Item 1. Business
(a)
General Development of Business
General
As used in this report, except as otherwise indicated in information incorporated by reference, references to “our Company,” "we," "our," "us" or “AAM” mean American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (Holdings) and its subsidiaries and predecessors, collectively.
We are a premier Tier I supplier to the automotive industry and a worldwide leader in the manufacture, engineering, design and validation of driveline and drivetrain systems and related components and chassis modules for light trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), passenger cars and crossover vehicles. Driveline and drivetrain systems include components that transfer power from the transmission and deliver it to the drive wheels. Our driveline, drivetrain and related products include axles, chassis modules, driveshafts, power transfer units, transfer cases, chassis and steering components, driving heads, crankshafts, transmission parts and metal-formed products.
Holdings, a Delaware corporation, is a successor to American Axle & Manufacturing of Michigan, Inc., a Michigan
corporation, pursuant to a migratory merger between these entities in 1999.
(b)
Financial Information About Segments
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report to Stockholders (Annual Report), section entitled “Financials - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12 - Segment and Geographic Information.”
(c)
Narrative Description of Business
Company Overview
We are the principal supplier of driveline components to General Motors Corporation (GM) for its rear-wheel drive (RWD) light trucks and SUVs manufactured in North America, supplying substantially all of GM’s rear axle and front four-wheel drive/ all-wheel drive (4WD/AWD) axle requirements for these vehicle platforms. Sales to GM were approximately 76% of our next sales in 2006, 78% in 2005 and 80% in 2004.
We are the sole-source supplier to GM for certain axles and other driveline products for the life of each GM vehicle program covered by a Lifetime Program Contract (LPC). Substantially all of our sales to GM are made pursuant to the LPCs. The LPCs have terms equal to the lives of the relevant vehicle programs or their respective derivatives, which typically run 6 to 12 years, and require us to remain competitive with respect to technology, design and quality. We have been successful in competing, and we will continue to compete for future GM business upon the expiration of the LPCs.
We are also the principal supplier of driveline system products for the Chrysler Group’s heavy-duty Dodge Ram full-size pickup trucks (Dodge Ram program) and its derivatives. As part of this program, we supply a fully integrated computer-controlled chassis system for the Dodge Ram Power Wagon. Sales to DaimlerChrysler Corporation (DaimlerChrysler) were approximately 14% of our total net sales in 2006, 13% in 2005 and 11% in 2004.
In addition to GM and DaimlerChrysler, we supply driveline systems and other related components to PACCAR Inc., Ford Motor Company, SsangYong Motor Company, Harley-Davidson and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier I supplier companies such as Magna International, Inc. and The Timken Company. Our net sales to customers other than GM were $758.5 in 2006 as compared to $754.4 million in 2005 and $728.0 million in 2004. This marked the fifth consecutive year of growth in non-GM sales for AAM.
We compete in a $27 billion global served market that consists of driveline, drivetrain and related components and chassis modules for light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars and crossover vehicles.
The following chart sets forth the percentage of total revenues attributable to our products for the periods indicated:
Industry Trends and Competition
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Industry Trends and Competition.”
Productive Materials
We believe that we have adequate sources of supply of productive materials and components for our manufacturing needs. Most raw materials (such as steel) and semi-processed or finished items (such as castings) are available within the geographical regions of our operating facilities from qualified sources in quantities sufficient for our needs.
For further information regarding productive materials, see Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Industry Trends and Competition.”
Research and Development (R&D)
Since March 1, 1994, we have spent approximately $600 million in R&D focusing on new product and process development. We plan to continue to invest in the development of new product, process and systems technologies to improve efficiency and flexibility in our operations and continue to deliver innovative new products, chassis modules and integrated driveline systems to our customers.
In 2006, R&D spending in product, process and systems development increased 13.0% to $83.2 million as compared to $73.6 million in 2005 and $68.6 million in 2004. The focus of this increasing investment is to develop innovative driveline and drivetrain systems and components for passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs in the global marketplace. Product development in this area includes power transfer units, transfer cases, driveline and transmission differentials, multi-piece driveshafts, independent rear drive axles and independent front drive axles. We continue to focus on electronic integration in our existing products. We also continue to support the development of hybrid vehicle systems. Our efforts in these areas have resulted in the development of prototypes and various configurations of these driveline systems for several OEMs throughout the world.
