oct20-1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, October 20, 1998

CONTACT:
Crystal L. Revak, Director
Investor Relations
(330) 544-7622

RTI INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

Niles, Ohio – RTI International Metals, Inc.(NYSE; RTI) released results today for the third quarter 1998.

The Company reported a third quarter net income of $15.7 million, or $0.76 per share, on sales of $81.0 million. The results for the comparable 1997 period were a net income of $13.9 million, $0.68 per common share, on sales of $86.4 million, excluding an adjustment to deferred tax assets of approximately $8.7 million or $0.42 per share.

RMI Titanium Company ("RMI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of RTI, had third quarter 1998 mill product shipments totaling 4.5 million pounds at an average price of $14.76 per pound. As expected, reduced shipping volumes compared to the second quarter were more than offset by higher prices and cost improvements.

Third quarter results do not include RTI’s recently acquired subsidiaries, New Century Metals and Weld-Tech Engineering Services.

Net income for the first nine months of 1998 amounted to $61.2 million, $2.98 per common share, compared to $45.6 million, $2.23 per share in the first nine months of 1997. Both 1998 and 1997 nine-months results were favorably impacted by deferred tax benefits.

After the United Steelworkers of America and RMI failed to reach agreement on a new contract covering the hourly workforce at its Niles, Ohio plant, a work stoppage, commenced October 1, 1998, and is continuing. Operations are being conducted by salaried personnel at a rate of approximately 40-50% of normal production while negotiations continue. The cost of the strike, including lost production, is estimated to be $3-$4 million per month.

Robert M. Hernandez, Chairman, commenting on current conditions said "An inventory correction is clearly underway in the titanium industry as aerospace suppliers align their inventories to reduced build rates by aircraft manufacturers. However, demand for RMI’s flat products remains quite strong. These conditions are expected to continue for the next two to three quarters, with reduced volumes, but resulting in a richer mix of product shipments. RTI’s recent acquisitions and expected growth in new oil and gas markets should serve the Company well during this period. The current work stoppage will, of course, have an adverse effect on near-term earnings. We are hopeful of bringing this dispute to a fair conclusion soon. In the meantime, our salaried employees are working tirelessly to minimize the impact on our customers. I am very proud of their efforts."

RTI International Metals, Inc., headquartered in Niles, Ohio, through its various subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes titanium and specialty metal mill products, forgings, extruded shapes, and engineered systems for energy-related markets. The Company’s products are used for aerospace, industrial and consumer applications.

RTI INTERNATIONAL METALS, INC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)


                                QUARTER                  NINE MONTHS
                           ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,       ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                            1998        1997         1998           1997

Sales                    $ 81,027    $ 86,438     $266,608       $235,180
Cost of sales              55,779      66,624      191,664        182,869
Gross profit               25,248      19,814       74,944         52,311
Selling, general and
   administrative 
   expenses                 4,130       3,718       11,946          9,249
Research, technical and
   product development
   expenses                 1,099         883        2,920          2,285
Operating income           20,019      15,213       60,078         40,777

Other income - net            808         275        2,231            701
Interest expense          _    --         (74)         (57)          (133)
Income before
   income taxes            20,827      15,414       62,252         41,345
Provision (credit) for
   income taxes             5,124      (7,128)       1,086         (4,205)

Net income               $ 15,703    $ 22,542     $ 61,166       $ 45,550

Net income per   
   common share:

      Basic              $   0.76    $   1.10     $   2.98       $   2.23

      Diluted            $   0.76    $   1.08     $   2.97       $   2.21

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