Form 6-K

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of April 2008

Commission File No. 333-05752

 

 

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

(Translation of Registrant’s Name Into English)

 

 

World Trade Center

Tower B, 10th Floor

Amsterdam Airport

The Netherlands

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)

Form 20-F      X            Form 40-F              

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule101(b)(1):  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule101(b)(7):  ¨

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)

Yes                      No      X    

(If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-             .)

 

 

 


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Form 6-K for the month of April 2008

List of Exhibits:

 

1. News Release entitled, “CNH Reports Record First Quarter Revenues and Income; Revenues Reach $4.4 Billion, up 26%, Net Income of $112 million, up 18%, Driven by Strong Growth in Agricultural Markets Worldwide”.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

CNH Global N.V.
By:  

/s/ Rubin J. McDougal

  Rubin J. McDougal
  Chief Financial Officer

April 24, 2008


LOGO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Thomas Witom   News and Information   (630) 887-2345
Albert Trefts, Jr.  

Investor Relations

  (630) 887-2385

CNH Reports Record First Quarter Revenues and Income; Revenues

Reach $4.4 Billion, up 26%, Net Income of $112 million, up 18%,

Driven by Strong Growth in Agricultural Markets Worldwide.

 

   

Full year 2008 financial outlook confirmed, with expected range of diluted EPS before restructuring, net of tax, of $3.30 to $3.60

 

   

Gross profit for Equipment Operations of $700 million

 

   

Gross margin for Equipment Operations was 17.1% and was negatively impacted by industrial inefficiencies due to high level of activity

 

   

First quarter diluted EPS was $0.47 up from $0.40 in 2007

 

   

CNH Equipment Operations continues net debt free at quarter-end

BURR RIDGE, Illinois (April 24, 2008) – CNH Global N.V. (NYSE:CNH) today reported first quarter 2008 net income of $112 million, up compared to net income of $95 million in the prior year. Results include restructuring charges, net of tax, of $13 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared with $10 million in 2007. Net income excluding restructuring charges, net of tax, was $125 million, up 19 percent compared to $105 million in the prior year. First quarter diluted earnings per share were $0.47, compared with $0.40 per share in 2007. Before restructuring, net of tax, first quarter diluted earnings were $0.53 per share, compared with $0.44 per share in the prior year.

“Our first quarter net income represents the ninth consecutive quarter of year-over-year improvement, which is very encouraging,” said Harold Boyanovsky, CNH President and Chief Executive Officer. “The industrial issues which negatively impacted margins in the fourth quarter of 2007 continued into the first quarter of this year, as strong demand for our agricultural products pressured both our manufacturing operations and our supplier ranks. Corrective actions which are already underway will improve results as we progress through the year, leading us to reaffirm our full year 2008 financial outlook of an expected range of diluted EPS before restructuring, net of tax of $3.30 to $3.60.”

Highlights for the quarter include:

 

   

Worldwide agricultural industry retail unit sales of tractors were up approximately 1%, while combines grew 40%. Industry unit sales were up in every region of the world, except for under-100 horsepower tractors in North America. CNH’s global reach allowed the company to fully participate in every region, with CNH’s worldwide retail unit sales of both tractors and combines up more than the industry.

 

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LOGO

 

   

Worldwide heavy and light construction equipment industry retail unit volumes were up approximately 5%, and were up in every region of the world except North America, with CNH’s worldwide retail unit sales of total heavy and light equipment up in line with the market.

 

   

Pricing was positive in every region except for construction equipment in North America, but did not offset higher input costs.

 

   

Research and development spending increased 18% compared with 2007, reflecting continued increases in investments for product innovation, quality and industrial efficiencies.

 

   

Conditions in the Brazilian agricultural and construction equipment markets have continued to improve with total tractor and combine industry unit sales up 54% compared with the first quarter of 2007, driven primarily by higher sugar, soybean and corn prices.

 

   

CNH continues to extend its reach in developing markets, increasing its presence in its various customer service centers and broadening the product offering. Further, in the second quarter, products produced in our Chinese joint venture will be available for sale in other developing markets.

 

   

At the Annual General Meeting in March, CNH shareholders approved a doubling of the annual dividend to $0.50 per share, which was paid on April 15, 2008.

EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS – First Quarter Financial Results

Net sales of equipment, comprising the company’s agricultural and construction equipment businesses were $4.10 billion for 2008, compared to $3.24 billion for the same period in 2007. Net sales increased 27% including 8% related to currency.

Agricultural Equipment Net Sales

 

   

Agricultural equipment net sales increased to $2.93 billion, up 38% (including 8% related to currency), compared with the prior year.

 

   

Net sales were up 102% in Latin America (including 15% related to currency), up 37% in Western Europe (including 12% related to currency) , up 23% in North America (including 3% related to currency), and up 39% in Rest-of-World markets (including 6% related to currency).

