10-KPeriod: FY2007

CUMMINS INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2007

Filed February 26, 2008For Securities:CMI

Summary

Cummins Inc. reported strong financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, with record net sales of $13.05 billion, an increase of 15% from 2006. Net earnings also saw a slight increase to $739 million, or $3.70 per diluted share, compared to $715 million ($3.55 per diluted share) in the prior year. This performance was driven by broad-based sales growth across all four operating segments – Engine, Power Generation, Components, and Distribution – despite a significant downturn in the North American heavy-duty truck engine market. The company's global diversification, with over half of its sales generated outside the United States, played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the domestic market slowdown. Looking ahead, Cummins highlighted its commitment to returning value to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend increases, while continuing to invest in global growth opportunities and technological advancements, particularly in meeting stringent emissions standards. The company's robust balance sheet and operational efficiency provide a solid foundation for continued performance. Investors should note the company's significant investment in joint ventures, especially in emerging markets, which are expected to drive future growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Cummins reported record net sales of $13.05 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007, a 15% increase from $11.36 billion in 2006.
  • 2Net earnings grew to $739 million ($3.70 per diluted share) in 2007, up from $715 million ($3.55 per diluted share) in 2006.
  • 3All four operating segments (Engine, Power Generation, Components, and Distribution) experienced sales growth.
  • 4The company's Engine segment, while facing a 50% decline in the North American heavy-duty truck market due to emissions regulations, saw overall growth driven by international markets and market share gains.
  • 5Cummins continued its focus on strengthening its balance sheet, reducing debt-to-capital ratio to 16.5% and increasing its quarterly cash dividend.
  • 6The company made significant investments in global expansion, particularly in joint ventures in emerging markets like China, and continued investing in R&D, with $329 million allocated to research and engineering.
  • 7Cummins successfully met the EPA's 2007 heavy-duty on-highway emissions standards and announced its 6.7-liter Dodge Ram Turbo Diesel engine met EPA's 2010 emissions standards three years ahead of schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2007, Cummins achieved record net sales of $13.05 billion, a 15% increase over 2006. Net earnings rose slightly to $739 million, or $3.70 per diluted share, demonstrating strong operational performance across its segments, even with challenges in specific markets.

Cummins successfully navigated the significant downturn in the North American heavy-duty truck market (down 50%) through its strong global diversification. Over half of its sales in 2007 came from international markets, which helped offset the domestic weakness and contributed to overall sales growth.

Cummins is focused on several key strategies: being a low-cost producer, expanding into related markets through organic growth and joint ventures (particularly in China and India), leveraging complementary businesses, creating shareholder value through balanced capital allocation (including share repurchases and dividends), and fostering a positive internal environment. The company is also heavily invested in research and development to maintain its technological edge, especially in emissions control.

Joint ventures are a critical part of Cummins' strategy to expand market penetration, streamline supply chains, and develop new technologies. The company has numerous significant joint ventures globally, including major ones in India, China (with Dongfeng and Foton), and with partners like Komatsu and Scania. These ventures are crucial for accessing and growing in key international markets.