Form 20-F
Table of Contents

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

 

¨

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

or

 

þ

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010

or

 

¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

or

 

¨

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 1-14528

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Kingdom of The Netherlands

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

World Trade Center, Amsterdam Airport

Tower B, 10th Floor

Schiphol Boulevard 217

1118 BH Amsterdam

The Netherlands

(Address of principal executive offices)

Michael P. Going

General Counsel

6900 Veterans Boulevard

Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527

Telephone: 630-887-3766

FAX: 630-887-2344

Email: Michael.Going@cnh.com

(Contact person)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered

Common Shares, par value €2.25   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 238,433,807 Common Shares

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨   Accelerated filer  þ   Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing: U.S. GAAP  þ    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨    Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow: Item 17  ¨ or Item 18  ¨.

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

PART I

  

Item 1.

  

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

     5   

Item 2.

  

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

     5   

Item 3.

  

Key Information

     5   

Item 4.

  

Information on the Company

     22   

Item 4A.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

     37   

Item 5.

  

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     37   

Item 6.

  

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     73   

Item 7.

  

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

     83   

Item 8.

  

Financial Information

     84   

Item 9.

  

The Offer and Listing

     85   

Item 10.

  

Additional Information

     86   

Item 11.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     96   

Item 12.

  

Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

     98   

PART II

  

Item 13.

  

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     99   

Item 14.

  

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

     99   

Item 15.

  

Controls and Procedures

     99   

Item 16A.

  

Audit Committee Financial Expert

     101   

Item 16B.

  

Code of Ethics

     101   

Item 16C.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     101   

Item 16D.

  

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

     102   

Item 16E.

  

Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

     102   

Item 16F.

  

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

     102   

Item 16G.

  

Corporate Governance

     102   

PART III

  

Item 17.

  

Financial Statements

     104   

Item 18.

  

Financial Statements

     104   

Item 19.

  

Exhibits

     104   

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-1   

 

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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION

CNH Global N.V. (“CNH”) is incorporated in and under the laws of The Netherlands. CNH combines the operations of New Holland N.V. (“New Holland”) and Case Corporation (“Case”), as a result of their business merger on November 12, 1999. As used in this report, all references to “New Holland” or “Case” refer to (1) the pre-merger business and/or operating results of either New Holland or Case (now a part of CNH America LLC (“CNH America”)) on a stand-alone basis, or (2) the continued use of the New Holland and Case product brands.

We prepare our annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars and, unless otherwise indicated, all financial data set forth in this annual report is expressed in U.S. dollars. Our worldwide agricultural equipment and construction equipment operations are collectively referred to as “Equipment Operations.” Our worldwide financial services operations are collectively referred to as “Financial Services.”

As of December 31, 2010, Fiat S.p.A. and its subsidiaries (“Fiat” or the “Fiat Group”) owned approximately 89% of our outstanding common shares through its direct, wholly-owned subsidiary Fiat Netherlands Holding N.V. (“Fiat Netherlands”). For information on our share capital, see “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

Fiat S.p.A. is a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Italy. The Fiat Group performs automotive, manufacturing, and financial service activities through companies located in approximately 50 countries and is engaged in commercial activities with customers in approximately 190 countries. It also manufactures other products and systems, principally automotive-related components, metallurgical products and production systems. In addition, the Fiat Group is involved in certain other activities, including publishing, communications and service companies.

On January 1, 2011, Fiat effected a “demerger” under Article 2506 of the Italian Civil Code. Pursuant to the demerger, Fiat transferred its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands to a new holding company, Fiat Industrial S.p.A. (“Fiat Industrial”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Fiat Industrial Group”), including Fiat’s indirect ownership of CNH Global, as well as Fiat’s truck and commercial vehicles business (“Iveco”) and its industrial and marine powertrain business. Consequently, as of January 1, 2011, CNH Global became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial. In connection with the demerger transaction, shareholders of Fiat S.p.A. received shares of capital stock of Fiat Industrial. Accordingly, effective as of January 1, 2011, Fiat Industrial owned approximately 89% of our outstanding common shares through its direct, wholly-owned subsidiary Fiat Netherlands.

Certain financial information in this report has been presented by geographic area. We use the following geographic designations: (1) North America; (2) Western Europe; (3) Latin America; and (4) Rest of World. As used in this report, the following geographic designations shall have the following meanings:

 

   

North America—the United States and Canada.

 

   

Western Europe—Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

 

   

Latin America—Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Islands.

 

   

Rest of World—Those areas not included in North America, Western Europe and Latin America.

Certain industry and market share information in this report has been presented on a worldwide basis which includes all countries, with the exception of India. In this report, management estimates of market share information are generally based on retail unit data in North America, on registrations of equipment in most of Western Europe, Brazil, and various Rest of World markets and on retail and shipment unit data collected by a

 

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central information bureau appointed by equipment manufacturers’ associations including the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (“AEM”) in North America, the Committee for European Construction Equipment (“CECE”) in Europe, the Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (“ANFAVEA”) in Brazil, the Japan Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (“CEMA”) and the Korea Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (“KOCEMA”), as well as on other shipment data collected by an independent service bureau. Not all agricultural or construction equipment is registered, and registration data may thus underestimate, perhaps substantially, actual retail industry unit sales demand, particularly for local manufacturers in China, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, Brazil and any country where local shipments are not reported. In addition, there may also be a period of time between the shipment, delivery, sale and/or registration of a unit, which must be estimated, in making any adjustments to the shipment, delivery, sale, or registration data to determine our estimates of retail unit data in any period.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Key Information

A. Selected Financial Data.

The following selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and for each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 18. Financial Statements”. This data should also be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” Financial data as of December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, has been derived from our previously-published, audited consolidated financial statements which are not included herein.

As of the beginning of 2010, we adopted new accounting guidance related to the accounting for transfers of financial assets and the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”). As a significant portion of our securitization trusts and facilities are no longer exempt from consolidation under the new guidance, we were required to consolidate the receivables and related liabilities. CNH recorded a $5.7 billion increase to assets and liabilities and equity upon the adoption of this new guidance on January 1, 2010. See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, for additional information on the adoption of this new accounting guidance.

As we adopted the guidance prospectively, the financial statements prepared for the year ended December 31, 2010 and for subsequent periods will reflect the new accounting requirements, but the financial statements for periods ended on or before December 31, 2009 have reflected the accounting guidance applicable during those periods. Our statement of operations no longer reflects securitization income and initial gains or losses on new securitization transactions, but includes interest income and other income associated with the securitized receivables, and interest expense associated with the debt issued from the securitization trusts and facilities. Therefore, current period results and balances are not comparable to prior period results and balances. In addition, because our new securitization transactions that do not meet the requirements for derecognition under the new guidance are accounted for as secured borrowings rather than asset sales, the initial cash flows from these transactions are presented as cash flows from financing transactions in 2010 rather than cash flows from operating or investing activities.

 

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The following table contains our selected historical financial data as of and for each of the five years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2010      2009     2008      2007      2006  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

             

Revenues:

             

Net sales

   $ 14,474       $ 12,783      $ 17,366       $ 14,971       $ 12,115   

Finance and interest income

     1,134         977        1,110         993         883   
                                           

Total revenues

   $ 15,608       $ 13,760      $ 18,476       $ 15,964       $ 12,998   
                                           

Net income (loss)

   $ 438       $ (222   $ 824       $ 574       $ 308   
                                           

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH Global N.V.

   $ 452       $ (190   $ 825       $ 559       $ 292   
                                           

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to CNH Global N.V. common shareholders:

             

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 1.90       $ (0.80   $ 3.48       $ 2.36       $ 1.37   
                                           

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 1.89       $ (0.80   $ 3.47       $ 2.36       $ 1.23   
                                           

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $       $      $ 0.50       $ 0.25       $ 0.25   
                                           

 

     As of December 31,  
     2010      2009      2008      2007      2006  
     (in millions)  

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

              

Total assets

   $ 31,589       $ 23,208       $ 25,459       $ 23,745       $ 18,274   
                                            

Short-term debt

   $ 3,863       $ 1,972       $ 3,480       $ 4,269       $ 1,270   
                                            

Long-term debt, including current maturities

   $ 12,434       $ 7,436       $ 7,877       $ 5,367       $ 5,132   
                                            

Common shares at €2.25 par value

   $ 599       $ 595       $ 595       $ 595       $ 592   
                                            

Common shares outstanding

     238         237         237         237         236   
                                            

Equity

   $ 7,380       $ 6,810       $ 6,575       $ 6,419       $ 5,229   
                                            

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness.

Not applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds.

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors.

The following risks should be considered in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” beginning on page 37 and the other risks described in the Safe Harbor Statement on page 71. These risks may affect our operating results and, individually or in the aggregate, could cause our actual results to differ materially from past and anticipated future results. The following discussion of risks may contain forward-looking statements which are intended to be covered by the Safe Harbor Statement on page 71. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of

 

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new information, future events, or otherwise. We invite you to consult any further related disclosures we make from time to time in our Form 6-K reports furnished to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations

Current conditions in the global economy and the major industries we serve have adversely affected our business.    The business and operating results of our Equipment Operations have been, and will continue to be, adversely affected by worldwide economic conditions. Current financial conditions and, in particular, conditions in the construction industry, continue to place significant economic pressures on our existing and potential customers, including our dealer network. As a result, some customers may delay or cancel plans to purchase our products and services and may not be able to fulfill their obligations to us in a timely fashion. Further, our suppliers may be experiencing similar conditions, which may adversely affect their ability to fulfill their obligations to us, which could result in product delays, increased accounts receivable, defaults and inventory challenges. Recently, there has been particular concern about the economic conditions in Europe, which may be impacted by the risk of sovereign debt defaults in certain European Union countries, such as Greece and Ireland. In addition, the government in China has taken steps to slow the growth rate in that country through higher interest rates, reduced bank lending, and anti-inflation measures. This global uncertainty and turmoil and the recession in many economies have adversely affected demand for our products. The full impact of stimulus programs by the United States and other governments remains uncertain, as does their willingness to extend existing programs or adopt additional programs. If there is significant further deterioration in the global economy, the demand for our products and services would likely decrease, and our results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, a decline in equity market values could cause many companies, including us, to carefully evaluate whether certain intangible assets, such as goodwill, have become impaired. The factors that we evaluate to determine whether an impairment charge is necessary requires management judgment and estimates. The estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, worldwide economic factors, technological changes and the achievement of the anticipated benefits of our profit improvement initiatives. Any of these factors, or other unexpected factors, may cause us to re-evaluate whether we need to record an impairment charge. In the event we are required to record an impairment charge with respect to certain intangible assets, it could have an adverse impact on our equity position and statement of operations.

We are exposed to political, economic and other risks from operating a global business.    Our global business is also subject to the political, economic and other risks that are inherent in operating in numerous countries. Some of those risks include:

 

   

changes in laws, regulations and policies that affect:

 

   

import and export duties and quotas,

 

   

currency restrictions,

 

   

interest rates and the availability of credit to our dealers and customers,

 

   

property and contract rights, and

 

   

taxes;

 

   

regulations from changing world organization initiatives and agreements;

 

   

changes in the dynamics of our competitors and the industries and markets in which we operate;

 

   

varying and unpredictable customer needs and desires;

 

   

labor disruptions; and

 

   

war, civil unrest, and terrorism.