Construction Equipment Net Sales

 

   

Construction equipment net sales increased to $1.17 billion, up from $1.12 billion in 2007, (including an increase of 10% related to currency).

 

   

Net sales were up 58% in Latin America (including 14% related to currency), up 22% in Western Europe (including 12% related to currency), down 41% in North America (including an increase of 2% related to currency) and up 53% in Rest-of-World markets (including 12% related to currency).

 

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LOGO

 

Gross Profit

Equipment Operations gross profit (defined as net sales of equipment less cost of goods sold) for agricultural and construction equipment increased by 16%, or $99 million, to $700 million, compared to the first quarter of 2007.

Equipment Operations gross profit increased primarily through higher volume, favorable product mix, the introduction of new products, and pricing. These positive impacts were partially offset by industrial inefficiencies. As a result of such factors, Equipment Operations gross margin (gross profit expressed as a percent of net sales of equipment) declined to 17.1% from 18.5% in 2007.

The company and its supply chain are actively taking steps to resolve issues raised by the increased level of market demand experienced during recent quarters. In addition, the company is taking actions to increase industrial capacity and implement corrective actions. As a result of such actions, the company fully expects a return to gross margins previously achieved.

Operating Profit

Equipment Operations operating profit (defined as net sales of equipment, less cost of goods sold, SG&A and R&D costs) increased 21% to $264 million compared to $219 million in the first quarter of 2007. The operating profit increased by $45 million as the $99 million increase in gross profit was offset, in part, by a $54 million increase in SG&A and R&D investments (including $27 million of currency).

Equipment Operations operating margin (operating profit expressed as a percent of net sales of equipment) was 6.4%, compared with 6.8% of net sales in 2007. Active management of SG&A costs and R&D investments as a percent of sales partially offset the decline in gross margin.

FINANCIAL SERVICES – First Quarter Financial Results

Financial Services operations reported net income, excluding restructuring, of $52 million, compared with net income of $65 million in the prior year. The 2007 net income figure included a gain of $24 million, net of tax, on retail asset backed securitization (“ABS”) transactions while there were no comparable transactions in 2008. Excluding the impact of ABS transactions, the base financial services business net income improved by almost 27%, reflecting the higher balances of receivables under management across every region. In April 2008, Financial Services completed its initial 2008 U.S. ABS transaction of approximately $500 million of financial assets.

 

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LOGO

 

NET DEBT (CASH) AND OPERATING CASH FLOW

Equipment Operations Net Debt (Cash) position (defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents, deposits in Fiat affiliates’ cash management pools and intersegment notes receivable) was Net Cash of $206 million on March 31, 2008 compared to Net Cash of $486 million on December 31, 2007.

In the quarter, Equipment Operations Net Cash decreased by $280 million. Operating activities used $174 million of cash as cash generated from earnings and seasonal decreases in other assets and liabilities were more than offset by seasonal changes in working capital.

Equipment Operations Working Capital (defined as accounts and notes receivable, excluding intersegment notes receivable, plus inventories less accounts payable), net of currency variations, increased by $437 million in the quarter, reflecting higher sales, production levels, and the pending dividend payment to shareholders. At incurred currency rates, Equipment Operations Working Capital on March 31, 2008 was $2.53 billion, up approximately $490 million from $2.04 billion at December 31, 2007.

Equipment Operations capital expenditures were $51 million in the quarter, as the company continues to invest in increasing capacity, reducing bottlenecks, developing new products and improving its information systems.

Financial Services Net Debt increased by $1.47 billion to $9.34 billion on March 31, 2008 from $7.87 billion on December 31, 2007, driven primarily by higher levels of retail financial receivables.

FIRST QUARTER 2008 BRAND ACTIVITIES

Case Construction Equipment launched Customer Assistance Call Centers for the U.S., Canada, the UK and Ireland. In addition, Case Construction launched 69 products during the first quarter, including 30 in North America, 21 in Latin America and 18 in Europe, including new or re-powered wheel loaders, crawler dozers, loader-backhoes, telehandlers, compact excavators, skid steers and compact track loaders. In Japan, Case’s CX210 B Series Crawler Excavator earned the 18th Energy Conservation Award from the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy.

New Holland Construction Equipment launched 42 new or enhanced products worldwide during the quarter, including 15 in North America, 14 in Europe, 3 in Latin America and 10 in the international region. It launched a new B Series Loader Backhoe with a new curved boom for increased efficiency with a lower transport height, superior breakout force and a sloping flip-up hood for easier engine access and increased visibility. In North America, Kobelco introduced a new 85 ton “Super Acera” crawler excavator, expanding the top end of its product line, addressing customer’s needs for larger and more powerful applications. To reduce fuel consumption and pollution, New Holland Construction announced a new key brand initiative for Integrated Noise & Dust Reduction Cooling System technology installed in its crawler excavators.

