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	2016		2015		% Decrease
Net sales	$	157,884	$	175,979	(10	)%
Gross profit	17,611		19,295		(9	)%
Income from operations	2,879		4,689		(39	)%

Consumer market net sales were $157.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $176.0 million for 2015, a decrease of 10%. The decrease in consumer segment sales was primarily driven by declines in high-speed brake sales to China and lower sales related to supplier agreements in Brazil.

Gross profit from the consumer market was $17.6 million for the year 2016, or 11.2% of net sales, compared to $19.3 million, or 11.0% of net sales for 2015. Consumer market income from operations was $2.9 million for the year 2016, as compared to $4.7 million for 2015. Although sales were lower in 2016 versus 2015, the Company was successful in reducing costs related to the production of consumer segment products.

Segment Summary (Amounts in thousands)



2016	Agricultural		Earthmoving/ Construction			Consumer		Corporate/ Unallocated Expenses			Consolidated Totals
Net sales	$	583,324	$	524,289		$	157,884	$	—		$	1,265,497
Gross profit	78,603		46,268			17,611		—			142,482
Income (loss) from operations	44,271		3,615			2,879		(72,098		)	(21,333		)
2015
Net sales	$	651,804	566,988			$	175,979	$	—		$	1,394,771
Gross profit	75,679		42,835			19,295		—			137,809
Income (loss) from operations	40,125		(2,038		)	4,689		(67,055		)	(24,279		)

Corporate & Unallocated Expenses

Income from operations on a segment basis does not include corporate expenses totaling $72.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, up 7% compared to $67.1 million for 2015. Corporate expenses were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $28 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015; and administrative expenses of approximately $44 million and $36 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014 (amounts in thousands):



	2015			2014			% Decrease
Net sales	$	1,394,771		$	1,895,527		(26	)%
Cost of sales	1,256,962			1,714,952			(27	)%
Mining asset impairment and inventory write-down	—			39,932			n/a
Gross profit	137,809			140,643			(2	)%
Gross profit percentage	9.9		%	7.4		%

Net Sales

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, were $1,394.8 million, compared to $1,895.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of 26%. Sales declined across all reported segments. Sales volume was down 11% as both the agriculture and earthmoving/construction segments remained in cyclical downturns. The consumer segment was affected by the Company's exit from various low-margin supply agreements and economic stress in Brazil. Unfavorable currency translation affected sales by 10% and a reduction in price/mix of 5% further eroded sales due to competitive pricing and lower raw material costs passed along to customers.

Cost of Sales, Mining Asset Impairment, Mining Inventory Write-down, and Gross Profit

Cost of sales was $1,257.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $1,715.0 million for 2014. Gross profit for the year 2015 was $137.8 million, or 9.9% of net sales, compared to $140.6 million, or 7.4% of net sales, for 2014. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an asset impairment of $23.2 million on machinery, equipment, and molds used to produce giant mining tires. In addition, the Company recorded inventory write-downs of $16.7 million in 2014 to adjust the value of mining product inventory to estimated market value. After adjusting for the aforementioned impairments and write-downs, gross profit for 2014 was $180.5 million, or 9.5% of net sales.

Even as sales declined in 2015, adjusted gross margin improved as the Company continued to reap benefits from the Business Improvement Framework, which began in 2014. After adjusting for the aforementioned impairments and write-downs, gross margin in 2014 was 9.5%. Gross margin in 2015 was 9.9% as initiatives born from the framework helped to drive increased productivity, expenditure rationalization, lower material costs, improved quality, lower warranty costs, and pricing optimization.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $140.4 million, or 10.1% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $173.6 million, or 9.2% of net sales, for 2014. The decrease in SG&A expenses was driven from our Business Improvement Framework and currency.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $11.2 million, or 0.8% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $14.0 million, or 0.7% of net sales, for 2014.

Royalty Expense

The Company has a trademark license agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to manufacture and sell certain tires in North America and Latin America under the Goodyear name. The North American and Latin American farm tire royalties were prepaid through March 2018 as a part of the 2011 Goodyear Latin American farm tire acquisition. In May 2012, the Company and Goodyear entered into an agreement under which Titan will sell certain non-farm tire products directly to third party customers and pay a royalty to Goodyear. Royalty expenses were $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $14.1 million for 2014.

Non-cash Goodwill Impairment Charge

In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a non-cash charge for the impairment of goodwill of $36.6 million on both a pre-tax and after-tax basis. The charge included $11.4 million of earthmoving/construction goodwill related to the acquisition of Titan Australia; $9.6 million of agricultural goodwill related to the acquisition of the Latin America farm tire business; and $15.6 million of goodwill related to the acquisition of Voltyre-Prom. The Voltyre-Prom goodwill included $11.0 million in the agricultural segment, $2.6 million in the earthmoving/construction segment, and $2.0 million in the consumer segment.