 

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Retail notes receivable at December 31, 2010 and 2009, included approximately $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, of notes originated through a subsidized long-term loan program of the Brazilian development agency, Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (“BNDES”). The program provided subsidized funding to financial institutions the proceeds of which were to be loaned by lenders participating in the program to borrowers to support the purchase of agricultural or construction machinery in accordance with the provisions of the program. Financial Services participates in the program as a lender. In addition to participating directly in the BNDES program, we also originate retail receivables on behalf of other financial institutions participating in the BNDES program and continue to service these receivables on a fee for service basis. We have guaranteed this portfolio against all credit losses. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the guaranteed portfolio balance was $396 million and $349 million, respectively, which was not included on our consolidated balance sheets.

The Brazilian government provided mass debt relief, which included deferral of payments and extensions of loan maturities, to certain qualifying customers under this program in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2009 and 2010, no mass debt relief programs were initiated by the Brazilian government. In most instances, the 2009 and 2010 payments were due as scheduled or renegotiated, where applicable. We believe the series of debt relief actions has impacted customers’ behavior and payment patterns. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we increased the allowance for credit losses for this portfolio by $139 million and $47 million, respectively. This increase was based on various factors including our collection history subsequent to 2008, the last year a mass debt relief was granted. Since the mass debt relief program ended, we have and will continue to aggressively pursue the collection of these receivables. The changes in payment dates in prior years have added significant uncertainty regarding the ultimate collection of this portfolio. While we believe that, based on the current BNDES program, the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, it is possible that additional allowances could be required in future periods that could be material to the results of operations for such periods. Any future changes to the BNDES program could further impact our ability to collect amounts owed to us.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, total receivables greater than 60 days past due included in this Brazilian loan program, were $465 million and $651 million, respectively. These receivables have been placed on nonaccrual status. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $286 million and $172 million, respectively, in the allowance for credit losses related to this portfolio. See “Note 3: Accounts and Notes Receivable” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional information regarding our allowance for credit losses.

Currently, our ability to grow our businesses depends to an increasing degree on our ability to increase market share and operate profitably in emerging market countries, such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. Some of these emerging market countries may be subject to a greater degree of economic and political volatility which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The costs of compliance with, or other liabilities arising from or relating to, such laws and regulations in numerous countries and the risks inherent in operating around the world could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our financial performance is subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate changes.    We conduct operations in many areas of the world involving transactions denominated in a variety of currencies other than the U.S. dollar. To prepare our consolidated financial statements, we must translate those assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates. As a result, increases and decreases in the value of the U.S dollar relative to other currencies will affect the amount of these items in our consolidated financial statements, even if their value has not changed in their original currency (currency translation). We do not hedge currency translation risk. In addition, we are subject to daily variations in currency values as we make payments in or convert monies received from different currencies (currency transactions). Accordingly, a substantial increase or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies could substantially affect our financial position and operating results.

 

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Changes in interest rates affect our results of operations by, among other things, increasing or decreasing our borrowing costs and finance income. In addition, an increase in interest rates will, among other things, increase our customers’ costs of financing equipment purchases which could reduce our sales of equipment. A decline in equipment sales or an increase in our funding costs without a commensurate increase in finance income would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We attempt to mitigate our currency transaction risk and the impact of interest rate changes through the use of financial hedging instruments. We have historically entered into, and expect to continue to enter into, hedging arrangements with respect to currency transaction risk, a substantial portion of which are with counterparties that are treasury subsidiaries of Fiat or Fiat Industrial. As with all hedging instruments, there are risks associated with the use of foreign currency forward contracts, as well as interest rate swap agreements and other risk management contracts. While the use of such hedging instruments provides us with protection from certain fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates, we potentially forgo the benefits that might result from favorable fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates. In addition, any default by the counterparties to these transactions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. These financial hedging transactions may not provide adequate protection against future currency exchange rate or interest rate fluctuations and, consequently, such fluctuations could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” In addition, on July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was enacted in the U.S. This broad financial regulatory reform legislation, among other things, imposes comprehensive regulation of over-the-counter derivatives transactions and could affect the use of derivatives in hedging transactions. Although we cannot predict the precise impact that the Dodd-Frank Act may have on our business, in part due to many uncertainties surrounding the interpretation and implementation of the legislation and the need for future rulemaking by a variety of federal regulatory agencies, any laws or regulations that subject us to additional restrictions on our derivatives positions could adversely affect our ability to hedge risks associated with our business or increase the cost of our hedging activity.

Risks related to our pension plans and other postretirement obligations could impact our profitability.    The funded status of our pension benefit obligations is the difference between our plan assets and our recorded plan obligations. At December 31, 2010, our pension plans had an underfunded status of approximately $736 million. This amount included pension plan obligations of $463 million for plans that we are not currently required to fund.

The funded status of our pension and postretirement benefit plans is subject to many factors, such as actual experience and updates to actuarial assumptions used to measure the obligations. Actual developments, such as a significant change in the return on investment of the plan assets or a change in the portfolio mix of plan assets, may result in corresponding increases or decreases in the valuation of plan assets, particularly with respect to equity securities. Moreover, changes in interest rates may result in increases or decreases in the valuation of plan assets consisting of debt securities. Differences between actuarial projections and actual experience, such as a difference between expected and actual participant mortality rates, retirement rates or health care costs, may result in significant increases or decreases in the valuation of pension or postretirement obligations. Changes in actuarial assumptions, such as discount rates or rates of increase in future compensation, may also result in significant changes to the funded status of our pension and postretirement benefit plans. A change in funded status and/or a change in actuarial assumptions can result in higher or lower net periodic pension costs in the following year. See also “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Application of Critical Accounting Estimates” and “—Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits,” as well as “Note 12: Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, for additional information on pension and postretirement benefit accounting.

We depend on key suppliers for certain raw materials and components.    We purchase raw materials, parts and components from third-party suppliers. We rely upon single suppliers for certain parts and components, primarily those that require joint development between us and our suppliers. Current financial conditions could

 

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cause some of our suppliers to continue to face severe financial hardship and disrupt our access to critical parts, components and supplies, which could have a negative impact on our costs of production, our ability to fulfill orders and the profitability of our business. See also “Risks Related to Our Relationship with Fiat and Fiat Industrial, as well as the Demerger” for additional information on purchases from Fiat and Fiat Industrial.

Changes in the price of certain parts or commodities could adversely affect our operating results.    A significant change in the demand for, or supply or price of, certain parts, components or commodities could adversely affect our profitability or our ability to obtain and fulfill orders. Increases in the prices of raw materials could adversely affect our operating results. In particular, increases in the costs of steel (a commodity experiencing significant price increases recently and one upon which we rely heavily), rubber, oil and related petroleum-based products would adversely affect our profitability unless we raise equipment and parts prices to recover any such material or component cost increases. However, we may be unable to raise prices due to market conditions. Our ability to realize the benefit of declining commodity prices may be delayed by the need to reduce existing whole goods inventories which were manufactured during a period of higher commodity prices.

Labor laws and labor unions, which represent most of our production and maintenance employees, could impact our ability to maximize the efficiency of our operations.    We are subject to various local labor laws in the countries in which we operate. For instance, in Europe, our employees are covered by various worker protection laws, which afford employees, through local and central works councils, rights of information and consultation with respect to specific matters involving their employers’ business and operations, including the downsizing or closure of facilities and employment terminations. Labor agreements covering employees in certain European countries generally expire annually. The European worker protection laws and the collective bargaining agreements to which we are subject could impair our flexibility in streamlining existing manufacturing facilities and in restructuring our business. In April 2010, we reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the United Auto Workers (“UAW”) in the United States, which expires in April 2016. In October of 2006, the International Association of Machinists, which represents approximately 630 of our employees in Fargo, North Dakota, ratified a contract, which expires in April 2012.

Overall, labor unions represent most of our production and maintenance employees. Although we believe our relations with our employees and our unions are generally positive, current or future issues with labor unions might not be resolved favorably, and we may experience a work interruption or stoppage which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Particular to the Industries in Which We Operate

Government action and changes in government policy can impact our sales and restrict our operating flexibility.    Our businesses are exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties related to the action or inaction of governmental bodies.

Government policies can affect the market for our agricultural equipment by, among other things, influencing interest rates and regulating economic activity. For example, governments may regulate the levels of acreage planted through direct subsidies affecting specific commodity prices or through payments made directly to farmers. The existence of a high level of subsidies may reduce the effects of cyclicality in the equipment business. Other changes in government regulations, policies and initiatives could reduce demand for equipment and reduce our net sales.

In addition, international and multilateral institutions, such as the World Trade Organization, can affect the market for agricultural equipment through initiatives for changes in governmental policies and practices regarding agricultural subsidies, tariffs and the production of genetically modified crops. In particular, the outcome of the global negotiations under the auspices of the World Trade Organization could have a material effect on the international flow of agricultural commodities and could cause severe dislocations within the

 

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farming industry as farmers shift production to take advantage of new programs. With uncertainty created by policy changes and reforms, farmers could delay purchasing agricultural equipment, causing a decline in industry unit volumes and our net sales.

The worldwide financial and credit crisis dramatically affected, among other things, the availability and cost of credit. The full impact of actions by various central banks and other governmental entities to restore liquidity, increase the availability of credit and stimulate job growth continues to be uncertain. Although credit conditions have generally improved in 2010, there are still areas of uncertainty, such as Western Europe. Pressures on liquidity and the availability of credit could have an adverse impact on our customers and suppliers as well as our financial condition and results of operations. Governmental action may have the effect of impacting market forces and consumer demand in unanticipated ways.

Government policies on issues such as taxes and spending can have a material effect on our sales and business results. For example, increased government spending on roads, utilities and other construction projects and requirements with respect to biofuel additives to gasoline can have a positive effect on sales, while tax laws and regulations may affect depreciation schedules and the net income earned by our customers. These factors may influence customer decisions with respect to whether and when to purchase equipment that we manufacture, market or distribute. Other government policies, such as decisions to reduce public spending, may involve more unfavorable developments than anticipated, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In March 2010, the President of the United States signed into law the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively the “Health Care Acts”). The Health Care Acts will have a substantial impact on employers and businesses. Certain provisions of the Health Care Acts became effective in 2010, while other provisions of the Health Care Acts will be effective in future years. The Health Care Acts could require, among other things, changes to our current employee benefit plans, our information technology infrastructure, and our administrative and accounting processes. The ultimate extent and cost of these changes cannot be determined at this time and are being evaluated as related regulations and interpretations of the Health Care Acts become available. The Health Care Acts could significantly increase the cost of providing healthcare coverage generally and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

See also “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Industry Overview-Biofuels Impact on Agriculture, Light Construction Equipment”, and “Item 4. Information on the Company—D. Property, Plant and Equipment—Environmental Matters.”

