10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

CUMMINS INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2002

Filed May 15, 2002For Securities:CMI

Summary

Cummins Inc. (CMI) reported a net loss of $29 million for the first quarter of 2002, a slight increase from the $26 million net loss in the same period of 2001. Net sales also saw a minor decrease, falling to $1.33 billion from $1.35 billion year-over-year. The company is navigating challenges in the North American heavy-duty truck market, which continues to impact its Engine Business, though the Light-duty Automotive segment showed strength driven by demand from DaimlerChrysler for Dodge Ram trucks. Significant financial developments include the adoption of SFAS No. 142, which eliminated the amortization of goodwill, impacting the 'Other (income) expense' line item positively. However, the company also experienced a credit rating downgrade from Moody's, leading to renegotiated terms and increased fees on certain financing arrangements, including its accounts receivable securitization program and distributor financing. Despite these headwinds, Cummins is focused on cost management and product development, anticipating completion of ongoing restructuring actions in 2002.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for Q1 2002 were $1.33 billion, a slight decrease from $1.35 billion in Q1 2001.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $29 million ($0.75 per diluted share) for Q1 2002, compared to a net loss of $26 million ($0.68 per diluted share) in Q1 2001.
  • 3The Engine Business experienced a decline in heavy-duty and high-horsepower engine shipments but saw an increase in midrange engine shipments, driven by demand for Dodge Ram truck engines.
  • 4The Power Generation business saw a 8% decrease in sales due to lower economic activity and higher inventory levels.
  • 5Cummins adopted SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002, ceasing goodwill amortization, which positively impacted earnings by $3 million in the reported quarter.
  • 6Moody's Investors Service downgraded Cummins' long-term debt rating in April 2002, leading to renegotiated financing terms and increased fees on certain credit facilities.
  • 7The company is continuing restructuring actions initiated in late 2000 and mid-2001, with expected completion in 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

The net loss increased slightly from $26 million in Q1 2001 to $29 million in Q1 2002. While the adoption of SFAS No. 142 (eliminating goodwill amortization) provided a positive impact, this was offset by a decrease in gross margin percentage due to lower volumes and unfavorable product mix, along with increased selling, administrative, and research expenses. The ongoing challenges in the North American heavy-duty truck market also continued to pressure the Engine Business.

The credit rating downgrade in April 2002 triggered covenant adjustments in several of Cummins' financing agreements. The company had to renegotiate its accounts receivable securitization program and distributor financing arrangements, resulting in increased interest rates, fees, and potentially higher costs. Additionally, a sale-leaseback agreement required Cummins to post a $25 million standby letter of credit.

The Light-duty Automotive segment within the Engine Business showed significant strength, with a 28% increase in unit shipments primarily due to demand from DaimlerChrysler for Dodge Ram trucks. The Filtration and Other Business also saw revenue increases, driven by higher demand for filtration products and turbochargers. Conversely, the Power Generation business experienced an 8% sales decline, and the Heavy-duty Truck market within the Engine Business continued to be depressed.

Effective January 1, 2002, Cummins adopted SFAS No. 142, which requires the discontinuation of goodwill amortization. For the first quarter of 2002, this change positively impacted net earnings by $3 million and earnings per share by $0.07, as goodwill amortization expense of $3 million in the prior year's quarter was eliminated. The company also performed goodwill impairment tests and found no impairment at the time of adoption.