NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Nov. 5, 2004--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today its rating and outlook on Goodyear Tire&Rubber Co. (B+/Stable/--) will not be affected by Goodyear's just-announced preliminary third-quarter financial results, or by its plan to amend its 2003 10-K filing. Goodyear expects to report record sales and strong segment EBIT growth compared with last year's third quarter. The improved performance results from market share gains, price increases, and cost savings, partially offset by higher raw material costs. Despite the improvements, we expect profit margins of the company's important North American tire segment (50% of sales) to remain sub par because of its high cost structure, tough competition, and high raw material costs. Goodyear plans