Backlog
We typically enter into agreements with our customers to provide axles or other driveline or driveline products for the life of our customers’ vehicle programs. Our new and incremental business backlog includes formally awarded programs and incremental content and volume including customer requested engineering changes. Our backlog may be impacted by various assumptions such as production volume estimates, changes in program launch timing and fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates.
Our new and incremental business backlog was approximately $1.1 billion at December 31, 2006. We expect to launch over half of our new and incremental business backlog in the 2007, 2008 and 2009 calendar years. The balance of the backlog is planned to launch between 2010 and 2012.
Patents and Trademarks
We maintain and have pending various U.S. and foreign patents and trademarks and other rights to intellectual property relating to our business, which we believe are appropriate to protect our interest in existing products, new inventions, manufacturing processes and product developments. We do not believe that any single patent or trademark is material to our business nor would expiration or invalidity of any patent or trademark have a material adverse effect on our business or our ability to compete.
Cyclicality and Seasonality
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Cyclicality and Seasonality.”
Environmental Matters
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Legal Proceedings.”
Associates
As of December 31, 2006, we employed approximately 10,000 associates, approximately 7,000 of which are employed in the United States. Approximately 5,500 associates are represented by the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). Approximately 4,500 associates represented by the UAW at our master agreement facilities in Michigan and New York are subject to a collective bargaining agreement that expires February 25, 2008. An additional 1,000 associates at MSP and Colfor are also represented by the UAW under collective bargaining agreements that expire April 17, 2009 and June 2, 2010, respectively. Approximately 200 associates are represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM) under a collective bargaining agreement which runs through May 4, 2008. In addition, approximately 500 associates at Albion, approximately 2,100 associates at our Silao, Mexico facility (Guanajuato Gear & Axle and Guanajuato Forge) and approximately 400 associates at our Brazilian majority-owned subsidiary are represented by labor unions that are subject to collective bargaining agreements. The collective bargaining agreements at Albion, certain of which may be terminated upon six-month notice, expire in 2008 and the agreements in Mexico and Brazil expire annually.
Credit and Working Capital Practices
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
(d)
Financial Information About Geographic Areas
International operations are subject to certain additional risks inherent in conducting business outside the United States, such as changes in currency exchange rates, price and currency exchange controls, import restrictions, nationalization, expropriation and other governmental action.
For further financial information regarding foreign and domestic sales and export sales, see Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12 - Segment and Geographic Information.”
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following industry and market factors could have an adverse effect (which could be material) on our business, results of operations or financial condition in the future:
Our business is significantly dependent on sales to GM and DaimlerChrysler.
We are the principal supplier of driveline components to GM for its rear-wheel drive (RWD) light trucks and SUVs manufactured in North America, supplying substantially all of GM’s rear axle and front 4WD/AWD axle requirements for these vehicle platforms. We sell products to GM under LPCs, which have terms equal to the lives of the relevant vehicle programs or their respective derivatives of typically 6 to 12 years. The LPCs establish pricing for products sold to GM and require us to remain competitive with respect to technology, design and quality. Substantially all of our sales to GM are made pursuant to the LPCs. Sales to GM were approximately 76% of our total sales in 2006, 78% in 2005 and 80% in 2003. We will compete for future GM business upon the termination of the LPCs with GM. There can be no assurance that we will remain competitive with respect to technology, design and quality to GM’s reasonable satisfaction. Pricing negotiated with GM in future agreements may be more or less favorable than the LPCs and other currently applicable agreements. A significant reduction in our sales to GM or a significant reduction by GM of its production of RWD light trucks or SUVs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Disputes arising from any current or future agreements with GM could have a material adverse impact on our relations and our results of operations and financial condition.
We are also the principal supplier of driveline system products for the Chrysler Group’s heavy-duty Dodge Ram full-size pick up trucks (Dodge Ram program) and their derivatives. In total, sales to DaimlerChrysler accounted for approximately 14% of our sales in 2006, 13% in 2005 and 11% in 2004. A significant reduction in our sales to DaimlerChrysler or a significant reduction by DaimlerChrysler of its production of the Dodge Ram program could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business is dependent on the rear-wheel drive light truck and SUV market segments in North America.
A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from products supporting RWD light truck and SUV platforms in North America. Sales and production of light trucks and SUVs could be affected by many factors, including changes in consumer demand; product mix shifts favoring other types of light vehicles, such as front-wheel drive based crossover vehicles and passenger cars; fuel prices; and government regulation, such as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations (CAFE). A reduction in this market segment could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business could be adversely affected by work stoppages at GM or DaimlerChrysler.