The key factor leading to the impairment of the Australian goodwill was the continued downturn in the mining industry. During 2014, the price of iron ore declined over 40%. The extended downturn led to changes in assumptions regarding future cash flows which culminated in the goodwill impairment. The key factors leading to the impairment of the Voltyre-Prom goodwill were the changes in the political and economic factors which occurred in Russia during 2014. The changes, including devaluation of the Russian ruble and increases in interest rates, accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2014, which led to changes in assumptions regarding future cash flows, which resulted in goodwill impairment. The key factors leading to the impairment of the Latin American goodwill were a softening of the agricultural tire market and the Brazilian economy as a whole. The slowdown, which began in the third quarter, accelerated in the fourth quarter. As a result of the slowdown, there was competitive pricing pressure impacting both sales and profits. These changes led to changes in assumptions regarding future cash flows, which resulted in goodwill impairment.

Loss from Operations

Loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $24.3 million, or (1.8)% of net sales, compared to loss of $97.6 million, or (5.1)% of net sales, for 2014. This decrease was the net result of the items previously discussed.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the year 2015 was $34.0 million, compared to $36.6 million for 2014. The Company’s interest expense for 2015 decreased from the previous year primarily from decreased debt balances at Titan Europe.

Foreign Exchange Loss

Foreign currency loss was $4.8 million and $31.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Foreign currency losses in 2015 and 2014 primarily reflect the translation of intercompany loans at certain foreign subsidiaries denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies. Since such loans are expected to be settled in cash at some point in the future, these loans are adjusted each reporting period to reflect the current exchange rates. During 2014, the translation of these intercompany loan balances was significant due to the relative strength of the U.S. dollar in relation to the functional currencies of the loans. Although the U.S. dollar remained strong throughout 2015, foreign currency losses were minimized through offsetting gains relating to derivative financial instruments on such intercompany loans as well as other actions taken to reduce exposures.

The Company's investment in Wheels India Limited decreased from 41.7% to 34.2% during the first quarter of 2014 due to an equity offering by Wheels India Limited.

Other Income

Other income was $11.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to other income of $13.7 million for 2014. The major items included in 2015 were: (i) interest income of $2.7 million; (ii) gain on sale of assets of $2.4 million; (iii) discount amortization on prepaid royalty of $2.0 million; and (iv) Wheels India Limited equity income of $1.8 million.

The major items included in 2014 were: (i) gain on sale of assets of $3.4 million; (ii) interest income of $3.0 million; (iii) discount amortization on prepaid royalty of $2.7 million; and (iv) Wheels India Limited equity income of $2.1 million.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

The Company recorded tax expense for income taxes of $38.3 million in 2015, compared to income tax benefit of $21.8 million in 2014. The Company's effective tax rate was (74)% in 2015 and 14% in 2014. The Company's 2015 income tax expense and rate differ from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of a foreign exchange loss upon the outbound transfer of Brazil assets for U.S. tax purposes (check the box election) offset by an increase in the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The Company's 2014 income tax expense and rate differ from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax income primarily as a result of non-deductible goodwill and the recording of a valuation allowance. Other items contributing to the rate difference are state income tax expense, debt forgiveness, foreign earnings, and non-deductible expenses.

Net Loss

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $90.3 million, compared to net loss of $130.4 million for 2014. Basic earnings per share was $(1.74) for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $(2.43) for 2014. Diluted earnings per share was $(1.74) for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $(2.43) for 2014. The Company's net income and earnings per share were higher due to the items previously discussed.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Agricultural Segment Results

Agricultural segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	2015		2014		% Decrease
Net sales	$	651,804	$	924,034	(29	)%
Gross profit	75,679		109,547		(31	)%
Income from operations	40,125		45,724		(12	)%

Net sales in the agricultural market were $651.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $924.0 million for 2014, a decrease of 29%. Agriculture sales experienced reductions in volume of 17% and price/mix of 4% as a consequence of decreased demand for high horsepower agricultural equipment. Unfavorable currency translation decreased sales by 8%.

Gross profit in the agricultural market was $75.7 million for the year 2015, compared to $109.5 million for 2014. Income from operations in the agricultural market was $40.1 million for the year 2015, compared to $45.7 million for 2014. In response to lower demand from customers, the Company extended production shut-downs, reducing manufacturing output which negatively impacted production leverage and gross profit. Despite the large overall sales erosion resulting from the agricultural cyclical downturn, the Business Improvement Framework instituted in 2014 has helped to soften the margin impact. Initiatives born from the framework helped to drive headcount reductions, expenditure rationalization, increased productivity, lower raw material costs, lower warranty costs, and pricing optimization.

