Thursday, April 05, 2007

Group 1 Automotive Acquires New California Platform; On Track for 2004 Acquisition Target

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:GPI), a Fortune 500 specialty retailer, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Peterson Automotive Group, which consists of two dealerships in the Sacramento area and another two in San Diego with total annual revenues of approximately $320 million.

"This acquisition gives Group 1 outstanding operations in three of the most desirable markets in California, including our existing Los Angeles platform, the Miller Automotive Group," said B.B. Hollingsworth Jr., Group 1's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We are pleased that Chuck Peterson has agreed to join Group 1 as president of our new platform. He is highly respected in the industry, and his 35 years of automotive experience will bring valuable insight to our company."

The Sacramento-area dealerships, located in Folsom, are comprised of Toyota/Scion and Kia franchises. The San Diego dealerships consist of Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Kia, Subaru, Hyundai and Isuzu franchises, for a total of nine franchises under the platform.

Group 1 also announced that it recently acquired Pontiac and GMC franchises to augment the Maxwell Automotive Group platform in Central Texas. The franchises will operate from a newly developed dealership in Austin, Texas, and are expected to generate approximately $55 million in annualized revenues. "This is a natural addition to one of our outstanding platforms and gives the Maxwell Group 11 franchises," stated Hollingsworth.

Total consideration paid for completing both transactions was approximately $51.1 million in cash, net of cash received, and 306,321 shares of Group 1 common stock.

Acquisition Update

The company continues to seek strategic acquisition candidates to expand its geographic and brand diversity with a target of acquiring franchises with $1 billion of expected aggregate annual revenues in 2004. Year to date, Group 1 has added 16 franchises with annual revenues of approximately $690 million. The aggregate consideration paid in completing these acquisitions was approximately $94.5 million in cash, net of cash received, and 360,693 shares of Group 1 common stock.

"We have acquired more than two-thirds of this year's $1 billion target while maintaining our disciplined approach to acquisitions and focus on returns," stated Hollingsworth.

About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Group 1 currently owns 88 automotive dealerships comprised of 134 franchises, 30 brands, and 31 collision service centers located in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Through its dealerships and Internet sites, the company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts; provides maintenance and repair services; and sells replacement parts.


Eaton Reports Third Quarter Net Income Per Share up 58 Percent to $1.09 on Record Quarterly Revenue

CLEVELAND -- Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) today announced net income per share of $1.09 for the third quarter of 2004, an increase of 58 percent over net income per share of $.69 in the third quarter of 2003. Sales in the quarter were a record $2.54 billion, 26 percent above the same period in 2003. Net income was $170 million compared to $107 million in 2003, an increase of 59 percent.

Net income in both periods included charges for restructuring activities related to the integration of acquisitions. Before these restructuring charges, operating earnings per share in the third quarter of 2004 were $1.13 versus $.72 per share in 2003, an increase of 57 percent, and operating earnings for the third quarter of 2004 were $177 million compared to $112 million in 2003, an increase of 58 percent.

Alexander M. Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer, said, "We are very pleased with our third quarter. Sales growth of 26 percent in the quarter consisted of 13 percent from organic growth, 11 percent from acquisitions, and 2 percent from exchange rates. Our organic growth was comprised of 9 percent in our end markets and 4 percent from outgrowing our end markets.We continue to expect our markets to grow between 7 and 8 percent for full year 2004," said Cutler. "Mobile hydraulics and truck markets have continued their strong performance, while electrical markets have posted modest growth and automotive markets are likely to post a small decline for the year.

"We are pleased with our third quarter margins, which were strong despite the normal seasonal weakness in our automotive business, higher metals costs, and the addition of the Powerware business, whose margins are currently lower than the rest of our electrical business," said Cutler.

"We anticipate that net income per share for 2004 will be between $3.95 and $4.05, and accordingly we anticipate that net income per share for the fourth quarter of 2004 will be between $.98 and $1.08. Operating earnings per share, which exclude restructuring charges to integrate our recent acquisitions, are anticipated for 2004 to be between $4.10 and $4.20, with operating earnings per share for the fourth quarter of between $1.03 and $1.13."

