Cooper Tire reports first quarter 2021 results

Findlay, OH – Cooper Tire & Rubber Company reported first quarter 2021 net income of $22 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.43, compared with a net loss of $12 million, or diluted loss per share of $0.23, for the same period last year.
First quarter highlights include a global unit volume increase of 16.6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2020; net sales increased 23.3 percent from the first quarter of 2020 to $656 million; operating profit was $38 million, or 5.8 percent of net sales, compared to an operating loss of $6 million, or 1.2 percent of net sales, in 2020; the quarter included $11 million of costs related to the proposed merger with Goodyear; and net income was $22 million, or $0.43 diluted earnings per share.

“We are pleased to have delivered strong first quarter operating results. Our teams continued to do a great job executing our strategy, which resulted in first quarter 2021 volume that exceeded not only the coronavirus-impacted 2020 level, but also 2019 in both segments,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Brad Hughes. “Within the Americas segment, our U.S. volume significantly outperformed the USTMA and the total industry. Our international segment volume increased nearly 50 percent compared to the first quarter of 2020.

“Demand remained strong for the industry and Cooper in the first quarter. Our unit volume performance in the quarter, while strong, continued to be constrained by supply that fell short of demand, caused in part by severe weather in the southern U.S. that impacted our ability to produce and move products. The Cooper value proposition of providing high quality tires at an affordable price remains compelling for consumers. We will continue to leverage our global production footprint and capabilities to meet this continued strong demand.

“As previously announced, Cooper stockholders overwhelmingly voted in favor of the proposed Goodyear-Cooper business combination. We expect to complete the merger in the second half of 2021; however, the transaction could close earlier, following and subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals. Cooper looks forward to being part of a stronger combined organization that represents the best of what both our companies have to offer to customers, consumers and shareholders.”