Earthmoving/Construction Segment Results

Earthmoving/construction segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	2015			2014			% Increase / Decrease
Net sales	$	566,988		$	684,726		(17	)%
Gross profit	42,835			1,656			2,487	%
Loss from operations	(2,038		)	(69,687		)	(97	)%

The Company's earthmoving/construction market net sales were $567.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $684.7 million for 2014, a decrease of 17%. Segment sales experienced unfavorable currency translation resulting in a decrease of 11%. The major volume drops that were seen in 2014 have leveled out with only a 1% sales volume decrease for 2015. Price/mix reductions of 5% make up the remainder of the total sales decrease.

Gross profit in the earthmoving/construction market was $42.8 million for the year 2015, compared to $1.7 million for 2014. The Company's earthmoving/construction market loss from operations was $2.0 million for the year 2015, compared to loss from operations of $69.7 million for 2014. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an asset impairment of $23.2 million on machinery, equipment, and molds used to produce giant mining tires. In addition, the Company recorded inventory write-downs of $16.7 million to adjust the value of mining product inventory to estimated market value. When adjusted to remove these items, the gross profit in 2014 would have been $32.3 million and loss from operations for 2014 would have been $40.7 million.

Consumer Segment Results

Consumer segment results were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	2015		2014			% Decrease
Net sales	$	175,979	$	286,767		(39	)%
Gross profit	19,295		29,440			(34	)%
Income (loss) from operations	4,689		(1,241		)	N/A

Consumer market net sales were $176.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $286.8 million for 2014, a decrease of 38%. Unfavorable currency translation accounted for $47.0 million of this decline. The Company's exit from several low-margin supply agreements contributed an additional $25.9 million. The economic stress in Brazil had a negative impact on sales volume of $17.1 million. Lower prices from competitive pressures and lower raw material costs accounted for the remaining declines.

Gross profit from the consumer market was $19.3 million in 2015, or 11.0% of net sales, compared to $29.4 million, or 10.3% of net sales in 2014. Consumer market income from operations was $4.7 million for the year 2015, as compared to loss of $1.2 million for 2014. Although sales were lower in 2015 versus 2014, the Company was successful in reducing costs related to the production of consumer segment products.

Segment Summary (amounts in thousands)



2015	Agricultural		Earthmoving/ Construction		Consumer			Corporate / Unallocated Expenses			Consolidated Totals
Net sales	$	651,804	566,988		$	175,979		$	—		$	1,394,771
Gross profit	75,679		42,835		19,295			—			137,809
Income (loss) from operations	40,125		(2,038	)	4,689			(67,055		)	(24,279		)
2014
Net sales	$	924,034	684,726		$	286,767		$	—		$	1,895,527
Gross profit	109,547		1,656		29,440			—			140,643
Income (loss) from operations	45,724		(69,687	)	(1,241		)	(72,421		)	(97,625		)

Corporate & Unallocated Expenses

Income from operations on a segment basis does not include corporate expenses totaling $67.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $72.4 million for 2014. Corporate expenses were composed of selling and marketing expenses of approximately $28 million and $33 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively; and administrative expenses of approximately $36 million and $39 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $147.8 million of cash.



(Amounts in thousands)	Year ended December 31,
	2016		2015		Change
Cash	$	147,827	$	200,188	$	(52,361	)

The cash balance decreased by $52.4 million from December 31, 2015, due to the following items:

Operating Cash Flows

Summary of cash flows from operating activities:



(Amounts in thousands)	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			Change
Net loss	$	(36,137	)	$	(90,287	)	$	54,150
Depreciation and amortization	59,768			69,618			(9,850		)
Deferred income tax provision	(680		)	27,969			(28,649		)
Accounts receivable	4,007			497			3,510
Inventories	4,374			31,333			(26,959		)
Prepaid and other current assets	(16,718		)	9,946			(26,664		)
Accounts payable	20,953			1,402			19,551
Other current liabilities	3,635			(172		)	3,807
Other liabilities	(7,838		)	3,428			(11,266		)
Other operating activities	12,136			10,196			1,940
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	43,500		$	63,930		$	(20,430	)

For the year ended December 31, 2016, operating activities provided cash of $43.5 million, which was $20.4 million less than the prior year. Included in net loss of $36.1 million were non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $59.8 million. The changes in operational working capital increased cash flows by $16.3 million in 2016 compared to an increase of $43.0 million in 2015. The 2016 working capital increase was primarily due to a decrease in accounts payable of $21.0 million. For additional details, see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on page F-8.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, operating activities provided cash of $63.9 million, which was $53.9 million less than the prior year. Included in net loss of $90.3 million were non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $69.6 million.

The changes in operational working capital increased cash flows by $43.0 million in 2015 compared to an increase of $77.7 million in 2014. The 2015 working capital increase was primarily due to a decrease in inventories of $31.3 million.

