Cummins reports fourth quarter and full year 2023 results

Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) today reported fourth quarter and full year 2023 results. 

“High global demand for Cummins’ diverse set of innovative products drove record full year revenues and operating cash flow in 2023,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO. “Excluding the impacts related to the agreement to resolve U.S. regulatory claims, 2023 was a record year for EBITDA, Net Income and EPS for Cummins. Also, EBITDA percent improved year over year in the Components, Distribution and Power Systems segments. I want to thank all our employees for delivering high-quality products to our customers and making 2023 a successful year.”

Fourth quarter 2023 revenues of $8.5 billion increased 10% from the same quarter in 2022. Sales in North America increased 8% and international revenues increased 13% reflecting strong demand across most of Cummins’ global markets during the period.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, net loss was $1.4 billion, or $(10.01) per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $631 million, or $4.43 per diluted share, in 2022. The results reflect the recording of a charge related to the agreement to resolve U.S. regulatory claims previously announced in December of $2.04 billion, or $13.76 per diluted share; costs related to the voluntary retirement and separation programs of $42 million, or $0.22 per diluted share; and costs related to the separation of Atmus of $33 million, or $0.17 per diluted share. The fourth quarter of 2022 included $19 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, of costs related to the separation of Atmus. The tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2023 was negative 13.3% due primarily to the non-deductible costs related to the agreement to resolve U.S. regulatory claims.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the fourth quarter of 2023 was a loss of $878 million, or negative 10.3% of sales, compared to positive $1.1 billion, or 14.2% of sales, a year ago. EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2022 included the costs noted above.

Revenues for the full year 2023 were $34.1 billion, 21% higher than 2022. Sales in North America increased 22% and international revenues increased 20% compared to 2022 due to the addition of Meritor and strong demand across most global markets.

Net income for the full year 2023 was $735 million, or $5.15 per diluted share, compared to $2.2 billion, or $15.12 per diluted share, in 2022. 2023 results included costs related to the agreement to resolve U.S. regulatory claims of $2.04 billion, or $13.78 per diluted share, costs related to the separation of Atmus of $100 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, and costs related to the voluntary retirement and separation programs of $42 million, or $0.22 per diluted share. Full year 2022 results included costs related to the indefinite suspension of operations in Russia of $111 million, or $0.72 per diluted share and costs related to the separation of Atmus of $81 million, or $0.45 per diluted share. The tax rate in 2023 was 48.3%, which is higher than our external guidance, primarily due to the non-deductible costs related to the agreement to resolve U.S. regulatory claims.

EBITDA in 2023 was $3.0 billion, or 8.9% of sales compared to $3.8 billion, or 13.5% of sales, a year ago. EBITDA for 2023 and 2022 included the costs noted above.

Operating cash flow for 2023 was a record inflow of $4.0 billion, compared to $2.0 billion in 2022, as Cummins continues to focus on working capital management within the business.

2024 Outlook: 

Based on its current forecast, Cummins projects full year 2024 revenues to decline 2% to 5% on a year-over-year basis, and EBITDA to be in the range of 14.4% and 15.4% of sales.

“In 2024, we anticipate that demand will slow particularly in the North America heavy-duty truck market, partially offset by strength in other key markets, and have already taken some actions to reduce cost. We will continue to monitor global economic indicators closely and will ensure we are prepared to adjust our business should economic momentum slow further,” said Rumsey.

“Consistent with how we have managed Cummins through prior cycles, and in alignment with our Destination Zero strategy, we will continue investment in new technologies and products in 2024. This sustained investment will ensure that the company will be positioned to generate strong growth and profitability in both the near- and long-terms,” concluded Rumsey.

Cummins’ 2024 outlook assumes the inclusion of Atmus for the entirety of 2024, but excludes any costs or benefits associated with the planned separation of Atmus. Subject to market conditions, the intention is to split-off the company’s remaining ownership in Atmus through an exchange offer. Until the execution of the exchange offer, Cummins’ will continue to consolidate Atmus in its results.

Cummins 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% of operating cash flow back to shareholders. In the near term, Cummins’ capital allocation strategy will focus on the payment of dividends and debt reduction, while the company continues to generate profitable growth.

