Never at a loss for words Titan International Inc. Chairman and CEO Maurice Taylor recently released what he called a "guidance" message that recaps his company's financial performance in 2012 and forecasts the outlook for 2013.
Here is his release in its entirety.
"2012 was again record revenue, net income, gross margins, operation margins, just everything. The only negative is we could have done better, and I’m the one who didn’t keep a better eye on the changes taking place in Bryan (Ohio).
"2013 is a totally different story and a new chapter. Farm will be good in North America and our capacity expansion should increase Titan’s overall market percentage. South America’s farm sales should grow more than 10%, and again, with our capacity expanding, we should increase our market share.
"We believe Europe will be down and that is the one negative spot worldwide. Russia should be a big growth area over the next five years and is a great opportunity.
"The construction market will likely continue to be in a sorry state except in Russia and Brazil, which should turn advantageous for Titan.
"The earthmoving business still has life and is going to be good for Titan as long as we take care of production. The other large event will be the growth of the Titan Mining Service business with new locations in Chile, Peru, South Africa, Australia and Eastern Canada. We are very excited about building this business.
"Titan will also announce some new acquisitions either before the end of the year or shortly after. It is our goal to reach a run rate of $4 billion to $4.5 billion before 2015. If you look at the last few years, you can see this is a very doable goal: 2010 revenue was $866 million; 2011 revenue was $1.487 billion; and 2012 revenue is going to be approximately $1.8 to $1.9 billion.
"Now the goals I’ve set for 2013 for Titan management group is the following:
* Revenue, $2.4 to $2.7 billion;
* EBITDA $340 to $400 million;
* Cap Ex $72 million;
* R&D $11 million.
"This is the first time I’ve shown R&D. The reason is at Titan’s dealer meeting in November, everyone was shocked how many new tires and wheels we have coming to market and I was asked if we would announce these items ahead of time and I agreed. It is my goal not only to get to $4.5 billion before 2015, but bring new tire and wheel designs to the farming, construction and mining industries that make the equipment perform better.
"On an 'I told you so' moment, last year I said farm income would set a record this year. It has. I said Deere would set records. They did! I also said construction would be soft. It is.
So, what is in store for 2013? Farm income will be equal to last year. Deere will beat 2012. Why? Deere’s chairman is putting in his new team. The wind is at his back and he is a real competitor. Plus his golf handicap is lower than mine, and no CEO from Deere in the last 40 years has had a lower handicap than me.
"I will answer questions about my goals on a conference call scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, at 4:30 ET. To participate in the call, dial (800) 230-1766 -- international callers dial (612) 234-9959 -- five minutes prior to the scheduled time. A replay will also be available until Dec. 13. To access, dial (800) 475-6701, International callers dial (320) 365-3844, and enter code 273748.
"Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and have a very safe, healthy and happy New Year." -- Morry Taylor