The Company's inventory and accounts receivable balances at December 31, 2016, were relatively consistent with inventory and accounts receivable balances at December 31, 2015. Days sales in inventory increased to 86 days at December 31, 2016, compared to 77 days at December 31, 2015, as a result of targeted increases in inventory to support higher sales in the first quarter of 2017. Days sales outstanding remained at 52 days for both December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Investing Cash Flows

Summary of cash flows from investing activities:



(Amounts in thousands)	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			Change
Capital expenditures	$	(41,948	)	$	(48,429	)	$	6,481
Certificates of deposit	(50,000		)	—			(50,000		)
Other investing activities	2,222			(1,508		)	3,730
Cash used for investing activities	$	(89,726	)	$	(49,937	)	$	(39,789	)

Net cash used for investing activities was $89.7 million in 2016, compared to $49.9 million in 2015. In 2016, the Company invested in certificates of deposit using cash. At December 31, 2016, the Company had $50.0 million in certificates of deposit with a greater than three month original term. The Company invested a total of $41.9 million in capital expenditures in 2016, compared to $48.4 million in 2015. Capital expenditures represent various equipment purchases and improvements to enhance production capabilities of Titan’s existing business and maintain existing equipment.

Financing Cash Flows

Summary of cash flows from financing activities:



(Amounts in thousands)	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			Change
Proceeds from borrowings	$	17,285		$	5,727		$	11,558
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	—			145			(145		)
Payment on debt	(22,634		)	(5,521		)	(17,113		)
Dividends paid	(1,081		)	(1,077		)	(4		)
Cash used for financing activities	$	(6,430	)	$	(726	)	$	(5,704	)

Net cash used for financing activities was $6.4 million in 2016. This cash was primarily used for payment on debt of $22.6 million partially offset by borrowings of $17.3 million.

Net cash used for financing activities was $0.7 million in 2015. This cash was primarily used for payment of quarterly dividends of $1.1 million. Payments of debt and debt borrowing for 2015 had little net impact on cash from financing activities.

Financing cash flows decreased by $5.7 million when comparing 2016 to 2015. The changes from year to year are primarily the result of activity related to debt borrowings and payments.

Debt Restrictions

The Company’s senior secured notes and revolving credit facility (credit facility) contain various restrictions, including:

•Limits on dividends and repurchases of the Company’s stock.


•	Restrictions on the ability of the Company to make additional borrowings, or to consolidate, merge, or otherwise fundamentally change the ownership of the Company.

•Limitations on investments, dispositions of assets, and guarantees of indebtedness.

•Other customary affirmative and negative covenants.

These restrictions could limit the Company’s ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments, to raise additional debt or equity capital, to pay dividends, or to take advantage of business opportunities, including future acquisitions or dispositions.

Other Issues

The Company’s business is subject to seasonal variations in sales that affect inventory levels and accounts receivable balances. Historically, Titan tends to have higher production levels in the first and second quarters.

LIQUIDITY OUTLOOK

At December 31, 2016, the Company had $147.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and $50.0 million invested in certificates of deposit with an original maturity of greater than three months and less than six months. At December 31, 2016, there were no outstanding borrowings on the Company's $150 million revolving credit facility. Titan’s availability under this domestic facility may be less than $150 million as a result of outstanding letters of credit and eligible accounts receivable and inventory balances at certain of its domestic subsidiaries. At December 31, 2016, an outstanding letter of credit totaled $11.6 million and the remaining amount available under the revolving credit facility was $33.1 million based upon eligible accounts receivable and inventory balances. The cash and cash equivalents balance of $147.8 million includes $61.1 million held in foreign countries. The Company's current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate the foreign amounts to fund U.S. operations. However, if foreign funds were needed for U.S. operations, the Company would be required to accrue taxes to repatriate the funds. Currently the Company anticipates that it would utilize net operating loss carry forwards to reduce any U.S. cash tax liability associated with such repatriation. Titan expects to contribute approximately $3 million to its defined benefit pension plans during 2017.

The Company's 5.625% convertible senior subordinated notes, of which $60.2 million were outstanding at December 31, 2016, were scheduled to mature on January 15, 2017. In January 2017, the Company converted 97.1% of the principal balance of these convertible notes into shares of Titan common stock. Prior to maturity, $60.2 million in aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes was outstanding, of which holders of $58.5 million in aggregate principal amount of such notes, or 97.1%, converted their notes into shares of Titan common stock pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the notes. The $58.5 million in principal amount of converted Notes were converted into 5,462,264 shares of Titan common stock, representing approximately 10% of Titan’s outstanding common stock prior to conversion. Each $1,000 principal amount of the convertible notes was convertible into 93.436 shares of Titan common stock. The remaining $1.7 million principal amount of the convertible notes not converted was paid in cash.