A substantial number of employees of our largest two customers, GM and DaimlerChrysler, and their key suppliers are represented by trade unions, including the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). GM and DaimlerChrysler each have agreements with the UAW that expire in September 2007. Because sales to GM and DaimlerChrysler account for approximately 90% of our sales, work stoppages at GM, DaimlerChrysler or any of their key suppliers could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business could be adversely affected if we fail to maintain satisfactory labor relations.
Substantially all of our hourly associates worldwide are members of industrial trade unions employed under the terms of collective bargaining agreements. There can be no assurance that future negotiations with our labor unions will be resolved favorably or that we will not experience a work stoppage that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, there can be no assurance that such future negotiations will not result in labor cost increases or other terms and conditions that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition or our ability to compete for future business.
Our business could be adversely affected if we fail to improve our U.S. cost structure.
We may not be able to achieve the level of cost reductions required to sustain global cost competitiveness in our industry segment, particularly in the U.S. A significant portion of our U.S. operations have labor agreements that are not globally cost competitive. Substantially all of our hourly associates in the U.S. are represented by the UAW. Approximately 80% of our union represented associates are covered by a national collective bargaining agreement with the UAW that expires in February 2008. This agreement provides guaranteed wage and benefit levels throughout its term and ensures significant income and employment security for our UAW represented associates. This agreement limits our ability to close plants and divest businesses. This agreement may also limit our ability to change local work rules and practices to encourage flexible manufacturing and other efficiency-related improvements. Our ability to compete for future business may be adversely impacted by this agreement with the UAW and we may be unsuccessful in other cost reduction efforts related to material costs, health care, energy and other cost drivers.
We may incur additional special charges and asset impairment charges.
We incurred special charges and asset impairments totaling $377.9 million in 2006. We may incur additional special charges and asset impairments in the future as a result of our continued efforts to achieve cost reductions through restructuring actions. See Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Results of Operations” incorporated by reference herein.
Our business could be adversely affected by an increase in the price of raw materials.
Worldwide commodity market conditions have resulted in ongoing increases in the cost of steel and other metallic materials. Accordingly, the cost of such steel and metallic materials needed for our products may continue to increase. If we are unable to pass these cost increases on to our customers, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business could be adversely affected by disruptions in our supply chain.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for certain key components and materials needed for our products. We rely upon, and expect to continue to rely upon, certain suppliers for critical components and materials that are not readily available in sufficient volume from other sources. These supply chain characteristics make us susceptible to supply shortages, price increases or work stoppages at a supplier. There can be no assurance that the suppliers of these materials will be able or willing to meet our future needs on a timely basis. A significant disruption in the supply of these materials could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our company and our customers may not be able to successfully launch new product programs on a timely basis.
Certain of our customers are preparing to launch new product programs for which we will supply newly developed driveline system products and related components. Some of these new product program launches have required, and will continue to require, substantial capital investment by AAM. We may not be able to install and certify the equipment needed to produce products for these new product programs in time for the start of production. There can be no assurance that we will successfully complete the transition of our manufacturing facilities and resources to support these new product programs or any other future product programs. Accordingly, the launch of new product programs may adversely affect production rates or other operational efficiency and profitability measures at our facilities. In addition, our customers may not successfully execute the launch of these product programs, or any additional future product program for which we will supply products, on schedule.
Our company may not realize all of the revenue expected from our new and incremental business backlog.
The realization of incremental revenues from awarded business is inherently subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the accuracy of customer estimates relating to the number of vehicles to be produced in new and existing product programs and the timing of such production. It is also possible that our customers may choose to delay or cancel a product program for which we have been awarded new business. Our revenues, operating results, and financial position could be adversely affected relative to our current financial plans if we do not realize substantially all the revenue from our new and incremental business backlog.
We are under continuing pressure from our customers to reduce our prices.
Annual price reductions are a common practice in the automotive industry. The majority of our products are sold under long-term contracts with prices scheduled at the time the contracts are established. Certain of our contracts require us to reduce our prices in subsequent years and most of our contracts allow us to adjust prices for engineering changes. If we must accommodate a customer’s demand for higher annual price reductions and are unable to offset the impact of any such price reductions through continued technology improvements, cost reductions and other productivity initiatives, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected .
