16th March 2009 - Dana Announces 2008 Results

Dana Holding Corporation today announced its full-year and fourth-quarter 2008 results.

Sales for the full-year 2008 were $8,095 million, down $626 million from $8,721 million in 2007. This decrease was driven primarily by sharply declining vehicle production levels in North America.

Including a one-time gain of $754 million related to emergence from Chapter 11 reorganization, net income was $18 million, compared with a net loss of $551 million for 2007. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring (EBITDA) for the full year were $301 million, compared with $450 million in 2007. The decline was due to significantly lower vehicle production, which was partially offset by margin improvements and cost reductions.

At year end, Dana had cash balances of $777 million and total liquidity of $866 million. Net debt was $474 million.

"We continue to respond to difficult market conditions through aggressive cost-reduction and efficiency actions, comprehensive operational restructuring, and being responsive to our customers," said Chairman and CEO John Devine. "These are unprecedented times that make any projections uncertain. We belive we are taking the difficult actions necessary to survive in the current environment and compete over the long term. There can be no assurances, however, if the global economy deteriorates substantially beyond our planning assumptions."

Three-Month Results

Sales for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $1,521 million, down $636 million, or 29 percent, from the prior year. Sales were impacted by both sharply declining North American vehicle production and unfavorable currency changes.

Fourth-quarter EBITDA was a negative $3 million, compared to $112 million for the same period in 2007. The impact of lower vehicle production drove the reduction in earnings. This decline was partially offset by higher pricing and cost savings from operational improvements.

Free cash flow was a negative $50 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $83 million for the prior-year period, primarily due to lower earnings for the quarter. Working capital was a source of $177 million of cash during the quarter, primarily due to lower production volumes. The cash balance at year end also reflects the repayment of $150 million of outstanding principal under the term loan facility to support an amendment to the company's credit agreement.

Devine added, "We expect 2009 to be even more challenging than 2008, but we believe Dana is prepared with plans to continue re-sizing our operations, improve operational performance and margins, and maintain adequate liquidity and earnings."

About Dana Holding Corporation

Dana is a world leader in the supply of axles; driveshafts; and structural, sealing, and thermal-management products; as well as genuine service parts. The company's customer base includes virtually every major vehicle manufacturer in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets. Based in Toledo, Ohio, the company employs approximately 29,000 people in 26 countries and reported 2008 sales of $8.1 billion.

Source: Dana Press Release