Business Segment Results

Third quarter sales of the Fluid Power segment were $759 million, 11 percent above the third quarter of 2003. Fluid Power markets grew 9 percent compared to the same period in 2003, with global hydraulics shipments up an estimated 16 percent, commercial aerospace markets up 7 percent, defense aerospace markets up 2 percent, and European automotive production up 1 percent. Operating profits in the third quarter were $81 million. Operating profits before restructuring charges were $84 million, up 25 percent compared to a year earlier.

"The strong growth in the mobile and industrial hydraulics markets seen in the first half continued into the third quarter," said Cutler. "We anticipate that the growth in mobile and industrial hydraulics is likely to continue well into 2005, although the rate of growth is likely to moderate from the levels seen in 2004. The commercial aerospace market showed the strongest quarterly growth since 2001, driven by strong growth in passenger air miles flown plus higher new plane deliveries. We now anticipate stronger commercial aerospace growth in 2005 than we had foreseen earlier this year.

"We closed the acquisition of the Walterscheid European connector business of GKN plc in early September," said Cutler. "This acquisition expands our product range and sales channels in Europe while also strengthening our position as a systems provider."


Superior Industries Reports Third Quarter Results; Net Income Was $0.20 Per Share

VAN NUYS, Calif. -- Superior Industries International, Inc. (NYSE:SUP) today announced operating results for the third quarter of 2004 and first nine months of 2004 in line with the company's revised estimates.

Third Quarter Results

For the three months ended September 30, 2004, revenue increased 6.4% to $199,328,000 from $187,365,000 for the third quarter of 2003. Unit wheel shipments declined 4.7%. Net income was $5,475,000, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to $10,726,000, or $0.40 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Third quarter results included an operating loss from Superior's aluminum suspension components business of $2,548,000 compared to $2,153,000 for the same period last year.

The company's share of profits from its joint venture aluminum wheel manufacturing operation in Hungary was $1.7 million for this year's third quarter compared to $1.9 million a year ago.
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At September 30, 2004, working capital was $299,100,000, including cash and cash equivalents of $140,600,000.

Nine Month Results

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, revenue increased 9.4% to $667,254,000 from $609,644,000 for the first nine months of 2003. Unit wheel shipments increased 3.2%. Net income was $32,726,000, or $1.22 per diluted share. This compares to net income of $50,669,000, or $1.88 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2003.

Operations Review

"As we previously announced, Superior's third quarter results reflected production cuts announced by certain OEM customers following weak summer sales of cars and light trucks, as well as operating difficulties that delayed the ramp-up of production in certain of our factories following this year's extended seasonal shutdowns. However, global competitive pricing pressure is the most significant factor that has constricted Superior's earnings to levels below our historical norms," said President and Chief Operating Officer Steven Borick.

"In the short run, we are focused on managing our pricing mix. We have adjusted prices on some of our products, particularly our high volume core programs, to protect market share. In other cases, we have turned down business that does not offer a fair economic return. We are also investing in automation, training, and new manufacturing facilities that will reduce our wheel making costs in the longer term. We have recently broken ground on a third plant in Mexico.

"One thing remains constant and certain: Superior will continue to ship the highest quality, safest aluminum wheels and components at the most competitive prices. With our strong balance sheet and stellar reputation, we have the resources, the know-how, and the commitment to adjust to this new pricing environment and emerge stronger and more profitable in the future," Borick said.

Conference Call

Superior will host a conference call beginning at 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET) today that will be broadcast on the company's website, www.supind.com. Investors, analysts, stockholders, news media, and the general public are invited to listen to the webcast. The webcast replay will be available at this same internet address shortly after the conclusion of the conference call.

In addition to reviewing the company's third quarter and first nine month results, during the conference call the company also plans to discuss the outlook for the fourth quarter of 2004, as well as other financial and operating matters. Additionally, the answers to questions posed to management during the call might disclose additional material information.

About Superior Industries

Superior supplies aluminum wheels and other aluminum automotive components to Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Audi, BMW, Isuzu, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, MG Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen. For additional information, visit www.supind.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors and risks discussed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Group 1 Automotive Revises 2004 Outlook; Reaches Acquisition Revenue Target of $1 Billion; Acquisitions Partially Offset Operating Weakness

HOUSTON -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:GPI), a Fortune 500 specialty retailer, today revised its outlook for 2004 and announced that it recently completed the acquisition of three dealerships in Houston and Beverly Hills, Calif., with total annual revenues of approximately $315 million.