 

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LOGO

 

Case IH Agricultural Equipment launched extensions in Europe to its Farmall utility tractors and Puma over-100 HP tractors. It launched a new 120-foot boom Patriot self-propelled sprayer with a 33% productivity increase over its next smaller size model, a higher-capacity line of Precision Air Cart seeding tools and new Early Riser 12 and 16 row precision planters, with the industry’s largest bulk seed hopper and its Advanced Seed Metering system consistent seed spacing and superior depth control for higher yields. Case IH also continued its North American roll out of Max ServiceSM, a customer support network working with dealers to help minimize customer downtime and maximize productivity.

New Holland Agricultural Equipment launched five new North American subcompact, compact and utility tractor product lines and four new utility tractor models in Europe. Included are new T4000 and T5000 tractors with increased power, a lower overall height profile design and lower center of gravity for more stability and better productivity with loader applications, which also incorporate the SuperSteer™ FWD axle, previously only on higher horsepower models, giving these models the tightest turning radius in the business. These new features give operators more versatility and flexibility and allow these tractors to work efficiently in areas where other tractors can not.

MARKET CONDITIONS AND FORECAST

For the full year, CNH expects the agricultural equipment market to remain above 2007 record levels with strong growth of high horsepower tractors and combines in North America and continued expansion in Western Europe, Latin America and Rest-of-World markets.

CNH expects both light and heavy construction equipment industry retail unit sales to be above 2007 levels. Increases in Latin America, Rest-of-World and Europe are expected to more than offset the decline in North America.

In summary, CNH confirms its outlook for 2008 diluted earnings per share before restructuring, net of tax, in the range of $3.30 to $3.60, compared with $2.61 for the full year 2007.

Restructuring costs, net of tax, in 2008 are now expected to be approximately $30 million primarily related to previously announced actions.

###

CNH Global N.V. is a world leader in the agricultural and construction equipment businesses. Supported by more than 11,000 dealers in 160 countries, CNH brings together the knowledge and heritage of its Case and New Holland brand families with the strength and resources of its worldwide commercial, industrial, product support and finance organizations. CNH Global N.V., whose stock is listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:CNH), is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A. (FIA.MI). More information about CNH and its Case and New Holland products can be found online at www.cnh.com.

###

 

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LOGO

 

CNH management will hold a conference call later today to review its first quarter 2008 results. The conference call Webcast will begin at approximately 6:30 a.m. U.S. Central Time; 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time. This call can be accessed through the investor information section of the company’s Web site at www.cnh.com and is being carried by CCBN.

Forward-looking statements. This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements regarding our competitive strengths, business strategy, future financial position, budgets, projected costs and plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. These statements may include terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “could,” “should,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “on track,” “goal,” or similar terminology.

Our outlook is predominantly based on our interpretation of what we consider key economic assumptions and involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. Crop production and commodity prices are strongly affected by weather and can fluctuate significantly. Housing starts and other construction activity are sensitive to interest rates and government spending. Some of the other significant factors for us include general economic and capital market conditions, the cyclical nature of our business, customer buying patterns and preferences, foreign currency exchange rate movements, our hedging practices, our customers’ access to credit, actions by rating agencies concerning the ratings of our debt securities and asset backed securities, risks related to our relationship with Fiat S.p.A., political uncertainty and civil unrest or war in various areas of the world, pricing, product initiatives and other actions taken by competitors, disruptions in production capacity, excess inventory levels, the effect of changes in laws and regulations (including government subsidies and international trade regulations), the results of legal proceedings (including the ultimate outcome of the consolidated arbitration proceeding pending in London before the ICC International Court of Arbitration), technological difficulties, results of our research and development activities, changes in environmental laws, employee and labor relations, pension and health care costs, relations with and the financial strength of dealers, the cost and availability of supplies from our suppliers, raw material costs and availability, energy prices, real estate values, animal diseases, crop pests, harvest yields, government farm programs and consumer confidence, housing starts and construction activity, concerns related to modified organisms and fuel and fertilizer costs. Additionally, our achievement of the anticipated benefits of our margin improvement initiatives depends upon, among other things, industry volumes as well as our ability to effectively rationalize our operations and to execute our brand strategy. Further information concerning factors that could significantly affect expected results is included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007.

We can give no assurance that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by the factors we disclose that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements.

 

Page 6


CNH Global N.V.