On February 17, 2017, the Company entered into a credit and security agreement with respect to a new $75 million revolving credit facility (credit facility) with agent BMO Harris Bank N.A. and other financial institutions party thereto. The new credit facility is collateralized by accounts receivable and inventory of certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and includes a maturity of the earlier of five years or six months prior to maturity of the Company’s 6.875% senior secured notes due in October 2020. This credit facility replaces the Company’s $150 million revolving credit facility which was previously scheduled to terminate in December 2017.

Capital expenditures for 2017 are forecasted to be approximately $35 million. Cash payments for interest are currently forecasted to be approximately $30 million in 2017 based on the Company's year-end 2016 debt balances and debt maturities. These capital expenditures are anticipated to be used primarily to enhance the Company’s existing facilities and manufacturing capabilities and drive productivity gains.

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

Subject to the terms of the agreements governing Titan's outstanding indebtedness, the Company may finance future acquisitions with cash on hand, cash from operations, additional indebtedness, issuing additional equity securities, and divestitures.

Cash on hand, anticipated internal cash flows from operations, and utilization of remaining available borrowings are expected to provide sufficient liquidity for working capital needs, debt maturities, capital expenditures, and potential acquisitions. Potential divestitures are also a means to provide for future liquidity needs.

INFLATION

The Company is subject to the effect of price fluctuations. While the cost outlook for commodities used in the Company’s production is not certain, management believes it can manage inflationary pressures reflected in the prices of the raw materials that the Company uses in its products by introducing appropriate sales price adjustments and through contract provisions with OEMs. However, these price adjustments may lag the inflationary pressures.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The Company’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2016, consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):



	Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
6.875% senior secured notes due 2020	$	400,000	$	—	$	—	$	400,000	$	—
5.625% convertible senior subordinated notes (a)	60,161		60,161		—		—		—
Other debt	50,172		37,264		12,520		388		—
Interest expense (b)	112,223		30,378		58,453		23,392		—
Operating leases	14,907		4,451		6,134		3,235		1,087
Capital leases	902		518		368		16		—
Purchase obligations	37,771		34,516		3,255		—		—
Other long-term liabilities (c)	35,800		3,400		16,500		15,900		—
Total	$	711,936	$	170,688	$	97,230	$	442,931	$	1,087


(a)	The 5.625% convertible senior subordinated notes were converted in January 2017. See Note 33 for additional information.


(b)	Interest expense is estimated based on the Company’s year-end 2016 debt balances, maturities, and interest rates. The estimates assume no credit facility borrowings. The Company’s actual debt balances and interest rates may fluctuate in the future; therefore, actual interest payments may vary from those payments detailed in the above table.

(c)

Other long-term liabilities represent the Company’s estimated funding requirements for defined benefit pension plans. The Company’s liability for pensions is based on a number of assumptions, including discount rates, rates of return on investments, mortality rates, and other factors. Certain of these assumptions are determined with the assistance of outside actuaries. Assumptions are based on past experience and anticipated future trends and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and may lead to significantly different pension liability funding requirements.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As of December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K).

MARKET RISK SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS

Exchange Rate Sensitivity

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the Australian dollar, Brazilian real, British pound, euro, Russian ruble and other world currencies. The Company uses financial derivatives to mitigate its exposure to volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s net investment in foreign entities translated into U.S. dollars was $344.6 million at December 31, 2016, and $291.4 million at December 31, 2015. The hypothetical potential loss in value of the Company’s net investment in foreign entities resulting from a 10% adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates at December 31, 2016, would have been approximately $34.5 million.

Commodity Price Sensitivity

The Company does not generally enter into long-term commodity pricing contracts and does not use derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposures to commodity market price fluctuations. Therefore, the Company is exposed to price fluctuations of its key commodities, which consist primarily of steel, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and carbon black. The Company attempts to pass on certain material price increases and decreases to its customers, depending on market conditions.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

The Company has a $150 million credit facility that has a variable interest rate. As of December 31, 2016, the amount available was $33.1 million based on current accounts receivable and inventory values at certain domestic facilities. If the credit facility were fully drawn to available funds, a change in the interest rate of 100 basis points, or 1%, would have changed the Company’s interest expense by approximately $0.3 million. At December 31, 2016, there were no borrowings under the credit facility.

MARKET CONDITIONS

In 2016 Titan experienced lower sales when compared to 2015. The lower sales levels were primarily the result of decreased demand for high horsepower equipment used in the agricultural market, which remains in a cyclical downturn, and lower demand for heavy equipment used in the earthmoving/construction market, which remains depressed due to low commodity prices. Unfavorable currency translation also contributed to the decline in sales.