The company expects full-year earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.95 to $3.15, or about 8 percent below the previous range of $3.20 to $3.40 provided by the company in April. This revised outlook excludes the $0.17 per diluted share charge from the March 2004 notes redemption but includes the accretive impact of all completed acquisitions, including those noted above. It also includes the results of what the company expects to be a relatively weak second quarter, as described below, as well as slightly improved performance for the balance of the year versus the first half.

The company expects to report earnings per diluted share of $0.65 to $0.69 for the second quarter ended June 30, 2004. These results include a charge of approximately $0.08 per diluted share related to a recent hailstorm that damaged or destroyed more than 1,000 vehicles, or about 95 percent of the inventory, at the company's Gene Messer dealerships in Amarillo, Texas. The charge reflects not only the company's required deductibles, but also the amount of financial risk retained by the company on its property and casualty insurance. The second-quarter results also reflect what the company considers to be a challenging market for new vehicle sales. This has resulted in less-than-expected performance at certain of its dealerships, particularly its Ford and Toyota dealerships, that together comprise about 40 percent of the company's new vehicle sales.While we are disappointed by these results, our luxury and certain other dealership franchises are performing well, and we remain committed to our strategy of acquiring well-managed, accretive operations," said B.B. Hollingsworth Jr., Group 1's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Although we have funded a portion of our recent acquisitions with debt, we continue to maintain one of the strongest balance sheets in our industry, which keeps us poised for solid, profitable growth."

Group 1 Completes Acquisitions in Texas and California

The dealerships acquired by Group 1 in Texas and California are comprised of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Maybach franchises with total annual revenues of approximately $315 million. Total consideration paid for both transactions was approximately $77.5 million in cash, net of cash received.

Group 1 has expanded its brand offerings in the Houston market by acquiring Advantage BMW Downtown and its satellite store, Advantage BMW Clear Lake. These dealerships will operate under the company's existing Houston-area platform, the Sterling McCall Automotive Group, that also includes Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Honda and Acura franchises.

In a separate transaction, Group 1 also acquired Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, an award-winning dealership that offers both Mercedes-Benz and its ultra-luxury Maybach brand. The dealership augments the company's existing Los Angeles-area platform, the Miller Automotive Group. Including the Beverly Hills dealership, Miller Automotive now operates eight dealerships consisting of nine import franchises in the Los Angeles area.

"These tuck-in acquisitions will be immediately accretive to earnings and will further expand Group 1's offerings of luxury brands in markets with strong demand for these vehicles," said Hollingsworth. "With the addition of the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach franchises in Beverly Hills, the company is gaining a significant presence in one of the largest luxury automobile markets in the United States."

Year to date, Group 1 has added 19 franchises with expected annual revenues of approximately $1.0 billion. The aggregate consideration paid in completing these acquisitions was approximately $172.0 million in cash, net of cash received, and 360,693 shares of Group 1 common stock. The brand mix of these franchises, based on expected revenues, consists of 24 percent domestics and 76 percent imports, including 39 percent luxury brands. The cash portion of these transactions was funded with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the company's revolving credit facility.

"We have now reached our full-year acquisition target of $1 billion of expected aggregate annual revenues," stated Hollingsworth. "We continue to find qualified candidates that meet our stringent criteria and will continue our disciplined approach to acquisitions during the second half of the year, although at a slower pace than in the first half of the year."


Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. Announces Intent to Account for Revenues Net of Cores and to Delay Filing September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. ("MPA") (OTC:MPAA), a leading provider of remanufactured starters and alternators for the automotive aftermarket, announced today that it intends to account for revenues and cost of sales net of core values. Accordingly, as MPA intends to reissue its annual report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 and its quarterly report for the three-month period ended June 30, 2004, those statements should no longer be relied upon.