Revenues and Net Sales

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007     %
Change
 
     (In Millions)  

Revenues:

      

Net sales

      

Agricultural equipment

   $ 2,925     $ 2,117     38 %

Construction equipment

     1,174       1,124     4 %
                  

Total net sales

     4,099       3,241     26 %

Financial services

     316       254     24 %

Eliminations and other

     (50 )     (22 )  
                  

Total revenues

   $ 4,365     $ 3,473     26 %
                  

Net sales:

      

North America

   $ 1,290     $ 1,291     0 %

Western Europe

     1,385       1,049     32 %

Latin America

     595       322     85 %

Rest of World

     829       579     43 %
                  

Total net sales

   $ 4,099     $ 3,241     26 %
                  


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

 

     CONSOLIDATED    EQUIPMENT
OPERATIONS
   FINANCIAL
SERVICES
     Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2008    2007    2008    2007    2008    2007
     (In Millions, except per share data)

Revenues

                 

Net sales

   $ 4,099    $ 3,241    $ 4,099    $ 3,241    $ —      $ —  

Finance and interest income

     266      232      45      39      316      254
                                         

Total

     4,365      3,473      4,144      3,280      316      254
                                         

Costs and Expenses

                 

Cost of goods sold

     3,399      2,640      3,399      2,640      —        —  

Selling, general and administrative

     401      345      330      292      71      53

Research and development

     106      90      106      90      —        —  

Restructuring

     18      14      18      14      —        —  

Interest expense

     186      141      75      73      151      90

Interest compensation to Financial Services

     —        —        67      55      —        —  

Other, net

     90      88      62      57      16      15
                                         

Total

     4,200      3,318      4,057      3,221      238      158
                                         

Income before income taxes, minority interest and equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

     165      155      87      59      78      96

Income tax provision

     63      64      33      31      30      33

Minority interest

     5      5      5      5      —        —  

Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates:

                 

Financial Services

     4      2      52      65      4      2

Equipment Operations

     11      7      11      7      —        —  
                                         

Net income

   $ 112    $ 95    $ 112    $ 95    $ 52    $ 65
                                         

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                 

Basic

     237.2      236.4            
                         

Diluted

     237.7      237.1            
                         

Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”):

                 

Basic:

                 

EPS before restructuring, net of tax

   $ 0.53    $ 0.44            
                         

EPS

   $ 0.47    $ 0.40            
                         

Diluted:

                 

EPS before restructuring, net of tax

   $ 0.53    $ 0.44            
                         

EPS

   $ 0.47    $ 0.40            
                         

Dividends per share

     —        —              
                         

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

 

     CONSOLIDATED    EQUIPMENT
OPERATIONS
    FINANCIAL SERVICES
     March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007
   March 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
    March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007
     (In Millions)

Assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 974    $ 1,025    $ 332     $ 405     $ 642    $ 620

Deposits in Fiat affiliates cash management pools

     1,046      1,231      950       1,157       96      74

Accounts, notes receivable and other - net

     12,056      10,593      1,843       1,544       10,573      9,310

Intersegment notes receivable

     —        —        2,156       1,831       —        —  

Inventories

     4,251      3,488      4,251       3,488       —        —  

Property, plant and equipment - net

     1,562      1,510      1,557       1,505       5      5

Equipment on operating leases - net

     518      511      —         —         518      511

Investment in Financial Services

     —        —        2,160       2,099       —        —  

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

     563      528      445       420       118      108

Goodwill and intangibles

     3,135      3,142      2,966       2,973       169      169

Other assets

     2,117      1,717      1,351       1,215       766      502
                                           

Total Assets

   $ 26,222    $ 23,745    $ 18,011     $ 16,637     $ 12,887    $ 11,299
                                           

Liabilities and Equity

               

Short-term debt

   $ 5,532    $ 4,269    $ 780     $ 728     $ 4,752    $ 3,541

Intersegment short-term debt

     —        —        —         —         2,156      1,831

Accounts payable

     3,469      2,907      3,561       2,989       256      161

Long-term debt

     5,620      5,367      2,452       2,179       3,168      3,188

Intersegment long-term debt

     —        —        —         —         —        —  

Accrued and other liabilities

     5,163      4,900      4,780       4,439       395      479
                                           

Total Liabilities

     19,784      17,443      11,573       10,335       10,727      9,200

Equity

     6,438      6,302      6,438       6,302       2,160      2,099
                                           

Total Liabilities and Equity

   $ 26,222    $ 23,745    $ 18,011     $ 16,637     $ 12,887    $ 11,299
                                           

Total debt less cash and cash equivalents, deposits in Fiat affiliates cash management pools and intersegment notes receivable - “Net Debt / (Net Cash)”

   $ 9,132    $ 7,380    $ (206 )   $ (486 )   $ 9,338    $ 7,866
                                           

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

 

     CONSOLIDATED     EQUIPMENT
OPERATIONS
    FINANCIAL
SERVICES
 
     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     (In Millions)  

Operating Activities:

            

Net income

   $ 112     $ 95     $ 112     $ 95     $ 52     $ 65  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:

            

Depreciation and amortization

     85       87       61       71       24       16  

Intersegment activity

     —         —         (101 )     23       101       (23 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     (376 )     (234 )     (205 )     178       (171 )     (412 )