Reduced demand for equipment would reduce our sales and profitability.    Some factors affecting demand for equipment, which could materially impact our operating results, include:

 

   

general economic conditions;

 

   

demand for food;

 

   

commodity prices and stock levels;

 

   

net farm income levels;

 

   

availability of credit;

 

   

developments in biofuels;

 

   

infrastructure spending rates;

 

   

housing starts; and

 

   

commercial construction.

 

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As such factors increase or decrease around the world, demand for our products may be significantly impacted in a relatively short timeframe. Negative economic conditions or a negative outlook for any of these factors can dampen demand for farm and/or construction equipment. Rapid declines in demand can result in, among other things, an oversupply of equipment, a decline in prices, the need for additional promotional programs, and a decrease in factory utilization, all of which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Positive economic conditions or positive outlooks for any of these factors can increase demand for farm and/or construction equipment. Rapid increases in demand can result in, among other things, an undersupply of equipment, increases in prices of our equipment, increases in our costs for materials and components, and increases in factory utilization demands (that either may not be possible due to production or other constraints, affecting either us or our suppliers, or may not be sustainable for long periods of time without additional, potentially significant, capital expenditures or inefficiency costs). Producing our products is a capital intensive activity and can require significant amounts of time and capital investment to materially adjust production capacity and efficiency. Accordingly, we may not be able to quickly accommodate large changes in demand which could impede our ability to operate efficiently. See also “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Industry Overview.”

The agricultural and construction equipment industries are highly cyclical.    The nature of the agricultural and construction equipment industries is such that changes in demand can occur suddenly, resulting in imbalances in inventories, production capacity and prices for new and used equipment. Downturns may be prolonged and may result in significant losses during affected periods. Equipment manufacturers, including us, have responded to downturns in the past by reducing production and capacity levels and discounting product prices. These actions have resulted in restructuring charges and lower earnings for us in past affected periods. In the event of future downturns, we may need to undertake similar or additional actions. Upturns also may be prolonged and result in lower than expected improvements in results as we and our suppliers invest to increase production capacities and efficiencies.

Risks related to Financial Services.

Credit Risk.    Fundamental to any organization that extends credit is the risk associated with its customers. The creditworthiness of each customer, and the rates of delinquencies, repossessions and net losses relating to customer loans is impacted by many factors including:

 

   

relevant industry and general economic conditions;

 

   

the availability of capital;

 

   

changes in interest rates;

 

   

the experience and skills of the customer’s management team;

 

   

commodity prices;

 

   

political events;

 

   

weather; and

 

   

the value of the collateral securing the extension of credit.

A deterioration in the quality of our financial assets, an increase in delinquencies or a reduction in collateral recovery rates could have an adverse impact on the performance of Financial Services. These risks become more acute in any economic slowdown or recession due to decreased demand for (or the availability of) credit, declining asset values, changes in government subsidies, reductions in collateral to loan balance ratios, and an increase in delinquencies, foreclosures and losses. Our servicing and litigation costs may also increase. In addition, governments may pass laws or implement regulations that modify rights and obligations under existing agreements or which prohibit or limit the exercise of contractual rights.

 

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When loans default and Financial Services repossesses collateral securing the repayment of the loan, its ability to sell the collateral to recover or mitigate losses is subject to the market value of such collateral. Those values are affected by levels of new and used inventory of agricultural and construction equipment on the market. They are also dependent upon the strength or weakness of market demand for new and used agricultural and construction equipment, which is affected by the strength of the general economy. In addition, repossessed collateral may be in poor condition, which would reduce its value. Finally, relative pricing of used equipment, compared with new equipment, can affect levels of market demand and the resale of the repossessed equipment. An industry wide decrease in demand for agricultural or construction equipment could result in lower resale values for repossessed equipment which could increase losses on loans and leases, adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations. See also “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Indebtedness—Access to funding at competitive rates is essential to our Financial Services business.”

Funding Risk.    Financial Services has traditionally relied upon the asset-backed securitization (“ABS”) market as a primary source of funding for its operations in North America and Australia. The recent worldwide financial and credit crisis had a material impact on the ABS market. In early 2009, we saw a return of liquidity to the ABS market at spreads that continued to improve throughout the year and into 2010, and are currently more reflective of historical averages. However, if economic conditions worsen, Financial Services could have materially higher funding costs or may have to limit its product offerings, which could negatively impact our financial results. As Financial Services finances a significant portion of our sales of equipment, to the extent that Financial Services is unable to access funding on acceptable terms our sales of equipment could be negatively impacted.

To maintain competitiveness in the capital markets and to promote efficient use of funding sources, additional reserve support has been added to certain previously issued ABS transactions. Such optional support may be required to maintain credit ratings assigned to the transactions if loss experiences are higher than anticipated due to adverse economic conditions. The choice to provide additional reserve support could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Repurchase Risk.    In connection with our ABS transactions, we make customary representations and warranties regarding the assets being securitized, as disclosed in the related offering documents. While no recourse provisions exist that allow holders of asset-backed securities issued by our trusts to require us to repurchase those securities, a breach of these representations and warranties could give rise to an obligation to repurchase non-conforming receivables from the trusts. Any future repurchases could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Regulatory Risk.    The operations of Financial Services are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by various governmental authorities. These operations are subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions and interpretations imposing requirements and restrictions, which among other things:

 

   

regulate credit granting activities, including establishing licensing requirements;

 

   

establish maximum interest rates, finance and other charges;

 

   

regulate customers’ insurance coverage;

 

   

require disclosure to customers;

 

   

govern secured transactions;

 

   

set collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims handling procedures and other trade practices;

 

   

prohibit discrimination in the extension of credit and administration of loans; and

 

   

regulate the use and reporting of information related to a borrower.

To the extent that applicable laws are amended or construed differently, new laws are adopted to expand the scope of regulation imposed upon Financial Services, or applicable laws prohibit interest rates we charge from

 

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rising to a level commensurate with risk and market conditions, such events could adversely affect our Financial Services business and our financial condition and results of operations.

U.S. regulators and legislators have implemented or proposed various changes that could adversely affect the ABS market. To the extent that these changes increase Financial Services’ costs of compliance or limit its ability to access the ABS market on acceptable terms, our financial condition could be adversely affected. In this regard, there has been uncertainty regarding the potential impact of recently adopted or proposed SEC rules and regulations governing the issuance of asset-backed securities and additional requirements contained in the Dodd-Frank Act. For example, in January 2011, the SEC adopted rules that require securitizers to disclose detailed information about fulfilled and unfulfilled repurchase demands and require issuers of asset-backed securities to perform a review of the pool assets underlying those securities. While we will continue to monitor these developments and their impact on Financial Services’ access to the ABS market, these and future SEC rules and regulations may impact the ability of Financial Services to engage in these activities or increase the effective cost of asset-backed transactions in the future, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

The Dodd-Frank Act also imposes a number of significant changes relating to the ABS and structured finance markets, including a requirement that regulators jointly adopt regulations requiring the sponsor of a securitization to retain, subject to certain exemptions and exceptions, at least 5% unhedged credit risk on securitized exposures. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires the SEC to impose asset-level registration statement disclosure requirements if the data is necessary for investors to independently perform due diligence. The regulatory response to these mandates, as well as the potential impact of such response upon the ABS and structured finance markets, remains uncertain.

Financial Services conducts business in parts of Europe and Brazil through two wholly-owned licensed banks. The activities of these entities are also governed by international, federal and local banking laws, and our banks are subject to examination by banking regulators. These banking entities are also required to comply with various financial requirements (such as minimum capital requirements). Compliance with such banking regulations could increase our operating costs which would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, government regulators may implement laws which negatively impact our contractual rights, which may increase our financial risk of doing business in such countries.

Market Risk.    We hold retained interests in securitization transactions, which we refer to collectively as retained interests. Beginning January 1, 2010, with the adoption of the new accounting guidance related to variable interest entities, we have reclassified the retained interests to receivables for transactions that were consolidated under this guidance. At December 31, 2010, retained interests for the remaining off-book transactions were $39 million and are carried at estimated fair value. Refer to “Note 15: Financial Instruments” to our consolidated financial statements for further information. Our estimated valuation of retained interests may change in future periods, and we may incur additional impairment charges as a result.

See also “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Indebtedness—Access to funding at competitive rates is essential to our Financial Services business.”

The agricultural equipment industry is highly seasonal which causes our results of operations and levels of working capital to fluctuate.    The agricultural equipment business is highly seasonal as farmers traditionally purchase agricultural equipment in the spring and fall in connection with the main planting and harvesting seasons. Our net sales and results of operations have historically been the highest in the second quarter, reflecting the spring selling season in the Northern Hemisphere, and lowest in the third quarter, when many of our production facilities experience summer shut-down periods, especially in Europe. Seasonal conditions also affect our construction equipment business, but to a lesser extent than our agricultural equipment business. Our production levels are based upon estimated retail demand. These estimates take into account the timing of dealer shipments, which occur in advance of retail demand, dealer inventory levels, the need to retool manufacturing facilities to produce new or different models and the efficient use of manpower and facilities. However, because

 

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we spread our production and wholesale shipments throughout the year, wholesale sales of agricultural equipment products in any given period may not necessarily reflect the timing of dealer orders and retail demand in that period.

Estimated retail demand may exceed or be exceeded by actual production capacity in any given calendar quarter because we spread production throughout the year. If retail demand is expected to exceed production capacity for a quarter, then we may schedule higher production in anticipation of the expected retail demand. Often, we anticipate that spring selling season demand may exceed production capacity in that period and schedule higher production, and anticipate higher inventories and wholesale shipments to dealers in the first quarter of the year. Thus, our working capital and dealer inventories are generally at their highest levels during the February to May period and decline to the end of the year as both company and dealers’ inventories are typically reduced.

As economic, geopolitical, weather and other conditions change during the year and as actual industry demand might differ from expectations, sudden or significant declines in industry demand could adversely affect our working capital and debt levels, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, to the extent our production levels (and timing) do not correspond to retail demand, we may have too much or too little inventory, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Weather, climate change, and natural disasters can impact our operations and our sales.    Poor or unusual weather conditions, particularly in the spring, can significantly affect purchasing decisions of our customers. Sales in the important spring selling season can have a material impact on our financial results. In addition, growing public concerns over the effects of climate change have resulted in international and national initiatives to control the emissions of greenhouse gasses (“GHG”) and additional proposed laws and regulations designed to further reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other GHGs which contribute to “global warming”. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has proposed a mandatory carbon emissions reporting system for certain facilities and has made an endangerment finding with respect to GHG emissions under the U.S. Clean Air Act which could lead to increased regulation of GHG emissions in the U.S. In addition, legislation under consideration in the U.S. Congress could result in the institution of a carbon tax or a cap and trade program for carbon dioxide and other GHG emissions in the U.S. Depending upon the nature, extent, and timing of such potential laws and regulations, we could experience increased costs of compliance, which could negatively impact our results of operations. In addition, it is unclear how climate change may impact our suppliers and customers (particularly with respect to agricultural equipment) and their businesses and the resulting potential impact to our businesses. In addition, natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, droughts and other forms of severe weather in a country in which we produce or sell equipment could have an adverse effect on our customers, our sales, or our property, plant and equipment.