Selwyn Joffe, MPA's President and Chief Executive Officer, noted "Net accounting for cores is not expected to have any impact on MPA's previously reported gross profit, operating profit, net income or cash flow from operations. This change will result in a material decrease in our previously reported net revenues and a corresponding decrease in cost of sales."

MPA also announced that it did not file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004 by the November 15, 2004 filing deadline. Accordingly, MPA will file a notification of late filing on Form 12b-25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to this Form 10-Q. MPA expects to file the Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004, reflecting net accounting for cores, no later than November 22, 2004.

At the same time, MPA announced that its net income for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $2,001,000 , or $.23 per fully diluted share, as compared to $1,898,000, or $.23 per fully diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2003. MPA also announced that its net income for the six months ended September 30, 2004, was $2,092,000, or $.24 per fully diluted share, as compared to $2,578,000, or $.32 per fully diluted share, for the six months ended September 30, 2003. The change to net accounting for cores did not have an impact on net income for any of these periods.

Basis for Change

MPA's review of its accounting policies was precipitated in part by comments that MPA received from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Corporation Finance in connection with the SEC's review of financial information contained in prior periodic report filings. MPA's intention to adopt net accounting for cores is its interpretation of the better conclusion in the application of generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Core charges typically account for approximately 40% of the amount MPA charges its customers upon the sale of a remanufactured alternator or starter.

MPA also stated that it is possible it may make additional changes as management completes its review of MPA's previously filed periodic reports and the SEC continues its review of these periodic reports.

Expected Timing of Form 10-K/A and Form 10-Q/A

The Company expects to make the required Form 10-K/A and Forms 10-Q/A filings on or before December 15, 2004. However, no assurance can be given that these filings will be made at those times.

About MPA

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. (MPA), is a leading manufacturer of replacement alternators and starters for imported and domestic cars and light trucks in the United States and Canada. MPA has facilities in the United States in Torrance, California, Nashville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as overseas in Singapore and Malaysia. The company websites are located at www.motorcarparts.com and www.quality-built.com.

Disclosure Regarding Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the future performance of the Company that involve risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements. The financial results for the second quarter of Fiscal 2005 contained above and the impact of the anticipated restatement on prior periods' financial results are based upon preliminary information and are subject to change. These factors include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to timely finalize its interim financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, as anticipated, the concentration of sales to certain customers, changes in the Company's relationship with any of its customers, including the increasing customer pressure for lower prices and more favorable payment terms, our failure to meet the financial covenants or the other obligations set forth in our bank credit agreement and the bank's refusal to waive any such defaults, the potential for changes in consumer spending, increases in interest rates, changes in the financial condition of any of our major customers, consumer preferences and general economic conditions, increased competition in the automotive parts remanufacturing industry, unforeseen increases in operating costs and other factors discussed herein and in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Analog Signal Switches feature 130 MHz bandwidth

Designed for high-speed switching of audio, video, and data signals in portable devices, SPST Models AS1741, AS1742, and AS1743 feature 1.6-3.6 V supply voltage, switching current up to 250 mA, and on-resistance of 0.8 Ohms. All digital logic inputs are 1.8 V CMOS compatible. Housed in 8-pin MSOP package, switches are suited for mobile phones, digital cameras, and PDAs, as well as MP3, CD/DVD, and video players.

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The AS1741, AS1742 and AS1743 analog switches are ideal for high-speed switching of audio, video and data signals in portable devices like mobile phones, MP3, CD/DVD and video players, digital cameras, PDAs and handhelds

RALEIGH, N.C. (September 13, 2005) - austriamicrosystems announced today the availability of its first family of high performance analog switches. These high-speed, low-voltage, dual, single-pole/single-throw (SPST) analog switches offer significant performance improvements over existing products. Switching time has been improved by over 40% while maintaining superior low on-resistance (Ron) flatness and channel matching. Through the improved bandwidth of 130MHz the devices are ideal for video and high-speed data signals. The wide supply voltage range from 1.6V to 3.6V supports a broad range of designs. All digital logic inputs are 1.8V CMOS compatible.

The combination of very low power consumption, Ron and fast switching speed makes these devices ideal for portable battery powered applications and allows for switching of currents up to 250mA. The excellent power routing performance enabled by the low Ron of only 0.8 Ohms makes these high performance switches a perfect match for low-Ohm speakers and headsets.