Other, net

     9       26       (41 )     (37 )     (2 )     (2 )
                                                

Net cash from operating activities

     (170 )     (26 )     (174 )     330       4       (356 )
                                                

Investing Activities:

            

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

     (51 )     (39 )     (51 )     (39 )     —         —    

Expenditures for equipment on operating leases

     (54 )     (55 )     —         —         (54 )     (55 )

Net (additions) collections from retail receivables and related securitizations

     (1,284 )     (5 )     —         —         (1,284 )     (5 )

Net (deposits in) withdrawals from Fiat affiliates cash management pools

     217       (230 )     235       (230 )     (18 )     —    

Other, net

     (1 )     (28 )     (28 )     (34 )     20       6  
                                                

Net cash from investing activities

     (1,173 )     (357 )     156       (303 )     (1,336 )     (54 )
                                                

Financing Activities:

            

Intersegment activity

     —         —         (345 )     (174 )     345       174  

Net increase (decrease) in indebtedness

     1,281       208       285       34       996       174  

Dividends paid

     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Other, net

     —         —         —         —         7       —    
                                                

Net cash from financing activities

     1,281       208       (60 )     (140 )     1,348       348  
                                                

Other, net

     11       14       5       4       6       10  
                                                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (51 )     (161 )     (73 )     (109 )     22       (52 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     1,025       1,174       405       703       620       471  
                                                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 974     $ 1,013     $ 332     $ 594     $ 642     $ 419  
                                                

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and supplemental information reflect all adjustments consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments except where noted, that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated results of CNH Global N.V., a Netherlands corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (“CNH” or the “Company”) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”); however, because of their condensed nature, they do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. GAAP or the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for complete annual or interim period financial statements. These financial statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the audited, consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2007 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 5, 2008.

CNH is controlled by Fiat Netherlands Holding N.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A. (“Fiat”). As of March 31, 2008, Fiat owned approximately 89% of CNH’s outstanding common shares.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CNH’s majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries and reflect the interests of the minority owners of the subsidiaries that are not fully owned for the periods presented, as applicable. The operations and key financial measures and financial analysis differ significantly for manufacturing and distribution businesses and financial services businesses; therefore, management believes that certain supplemental disclosures are important in understanding the consolidated operations and financial results of CNH. The supplemental financial information captioned “Equipment Operations” includes the results of operations of CNH’s agricultural and construction equipment operations, with the Company’s financial services businesses reflected on the equity method of accounting. The supplemental financial information captioned “Financial Services” reflects the combination of CNH’s financial services businesses.

 

1


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2. Recent Accounting Developments – As of the beginning of 2008, CNH adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157 “Fair Values Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”) and No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”), except as SFAS No. 157 applies to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for the measurement of fair value, and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. The Statement does not require any new fair value measures but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-2, which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This FSP partially deferred the effective date of Statement 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The partial adoption of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008, did not have a material impact to CNH’s financial position and results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, which permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The fair value option established by SFAS No. 159 permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. A business entity will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in income at each subsequent reporting date. This standard also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, did not have an impact to CNH’s financial position and results of operations, as the Company did not elect the fair value option for eligible items.

 

3. Stock-Based Compensation Plans – Stock-based compensation consists of stock options and performance-based shares that have been granted under the CNH Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan and the CNH Equity Incentive Plan. CNH recognized pre-tax stock-based compensation costs in the amount of approximately $7.5 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, CNH did not grant any significant new awards.

 

4. Accounts and Notes Receivable – In CNH’s receivable securitization programs, certain retail and wholesale finance receivables are sold and therefore are not included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The amounts outstanding under these retail programs were $3.9 billion and $4.6 billion at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 respectively. In addition to the retail securitization programs, certain subsidiaries of CNH securitized or discounted wholesale receivables and sold such receivables without recourse to Qualifying Special Purpose Entities. As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, remained outstanding under these programs.

During April 2008, CNH securitized $498 million of retail notes to the U.S. asset backed securitization market at a loss of $1.5 million.