Our business faces substantial competition.
The automotive industry is highly competitive. Our competitors include the driveline component manufacturing facilities of certain existing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as many other domestic and foreign companies possessing the capability to produce some or all of the products we supply. Some of our competitors are affiliated with OEMs and others have economic advantages as compared to our business, such as lower labor and benefit costs. Technology, design, quality, delivery and cost are the primary elements of competition in our industry segment. As a result of these competitive pressures and other industry trends, OEMs and suppliers are developing strategies to reduce cost. These strategies include supply base consolidation and global sourcing. Our business may be adversely affected by increased competition from suppliers benefiting from OEM affiliate relationships or financial and other resources that we do not have, including governmental assistance. Our business may also be adversely affected if we do not sustain our ability to meet customer requirements relative to technology, design, quality, delivery and cost.
Our company’s global operations are subject to political and other economic risks and uncertainties.
International operations are subject to certain risks inherent in conducting business outside the U.S., such as changes in currency exchange rates, tax laws, price and currency exchange controls, import restrictions, nationalization, expropriation and other governmental action.
In addition, the U.S. economy may also be adversely affected by political events and domestic or international terrorist events and hostilities. These uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the continuity of our business and our results of operations and financial condition. As we continue to expand our business globally, our success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks.
Our business could be adversely affected by the cyclical nature of the automotive industry.
Our operations are cyclical because they are directly related to worldwide automotive production, which is itself cyclical and dependent on general economic conditions and other factors, such as interest rates, fuel prices and consumer confidence. Our business may be adversely affected by an economic decline that results in a reduction of automotive production and sales by our largest customers. Our business may also be adversely affected by reduced demand for the product programs we currently support, or if we fail to obtain sales orders for new or redesigned products that replace our current product programs.
Our company faces rising costs for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations.
We have significant pension and other postretirement benefit obligations to our employees and retirees. Our ability to satisfy these funding requirements will depend on our cash flow from operations and our ability to access credit and the capital markets. The funding requirement of these benefit plans, and the related expense reflected in our financial statements, is affected by several factors that are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty, including governmental regulation. Key assumptions used to value these benefit obligations, funding requirements and expense recognition include the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on pension assets and the health care cost trend rate. If the actual trends in these factors are less favorable than our assumptions, it could have an adverse affect on our results of operations and financial condition.
We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability and warranty claims and litigation.
We are exposed to warranty and product liability claims in the event that our products fail to perform as expected, and we may be required to participate in a recall of such products. Our largest customer, GM, has recently extended their warranty protection for new and used vehicles to 5 years or 100,000 miles. Other OEMs have also similarly extended their warranty programs. This trend will put additional pressure on the supply base to improve quality systems. This trend may also result in higher cost recovery claims by OEMs to suppliers whose products incur a higher rate of warranty claims. Historically, we have experienced negligible warranty-related expenditures due to contractual agreements with our customers and ongoing improvements in the quality, reliability and durability of our products. If our customers demand higher warranty-related cost recoveries, or if our products fail to perform as expected, it could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
We are also involved in various legal proceedings incidental to our business. Although we believe that none of these matters is likely to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any such legal proceeding or any future legal proceedings.
Our business is subject to costs associated with environmental, health and safety regulations.
Our operations are subject to various 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. We believe that our operations and facilities have been and are being operated in compliance, in all material respects, with such laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations. The operation of automotive parts manufacturing facilities entails risks in these areas, however, and there can be no assurance that we will not incur material costs or liabilities. In addition, potentially significant expenditures could be required in order to comply with evolving environmental, health and safety laws, regulations or other pertinent requirements that may be adopted or imposed in the future.
Our company’s ability to operate effectively could be impaired if we lose key personnel.
Our success depends, in part, on the efforts of our executive officers and other key associates. In addition, our future success will depend on, among other factors, our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel. The loss of the services of our executive officers or other key associates, or the failure to attract or retain associates, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business may be adversely affected by a violation of financial covenants
Our Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants which require us to comply with a leverage ratio and to maintain a minimum level of net worth. A violation of either of these covenants could result in a default under this facility, which would permit the lenders to accelerate the repayment of any borrowings outstanding at that time. A default or acceleration under the Revolving Credit Facility may result in defaults under our other debt agreements and may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The following is a summary of our principal facilities:
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Legal Proceedings.”