Energy, raw material, and petroleum-based product costs have been volatile and may negatively impact the Company’s margins. Many of Titan’s overhead expenses are fixed; therefore, lower seasonal trends may cause negative fluctuations in quarterly profit margins and affect the financial condition of the Company.

AGRICULTURAL MARKET OUTLOOK

Agricultural market sales were lower in 2016 when compared to 2015 due to decreased demand for high horsepower equipment used in the agricultural market. Farm net income declined in 2016 for the third straight year due to lower grain prices. Farm net income is generally expected to be flat in 2017. Declining income levels have reduced demand for large farm equipment. More specifically, large equipment sales have deteriorated significantly since 2013 after a robust cycle in prior years. The mix shift to lower horsepower tractors has had a negative impact on revenue and margin performance. This trend is expected to bottom out sometime in 2017. Most major OEMs are forecasting 2017 agricultural equipment sales to be essentially flat with 2016 within most regions. North American used equipment levels remain relatively high with some decreases recently from peak levels. Excess used equipment inventory and values can also negatively impact the new equipment market. Many variables, including weather, grain prices, export markets, currency, and government policies and subsidies can greatly influence the overall health of the agricultural economy.

EARTHMOVING/CONSTRUCTION MARKET OUTLOOK

Earthmoving/construction market sales were lower in 2016 when compared to 2015 due to unfavorable currency translation and weak market conditions. Demand for larger products used in the mining industry is expected to improve slightly in 2017, with demand for our products in this market expected to improve nominally as compared to 2016. Demand for small and medium sized earthmoving/construction equipment used in the housing and commercial construction sectors is expected to be flat or up slightly. The earthmoving/construction segment is affected by many variables, including commodity prices, road construction, infrastructure, government appropriations, housing starts, and other macroeconomic drivers.

CONSUMER MARKET OUTLOOK

Consumer market sales were lower in 2016 when compared to 2015. Sales in the consumer market decreased primarily as the result of unfavorable currency translation, the Company's exit of several supply agreements, and price/mix from competitive pressures. The consumer market is expected to remain highly competitive in 2017. The consumer segment is affected by many variables including consumer spending, interest rates, government policies, and other macroeconomic drivers.

PENSIONS

The Company has three frozen defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees or former employees of three U.S. subsidiaries. The Company also has pension plans covering certain employees of several foreign subsidiaries. These plans are described in Note 23 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company’s recorded liability for pensions is based on a number of assumptions, including discount rates, rates of return on investments, mortality rates, and other factors. Certain of these assumptions are determined by the Company with the assistance of outside actuaries. Assumptions are based on past experience and anticipated future trends. These assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis and revised when appropriate. Revisions in assumptions and actual results that differ from the assumptions affect future expenses, cash funding requirements, and the carrying value of the related obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company contributed cash funds of $2.4 million to the pension plans. Titan expects to contribute approximately $3 million to these pension plans during 2017.

Titan’s projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2016, was $113.1 million, as compared to $115.6 million at December 31, 2015. The Company’s defined benefit pension plans were underfunded by $35.8 million at December 31, 2016. During 2016, the Company recorded net periodic pension expense of $2.9 million. Accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded for defined benefit pension plans, net of tax, was $25.7 million and $26.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded as a direct charge to stockholders’ equity and does not affect net income. Titan will be required to record net periodic pension cost in the future; these costs may fluctuate based upon revised assumptions and could negatively affect the Company’s financial position, cash flows, and results of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." This update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The core principle of this guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance also requires disclosure about the nature, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The amendments in this update were deferred by ASU No. 2015-14, "Revenue form Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) Deferral of Effective Date," and are now effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company is in the process of comparing its current revenue recognition policies to the requirements of ASU No. 2014-09. For the majority of Titan’s revenue arrangements, no significant impacts are expected as these transactions are not accounted for under industry-specific guidance that will be superseded by ASU No. 2014-09 and generally consist of a single performance obligation to transfer promised goods or services. While the Company has not identified any material differences in the amount and timing of revenue recognition related to ASU No. 2014-09, the evaluation is not complete and Titan has not concluded on the overall impacts of adopting ASU No. 2014-09. The guidance provides for adoption either retrospectively to each prior reporting period or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company plans to make a determination as to its method of adoption once it more fully completes its evaluation of the impacts of the standard on its revenue recognition and it is better able to evaluate the cost-benefit of each method. The Company believes it is following an appropriate timeline to allow for proper recognition, presentation, and disclosure upon adoption in the year beginning on January 1, 2018.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, "Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing." This ASU clarifies the following aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, "Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients." This ASU affects only narrow aspects of Topic 606 related to assessing the collectability criterion; presentation of sales tax; noncash consideration; and contract modifications and completed contracts at transition. The amendments in these updates affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09, and the effective dates are the same as those for ASU No. 2014-09.

