Plant Equipment and Hire October 2018 | Page 9

WORLD NEWS Cummins: Q2 2018 revenues of USD8.2-billion Cummins plans to return 75% of operating cash flow to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases in 2018. Independent diesel engine producer Cummins has delivered growth in most major markets as demand for trucks, construction, mining, and power generation equipment all improved. Q2 2018 revenues of USD8.2-billion increased 21% from the same quarter in 2017 and reached a new quarterly record. Sales in North America improved by 22% while international revenues increased by 18%, led by growth in China, Europe, and Latin America. Said Cummins chairman and CEO, Tom Linebarger, “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. We are on track to deliver record full- year sales, earnings, and cash flow. The Company now plans to return 75% of operating cash flow to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases in 2018, up from our previous plan to return 50%.” During the second quarter, Cummins finalised its plans for a previously disclosed product campaign and recorded a pre-tax charge of USD244.6-million for the expected costs of the campaign. The campaign will address the performance of an aftertreatment component in certain on-highway products produced between 2010 and 2015 in North America. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) in Q2 were USD1.2- billion, or 14.6% of sales, up from USD1-billion, or 15.0% of sales a year ago. Net income attributable to Cummins in the second quarter was USD736.6-million (USD4.48 per diluted share), compared to net income of USD573-million (USD3.41 per diluted share) in Q2 2017. Based on the current forecast, Cummins expects full year 2018 revenues to be up 15 to 17%, compared to prior guidance of up 10 to 14%. EBITDA is projected to be in the range of 14.8 to 15.2% of sales, down from 15.4 to 15.8% of sales and reflects approximately USD135.1-million of expense associated with trade tariffs and increased commodity costs in the second half of the year. Source: www.primemovermag.com.au OCTOBER 2018 7