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Richard E. Dauch, age 64, is Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of AAM, and is also Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. He has been Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors since the Company began operations in March 1994. In October 1997, he was named Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was also President of AAM from March 1994 through December 2000. Prior to March 1994, he spent 12 years at Chrysler Corporation where he established the just-in-time materials management system and the three-shift manufacturing vehicle assembly process. He is a retired officer from the Chrysler Corporation. Mr. Dauch’s last position at Chrysler, in 1991 was Executive Vice President of Worldwide Manufacturing. Mr. Dauch also served as Group Vice President of Volkswagen of America, where he established the manufacturing facilities and organization for the successful launch of the first major automotive transplant in the United States. Mr. Dauch has more than years of experience in the automotive industry. Mr. Dauch has been named the 1996 Worldwide Automotive Industry Leader of the Year by the Automotive Hall of Fame, the 1997 Manufacturer of the Year by the Michigan Manufacturer’s Association, and the 1999 Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News. Mr. Dauch also served as Chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers (N.A.M.). He has lectured extensively on the subject of manufacturing and authored the book, Passion for Manufacturing, which is distributed in colleges and universities globally and in several languages. Mr. Dauch is the father of David C. Dauch and Richard F. Dauch.
Yogendra (Yogen) N. Rahangdale, age 59, has been President & Chief Operating Officer since October 2005. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President - Operations & Planning (since May 2004); Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer (since September 2003); Group Vice President & Chief Technology Officer (since January 2001); Vice President, Manufacturing and Procurement Services (since March 2000); Vice President, Manufacturing Services (since April 1999); Executive Director, Manufacturing Services (since March 1998) and Director, Corporate Manufacturing Planning (since joining our Company in August 1995). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Rahangdale spent 12 years with Chrysler Corporation in a variety of positions including Manager, Paint & Energy Management.
David C. Dauch, age 42, has been Executive Vice President - Commercial & Strategic Development since January 2005. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Commercial (since May 2004); Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Driveline Division (since September 2003); Vice President, Manufacturing - Driveline Division (since January 2001); Vice President, Sales and Marketing (since 1998) and Director of Sales, GM Full-Size Truck Programs (since May 1996). Mr. Dauch joined our Company in July 1995 as Manager, Sales Administration. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Dauch held various positions at Collins & Aikman Products Company, including Sales Manager. Mr. Dauch is a member of the Board of Directors of Collins & Aikman. David C. Dauch is a son of Richard E. Dauch.
Richard F. Dauch, age 46, has been Executive Vice President - Worldwide Manufacturing since October 2005. Prior to that, he served as President - Metal Formed Products Division (since January 2005); Vice President, Metal Formed Products Division (since May 2004); Vice President, Investor Relations (since September 2003); Vice President, Financial Planning (since September 2002); Vice President, Sales and Marketing (since January 2002); Vice President, Sales (since January 2001); Vice President, Manufacturing - Driveline Division (since July 1999); Vice President, Manufacturing (since August 1998); Director, Strategic and Capacity Planning (since February 1998) and Plant Manager, Detroit Gear & Axle Plant (since May 1996). Mr. Dauch joined our Company in May 1995 as Corporate Manager, Labor Relations, and served in that position until May 1996. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Dauch served as a Senior Business Manager and Business Unit Manager with United Technologies Corporation from July 1992. Prior to his automotive career, Mr. Dauch served in the U.S. Army for eleven years, with assignments including Platoon Leader and Company Commander. Richard F. Dauch is a son of Richard E. Dauch.
John J. Bellanti, age 52, has been Vice President - Manufacturing Services, Capital Planning & Cost Estimating since July 2006. Prior to that, he served as Vice President - Engineering & Chief Technology Officer (since May 2004); Vice President, Engineering & Product Development (since September 2003); Executive Director, Manufacturing Services (since March 2000); Director, Manufacturing Engineering (since June 1998); Director Advanced Programs (since May 1996) and Plant Manager, Detroit Forge Plant (since joining our Company in March 1994). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Bellanti, worked 22 years at General Motors in various manufacturing and engineering positions, most recently serving as Production Manager. Mr. Bellanti was on the Board of Directors for the North American Forging Industry Association from 1999 through 2003, serving as President of that Association in 2002.