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, "Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The amendments in this update affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU No. 2014-09, and the effective dates are the same as those for ASU No. 2014-09.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." This update provides that an entity should measure inventory within the scope of the update at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." This update addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." This update was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, "Simplifying the Transition to Equity Method of Accounting." This update eliminates the requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of the increase in the level of ownership. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This update involves several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets other than Inventory." This update requires the recognition of income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, "Clarifying the Definition of a Business." The amendments in this update provide a screen to determine when a set of assets and activities is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 7A – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

ITEM 8 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Reference is made to Item 15, Part IV of this report, “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.”


ITEM 9	– CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Titan management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the December 31, 2016. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2016, Titan's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by Titan in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported accurately and within the time frames specified in the SEC's rules and forms and accumulated and communicated to Titan management, including the Chief

Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

As previously disclosed under “Item 9A - Controls and Procedures” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company concluded that Titan’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2015, based on the material weakness identified. The material weakness was defined in Titan’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as follows:

“Titan has experienced significant business changes over the past three years, including rapid global growth from a U.S. based company to a large, multinational organization, operating in more than 16 countries, resulting in unique and discrete complex accounting matters. This growth has introduced a significant increase in the complexity of Titan’s accounting and reporting infrastructure for collecting and analyzing financial information. Additionally, Titan has been experiencing an economic and market downturn, adding to the complexity of assessing goodwill and fixed asset impairments, valuation of inventory and other complex accounting transactions from a global perspective. Titan’s current accounting and reporting infrastructure does not possess the proper resources, processes and systems to effectively address the complex accounting transactions, resulting from its recent international growth and economic/market decline.”

Management’s Remediation Activities

During 2016, management invested significant time and effort to remediate the material weakness. Specifically, the following remediation actions were taken and completed:


•	People - Titan enhanced its accounting and reporting infrastructure by augmenting the team with professionals who possess the commensurate accounting skill sets.


•	Processes - Titan strengthened its control environment and overall business processes to mitigate risk and provide reasonable assurance of materially accurate financial statement reporting, including increased levels of management review and updated financial policies.


•	Systems - Titan augmented its current system infrastructure to provide reasonable assurance that accurate, timely data is reported.

Other than the changes disclosed above, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15) that occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016, that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Titan management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies, procedures and activities that:


•	pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company;


•	provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and


•	provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Titan management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the "Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013)." Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.

The effectiveness of Titan's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report within this Form 10-K.

Inherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Because of its inherent limitations, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Due to the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur due to simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

ITEM 9B – OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10 – DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors

The information required by this item regarding the Company’s directors is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Directors Continuing in Office,” “Committees and Meetings of the Board of Directors” and “Corporate Governance.”

Executive Officers and Chairman

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

Maurice M. Taylor Jr., 72, was Chief Executive Officer and has been a Director of the Company since 1990, when Titan was acquired in a management-led buyout by investors, including Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor served as President of the Company from 1990 to 2005 and was appointed Chairman in 2005. In December of 2016, Mr. Taylor retired as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Taylor will continue as Chairman.

Paul G. Reitz, 44, joined the Company in July 2010 as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Reitz was appointed President in February 2014. In December 2016, Mr. Reitz was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer.

James M. Froisland, 66, joined the Company in December 2016 as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Froisland served as the Company's Interim Chief Financial Officer since May 2016. Prior to joining Titan, Mr. Froisland was an independent consultant, providing consulting and advisory services concerning strategy, capital structure, valuations, information technology, and served in Interim Chief Financial Officer roles from 2012 to 2016. He was Interim Chief Financial Officer of InfuSystem Holdings, Inc., a NYSE listed provider of infusion pumps and related services to hospitals, oncology practices, and other alternative site healthcare providers from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Froisland served as a director of Westell Technologies, Inc. from 2009 to 2014.

Michael G. Troyanovich, 59, joined the Company in August 2011 as Assistant General Counsel. Mr. Troyanovich was appointed Secretary in December 2012, and General Counsel in June 2013.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

The information required by this item regarding beneficial ownership reporting compliance is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Business Conduct Policy

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

ITEM 11 – EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement under the caption “Compensation of Executive Officers.”

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

Except for the information concerning equity compensation plans, the information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

The following table provides information about shares of Titan common stock authorized for issuance under Titan’s equity compensation plans, as of December 31, 2016:

Equity Compensation Plan Information



	(i) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights		(ii) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights	(iii) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (i))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	807,520	(a)	18.13	2,078,112
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	—		—	—
Total	807,520		18.13	2,078,112


(a)	Amount includes outstanding stock options under the Company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.

For additional information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans, please see Note 24 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 13 – CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement under the captions “Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” and also appears in Note 29 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 14 – PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s 2017 Proxy Statement under the caption “Audit and Other Fees.”