 

2


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5. Inventories – Inventories as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 consist of the following:

 

     March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007
     (in millions)

Raw materials

   $ 989    $ 890

Work-in-process

     472      333

Finished goods and parts

     2,790      2,265
             

Total Inventories

   $ 4,251    $ 3,488
             

 

6. Goodwill and Other Intangibles – The following table sets forth changes in goodwill and other intangibles for the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 

     Balance at
December 31,
2007
   Amortization     Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other
    Balance at
March 31,
2008
     (in millions)

Goodwill

   $ 2,382    $ —       $ (8 )   $ 2,374

Intangibles

     760      (13 )     14       761
                             

Total Goodwill and Other Intangibles

   $ 3,142    $ (13 )   $ 6     $ 3,135
                             

As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company’s other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization consisted of the following:

 

     Weighted
Average
Life
   March 31, 2008    December 31, 2007
        Gross    Accumulated
Amortization
   Net    Gross    Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
          (in millions)

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

                    

Engineering drawings

   20    $ 389    $ 192    $ 197    $ 391    $ 186    $ 205

Dealer network

   25      216      72      144      216      70      146

Software

   5      333      218      115      318      207      111

Other

   10-30      58      25      33      49      23      26
                                            
        996      507      489      974      486      488
                                            

Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

                    

Trademarks

        272      —        272      272      —        272
                                            

Total other intangibles

      $ 1,268    $ 507    $ 761    $ 1,246    $ 486    $ 760
                                            

CNH recorded amortization expense of approximately $13 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $69 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Based on the current amount of other intangible assets subject to amortization, the estimated amortization expense for each of the years 2008 to 2012 is approximately $70 million.

 

3


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7. Debt – The following table sets forth total debt and total debt less cash and cash equivalents, deposits in Fiat affiliates cash management pools and intersegment notes receivable (“Net Debt (Cash)”) as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

 

      Consolidated    Equipment Operations     Financial Services
     March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007
   March 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
    March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007
     (in millions)

Short-term debt:

               

With Fiat affiliates

   $ 3,307    $ 2,562    $ 577     $ 263     $ 2,730    $ 2,299

Other

     2,225      1,707      203       465       2,022      1,242

Intersegment

     —        —        —         —         2,156      1,831
                                           

Total short-term debt

     5,532      4,269      780       728       6,908      5,372
                                           

Long-term debt:

               

With Fiat affiliates

     1,785      1,668      800       800       985      868

Other

     3,835      3,699      1,652       1,379       2,183      2,320

Intersegment

     —        —        —         —         —        —  
                                           

Total long-term debt

     5,620      5,367      2,452       2,179       3,168      3,188
                                           

Total debt:

               

With Fiat affiliates

     5,092      4,230      1,377       1,063       3,715      3,167

Other

     6,060      5,406      1,855       1,844       4,205      3,562

Intersegment

     —        —        —         —         2,156      1,831
                                           

Total debt

     11,152      9,636      3,232       2,907       10,076      8,560
                                           

Less:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

     974      1,025      332       405       642      620

Deposits in Fiat affiliates cash management pools

     1,046      1,231      950       1,157       96      74

Intersegment notes receivable

     —        —        2,156       1,831       —        —  
                                           

Net debt (cash)

   $ 9,132    $ 7,380    $ (206 )   $ (486 )   $ 9,338    $ 7,866
                                           

At March 31, 2008, CNH had approximately $3.4 billion available under $10.3 billion total lines of credit and asset-backed facilities.

CNH participates in Fiat affiliates cash management pools with other Fiat affiliates. Amounts deposited with Fiat affiliates as part of the Fiat cash management system are repayable to CNH upon one business day’s notice. To the extent that Fiat affiliates are unable to return any such amounts upon one business day’s notice, and in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of Fiat, CNH may be unable to secure the return of such funds, and CNH may be viewed as a creditor of such Fiat entity with respect to such funds. There is no assurance that the future operations of the Fiat cash management system may not adversely impact CNH’s ability to recover its funds to the extent one or more of the above described events were to occur.

 

4


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

8. Income Taxes – For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, effective income tax rates were 38.2% and 41.3%, respectively. For 2008 and 2007, tax rates differ from the Netherlands statutory rate of 25.5% due primarily to higher tax rates in certain jurisdictions, tax credits and incentives, provisioning of unrecognized tax benefits, utilization of tax losses in certain jurisdictions where no tax benefit was previously recognized and the impact of tax losses in certain jurisdictions where no immediate tax benefit is recognized.

The Company is engaged in competent authority proceedings at March 31, 2008. The Company anticipates reaching a settlement with competent authority within the next twelve months that may result in a tax deficiency assessment for which there should be correlative relief under competent authority. The potential tax deficiency assessment could have a net effect on cash flows in the range of $55 million to $60 million. The Company has provided for the unrecognized tax benefits and related competent authority recovery under FIN 48. The Company does not believe that the resolution of the competent authority proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the results of operation.

 

9. Restructuring – During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, CNH recognized expense of approximately $18 million and $14 million, respectively. Restructuring expense in the first quarter of 2008 primarily relates to severance and other costs incurred due to headcount reductions and plant closures. During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, CNH recorded cash utilization of approximately $15 million and $18 million, respectively. Cash utilization recorded in the first quarter of 2008 primarily represents payments of involuntary employee severance costs and costs related to the closing of facilities.