Marion A. Cumo, Sr., age 64, has been Vice President - Special Projects since October 2005. Prior to that, he served as Vice President - Driveline Division (since May 2004); Vice President, Program Management & Launch (since September 2002); Vice President, Materials Management and Logistics (since May 1996) and Vice President, Quality Assurance and Customer Satisfaction (since joining our Company in March 1994). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Cumo spent 11 years working as a manufacturing executive at Chrysler Corporation. His most recent title at Chrysler was General Plants Manager of Assembly Operations. After leaving Chrysler, Mr. Cumo became president of Tri-County Chrysler Products in Peebles/West Union, Ohio, and also worked as an automotive manufacturing consultant. Mr. Cumo began his career at General Motors and has over 39 years experience in the global automotive industry including positions with General Motors, Volkswagen of America and Chrysler Corporation.
Thomas O. Delanoy, age 55, has been Vice President - Materials Management & Logistics since October 2004. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director Production Control and Materials Management (since September 2002); Director, Materials Management (since March 2000); Director of Business Integration (since December 1998); Plant Manager, Detroit Forge Plant (since May 1996); Plant Manager, Detroit Gear & Axle Plant (since August 1994) and Production Manager (since joining our Company in March 1994). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Delanoy served at Chrysler Corporation in a variety of executive manufacturing positions.
Michael C. Flynn, age 49, has been Vice President - Procurement since November 2005. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director, Sales (since June 2004); Director, Sales (since August 2002); Manager, Manufacturing (since June 2001); Director, Direct Material Purchasing (since February 1998); Manager, Released Programs (since July 1997); and Platform Manager (since July 1996) and Purchasing Agent (since joining our Company in March 1994). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Flynn served at General Motors for 11 years in a variety of manufacturing, purchasing and engineering positions.
John E. Jerge, age 45, has been Vice President - Human Resources since September 2004. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director, Labor Relations (since April 2004); Director, Labor Relations (since January 2003); Plant Manager, Detroit Gear & Axle Plant (since March 2000); Plant Manager, Buffalo Gear Axle & Linkage (since November 1997); Manufacturing Manager, Buffalo Gear Axle & Linkage (since March 1996); Area manager of Axles and Area Manager of Linkage (since joining our Company in March 1994). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Jerge began his automotive career at Chrysler Corporation in 1984 where he progressed through a variety of manufacturing, engineering and plant management positions.
Patrick S. Lancaster, age 59, has been Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & Secretary since September 2003. Prior to that, he served as Group Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & Secretary (since January 2001); Vice President & Secretary (since March 2000); Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary (since November 1997) and General Counsel & Secretary (since June 1994). Mr. Lancaster is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
Allan R. Monich, age 53, has been Vice President - Quality Assurance & Customer Satisfaction since July 2006. Prior to that, he served as Vice President - Program Management & Capital Planning (since October 2005); Vice President - Program Management & Launch (since May 2004); Vice President, Manufacturing Forging Division (since October 2001); Vice President, Human Resources (since 1998); Vice President, Personnel (since November 1997) and Plant Manager for the Buffalo Gear & Axle Plant in Buffalo, NY since the formation of our Company in March 1994. Prior to joining our Company in March 1994, he worked for General Motors for 22 years in the areas of manufacturing, quality assurance, sales and engineering, including four years as a Plant Manager.
Steven J. Proctor, age 50, has been Vice President - Sales & Marketing since June 2004. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director, Driveline Sales & Marketing (since September 2003); President and Chief Operating Officer of AAM do Brasil (since September 1999); Director, GMT-360, I-10/GMT-355 (since December 1998); Director, Worldwide Programs (since February 1998); Director, Strategic Planning (since July 1996) and Director, General Motors Programs (since joining our Company in March 1994). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Proctor worked for General Motors for 20 years in the areas of product and industrial engineering, production, material management and sales.
Alberto L. Satine, age 50, has been Vice President - Strategic & Business Development since November 2005. Prior to that, he served as Vice President - Procurement (since January 2005); Executive Director, Global Procurement Direct Materials (since January 2004); General Manager, Latin American Driveline Sales and Operations (since August 2003) and General Manager of International Operations (since joining our Company in May 2001). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Satine held several management positions at Dana Corporation, including the position of President of Dana’s Andean Operations in South America from 1997 to 2000 and General Manager of the Spicer Transmission Division in Toledo, Ohio from 1994 to 1997.