Competitive activity or failure by us to respond to actions by our competitors could adversely affect our results of operations.    We operate in a highly competitive environment with global, regional and local competitors of differing strengths in various markets throughout the world. Our equipment businesses compete primarily on the basis of product features and performance, customer service, quality, price and anticipated resale value, and our products may not be able to compete successfully with those offered by our competitors. Aggressive pricing or other strategies pursued by competitors, unanticipated product improvements or difficulties, manufacturing difficulties, our failure to price our products competitively or an unexpected buildup in competitors’ new machine or dealer-owned rental fleets, leading to severe downward pressure on machine rental rates and/or used equipment prices, could result in a loss of customers, a decrease in our revenues and a decline in our share of industry sales.

Our Equipment Operations’ sales outlook is based upon various assumptions including price realization, volumes, product mix and geographic mix. The current market environment remains competitive from a pricing standpoint. Further declines in the construction or agricultural equipment industry together with further deteriorating economic conditions could make it more difficult to maintain pricing or cause volumes to be less

 

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than projected, which would adversely affect our operating results. In addition, if actual product or geographic mix differs from our assumptions, it could have a negative effect on our operating results.

Our Financial Services operations compete with banks, finance companies and other financial institutions. Our Financial Services’ operations may be unable to compete successfully due to the inability to access capital on favorable terms, or due to issues relating to funding resources, products, licensing or governmental regulations, and the number, type and focus of services offered. In addition, some of our competitors may be eligible to participate in government programs providing access to capital at favorable rates for which we are ineligible, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage. If our Financial Services business is unable to effectively compete, our financial condition and results of operations will suffer.

Dealer equipment sourcing and inventory management decisions could adversely affect our sales.    We sell a substantial portion of our finished products and parts through an independent dealer network. The dealers carry inventories of finished products as part of ongoing operations and adjust those inventories based on their assessment of future sales opportunities. Dealers who carry products that compete with our products may focus their inventory purchases and sales efforts on goods provided by other suppliers due to industry demand or profitability. Such inventory adjustments and sourcing decisions can adversely impact our sales, financial condition and results of operations.

Adverse economic conditions could place a financial strain on our dealers and adversely affect our operating results.    Global economic conditions continue to place financial stress on many of our dealers. Dealer financial difficulties may impact their equipment sourcing and inventory management decisions, as well as their ability to provide services to their customers purchasing our equipment. Accordingly, additional financial strains on members of our dealer network resulting from current or future economic conditions could adversely impact our sales, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in the equipment rental business could affect our sales.    In recent years, short-term lease programs and commercial rental agencies for agricultural and construction equipment have expanded significantly in North America. In addition, larger rental companies have become sizeable purchasers of new equipment and can have a significant impact on total industry sales, prices, and terms when they change the size of their fleets or adjust to more efficient rates of rental utilization. With changes in construction activity levels and rental utilization rates, rental companies may need to accelerate or postpone new equipment purchases for the replenishment of their fleets, without changing the size of their fleets. If changes in activity levels become more pronounced, the rental companies also may need to increase or decrease their fleet size to maintain efficient utilization rates. These changes can lead to more pronounced demand volatility, exacerbating cyclical increases or decreases in industry demand, particularly at either the beginning or end of a cycle, as rental companies often are among the first market participants to experience these changes.

In addition, when correspondingly larger or smaller amounts of equipment come off lease or are replaced with newer equipment by rental agencies, there may be a significant increase in the availability of late-model used equipment which could impact used equipment prices. If used equipment prices were to decline significantly, sales and pricing of new equipment could be depressed. As a result, an oversupply of used equipment could adversely affect demand for, or the market prices of, our new and used equipment and our dealer inventory values and their financial condition. In addition, a decline in used equipment prices could have an adverse effect on residual values for leased equipment, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Costs of ongoing compliance with and any failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.    Our operations and products are subject to increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. Such laws and regulations govern, among other things, emissions into the air, discharges into water, the use, handling and disposal of hazardous substances, regulated materials, waste disposal and the remediation of soil and

 

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groundwater contamination. We regularly expend significant resources to comply with regulations concerning the emission levels of our manufacturing facilities and the emission levels of our manufactured equipment. We are currently conducting environmental investigations or remedial activities involving soil and groundwater contamination at a number of properties. Management estimates potential environmental liabilities for remediation, closure and related costs, and other claims and contingent liabilities (including those related to personal injury) and, where appropriate, establishes reserves to address these potential liabilities. Our ultimate exposure, however, could exceed our reserves. In addition, we expect to make environmental and related capital expenditures in connection with reducing the emissions of our existing facilities and our manufactured equipment in the future, depending on the levels and timing of new standards. Our costs of complying with existing or future environmental laws may be significant. If we fail to comply with existing or future laws, we may be subject to fines, penalties and/or restrictions on our operations.

The engines used in our equipment are subject to extensive statutory and regulatory requirements governing emissions and noise, including standards imposed by the EPA, state regulatory agencies in the U.S. and other regulatory agencies around the world. Governments may set new standards that could impact our operations in ways that are difficult to anticipate with accuracy. For example, the EPA and European regulators have adopted new and more stringent emission standards, including Tier 4/Stage IIIB non-road diesel emission requirements applicable to many of our non-road equipment products beginning in 2011. If we are unable to successfully execute our plans to meet Tier 4/Stage IIIB emission and other regulatory requirements, our ability to continue placing certain products on the market would suffer, which could negatively impact our financial results and competitive position. In addition, Tier 4/Stage IIIB requirements and product enhancements related thereto may impact the pricing or acceptability of our products, which could impact our competitive position, sales and results of operations.

Our financial statements may be impacted by changes in accounting standards.    Our financial statements are subject to the application of U.S. GAAP, which are periodically revised. At times, we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards issued by recognized bodies. It is possible such changes could have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations or financial position. For example, Financial Services recorded a $5.7 billion increase to assets and liabilities and equity upon the January 1, 2010 adoption of new accounting guidance which changes the accounting for transfers of financial assets and the consolidation of VIEs. See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, for additional information on the adoption of this new accounting guidance. In addition, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) has recently issued exposure drafts which propose changes to the accounting guidance relating to a number of our significant accounting policies, including those relating to revenue recognition, financial instruments, derivative instruments and hedging activities and leases.

Our business operations may be impacted by various types of claims, lawsuits, and other contingent obligations.    We are involved in various product liability, warranty, product performance, asbestos, personal injury, environmental claims and lawsuits, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. We estimate such potential claims and contingent liabilities and, where appropriate, establish reserves to address these contingent liabilities. The ultimate outcome of the legal matters pending against us or our subsidiaries is uncertain, and although such lawsuits are not expected individually to have a material adverse effect on us, such lawsuits could have, in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Further, we could in the future be subject to judgments or enter into settlements of lawsuits and claims that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any particular period. In addition, while we maintain insurance coverage with respect to certain claims, we may not be able to obtain such insurance on acceptable terms in the future, if at all, and any such insurance may not provide adequate coverage against any such claims. See also “Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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We may not be able to realize anticipated benefits from any acquisitions and challenges associated with strategic alliances may have an adverse impact on our results of operations.    We may engage in acquisitions or enter into or exit from strategic alliances which could involve risks that could prevent us from realizing the expected benefits of the transactions or the achievement of strategic objectives. Such risks could include:

 

   

technological and product synergies, economies of scale and cost reductions not occurring as expected;

 

   

unexpected liabilities;

 

   

incompatibility in processes or systems;

 

   

unexpected changes in laws or regulations;

 

   

inability to retain key employees;

 

   

increased financing costs and inability to fund such costs;

 

   

significant costs associated with terminating or modifying alliances; and

 

   

problems in retaining customers and integrating operations, services, personnel, and customer bases.

If problems or issues were to arise among the parties to one or more strategic alliances due to managerial, financial, or other reasons, or if such strategic alliances or other relationships are terminated, our product lines, businesses, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our sales can be affected by customer attitudes and new product acceptance.    The worldwide financial and credit crisis negatively impacted consumer and corporate confidence and potential consumers’ ability or willingness to purchase agricultural and construction equipment, which requires a significant capital investment. Negative economic conditions, on a worldwide or regional basis, could significantly impact consumer or corporate confidence and liquidity, which could cause many potential customers to defer capital investments in agricultural or construction equipment, which could adversely affect our sales. In addition, our long-term results depend on continued global demand for our brands and products.

To achieve our business goals, we must develop and sell products, parts and support services that appeal to our dealers and customers. This effort is dependent upon a number of factors including our ability to manage and maintain key dealer relationships, our ability to develop effective sales, advertising and marketing programs, and the strength of the economy. We believe that to maintain our competitive position and to increase sales we must develop innovative and cost competitive products that appeal to our customers around the world. Our ability to derive competitive benefits from new products will depend in part on our ability to develop or obtain and protect intellectual property relating to product innovations. Failure to continue to deliver high quality, competitive products to the marketplace on a timely basis, or to accurately predict market demand for, or gain market acceptance of, our products, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

Adverse conditions in the financial and credit markets may significantly limit, the availability, and increase the cost of, funding.    During late 2008 and early 2009, the financial and credit markets experienced levels of volatility and disruption that were unprecedented in recent history, putting downward pressure on financial and other asset prices generally and on credit availability. As a result, the ability to procure new financing at favorable costs to fund operations or refinance maturing obligations as they became due was significantly constrained. A return to these conditions could severely restrict access to capital and could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and cash flow. If we were unable to obtain adequate sources of funding in the future, our liquidity position and our ability to fund our business would suffer.

Access to funding at competitive rates is essential to our Financial Services business.    The most significant source of liquidity for Financial Services has traditionally been ABS transactions. During late 2008

 

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and early 2009, conditions in the ABS market adversely affected our ability to sell receivables or other financial assets on a favorable or timely basis. Similar conditions in the future could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The ABS market is sensitive to overall investor sentiment and to the performance of our portfolio.

A performance trend substantially worse than anticipated with respect to the assets backing the securities issued by us in connection with ABS transactions could have a material adverse effect on our ability to access capital through the ABS markets or on the terms and conditions applicable to such transactions.

Credit rating changes could affect our cost of funds.    Our access to funds and our cost of funding depend on, among other things, the credit ratings of CNH, our ABS transactions, Fiat Industrial and Fiat, as Fiat currently provides us with direct funding as well as guarantees in connection with some of our external financing arrangements. (See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”) The rating agencies may change the credit ratings or take other similar actions, which could affect our access to the capital markets, and the cost and terms of existing and future borrowings and, therefore, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We have significant outstanding indebtedness, which may limit our ability to obtain additional funding and limit our financial and operating flexibility.    As of December 31, 2010, we had an aggregate of $16.3 billion of consolidated indebtedness, of which $12.2 billion related to Financial Services and $4.1 billion to Equipment Operations, and our equity was $7.4 billion.

The extent of our indebtedness could have important consequences to our operations and financial results, including:

 

   

we may not be able to secure additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements or general corporate purposes;

 

   

we will need to use a portion of our projected future cash flow from operations to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, which will reduce the amount of funds available to us for other purposes;

 

   

we may be more financially leveraged than some of our competitors, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage;

 

   

we may not be able to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions, which may make us more vulnerable to a downturn in general economic conditions or our business; and

 

   

we may not be able to access the ABS markets on favorable terms, which may adversely affect our ability to provide competitive retail and wholesale financing programs.