MEMS Accelerometers address different system needs

Featuring SPI/I2C digital interface, 3-axis, low-g Model LIS3LV02DQ includes adjustable bandwidth to eliminate interference from irrelevant frequency areas, and direction detection, which signals threshold crossing along any of 3 axes. Housed in 5 x 5 x 1.5 mm[sup.3] LGA package, analog-output Models LIS3L02AL/LIS3L06AL meet space constraints of small-form-factor applications. Model LIS3L02AL offers acceleration range of [+ or -]2g, while Model LIS3L06AL offers choice of [+ or -]2 g and [+ or -]6 g.

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Geneva, October 12, 2005 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) devices, today announced that it has expanded its portfolio of three-axis accelerometers with three new models, embedding world-class performance in ever smaller packages. From ultra-compact analog devices to 'smart sensors' with two digital output formats (SPI/I2C), ST's low-power, high-resolution MEMS accelerometers address different system needs and hardware characteristics in a wide range of low-g applications, from hard-disk drive protection to motion user interfaces.

ST's LIS3LV02DQ is the market's most advanced 3-axis low-g accelerometer with a standard SPI/I2C digital interface. Its novel features, including adjustable bandwidth and direction detection, mark the transition towards the concept of "smart sensors."

Adjustable bandwidth provides optimized performance for different frequencies, raising the resolution by eliminating interference from irrelevant frequency areas. In ST's LIS3LV02DQ, the bandwidth can be flexibly changed with a software command, allowing designers to effectively combine measurements of slow and fast motions, such as tilts and vibrations, in one application.

The embedded feature of direction detection immediately signals threshold crossing along any of the three axes. This information helps quickly understand in which direction the sensor is moving before any data calculations are made. Areas of application include intuitive user interfaces in various computer and consumer applications, such as 3D mice or gaming consoles.

ST's new analog-output LIS3L02AL/LIS3L06AL sensors are the market's first devices in slim-and-small plastic LGA (Land Grid Array) packages. Their 5x5x1.5 mm3 dimensions meet the space constraints of the booming small-form-factor applications, including mini disc drives, mobile phones, and other portable electronic devices.

ST's leadership in MEMS miniaturization goes hand in hand with superior performance parameters. The new accelerometers can measure both tilt and acceleration along all three (x, y, z) axes at a very low noise level and minimized power consumption, which is especially critical in battery-operated portable systems.

The LIS3L0xAL devices also offer high temperature stability and tight offset tolerances, and their robust design provides very high immunity to vibration and a shock resistance up to 10,000g.

ST's new three-axis analog sensor is available in two acceleration ranges, the standard +/- 2g LIS3L02AL for tilt applications, and a dynamically selectable choice of +/-2g and +/-6g in the LIS3L06AL, suited for measuring both static and dynamic accelerations, such as vibrations or rollover motions.

"Shrinking dimensions, coupled with increasing performance, and embedded flexibility, open up a fascinating range of computer and consumer applications for our MEMS-based sensors," said Hubert Geitner, Marketing and Business Development Manager at the MEMS Business Unit of ST. "ST's silicon expertise and leadership in micro-machining technologies translate into the highest levels of sensitivity and robustness at very competitive prices. Furthermore, full ownership of the device manufacturing flow enables us to guarantee our customers long-term availability and roadmap continuity."

Available now in production volumes, unit pricing is $4.25 for the LIS3L02AL, $4.65 for the LIS3L06AL, and $5.35 for the LIS3LV02DQ, all for quantities of 10,000 pieces.

About ST's MEMS Portfolio

ST[acute accent]s MEMS inertial sensors target a wide array of applications in computer peripherals, consumer, telecommunications, and automotive markets. ST accelerometers initiate the deployment of car alarm systems and detect excessive vibrations in electronic home appliances. ST's MEMS devices also open up new possibilities for intuitive man-machine interaction in gaming and mobile applications, enabling users to interact with the system by simply tilting the device in the desired direction. Market analysts predict that by 2010, there will be one accelerometer in each portable hard-disk-based device (laptops, audio/video players) and every mobile phone


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