Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. reported lower operating income and sales for the quarter and half year ended June 30, and management sees the company facing a challenging economic environment throughout the rest of year.
Among the headwinds Cooper management sees for the second half are the increased U.S. tariff costs (which impact Cooper's medium truck tires), the delayed timing of anticipated commercial truck tire price increases, and weakness in the China new vehicle and Europe replacement tire markets.
Despite the first-half results and the headwinds, Cooper said it expects to report an improved operating profit margin throughout the year, matching or exceeding the 5.9% reported last year.As a result of the changing market conditions, Cooper is adjusting its financial expectations for the full year in a number of areas, including:
For the quarter ended June 30, Cooper's operating income fell 3.3% to $31.7 million on 2% lower sales of $679.1 million, for a 4.5% earnings ratio. Cooper attributed the earnings drop to costs related to elevated tariffs on products imported into the U.S. from China ($13 million), lower production volumes ($6 million), higher operating and liability costs, as well as $2 million of restructuring costs related to Cooper Tire Europe's decision to cease light vehicle tire production at its Melksham, England, plant.
Offsetting these costs were $17 million of favorable price and mix and $15 million of favorable raw-material costs.Cooper attributed the sales drop to the impact of lower unit volume ($34 million) and unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates ($6 million), partially offset by $21 million of favorable price and mix. Net income plunged 41.2% to $8.82 million.