 

10. Commitments and Contingencies – CNH pays for warranty costs and the cost of major programs to modify products in the customers’ possession within certain pre-established time periods. A summary of recorded activity as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2008 for this commitment is as follows:

 

      Amount  
     (in millions)  

Balance at January 1, 2008

   $ 297  

Current year provision

     97  

Claims paid and other adjustments

     (78 )
        

Balance at March 31, 2008

   $ 316  
        

Certain of the Company’s Brazilian subsidiaries are awaiting a decision regarding the appropriateness of the enactment and/or assessment basis of a value added tax (“Cofins”) introduced in 1999. CNH expects to continue to pursue favorable judicial decisions and final administrative approval for Cofins refund claims from the Brazilian tax authorities for certain of its Brazilian subsidiaries.

 

5


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On September 21, 2007, the Company submitted a response in a consolidated arbitration proceeding (the “Arbitration”) pending in London before the ICC International Court of Arbitration. The Arbitration arose under a Services Agreement between CNH and PGN Logistics Ltd (“PGN”), pursuant to which PGN provided specified logistics services for certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in Europe. The dispute arose following CNH’s termination of the Services Agreement in January 2005 and involves CNH’s right to terminate (based upon alleged breach of contract and illegal activities) as well as invoices under the Services Agreement that were disputed by CNH and unpaid. The Tribunal in the Arbitration issued a partial decision on liability issues, finding, among other things, that CNH was not permitted to terminate the Services Agreement and that PGN was entitled in principle to recover amounts properly owed to it at the time of termination as well as additional damages that PGN may establish it has suffered for lost profits.

The hearing on damages was held on October 8-9, 2007. Prior to the damages hearing, the Company paid to PGN approximately £27.4 million ($55 million, of which $42 million was classified as restructuring) which represented payment of claims which the Tribunal held CNH was responsible for and with respect to which CNH did not have an objection as to amount. At the damages hearing PGN advanced a variety of theories purporting to substantiate damages for lost profits and other items. On February 4, 2008, the Tribunal issued its damages award. Pursuant to the award, the Tribunal, among other things, required CNH to pay certain invoices, compensate PGN for lost future profits under the Services Agreement and bear a portion of the costs incurred in connection with the dispute and the Arbitration. While certain calculations remain to be made, CNH estimates that the aggregate amount to be paid under the damages award will not exceed $35 million. The Company believes its reserves are adequate to cover the ultimate amount payable. The Tribunal dismissed all of PGN’s claims other than those included in the damages award.

 

11. Shareholders’ Equity – Shareholders approved a dividend of $0.50 per common share at the Annual General Meeting on March 20, 2008. The dividend was paid on April 15, 2008 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 4, 2008.

As of March 31, 2008, CNH had 237.3 million common shares outstanding.

 

12. Earnings per Share –The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2008    2007
     (in millions, except per
share data)

Basic:

     

Net income

   $ 112    $ 95
             

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     237.2      236.4
             

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.47    $ 0.40
             

Diluted:

     

Net income

   $ 112    $ 95
             

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     237.2      236.4

Effect of dilutive securities (when dilutive):

     

Stock compensation plans

     0.5      0.7
             

Weighted average common shares outstanding - dilutive

     237.7      237.1
             

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.47    $ 0.40
             

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

13. Comprehensive Income (Loss) – The components of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  
     (in millions)  

Net income

   $ 112     $ 95  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

    

Cumulative translation adjustment

     118       33  

Deferred gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments

     23       (11 )

Unrealized gains (losses) on retained interests in securitization transactions

     (2 )     (2 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment

     (4 )     (1 )
                

Comprehensive net income

   $ 247     $ 114  
                

 

14. Segment Information – CNH has three reportable operating segments: Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment and Financial Services.

A reconciliation from consolidated trading profit reported to Fiat under International Financial Reporting Standards and International Accounting Standards (collectively “IFRS”) to income (loss) before taxes, minority interest and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under U.S. GAAP for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  
     (in millions)  

Trading profit reported to Fiat under IFRS

   $ 296     $ 248  

Adjustments to convert from trading profit under IFRS to U.S. GAAP income before income taxes, minority interest and equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates:

    

Accounting for employee benefit plans

     (11 )     (13 )

Accounting for intangible assets, primarily product development costs

     (11 )     (12 )

Restructuring

     (18 )     (14 )

Net financial expense

     (72 )     (60 )

Accounting for receivable securitizations and other

     (19 )     6  
                

Income before income taxes, minority interest and equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under U.S. GAAP

   $ 165     $ 155  
                

The following summarizes trading profit under IFRS by segment:

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2008    2007
     (in millions)

Agricultural Equipment

   $ 196    $ 97

Construction Equipment

     5      64

Financial Services

     95      87
             

Trading profit under IFRS

   $ 296    $ 248
             

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

15. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures – CNH, in its quarterly press release announcing results, utilizes various figures that are “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” as this term is defined under Regulation G as promulgated by the SEC. In accordance with Regulation G, CNH has detailed either the computation of these measures from multiple U.S. GAAP figures or reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures to the most relevant U.S. GAAP equivalent. Some of these measures do not have standardized meanings and investors should consider that the methodology applied in calculating such measures may differ among companies and analysts. CNH’s management believes these non-GAAP measures provide useful supplementary information to investors in order that they may evaluate CNH’s financial performance using the same measures used by our management. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, nor superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. An explanation and reconciliation of the measures to U.S. GAAP follows.

