8-KEarnings & ResultsRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

CUMMINS INC 8-K Report, Financial Results (Nov 1, 2006)

Filed November 1, 2006For Securities:CMI

Summary

Cummins Inc. reported a record-breaking third quarter for profitability in 2006, with an 18% increase in net earnings and a 14% rise in sales compared to the same period in 2005. Sales reached $2.81 billion, and net income was $171 million, or $3.37 per share. Both the Power Generation and Distribution segments demonstrated significant double-digit growth, exceeding their targeted sales and profit ranges. The Engine Business, while still growing at 10%, experienced a slight slowdown in light-duty automotive volumes due to industry-wide inventory adjustments. The company's strong performance has bolstered its financial position, increasing cash by $248 million year-to-date, enabling debt reduction and increased pension funding. Cummins reaffirms its full-year earnings guidance and anticipates a solid 2007, projecting flat to 5% sales growth, supported by investments in new products, emerging markets like China and India, and strategic cost controls, despite anticipated temporary market slowdowns related to new emissions regulations.

Key Highlights

  • 1Achieved record third-quarter net earnings of $171 million ($3.37 per share), an 18% increase year-over-year.
  • 2Total sales grew 14% to $2.81 billion, with all business segments reporting double-digit percentage sales growth.
  • 3Power Generation and Distribution segments exceeded targeted sales and profit ranges due to strong demand.
  • 4Engine Business sales rose 10%, with strong performance in heavy-duty and medium-duty segments, despite a decline in light-duty automotive volumes.
  • 5Company's cash position improved by $248 million year-to-date, with plans to repay an additional $250 million in long-term debt.
  • 6Reaffirmed full-year 2006 earnings guidance and provided a positive outlook for 2007 with expected sales growth of 0-5%.
  • 7Announced strategic investments in new light-duty diesel engines and a joint venture in China for the light commercial vehicle market.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers were significant double-digit sales growth in the Power Generation and Distribution businesses, which exceeded their targets. The Engine Business also contributed with a 10% sales increase, supported by strong demand in heavy-duty and medium-duty truck markets, despite some headwinds in light-duty automotive.

Cummins' cash position has improved by $248 million year-to-date. The company is also reducing its debt, with plans to pay down an additional $250 million in long-term debt in December. Its debt-to-capital ratio remains below its target, indicating a strong balance sheet.

Cummins expects 2007 to be a solid year, projecting sales growth of 0-5%. This positive outlook is supported by expected sales growth in most end markets, continued profitable growth in emerging markets like China and India, a strong balance sheet, effective cost control strategies, and increased manufacturing flexibility to handle new emissions regulations.

Yes, Cummins highlighted two key initiatives: production of a new line of high-performance, light-duty diesel engines with DaimlerChrysler as a first major customer, and a joint venture in China with Beiqi Foton Motor Company to produce engines for the light commercial vehicle market.