Covenants in our debt agreements could limit our financial and operating flexibility.    The indentures governing our outstanding public indebtedness and other credit agreements to which we are a party contain covenants that restrict our ability and/or that of our subsidiaries to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional debt;

 

   

use assets as security in other transactions; and

 

   

enter into sale and leaseback transactions.

For more information regarding our credit facilities and debt, see “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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Risks Related to Our Relationship with Fiat and Fiat Industrial, as well as the Demerger

Fiat guarantees and funding.    We currently rely on, among others, Fiat to provide credit for Equipment Operations and Financial Services. In the recent past, due to the then existing credit crisis and its material adverse impact on the ABS markets, we relied more heavily upon funding provided by Fiat. In connection with the demerger transaction all these financing arrangements were assigned by Fiat treasury subsidiaries to Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries on January 1, 2011. In addition, Fiat continues to provide financial guarantees in connection with certain of our external financing sources. We anticipate that the remaining Fiat guarantees will be replaced with comparable guarantees provided by Fiat Industrial. There is no assurance that Fiat Industrial will issue such guarantees or continue to make such credit or guarantees available. To the extent these arrangements are terminated or replaced, or Fiat Industrial otherwise does not make financing available to us, or does not provide financial guarantees, we will need to seek alternative sources of funding or credit support. Alternative sources of funding or credit support may not be available and, to the extent that such credit or credit support is available, the terms and conditions of such credit or credit support may not be as favorable as that provided by or with the support of Fiat. The availability and terms of such funding may be affected by the capitalization of Fiat Industrial. In addition, following the effective date of the demerger transaction, we began to utilize services, such as cash management services, provided by the Fiat Industrial Group in substitution for services previously provided by Fiat treasury subsidiaries. Such services may expose us to credit risk. We cannot predict the creditworthiness of the Fiat Industrial Group and we may be exposed to greater risk following the demerger transaction than the risk previously associated with our funds on deposit with Fiat treasury subsidiaries. As a result, our funding costs and exposure to third party credit risk could significantly increase, which could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information concerning indebtedness due to and guarantees provided by Fiat and Fiat Industrial.

Potential conflicts of interest with Fiat and Fiat Industrial    As of December 31, 2010, Fiat owned, indirectly through Fiat Netherlands, approximately 89% of our outstanding common shares. In connection with the demerger transaction, this ownership interest was transferred to Fiat Industrial on January 1, 2011. As long as Fiat Industrial continues to own shares representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of our capital stock, it will be able to direct the election of all of the members of our Board of Directors and determine the outcome of all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders. Circumstances may arise in which the interests of Fiat Industrial could be in conflict with the interests of our other debt and equity security holders. In addition, Fiat Industrial may pursue certain transactions that in its view will enhance its equity investment in us, even though such transactions may not be viewed as favorably by our other debt and equity security holders.

We rely on Fiat Industrial to provide us with substantial financial support, and we purchase goods and services from or with various companies within Fiat or Fiat Industrial. We believe our business relationships with such companies can offer economic benefits to us; however, Fiat Industrial’s ownership of our capital stock and ability to direct the election of our directors could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when Fiat Industrial is faced with decisions that could have different implications for Fiat Industrial and us. For more information, see “Note 21: Related Party Information” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Our participation in cash management pools exposes us to Fiat Industrial Group credit risk.    Like other companies that are part of global commercial groups, we participate in a group-wide cash management system with other companies within the Fiat Industrial Group. Under this system, which is operated by Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries in a number of jurisdictions, the cash balances of Fiat Industrial members, including ours, are aggregated at the end of each business day in various regional central pooling accounts (the “Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools” or “deposits with Fiat Industrial”). Our positive cash deposits with Fiat Industrial, if any, are either invested by Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries in highly rated, highly liquid money market instruments or bank deposits, or may be applied by Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries to meet the financial needs of other Fiat Industrial members and vice versa.

 

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While we believe participation in Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools provides us with financial benefits, it exposes us to Fiat Industrial credit risk. In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of Fiat Industrial (or any other Fiat Industrial member in the jurisdictions with set off agreements) or in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of the Fiat Industrial entity in whose name the deposit is pooled, we may be unable to secure the return of such funds to the extent they belong to us, and we may be viewed as a creditor of such Fiat Industrial entity with respect to such deposits. Because of the affiliated nature of our relationship with Fiat Industrial, it is possible that our claims as a creditor could be subordinated to the rights of third party creditors in certain situations. If we are not able to recover our deposits, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially impacted depending upon the amount of cash deposited with Fiat Industrial on the date of any such event. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Credit and liquidity facilities” for additional information concerning financing arrangements between us and Fiat Industrial.

We may be unable to achieve benefits from our separation from Fiat’s automotive business in connection with the demerger.    Fiat has stated that the demerger may have the benefit, among other things, of providing strategic and financial clarity and enabling the industrial business (including CNH and its subsidiaries) and the automotive business to develop independently as needed, and to unlock the valuation potential of Fiat’s capital goods activities. However, by separating from Fiat’s automotive business, we may be more susceptible to market fluctuations. In addition, we may not be able to achieve some or all of the anticipated benefits of operating as part of an independent company in the time expected, or at all.

We may be unable to make, on a timely or cost-effective basis, the changes necessary to operate as part of a business that is separate from Fiat, and we may experience increased costs after the demerger.    Historically, Fiat had assisted us by providing certain corporate functions and services, including financing and cash management services. Following the demerger, Fiat has no obligation to provide assistance to us other than on a transitional or other basis as may be agreed in connection with the demerger, such as under the Master Services Agreement (“MSA”). We cannot be certain that any assistance provided by Fiat Industrial following the demerger will be sufficient for our business and operations, that we will be able to successfully implement the changes necessary to operate independently, or that we will not incur additional costs following the demerger that could adversely affect our business.

In connection with the demerger transaction Fiat and Fiat Industrial have entered into the MSA, which sets forth the primary terms and conditions pursuant to which the various service provider subsidiaries of such entities will provide services (such as purchasing, tax, accounting and other back office services, security and training) to the various service receiving subsidiaries. As structured, the applicable service provider and service receiver subsidiaries will become parties to the MSA through the execution of an Opt-In letter which may contain additional terms and conditions. Pursuant to the MSA, service receivers are required to pay to service providers the actual cost of the services plus a nominal negotiated margin. CNH has not yet completed its evaluation of the terms and conditions of the proposed MSA. Pending such approval, entities providing services to CNH subsidiaries are continuing to provide such services on the terms and conditions which were applicable prior to the demerger transaction.

Our historical financial information is not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved as part of an independent company that is separate from Fiat’s automotive business.    Our historical financial information may not reflect what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had we been part of a company that is separate from Fiat’s automotive business during the periods presented, or what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows will be in the future. Among other things:

 

   

we may enter into transactions with Fiat or Fiat Industrial that either have not existed historically or that are on different terms than the terms of arrangements or agreements that existed prior to the demerger;

 

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our historical financial information reflects costs for certain services historically provided to us by Fiat that may not reflect the costs we will incur for similar services in the future as part of an independent company; and

 

   

our historical financial information does not reflect changes that we expect to experience in the future as a result of our separation from Fiat, including changes in the financing of our business.

 

Item 4. Information on the Company

A. History and Development of the Company.

CNH Global N.V. is incorporated in and under the laws of The Netherlands, with its registered office in the World Trade Center, Amsterdam Airport, Tower B, 10th Floor, Schiphol Boulevard 217, 1118 BH Amsterdam, The Netherlands (telephone number: +31-20-446-0429). CNH was incorporated on August 30, 1996. CNH’s agent for U.S. federal securities law purposes is Mr. Michael P. Going, 6900 Veterans Boulevard, Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527 (telephone number: +1-630-887-3766).

We make capital investments in the regions in which we operate principally related to initiatives to introduce new products, enhance manufacturing efficiency, improve capacity, and for maintenance and engineering. We continually analyze the allocation of our industrial resources taking into account such things as relative currency values, existing and anticipated industry and product demand, the location of suppliers, the cost of goods and labor, and plant utilization levels. See also “Item 4. Information on the Company—D. Property, Plant and Equipment.”

B. Business Overview

General

We are a global, full-line company in both the agricultural and construction equipment industries, with strong and often leading positions in many significant geographic and product categories in both of these industries. Our global scope and scale includes integrated engineering, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of equipment on five continents. We organize our operations into three business segments: agricultural equipment, construction equipment and financial services.

We market our products globally through our two highly recognized brand families, Case and New Holland. Case IH (along with Steyr in Europe) and New Holland make up our agricultural brand family. Case and New Holland Construction (along with Kobelco in North America) make up our construction equipment brand family. As of December 31, 2010, we were manufacturing our products in 40 facilities throughout the world and distributing our products in approximately 170 countries through a network of approximately 11,300 full-line dealers and distributors.

In agricultural equipment, we believe we are one of the leading global manufacturers of agricultural tractors and combines based on units sold, and we have leading positions in hay and forage equipment and specialty harvesting equipment. In construction equipment, we have a leading position in backhoe loaders and a strong position in skid steer loaders in North America and crawler excavators in Western Europe. In addition, we provide a complete range of replacement parts and services to support our equipment. For the year ended December 31, 2010, our sales of agricultural equipment represented 73% of our revenues, sales of construction equipment represented 18% of our revenues and Financial Services represented 9% of our revenues.

We believe that we are the most geographically diversified manufacturer and distributor of agricultural and construction equipment in the industry. For the year ended December 31, 2010, 41% of our net sales of equipment were generated in North America, 23% in Western Europe, 19% in Latin America and 17% in the Rest of World. Our worldwide manufacturing base includes facilities in Europe, Latin America, North America and Asia.

 

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We offer a range of financial products and services to dealers and customers in North America, Brazil, Australia and Western Europe. The principal products offered are retail financing for the purchase or lease of new and used CNH equipment and wholesale financing to our dealers. Wholesale financing consists primarily of floor plan financing and allows dealers to purchase and maintain a representative inventory of products. Our retail financing products and services are intended to be competitive with those available from third parties. We offer retail financing in North America, Brazil, Australia and Europe through wholly-owned subsidiaries and in Western Europe through our joint venture with BNP Paribas Lease Group (“BPLG”). As of December 31, 2010, Financial Services managed a portfolio of receivables of approximately $17 billion.

On January 1, 2011, Fiat effected a “demerger” under Article 2506 of the Italian Civil Code. Pursuant to the demerger, Fiat transferred its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands to a new holding company, Fiat Industrial, including Fiat’s ownership of CNH Global, as well as Iveco and Fiat’s industrial and marine powertrain business. Consequently, as of January 1, 2011, CNH Global became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial. In connection with the demerger transaction, shareholders of Fiat S.p.A. received shares of capital stock of Fiat Industrial. Accordingly, effective January 1, 2011, Fiat Industrial owned approximately 89% of our outstanding common shares through its direct, wholly-owned subsidiary Fiat Netherlands.