PART IV

ITEM 15 – EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES



(a) 1.	Financial Statements

	Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements	F- 1

	Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F- 2

	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014	F- 4

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014	F- 5

	Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015	F- 6

	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016	F- 7

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014	F- 8

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F- 9

2.	Financial Statement Schedule

	Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	S- 1

3.	Exhibits

The accompanying Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

SIGNATURES

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



	TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
	(Registrant)



Date:	March 14, 2017	By:	/s/ PAUL G. REITZ
			Paul G. Reitz
			President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 14, 2017.



Signatures	Capacity

/s/ PAUL G. REITZ	President and Chief Executive Officer
Paul G. Reitz	(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ JAMES M. FROISLAND	Chief Financial Officer
James M Froisland	(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ CHRIS BOHNERT	Chief Accounting Officer
Chris Bohnert	(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ MAURICE M. TAYLOR JR.	Chairman
Maurice M. Taylor Jr.

/s/ RICHARD M. CASHIN JR.	Director
Richard M. Cashin Jr.

/s/ GARY L. COWGER	Director
Gary L. Cowger

/s/ ALBERT J. FEBBO	Director
Albert J. Febbo

/s/ PETER MCNITT	Director
Peter McNitt

/s/ DR. MARK RACHESKY	Director
Dr. Mark Rachesky

/s/ ANTHONY L. SOAVE	Director
Anthony L. Soave

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Exhibit Index

Annual Report on Form 10-K



Exhibit No.	DESCRIPTION
3.1 (a)	Titan International, Inc. Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
3.2 (a)	Bylaws of the Company
4.1 (b)	Indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated December 21, 2009
4.2 (c)	Indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated October 7, 2013
10.1 (a)	First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 26, 2015 to the Indenture dated as of December 21, 2009 between Titan International, Inc., U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, relating to the 5.625% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017
10.2 (d)	2005 Equity Incentive Plan as Amended
10.3 (e)	Annual Incentive Compensation Plan
10.4 (f)	Paul G. Reitz Employment Agreement
10.5 (g)	Paul G. Reitz Employment Agreement Amendment
10.6 (h)	James M. Froisland Employment Agreement
10.7 (f)	Michael G. Troyanovich Employment Agreement
10.8 (e)	Trademark License Agreement with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company **
10.9 (i)	Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Company and Bank of America, N.A. dated as of December 21, 2012
10.10 (j)	Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2016, by and among the Company and MHR Institutional Partners III LP, MHR Capital Partners Master Account LP, MHR Capital Partners (100) LP, MHR Institutional Advisors III LLC, MHR Advisors LLC, MHRC LLC, MHR Fund Management LLC, MHR Holdings LLC and Mark H. Rachesky
10.11 (k)	Audit Committee Observer Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2016
10.12*	Credit and Security Agreement with agent BMO Harris Bank N. A., dated as of February 17, 2017
21*	Subsidiaries of the Registrant
31.1*	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32*	Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

* Filed herewith

** Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


(a)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2015 (No. 1-12936).


(b)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2009 (No. 1-12936).


(c)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 7, 2013. (No. 1-12936).


(d)	Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 28, 2011.


(e)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 (No. 1-12936).


(f)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2015 (No. 1-12936).


(g)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2016 (No. 1-12936).


(h)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2016 (No. 1-12936).


(i)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013 (No. 1-12936).


(j)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 29, 2016 (No. 1-12936).


(k)	Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2016 (No. 1-12936).

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

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

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

The independent registered public accounting firm audits the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016, have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.

F- 1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and

Shareholders of Titan International, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Titan International, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Titan International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted new accounting guidance in 2016, related to the presentation of debt issuance costs.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 14, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 14, 2017

F- 2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and

Shareholders of Titan International, Inc.

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Titan International, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (Management’s Report). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016, and our report dated March 14, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 14, 2017

F- 3

TITAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(All amounts in thousands, except per share data)



	Year ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2014
Net sales	$	1,265,497		$	1,394,771		$	1,895,527
Cost of sales	1,123,015			1,256,962			1,714,952
Mining asset impairment and inventory write-down	—			—			39,932
Gross profit	142,482			137,809			140,643
Selling, general and administrative expenses	144,988			140,393			173,614
Research and development expenses	9,971			11,162			14,005
Royalty expense	8,856			10,533			14,078
Non-cash goodwill impairment charge	—			—			36,571
Loss from operations	(21,333		)	(24,279		)	(97,625		)
Interest expense	(32,539		)	(34,032		)	(36,564		)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	8,550			(4,758		)	(31,713		)
Other income	12,466			11,063			13,658
Loss before income taxes	(32,856		)

TITAN INTERNATIONAL INC - FORM 10-K - March 14, 2017

Attached files