Cummins Inc. this week lowered its full-year revenue and EBIT guidance for 2012 and also announced actions to respond to the weakening global economy.
The company lowered its full-year revenue outlook for 2012 to approximately $17 billion compared to the company’s previous guidance of $18 billion. Earnings before interest and taxes are now expected to be approximately 13.5 percent for the year, compared to prior guidance of 14.25 to 14.75 percent. Based on preliminary results and subject to normal quarterly financial statement closing procedures, third-quarter revenues are expected to be approximately $4.1 billion and EBIT is expected to be about 12.0 percent. The company does not provide quarterly revenue or earnings guidance.
“We continued to see weak economic data in a number of regions during the third quarter increasing the level of uncertainty regarding the direction of the global economy,” said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO. “As a result of the heightened uncertainty, end customers are delaying capital expenditures in a number of markets, lowering demand for our products. We have lowered our full-year revenue forecast for several markets, with the most significant changes in North America heavy duty truck and international power generation markets. Demand in China has weakened in most end markets and we have also lowered our forecast for global mining revenues. EBIT margins will also be below our previous guidance primarily due to the sharp reduction in revenues.”
Cummins announced that it is taking actions necessary to respond strategically to the current environment by cutting costs while maintaining investments in key growth programs. Actions include a number of measures to reduce cost including planned work week reductions, shutdowns at some manufacturing facilities, and some targeted workforce reductions. The company expects to reduce its workforce by between 1,000 and 1,500 people by the end of the year. The updated EBIT guidance does not include the benefits or costs of these actions.
“Responding quickly and strategically during these challenging economic times will pave the way for Cummins to emerge stronger as a company when markets inevitably rebound,” Linebarger said. “Taking these actions now will allow us meet customer needs, maintain strong financial performance and allow us to capitalize on future growth opportunities.”
Details of third-quarter results and the updated full-year outlook will be covered during the previously scheduled third-quarter earnings conference at 10 a.m. EDT on Oct. 30.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ind., Cummins Inc. is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems.