Industry Overview

Agricultural Equipment

The operators of food, livestock and grain producing farms, as well as independent contractors that provide services to such farms, purchase most agricultural equipment. The key factors influencing sales of agricultural equipment are the level of net farm income and, to a lesser extent, general economic conditions, interest rates and the availability of financing. Net farm income is primarily impacted by the volume of acreage planted, commodity and/or livestock prices and stock levels, the impacts of fuel ethanol demand, crop yields, farm operating expenses, including fuel and fertilizer costs, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and government subsidies or payments. Farmers tend to postpone the purchase of equipment when the farm economy is declining and to increase their purchases when economic conditions improve. Weather conditions are a major determinant of crop yields and therefore also affect equipment buying decisions. In addition, the geographical variations in weather from season to season may result in one market contracting while another market is experiencing growth. Government policies may affect the market for our agricultural equipment by regulating the levels of acreage planted, with direct subsidies affecting specific commodity prices, or with other payments made directly to farmers. World organization initiatives, such as those of the World Trade Organization, also can affect the market with demands for changes in governmental policies and practices regarding agricultural subsidies, tariffs and acceptance of genetically modified organisms such as seed, feed and animals.

Demand for agricultural equipment also varies seasonally by region and product, primarily due to differing climates and farming calendars. Peak retail demand for tractors and tillage machines occurs in March through June in the Northern Hemisphere and in September through December in the Southern Hemisphere. Dealers generally order harvesting equipment in the Northern Hemisphere in the late fall and winter so they can receive inventory prior to the peak retail selling season, which generally extends from March through June. In the Southern Hemisphere, dealers generally order between August and October so they can receive inventory prior to the peak retail selling season, which extends from November through February. Production levels are based upon estimated retail demand which takes into account, among other things, the timing of dealer shipments (which occur in advance of retail demand), dealer inventory levels, the need to retool manufacturing facilities to produce new or different models, and the efficient use of manpower and facilities. Production levels are adjusted to reflect changes in estimated demand and dealer inventory levels. However, because production and wholesale shipments adjust throughout the year to take into account the factors described above, wholesale sales of agricultural equipment products in any given period may not reflect the timing of dealer orders and retail demand for that period.

 

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Customer preferences regarding farming practices, and thus product types and features, vary by region. In North America, Australia and other areas where soil conditions, climate, economic factors and population density allow for intensive mechanized agriculture, farmers demand high capacity, sophisticated machines equipped with current technology. In Europe, where farms are generally smaller than those in North America and Australia, there is greater demand for somewhat smaller, yet equally sophisticated machines. In the developing regions of the world where labor is more abundant and infrastructure, soil conditions and/or climate are not conducive to intensive agriculture, customers prefer simple, robust and durable machines with lower acquisition and operating costs. In many developing countries, tractors are the primary, if not the sole, type of agricultural equipment used, and much of the agricultural work in such countries that cannot be performed by tractors is carried out by hand. A growing number of part-time farmers, hobby farmers and customers engaged in landscaping, municipality and park maintenance, golf course and roadside mowing in Western Europe and North America also prefer simple, low-cost agricultural equipment. Our position as a geographically diversified manufacturer of agricultural equipment and our broad geographic network of dealers allow us to provide customers in each significant market with equipment which meets their specific requirements.

Major trends in the North American and Western European agricultural industries include a reduction in number but growth in size of farms, supporting an increase in demand for higher capacity agricultural equipment. In Latin America and in other emerging markets, the number of farms is growing and mechanization is replacing manual labor. Government subsidies are a key income driver for farmers raising certain commodity crops in the United States and Western Europe. The level of support can range from 30% to over 50% of the annual income for these farmers in years of low global commodity prices or natural disasters. The existence of a high level of subsidies in these markets for agricultural equipment reduces the effects of cyclicality in the agricultural equipment business. The effect of these subsidies on agricultural equipment demand depends to a large extent on the U.S. Farm Bill and programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and World Trade Organization negotiations. Additionally, the Brazilian government subsidizes the purchase of agricultural equipment through low-rate financing programs administered by BNDES. These programs can greatly influence sales. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Particular to the Industries in Which We Operate—Government action and changes in government policy can impact our sales and restrict our operating flexibility” and “Note 3: Accounts and Notes Receivable” and “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Biofuels Impact on Agriculture

Global demand for renewable fuels increased considerably in recent years driven by consumer preference, government renewable fuel mandates and renewable fuel tax and production incentives. Biofuels, which include fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, have become one of the most prevalent types of renewable fuels. The primary type of biofuel supported by government mandates and incentives varies somewhat by global region. North America and Brazil are promoting ethanol first and then biodiesel while Europe is primarily focused on biodiesel.

The demand for biofuels has created an associated demand for agriculturally based feedstocks which are used to produce biofuels. Currently, most of the ethanol in the U.S. and Europe is extracted from corn, while in Brazil it is extracted from sugar cane. Biodiesel is typically extracted from soybeans and canola in the U.S. and Brazil, and from rape seed and other oil seeds as well as food waste by-products in Europe. The use of corn and soybeans for biofuel has been one of the main factors impacting the supply and demand relationships for these crops, resulting in higher crop prices. The economic feasibility of biofuels is significantly impacted by the price of oil. As the price of oil rises, biofuels become a more attractive alternative energy source. The demand for biofuels and efforts to produce such fuels more efficiently increased in 2007 and 2008 as oil prices increased. Although oil prices temporarily declined during 2009, oil prices increased again in 2010, continuing to make biofuels an attractive alternative energy source. This relationship will, however, be impacted by government policy and mandates as governments around the world consider ways to combat global warming and potential energy crises in the future.

 

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The increase in crop production for biofuels has also driven changes in the type of crops grown and in crop rotations in the past years which continued in 2010. The most significant change in U.S. crop production was the increase in acreage devoted to corn, typically using land previously planted with soybeans and cotton. In addition, a change in crop rotation resulted in more acres of corn being planted. As a result, agricultural producers are faced with new challenges for managing crop residues and are changing the type of equipment they use and how they use it.

Construction Equipment

We divide the construction equipment market that we serve into two principal businesses: heavy construction equipment (excluding mining and specialized equipment for forestry application markets in which we do not participate), which is over 12 metric tons, and light construction equipment, which is under 12 metric tons.

Worldwide customer preferences for construction equipment products are, in certain respects, similar to preferences for agricultural equipment products. In developed markets, customers tend to favor more sophisticated machines equipped with the latest technology and comfort features to promote operator productivity. In developing markets, customers tend to favor equipment that is more utilitarian with greater perceived durability. In North America and Europe, where operator cost often exceeds fuel cost and machine depreciation, customers emphasize productivity, performance, and reliability. In other markets, customers often may continue to use a particular piece of equipment after its performance and efficiency begins to diminish. Customer demand for power capacity does not vary significantly from one market to another. However, in many countries, restrictions on the weight or dimensions of the equipment, such as road regulations or job site constraints, may limit demand for larger machines.

Heavy Construction Equipment

Heavy construction equipment typically includes larger wheel loaders and excavators, graders, dozers and articulated haul trucks. Purchasers of heavy construction equipment include construction companies, municipalities, local governments, rental fleet owners, quarrying and aggregate mining companies, waste management companies and forestry-related concerns.

Sales of heavy construction equipment are particularly dependent on the level of major infrastructure construction and repair projects such as highways, tunnels, dams and harbors, which is a function of government spending and economic growth. Furthermore, demand for mining and quarrying equipment applications is linked more to the general economy and commodity prices, while growing demand for environmental equipment applications is becoming less sensitive to the economic cycle. Also, in North America, a portion of heavy equipment demand is related to the development of new, large open track housing subdivisions, where the entire infrastructure of the new subdivision needs to be created, thus linking both heavy and light equipment demand to change in housing industry activity. The heavy equipment industry generally follows cyclical economic patterns, linked to GDP growth.

Light Construction Equipment

Light construction equipment typically includes skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders, and smaller wheel loaders and excavators. Purchasers of light construction equipment include contractors, residential builders, utilities, road construction companies, rental fleet owners, landscapers, logistics companies, and farmers. The principal factor influencing sales of light construction equipment is the level of residential and commercial construction, remodeling and renovation, which in turn is influenced by interest rates and availability of financing. Other major factors include the level of light infrastructure construction such as utilities, cabling and piping and maintenance expenditures. The principal use of light construction equipment is to replace relatively high cost, slower, manual work. Product demand in the United States and Europe has generally tended to mirror

 

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housing starts, but with lags of six to 12 months. In areas where labor is abundant and labor cost is inexpensive relative to other inputs, such as in Africa and Latin America, the light construction equipment market segment is generally small. These areas represent potential growth areas for light construction equipment in the medium to long-term as the cost of labor rises relative to the cost of equipment.

The equipment rental business is a significant factor in the construction equipment industry. Compared to the U.K. and Japanese markets, where there is an established history of long-term machine rentals due to the structure of local tax codes, the rental market in North America and non-U.K. Western Europe started with short period rentals of light equipment to individuals or small contractors who either could not afford to purchase the equipment or who needed specialized pieces of equipment for specific jobs. In this environment, the backhoe loader in North America and the mini-excavator in Western Europe were the principal rental products. As the market evolved, a greater variety of light and heavy equipment products have become available to rent. In addition, rental companies have allowed contractors to rent machines for longer periods instead of purchasing the equipment. This allows contractors to complete specific job requirements with greater flexibility and cost control. Purchasing activities of the national rental companies can have a significant impact on the market depending on whether they are increasing or decreasing the size of their rental fleets and whether rental utilization rates remain at levels warranting regular and consistent rates of fleet renewal.

As noted above, seasonal demand fluctuations for construction equipment are somewhat less significant than for agricultural equipment. Nevertheless, in North America and Western Europe, housing construction generally slows during the winter months. North American and European industry retail demand for construction equipment is generally strongest in the second and fourth quarters.

In markets outside of North America, Western Europe and Japan, equipment demand may also be partially satisfied by importing used equipment. Used heavy construction equipment from North America may fulfill demand in the Latin American market or equipment from Western Europe may be sold to Central and Eastern European, North African and Middle Eastern markets. Used heavy and light equipment from Japan is sold to other Southeast Asian markets while used excavators from Japan are sold to almost every other market in the world. This flow of used equipment is highly influenced by exchange rates and the weight and dimensions of the equipment, which may be limited due to road regulations and job site constraints.

The construction equipment industry has seen an increase in the use of hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders in excavation and material handling applications. In addition, the light equipment sector has grown as more manual labor is being replaced on construction sites by machines with a variety of attachments for specialized applications, such as skid steer loaders, mini-crawler excavators and telehandlers.

General economic conditions, infrastructure spending rates, housing starts, commercial construction and governmental policies on taxes, spending on roads, utilities and construction projects can have a dramatic effect on sales of construction equipment.

Competition

The agricultural and construction equipment industries are highly competitive. We compete with large global full-line suppliers with a presence in every market and a broad range of products that cover most customer needs, manufacturers who are product specialists focused on particular industry segments on either a global or regional basis, regional full-line manufacturers, that are expanding worldwide to build a global presence, and local, low-cost manufacturers in individual markets, particularly in emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, India and China.