2023 Highlights: 

• Cummins announced the launch of Accelera™ by Cummins, a new brand for its New Power business unit. Accelera provides a diverse portfolio of zero-emissions solutions for many of the world’s most vital industries empowering customers to accelerate their transition to a sustainable future.
• Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Trucks & Buses, PACCAR and EVE Energy announced in September a joint venture to accelerate and localize battery cell production and the battery supply chain in the United States. The planned joint venture will manufacture battery cells for electric commercial vehicles and industrial applications. Total investment by the partners is expected to be in the range of $2-3 billion for the 21-gigawatt hour (GWh) factory with production expected to begin in 2027. It was recently announced in January that the joint venture had selected Marshall County, Mississippi as the future site.
• Cummins completed its acquisition of two Faurecia commercial vehicle manufacturing plants and their related activities, one in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.) and one in Roermond, Netherlands. The acquisition provides an opportunity for the Cummins Emission Solutions business to ensure continued access to the technology and facilities it needs to meet current and future demand for low-emissions products and to ensure continuity for both the employees and customers of the acquired manufacturing facilities.
• The company announced several collaborations that further enable our customers to achieve their decarbonization goals. Freightliner announced they are partnering with Cummins to offer the new Cummins X15N natural gas engine in its heavy-duty Freightliner Cascadia trucks. Also, Cummins Inc. and Knight Transportation, Inc. announced that the industry's largest full truckload company has successfully tested Cummins’ new X15N engine, using renewable natural gas to realize reductions in nitrous oxides and greenhouse gas without compromising performance. The X15N, which will launch in North America in 2024, is the first natural gas engine to be designed specifically for heavy-duty and on-highway truck applications. The X15N has already achieved success in the heavy-duty truck market in China with strong customer demand and market penetration.
• Progress continues to be made on the planned separation of the Filtration business. On May 26, 2023, as part of its initial public offering (IPO), Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “ATMU”. Upon completion of the IPO, Cummins retained approximately 80.5% of Atmus’ outstanding shares. Subject to market conditions, Cummins’ intention is to split-off the remaining ownership in Atmus through an exchange offer as our next step in the separation.
• Cummins received several prestigious honors during the year that recognized the company’s sustainability efforts and impact including:  Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list; Sustainalytics’ 2023 Top-Rated Companies list; S&P Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the S&P Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index; and, Automotive and Components industry in Newsweek’s annual ranking of America’s Most Responsible Companies. In addition, Cummins received accolades recognizing its ongoing efforts to foster caring and inclusive environments in which all employees and innovation thrive including: one of 66 companies on America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises in 2023; National Association of Corporate Directors 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award; 2023 best place to work for disability inclusion; Military Friendly Employer; Top Hispanic Employer by DiversityComm Magazine; Financial Times Diversity Leaders list in Europe; #55 on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work; and, a score of 100 on the 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index.
• The company increased its cash dividend for the 14^th straight year and returned a total of $921 million to shareholders through dividends.

¹ Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. 

Fourth quarter 2023 detail (all comparisons to same period in 2022): 

Components Segment 

• Sales - $3.2 billion, up 3%
• Segment EBITDA - $406 million, or 12.7% of sales, which includes $28 million of costs related to the separation of Atmus and $9 million related to the voluntary retirement and separation programs, compared to $377 million, or 12.2% of sales in the prior year, which included $13 million of costs related to the separation of Atmus, and $27 million of acquisition and integration costs related to Meritor.
• Revenues in North America decreased by 2% and international sales increased by 10% due to increased demand particularly in China which had weak markets in 2022.

Engine Segment 

• Sales - $2.8 billion, up 5%
• Segment EBITDA - $353 million, or 12.7% of sales, which includes $12 million related to the voluntary retirement and separation programs, compared to $362 million or 13.7% of sales
• On-highway revenues increased 10% driven by strong demand in the North American truck market and pricing actions. 
• Sales increased 5% in North America and grew 8% in international markets due to an increase in global demand.

Distribution Segment 

• Sales - $2.7 billion, up 17% 
• Segment EBITDA - $269 million, or 9.9% of sales, compared to $256 million, or 11.0% of sales
• Revenues in North America increased 18% and international sales increased by 15%.
• Higher revenues were driven by increased demand for whole goods, especially power generation products, and pricing actions.

Power Systems Segment 

• Sales - $1.4 billion, up 8%
• Segment EBITDA - $182 million, or 12.7% of sales, compared to $185 million, or 14.0% of sales
• Power generation revenues increased 19% driven by increased global demand and pricing actions. Industrial revenues decreased 3% due to lower oil and gas demand.

Accelera Segment 

• Sales - $81 million, up 8%
• Segment EBITDA loss - $121 million
• Revenues increased due to higher demand for battery electric systems and the addition of the Siemens Commercial Vehicle business that was acquired during the fourth quarter of 2022
• Costs associated with the development of electric powertrains, fuel cells and electrolyzers, as well as products to support battery electric vehicles are contributing to EBITDA losses. The company continues to make investments to support our customers through the energy transition and deliver future profitable growth.