Cummins has reported results for the second quarter of 2018, showing revenues of $6.1 billion, an increase of 21 percent from the same quarter in 2017 – a new quarterly record. The company delivered growth in most major markets as demand for trucks, construction, mining and power generation equipment all improved. Currency favorably impacted revenues by 1 percent.
Sales in North America improved by 22 percent while international revenues increased by 18 percent led by growth in China, Europe and Latin America.
“As a result of strong customer demand for our products, solid execution from our global manufacturing and supply chain teams and continued focus on cost reduction, the company delivered record quarterly sales and earnings per share in the second quarter,” said Chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger. “We are on track to deliver record full year sales, earnings and cash flow. The company now plans to return 75 percent of operating cash flow to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases in 2018, up from our previous plan to return 50 percent.”
During the second quarter, Cummins finalized its plans for a previously disclosed product campaign and recorded a pre-tax charge of $181 million for the expected costs of the campaign. This campaign will address the performance of an aftertreatment component in certain on-highway products produced between 2010 and 2015 in North America. The company has reached agreement with the appropriate regulatory agencies regarding our planned actions to execute the campaign and has provided in full for the estimated costs.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the second quarter were $897 million, or 14.6 percent of sales, up from $764 million or 15 percent of sales a year ago.
Net income attributable to Cummins in the second quarter was $545 million, compared to net income of $424 million in the second quarter of 2017.
Based on the current forecast, Cummins expects full year 2018 revenues to be up 15 to 17 percent, compared to prior guidance of up 10 to 14 percent.