We believe we have a number of competitive strengths that enable us to improve our position in markets where we already are well established while we direct additional resources to markets and products with high growth potential. Our competitive strengths include well-recognized brands; a full range of competitive products; a strong global presence and distribution network; and dedicated Financial Services capabilities.

 

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We believe that multiple factors influence a buyer’s choice of equipment. These factors include the strength and quality of the distribution network, brand loyalty, product features and performance, availability of a full product range, the quality and pricing of products, technological innovations, product availability, financing terms, parts and warranty programs, resale value and customer service and satisfaction. We continually seek to improve in each of these areas, but focus primarily on providing high-quality and high-value products and supporting those products through our dealer networks. In both the agricultural and construction equipment industries, buyers tend to favor brands based on experience with the product and the dealer. Customers’ perceptions of product value in terms of productivity, reliability, resale value and dealer support are formed over many years.

The efficiency of our manufacturing, production and scheduling systems depends on a forecast of industry volumes and our share of industry sales which is predicated on our ability to compete with others in the marketplace. We compete on the basis of product performance, customer service, quality and price. The environment remains competitive from a pricing standpoint, however, actions taken to maintain our competitive position in the difficult economic environment could result in lower than anticipated price realization.

The financial services industry is highly competitive. We compete primarily with banks, finance companies and other financial institutions. Typically, this competition is based upon the financial products and services offered, customer service, financial terms and interest rates charged. Our ability to compete successfully depends upon, among other things, funding resources, developing competitive financial products and services, and licensing or other governmental regulations.

Products and Markets

Agricultural Equipment

Our agricultural equipment product lines are sold primarily under the Case IH and New Holland brands. We also sell tractors under the Steyr brand in Europe. In addition, a large number of light construction equipment products are sold to agricultural equipment customers.

In order to capitalize on customer loyalty to dealers and our company, relative distribution strengths and historical brand identities, we continue to use the Case IH (and Steyr for tractors in Europe only) and New Holland brands. We believe that these brands enjoy high levels of brand identification and loyalty among both customers and dealers. Although our new generation tractors have a high percentage of common mechanical components, each brand and product remains differentiated by features, color, interior and exterior styling, and model designation. Flagship products such as row crop tractors and large combine harvesters may have significantly greater differentiation. Distinctive features that are specific to a particular brand such as the Supersteer® axle for New Holland, the Case IH tracked four wheel drive tractor, Quadtrac®, and front axle mounted hitch for Steyr have been retained as part of each brand’s unique identity.

Our agricultural equipment product lines include tractors, combine harvesters, hay and forage equipment, seeding and planting equipment, tillage equipment and sprayers. We also specialize in other key market segments like cotton picker packagers and sugar cane harvesters, where Case IH is a worldwide leader, and in self-propelled grape harvesters, where New Holland is a worldwide leader. Our brands each offer a complete range of parts and support services for all of their product lines. Our agricultural equipment is sold with a limited warranty which typically runs from one to three years.

Construction Equipment

Our construction equipment product lines are sold primarily under the Case and New Holland Construction brands. Case provides a full line of products on a global scale utilizing the Sumitomo Construction Equipment technology for its crawler excavator product. The New Holland Construction brand family, in conjunction with our global alliance with Kobelco Construction Machinery, also provides a full product line on a global scale.

 

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Our products often share common components to achieve economies of scale in manufacturing, purchasing and development. We differentiate these products based on the relative product value and volume in areas such as technology, design concept, productivity, product serviceability, color and styling to preserve the unique identity of each brand.

Our heavy construction equipment product lines include crawler and wheeled excavators, wheel loaders, graders, dozers, and articulated haul trucks for all applications. Light construction equipment product lines include backhoe loaders, skid steer and tracked loaders, mini and midi excavators, compact wheel loaders and telehandlers. Our brands each offer a complete range of parts and support services for all of their product lines. Our construction equipment is sold with a limited warranty which typically runs from one to two years.

In 2009, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of our construction equipment business. Among other things, we consolidated the internal organizations responsible for managing the Case and New Holland Construction construction equipment businesses and we began to move all production activities of our Imola, Italy plant to our plants in Lecce and San Mauro, Italy. In addition, in May 2010, we sold our interest in LBX Company LLC to S.C.M. (America), Inc., an affiliate of Sumitomo (S.H.I.) Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., to concentrate efforts on our key construction brands. We continue to evaluate our construction equipment business with a view toward increasing efficiencies and profitability.

New Products and Markets

We continuously review opportunities for the expansion of our product lines and the geographic range of our activities. We are committed to improving product quality and reliability using a Customer Driven Product Definition process to create solutions based on customer needs and to delivering the greatest competitive advantage. These improvements include continuing engine development, combining the introduction of new engines to meet stricter emissions requirements with additional innovations anticipated to refresh our product line. In addition, we emphasize enhanced product innovations coupled with our initiatives to improve dealer and customer support will allow us to more fully capitalize on our market leadership positions in many significant geographic and product categories. In our construction equipment segment, we have introduced a new wheel loader, crawler dozer, and crawler excavator. The new models offer key features including higher horsepower, improved fuel efficiency and offer key engine upgrades to meet regulatory emissions requirements.

To increase our global presence and gain access to technology, we participate in a number of international manufacturing joint ventures and strategic alliances. We have integrated our manufacturing facilities and joint ventures into a global manufacturing network designed to source products from the most economically advantageous locations and to reduce our exposure to any particular market.

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results” for information concerning the principal markets in which we compete, including the breakdown of total revenues by geographic market for each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

Suppliers

We purchase materials, parts, and components from third-party suppliers. We had approximately 2,000 global direct suppliers to our manufacturing facilities at December 31, 2010. We rely upon single suppliers for certain components, primarily those that require joint development between us and our suppliers. A significant change in the demand for, or the supply or price of, any component part or commodity could affect our profitability or our ability to obtain and fulfill orders. In addition, the worldwide financial and credit crisis and the severe impact on certain industries caused some of our suppliers to face financial hardship but did not significantly disrupt our access to any critical components or supplies. We continue to review our relationships with our suppliers and their financial situations to avoid any negative impact on our cost or scheduling of production and on the profitability of our business. Additionally, we cannot avoid exposure to global price

 

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fluctuations such as those in the costs of steel, rubber, oil, and related petroleum-based products. Our ability to realize the benefit of declining commodity prices may be delayed by the need to reduce existing whole goods inventories which were manufactured during a period of higher commodity prices.

In addition to the equipment manufactured by our joint ventures and us, we also purchase both agricultural and construction equipment, components, parts and attachments from other sources for resale to our dealers. The terms of purchase from original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) allow us to market the equipment under our brands. As part of our normal course of business, under these arrangements we generally forecast our equipment needs based on expected market demand for periods of two to four months and thereafter are effectively committed to purchase such equipment for those periods. OEM purchases allow us to offer a broader line of products and range of models to our dealer network and global customer base.

We purchased engines and other components from, among others, the Fiat Group and will similarly purchase from Fiat Industrial Group following the demerger. See also “Note 21: Related Party Information” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Distribution and Sales

As of December 31, 2010, we were selling and distributing our products through approximately 11,300 full-line dealers (almost all of which are independently owned and operated) and distributors in approximately 170 countries. Dealers typically sell either agricultural equipment or construction equipment, although some dealers sell both types of equipment. Construction equipment dealers, as compared to agricultural equipment dealers, tend to be fewer in number and larger in size.

In connection with our program of promoting our brands, we generally seek to have our dealers sell a full line of our products (such as tractors, combines, hay and forage, crop production, and parts). Generally, we achieve greater market penetration where each of our dealers sells the full line of products from only one of our brands. Although appointing dealers that sell more than one of our brands is not part of our business model, some joint dealers exist, either for historical reasons or in limited markets where it is not feasible to have separate dealers for each of our brands. In some cases, dealerships are operated under common ownership with separate facilities for each of our brands.

Exclusive, dedicated dealers generally provide a higher level of market penetration. Some of our dealers in the United States, Germany and Australia may sell more than one brand of equipment, including models manufactured by our competitors. Elsewhere, our dealers generally do not sell products which compete with products we sell, but may sell complementary products manufactured by other suppliers in order to complete their product offerings, or where there was a historical relationship with another product line that existed before that product was available through us, or to satisfy local demand for a certain specialty product.

In the United States, Canada, Mexico, most of Western Europe, Brazil and Australia, the distribution of our products is generally accomplished directly through the independent dealer network. In Rest of World markets, our products are sold initially to independent distributors who then resell them to dealers in an effort to take advantage of such distributors’ expertise and to minimize our marketing costs.

We believe that it is generally more cost-effective to distribute our products through independent dealers, although we maintain a limited number of company-owned dealerships in some markets. At December 31, 2010, we operated 12 company-owned dealerships, primarily in North America and Europe. We also operate a selective dealer development program in territories with growth potential but underdeveloped CNH brand representation that typically involves a transfer of ownership to a qualified operator through a buy-out or private investments after a few years.

 

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A strong dealer network with wide geographic coverage is a critical element in our success. We continually work to enhance our dealer network through the expansion of our product lines and customer services, including enhanced financial services offerings, and an increased focus on dealer support. To assist our dealers in building rewarding relationships with their customers, we have introduced focused customer satisfaction programs and seek to incorporate customer input into our product development and service delivery processes.

As the equipment rental business becomes a more significant factor in both agricultural and construction equipment markets, we are continuing to support our dealer network by facilitating sales of equipment to the local, regional and national rental companies through our dealers as well as by encouraging dealers to develop their own rental activities. We believe that a strong dealer service network is required to maintain the rental equipment and to ensure that the equipment remains at peak performance levels both during its life as rental equipment and afterward when resold into the used equipment market. We have launched several programs to support our dealer service and rental operations, including training, improved dealer standards, financing, and advertising. Also, as the rental market is a capital-intensive sector and sensitive to variations in construction demand, we believe that such activities should be expanded gradually, with special attention to managing the resale of rental units into the used equipment market by our dealers, who can utilize this opportunity to improve their customer base and generate additional parts business.

In addition to our dealer network, we participate in several joint ventures, some of which are described below. As part of our strategy, we use these joint ventures to enter into and expand in emerging markets, which may involve increased risk.

In Russia, we own 50% of CNH-Kamaz Industial B.V., which manufactures certain New Holland agricultural and construction equipment in the Russian Federation. We also own 51% of CNH-Kamaz Commercial B.V., which distributes and services agricultural and construction equipment in the Russian Federation.

We own 50% of New Holland HFT Japan Inc. (“HFT”), which distributes our products in Japan. HFT imports and sells a full range of New Holland agricultural equipment.

In Japan, we also own 20% of Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., which manufactures and distributes construction equipment, primarily in Asia. Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. is also a partner with us in joint ventures in Europe and North America, with CNH being the majority shareholder. These joint ventures manufacture and distribute construction equipment in Europe under the New Holland Construction brand and in North America under both the New Holland Construction and Kobelco brands.

In Pakistan, we own 43% of Al Ghazi Tractors Ltd., which manufactures and distributes New Holland tractors.