Abdallah F. Shanti, age 46, has been Vice President - Information Technology, Electronic Product Integration & Chief Information Officer since January 2005. Prior to that, he served as Vice President, Procurement, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer (since September 2002) and Executive Director, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer (since joining our Company in December 1999). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Shanti served as Vice President, Global Information Technology at LucasVarity PLC. Mr. Shanti began his career with GM/Electronic Data Systems Corporation in 1984 where he served in a variety of information technology leadership roles providing services for automotive and manufacturing corporations. Mr. Shanti has over 22 years of experience in the global automotive industry including positions with General Motors, where he most recently served as General Director, Systems Engineering; LucasVarity PLC; Perot Systems Corporation and GM/Electronic Data Systems Corporation.
Michael K. Simonte, age 43, has been Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since January 2006. Simonte previously served as Vice President & Treasurer (since May 2004); and Treasurer (since September 2002). Simonte joined AAM in December 1998 as Director, Corporate Finance. In that role, he coordinated all of the financial accounting, planning and reporting activities of the company until he was appointed as Treasurer in September 2002. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Simonte served as Senior Manager at the Detroit office of Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Simonte is a certified public accountant.
John S. Sofia, age 47, has been Vice President - Engineering & Product Development since July 2006. Prior to that, he served as Vice President - Quality Assurance & Customer Satisfaction (since October 2004); Director, Advanced Quality Planning (since August 2002); Plant Manager, Detroit Forge (since April 2001); Director, Product Engineering (since June 2000); Manager of the Current Production & Process Engineering Group (since September 1997) and Engineering Manager, (since joining our Company in May 1994). Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Sofia served at Chrysler Corporation in a variety of manufacturing and engineering positions.
Patrick J. Spohn, age 47, has been Vice President & Controller since January 2006. Prior to that, he served as Corporate Controller (since August 1999); Finance Manager, Detroit Gear & Axle Plant (since November 1997) and Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis (since January 1997). Mr. Spohn has over 25 years of experience in the global automotive industry including 11 years at ITT Automotive where he most recently served as Division Controller, Switches and Controller of Precision Die Castings.
Part II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AXL.”
Dividends
In April 2004, we declared our first quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share. On an annualized basis, the dividend payout equates to $0.60 per share. We paid $31.0 million, $30.4 million and $23.0 million to stockholders of record under the quarterly cash dividend program during 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The information regarding our equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference from Item 12 of this Form 10-K “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Five Year Financial Summary.”
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Management’s Discussion and Analysis.”
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, section entitled “Financials - Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Market Risk.”
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, Annual Report, sections entitled “Financials - Consolidated Financial Statements” and “Financials - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and concluded that (1) our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) were effective as of December 31, 2006, and (2) no change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are incorporated by reference from Item 8 of this Form 10-K “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None
Part III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by Item 401(b), (d) (e) and (f) of Regulation S-K about our executive officers is furnished in Part I of this Form 10-K, Annual Report under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.” All other information required by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference from our Proxy Statement which we expect to file on or about March 22, 2007.
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer and the senior financial executives who report directly to our Chief Financial Officer. This code of ethics is contained within our code of business conduct which is available on our website at www.aam.com. We will post any amendment to or waiver from the provisions of the Code of Business Conduct that applies to executive officers or directors of the Company.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table summarizes information as of December 31, 2006 relating to our equity compensation plans pursuant to which grants of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other rights to acquire shares of our common stock may be made from time to time.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The information required by Item 12 under Item 403 of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by Item 13 under Items 404 and 407(a) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement.
Part IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
1.
All Financial Statements
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The above financial statements are filed as Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K.
2.
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, on our consolidated financial statement schedule (Schedule II) for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are filed as part of this form 10-K.
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required.
3.
Exhibits
The following exhibits were previously filed unless otherwise indicated:
++ Confidentiality Requests Approved by the SEC
‡ Reflects Management or Compensatory Contract
* Filed herewith
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 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.
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: February 20,
By: /s/ Michael K. Simonte_________
Name: Michael K. Simonte
Title: Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer
(Chief Accounting 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 on the dates indicated.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.:
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, and have issued our reports thereon dated February 15, 2007 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.123 R - Share Based Payments on January 1, 2006 and the adoption of the balance sheet provisions of SFAS No. 158 - Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans on December 31, 2006); such consolidated financial statements and reports are included in your 2006 Annual Report to Stockholders and are incorporated herein by reference. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company listed in Item 15. This consolidated financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated 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.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 15, 2007