VAN NUYS, Calif. — Superior Industries International has announced a net loss of $56.5 million, or $2.12 per share, for the first quarter of 2009, which included an $8.9 million pretax charge for the impairment of long-lived assets and a $25.3 million charge to tax expense related to valuation of deferred tax assets. This compares with net income of $3.2 million, or 12 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2008. Unit shipments decreased 55 percent in the 2009 first quarter compared, with the same period a year ago.

Superior said that first quarter sales were significantly impacted by the continued deterioration of the North American automobile industry and the financial difficulties faced by its primary customers. The magnitude of the shortfall in sales and production gave rise to impairments of the deferred tax asset and certain long-lived production assets. In addition, the reduction in projected consumption of natural gas at the company’s Arkansas manufacturing facilities required the related gas contracts to be marked to market, generating a $3.4 million expense in the quarter.

To address the industry-wide reduction in demand for aluminum wheels, Superior closed its manufacturing facility in Pittsburg, Kan., in December 2008 and announced it will close its Van Nuys, Calif., manufacturing plant in June 2009.

“We are continuing to reduce costs and streamline processes to the greatest degree possible in order to remain competitive in this unprecedented environment and to be well-positioned when market conditions improve,” said Steven Borick, chairman, chief executive officer and president. “We are confident that the actions being taken today will enable us to compete aggressively in the future. In the meantime, we are committed to protecting our balance sheet, which remains strong, despite the contraction of our business base.

“Notwithstanding today’s market conditions, we generated positive cash flow from operations of $23 million during the quarter and continue to manage cash position prudently,” Borick added.

Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2009 decreased 63 percent to $81.5 million from $222.2 million for the first quarter of 2008. Unit wheel shipments decreased 55 percent during the same period. The difference between the decrease in revenue and volume is primarily a reduction in the pass-through pricing of aluminum.

Negative gross profit was $(14.5) million, or (17.8) percent of net sales, compared to gross profit of $9.4 million, or 4.2 percent of net sales, for the first quarter of 2008. Dramatically lower customer requirements during the 2009 first quarter resulted in wheel production decreasing by 55 percent, compared with the same period a year ago, significantly impacting absorption of plant fixed costs. Severance costs related to the planned plant closure and other workforce reductions totaled approximately $2.3 million in the 2009 first quarter. Also included in gross profit was the $3.4 million expense associated with the Arkansas natural gas contracts.

The company recorded $8.9 million of impairment costs associated with the valuation of certain production assets at the Fayetteville, Ark., manufacturing facility. The adjustment was prompted by a decline in sales and production projections in line with customers’ sales projections.

SG&A expenses decreased 23 percent to $4.8 million, or 5.9 percent of net sales, from $6.2 million, or 2.8 percent of net sales, for the first quarter of 2008, largely due to a $900,000 reduction in the provision for doubtful accounts.

Loss before income taxes and equity earnings was $29.1 million, compared to income before taxes and equity earnings of $3.7 million for the first quarter of 2008.

The income tax provision was $26.5 million for the first quarter of 2009, compared with an income tax provision of $2.6 million in the same period in 2008. Tax benefits of operating losses, tax credit carryforwards and other tax assets are evaluated on an ongoing basis, including a review of historical and projected operating results, the eligible carryforward periods, and other circumstances. The company recorded a valuation reserve on its U.S. deferred tax assets totaling $25.3 million due to the deterioration of U.S. based income. This valuation allowance, or a portion thereof, may be reversed in future periods if the company’s U.S. operations generate sustainable taxable income.

At March 29, working capital was $240 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $162.9 million. At March 31, 2008, working capital was $271.7 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $105.2 million. Superior has no debt.