Net Income Before Restructuring and Earnings Per Share Before Restructuring, Net of Tax

CNH defines net income before restructuring, net of tax, as U.S. GAAP net income, less U.S. GAAP restructuring charges, net of tax applicable to the restructuring charges.

The following table reconciles net income to net income before restructuring, net of tax and the related pro-forma computation of earnings per share:

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  
     (in millions, except per
share data)
 

Basic:

    

Net income

   $ 112     $ 95  
                

Restructuring, net of tax:

    

Restructuring

     18       14  

Tax benefit

     (5 )     (4 )
                

Restructuring, net of tax

     13       10  
                

Net income before restructuring, net of tax

   $ 125     $ 105  
                

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     237.2       236.4  
                

Basic earnings per share before restructuring, net of tax

   $ 0.53     $ 0.44  
                

Diluted:

    

Net income before restructuring, net of tax

   $ 125     $ 105  
                

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     237.2       236.4  

Effect of dilutive securities (when dilutive):

    

Stock compensation plans

     0.5       0.7  
                

Weighted average common shares outstanding - dilutive

     237.7       237.1  
                

Diluted earnings per share before restructuring, net of tax

   $ 0.53     $ 0.44  
                

 

8


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Equipment Operations Gross and Operating Profit

CNH defines Equipment Operations gross profit as net sales of equipment less costs classified as cost of goods sold. CNH defines Equipment Operations operating profit as gross profit less costs classified as selling, general and administrative and research and development costs. The following table summarizes the computation of Equipment Operations gross and operating profit.

 

      Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  
     (in millions)  

Net sales

   $ 4,099    100.0 %   $ 3,241    100.0 %

Less:

          

Cost of goods sold

     3,399    82.9 %     2,640    81.5 %
                  

Equipment Operations gross profit

     700    17.1 %     601    18.5 %

Less:

          

Selling, general and administrative

     330    8.1 %     292    9.0 %

Research and development

     106    2.6 %     90    2.8 %
                  

Equipment Operations operating profit

   $ 264    6.4 %   $ 219    6.8 %
                  

CNH defines Equipment Operations gross margin as gross profit as a percent of net sales of equipment. CNH defines Equipment Operations operating margin as operating profit as a percent of net sales of equipment.

Net Debt

Net Debt (Cash) is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents, deposits in Fiat affiliates cash management pools and intersegment notes receivable. The calculation of Net Debt (Cash) is shown below:

 

      Equipment Operations     Financial Services
     March 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
    March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007
     (in millions)

Total Debt

   $ 3,232     $ 2,907     $ 10,076    $ 8,560

Less:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

     332       405       642      620

Deposits in Fiat affiliates cash management pools

     950       1,157       96      74

Intersegment notes receivables

     2,156       1,831       —        —  
                             

Net Debt (Cash)

   $ (206 )   $ (486 )   $ 9,338    $ 7,866
                             

 

9


CNH GLOBAL N.V.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Working Capital

Equipment Operations working capital is defined as accounts and notes receivable and other-net, excluding intersegment notes receivable, plus inventories less accounts payable. The U.S. dollar computation of working capital, as defined, is impacted by foreign exchange (FX) rate movements. To demonstrate the impact of these movements, we have computed working capital as of March 31, 2008 using December 31, 2007 exchange rates.

The calculation of Equipment Operations working capital is shown below:

 

      March 31,
2008
    March 31,
2008 at
December 31,
2007 FX Rates
    December 31,
2007
    March 31,
2007
 
     (in millions)  

Accounts, notes receivable and other – net – Third Party

   $ 1,642     $ 1,590     $ 1,438     $ 1,310  

Accounts, notes receivable and other – net – Intersegment

     201       205       106       31  
                                

Accounts, notes receivable and other – net – Total

     1,843       1,795       1,544       1,341  
                                

Inventories

     4,251       4,105       3,488       3,037  
                                

Accounts payable – Third party

     (3,406 )     (3,269 )     (2,838 )     (2,171 )

Accounts payable – Intersegment

     (155 )     (151 )     (151 )     (131 )
                                

Accounts payable – Total

     (3,561 )     (3,420 )     (2,989 )     (2,302 )
                                

Working Capital

   $ 2,533     $ 2,480     $ 2,043     $ 2,076  
                                

 

10