Cummins reported results for the third quarter of 2023 on Thursday.
Third quarter revenues of $8.4 billion increased 15 percent from the same quarter in 2022, Cummins says. Sales in North America increased 16 percent and international revenues increased 13 percent due to the addition of Meritor and strong demand across most global markets. The third quarter of 2022 included two months of consolidated operations for Meritor following the completion of the acquisition on August 3, 2022.
“We delivered solid profitability and record operating cash flow in the third quarter,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO. “While full year revenues are at the high end of our expectations, we are seeing signs of moderating demand in some markets and are taking steps to reduce costs and position the company for success in 2024. I am deeply appreciative of our Cummins employees, who continue to innovate for our customers and demonstrate the flexibility required to meet global demand.”
Net income attributable to Cummins in the third quarter was $656 million, or $4.59 per diluted share compared to $400 million, or $2.82 per diluted share in 2022. Cummins says results included costs associated with the separation of Atmus of $26 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023, and $16 million in the third quarter of 2022.
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The third quarter of 2022 also included $77 million of acquisition, integration and inventory valuation adjustments related to Meritor. The tax rate in the third quarter was 21.4 percent including $5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, of favorable discrete tax items, compared to $57 million of unfavorable discrete tax items a year ago, the company reports.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the third quarter were $1.2 billion, or 14.6 percent of sales, compared to $884 million, or 12.1 percent of sales, a year ago. EBITDA for the third quarter of 2023 included the costs related to the separation of Atmus and the third quarter of 2022 EBITDA included costs related to the separation of Atmus and costs related to the acquisition and integration of Meritor as noted above. The third quarter of 2022 also included a one-time employee recognition bonus with a cost impact of $56 million, the company adds.
Operating cash flow for the third quarter of 2023 was a record inflow of $1.5 billion, compared to $382 million in the third quarter of 2022, as Cummins continues to focus on working capital management within the business.
Based on its current forecast, Cummins is raising its full year 2023 revenue guidance to be up 18 to 21 percent due to strong demand across most markets, especially North America. Cummins states EBITDA is expected to be in the range of 15.2 to 15.4 percent of sales, narrowing the range of the previous guidance of 15.0 to 15.7 percent of sales.
The outlook above assumes the inclusion of Atmus for the entirety of 2023, but excludes any costs or benefits associated with the planned separation of Atmus. Our forecast also excludes the impact of broader cost reduction activities that are expected in the fourth quarter. Within the Components Segment, Cummins says it expects revenues of the Meritor business for 2023 to be between $4.7 billion to $4.9 billion, consistent with prior guidance. EBITDA is expected to be in the range of 10.5 to 11.0 percent of sales, narrowing the range of the previous guidance of 10.3 to 11.0 percent.
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The company also plans to continue to generate strong operating cash flow and returns for shareholders and is committed to its long-term strategic goal of returning 50 percent of operating cash flow back to shareholders. In the near term, Cummins will focus on reinvesting for profitable growth, increasing dividends and reducing debt, the company states.
“2023 will be another record year for revenue growth, however we are seeing some signs of slowing activity and are expecting lower demand in the fourth quarter. Our leadership team is experienced in managing through periods of economic uncertainty and will continue to make the decisions that ensure we drive cost improvements and maintain a strong financial position. We’ve announced several major partnerships this quarter as we continue to advance our Destination Zero strategy and remain committed to investing in future growth,” says Rumsey.
