From Tire Review magazine, a sister publication to aftermarketNews.com

AKRON, OH -- Goodyear Tire & Rubber announced that it will not report full first quarter 2004 financial results today as previously scheduled. The investor conference call planned for today will be rescheduled. Goodyear management said it needs additional time to complete its first quarter financial statements.

However, the tiremaker did provide a summary of “key first quarter figures.” Among these, Goodyear said it expects to report record first quarter sales of approximately $4.3 billion, compared to $3.5 billion in the first quarter of 2003. Segment operating results are expected to improve significantly in six businesses, including Goodyear’s North American Tire division, according to the company. Quarterly net loss is expected to be between $75 million and $85 million, which compares to a net loss of $196.5 million in the first quarter of 2003. The 2004 quarter will include rationalization charges of about $20 million and income tax of approximately $55 million, said Goodyear.

The company said it expects to file its financial statements by the June 30 deadline, as required by its credit facilities.

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