In Turkey, we own 37% of Turk Traktor ve Ziraat Makineleri A.S. (“Turk Traktor”), which manufactures and distributes various models of both New Holland and Case IH tractors.

In Mexico, we own 50% of CNH de Mexico S.A. de C.V., which manufactures New Holland agricultural equipment and distributes equipment for all of our major brands through one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries.

Pricing and Promotion

The actual retail price of any particular piece of equipment is determined by the individual dealer or distributor and generally depends on market conditions, features, options and, potentially, regulatory requirements. Actual retail sale prices may differ from the manufacturer-suggested list prices. We sell equipment to our dealers and distributors at wholesale prices, which reflect a discount from the manufacturer-suggested list

 

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price. In the ordinary course of our business, we engage in promotional campaigns that may include price incentives or preferential credit terms with respect to the purchase of certain products in certain areas.

We regularly advertise our products to the community of farmers, builders and agricultural and construction contractors, as well as to distributors and dealers in each of our major markets. To reach our target audience, we use a combination of general media, specialized design and trade magazines, the Internet and direct mail. We also regularly participate in major international and national trade shows and engage in co-operative advertising programs with distributors and dealers. The promotion strategy for each brand varies according to our target customers for that brand.

Parts and Services

The quality and timely availability of parts and service are important competitive factors for our business, as they are significant elements in overall dealer and customer satisfaction and important considerations in a customer’s original equipment purchase decision. We supply a complete range of parts, many of which are proprietary, to support items in our current product line as well as for products we have sold in the past. As many of the products we sell can have economically productive lives of up to 20 years when properly maintained, each unit that is in the marketplace has the potential to produce a long-term parts and service revenue stream for both us and our dealers.

At December 31, 2010, we operated and administered 21 parts depots worldwide, either directly or through arrangements with our warehouse service providers. This included 11 parts depots in North America, 5 in Europe, 3 in Latin America, and 2 in Australia. In addition, our international region’s operations are supported by 5 depots (2 in China, 1 in India, 1 in Russia, and 1 in Uzbekistan. These depots supply parts to dealers and distributors, which are responsible for sales to retail customers. Management believes that these parts depots and our parts delivery systems provide our customers with timely access to substantially all of the parts required to support the products we sell.

In December 2009, we formed a 50-50 joint venture, CNH Reman LLC, for full-scale remanufacturing and service operations in the United States. The joint venture primarily remanufactures engine, engine components, driveline, hydraulic, rotating electrical and electronic products. The joint venture is focused on serving the North American agricultural and construction industries. Remanufacturing is a way to support sustainable development and gives customers the opportunity to purchase high quality replacement assemblies and components at reduced prices.

Financial Services

Overview

Financial Services is our captive financing business, providing financial products and services to dealers and customers in North America, Australia, Brazil and Western Europe. The principal financial products offered are retail loans to end-use customers and wholesale financing to our dealers. As at December 31, 2010, Financial Services managed a portfolio of receivables and leases of approximately $17.0 billion. North America accounts for 56% of the managed portfolio, Western Europe 22%, Brazil 14% and Australia 8%. In some regions, Financial Services also provides insurance, revolving charge accounts, and other financial products and services to end-use customers and our dealer network.

Financial Services supports the growth of our equipment sales and builds dealer and end-user loyalty. Our strategy is to grow a core financing business to support the sale of our equipment. Financial Services remains focused on continuing to improve its portfolio credit quality, service levels, operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

 

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Access to funding at competitive rates is important to Financial Services. We continue to evaluate alternative funding sources to help ensure that Financial Services maintains access to capital on favorable terms in support of our business, including through new funding arrangements, joint venture opportunities, vendor programs or a combination of the foregoing.

Finance Operations

We have separate retail underwriting and portfolio management policies and procedures for the agricultural equipment and construction equipment businesses. This distinction allows Financial Services to reduce risk by deploying industry-specific expertise in each of these businesses. Financial Services provides retail financial products primarily through our dealers, whom we train in the use of the various financial products. Dedicated credit analysis teams perform retail credit underwriting.

Financial Services’ terms for financing equipment retail sales (other than smaller items financed with unsecured revolving charge accounts) provide for retention of a security interest in the equipment financed. Financial Services’ guidelines for minimum down payments generally range from 15% to 30%, for both agricultural and construction equipment depending on equipment types, repayment terms and customer credit quality. Finance charges are sometimes waived for specified periods or reduced on certain equipment sold or leased in advance of the season of use or in other sales promotions. Financial Services generally receives compensation from Equipment Operations equal to a competitive interest rate for periods during which finance charges are waived or reduced on the retail notes or leases. The cost is accounted for as a deduction in arriving at net sales by Equipment Operations.

Financial Services provides wholesale floor plan financing for some of our dealers, which allows them to acquire and maintain a representative inventory of products. Financial Services also provides some working capital and real estate loans on a limited basis. For floor plan financing, Equipment Operations generally provides a fixed period of “interest-free” financing for the dealers. This practice helps to level fluctuations in factory demand and provides a buffer from the impact of seasonal sales. After the “interest-free” period, if the equipment remains in dealer inventory, the dealer pays interest costs. Financial Services generally receives compensation from Equipment Operations equal to a competitive interest rate for the “interest-free” period.

A wholesale underwriting group reviews dealer financials and payment performance to establish credit lines for each dealer. In setting these credit lines, we seek to meet the reasonable requirements of each dealer while managing our exposure to any one dealer. The credit lines are secured by the equipment financed. Dealer credit agreements generally include a requirement to repay the particular loan at the time of the retail sale. Financial Services’ employees or third-party contractors conduct periodic stock audits at each dealership to confirm that financed equipment is still in inventory. The frequency of these audits varies by dealer and depends on the dealer’s financial strength, payment history and prior performance.

Financial Services works with our Equipment Operations’ commercial staff to develop and structure financial products with the objective of increasing equipment sales and generating Financial Services’ income. Financial Services also offers products to finance non-CNH equipment sold through our dealer network or within the core businesses of agricultural or construction equipment. Financed non-CNH equipment includes used equipment taken in trade on new CNH product or equipment used in conjunction with or attached to our equipment.

Financial Services competes primarily with banks, finance companies and other financial institutions. Typically, this competition is based upon financial products and services offered, customer service, financial terms and interest rate charged. Long-term profitability in our Financial Services’ operations is largely dependent on the cyclical nature of the agricultural and construction equipment industries, interest rate volatility and access to competitive funding sources. Financial Services has traditionally relied heavily upon the financial markets, ABS transactions, intercompany lending and cash flows to provide funding for its activities.

 

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Asset-Backed Securitizations

Financial Services periodically accesses the public ABS markets in the United States, Canada and Australia, as part of our wholesale, retail and revolving charge account financing programs when those markets are available and offer funding opportunities on competitive terms. Financial Services’ ability to access the ABS markets will depend, in part, upon general economic conditions, legislative changes and its financial condition and portfolio performance. These factors can be negatively affected by cyclical swings in the industries we serve.

Insurance

We maintain insurance with third-party insurers to cover various risks arising from our business activities including, but not limited to, risk of loss or damage to our assets or facilities, business interruption losses, general liability, automobile liability, product liability and directors and officers liability insurance. We believe that we maintain insurance coverage that is customary in our industry. We use a broker that is a subsidiary of Fiat to place a portion of our insurance coverage.

Legal Proceedings

We are party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business, including, but not limited to, matters relating to product liability (including asbestos-related liability), product performance, warranty, environmental, retail and wholesale credit, disputes with dealers and suppliers and service providers, patent and trademark matters, and employment matters. The most significant of these matters are described in “Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.

C. Organizational Structure

As of December 31, 2010, Fiat owned approximately 89% of our outstanding common shares through its direct, wholly-owned subsidiary Fiat Netherlands.

On January 1, 2011, Fiat effected a “demerger” under Article 2506 of the Italian Civil Code. Pursuant to the demerger, Fiat transferred its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands to a new holding company, Fiat Industrial S.p.A., including Fiat’s ownership of CNH Global, as well as Iveco and Fiat’s industrial and marine powertrain business. Consequently, as of January 1, 2011, CNH Global became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial. In connection with the demerger transaction, shareholders of Fiat S.p.A. received shares of capital stock of the new holding company. Accordingly, effective January 1, 2011, Fiat Industrial owned approximately 89% of our outstanding common shares through its direct, wholly-owned subsidiary Fiat Netherlands.

A listing of our significant directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010, is set forth in an exhibit to this annual report on Form 20-F and includes Case New Holland Inc., a Delaware corporation, CNH America LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CNH Latin America Ltda., a company organized under the laws of Brazil, CNH Italia S.p.A., a company organized under the laws of Italy, CNH France S.A., a company organized under the laws of France, CNH Belgium N.V., a company organized under the laws of Belgium, CNH Australia Pty Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Australia, CNH International S.A., a company organized under the laws of Switzerland, CNH Capital America LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CNH Financial Services SAS, a company organized under the laws of France, CNH Canada Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Canada, and CNH Deutschland GmbH, a company organized under the laws of Germany (all of which are wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiaries of CNH).

D. Property, Plant and Equipment.

We believe our facilities are well maintained, in good operating condition and suitable for their present purposes. These facilities, including the planned restructuring actions and planned capital expenditures, are

 

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expected to meet our manufacturing and other needs for the foreseeable future. Planned capacity is adequate to satisfy anticipated retail demand and the operations are designed to be flexible enough to accommodate the planned product design changes required to meet market conditions and new product programs. We anticipate no difficulty in retaining occupancy of any leased facilities, either by renewing leases prior to expiration or by replacing them with equivalent leased facilities.

We make capital investments in the regions in which we operate principally related to initiatives to introduce new products, enhance manufacturing efficiency, improve capacity, and for maintenance and engineering. In 2010, our total capital expenditures were $301 million of which 36% was spent in North America, 27% in Western Europe, 16% in Latin America, and 21% in Rest of World. These capital expenditures were funded through a combination of cash generated from operating activities and borrowings under short-term facilities. In 2010, approximately 75% or $225 million of capital expenditures were related to manufacturing and product related projects with approximately $162 million devoted to agricultural equipment manufacturing and product related expenditures and approximately $63 million devoted to construction equipment expenditures. In 2010 and 2009, our total capital expenditures were $301 million and $218 million, respectively. We continually analyze the allocation of our industrial resources taking into account such things as relative currency values, existing and anticipated industry and product demand, the location of suppliers, the cost of goods and labor, and plant utilization levels.

 

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The following table provides information about our significant manufacturing, engineering and administrative facilities, and parts depots as of December 31, 2010:

 

Location

  

Primary Functions

  

Approximate

Covered
Area(A)

   Ownership
Status
 

United States

        

Benson, MN

  

Agricultural Sprayers, Cotton Pickers/Packagers

   326      Owned/Leased       

Burlington, IA

  

Backhoe Loaders; Fork Lift Trucks

   984      Owned       

Burr Ridge, IL

  

Technology (Engineering) Center—Administrative Offices

   468      Owned       

Calhoun, GA

  

Crawler Excavators and Dozers

   328      Owned(B)   

Cameron, MO

  

Parts Depot

   500      Leased       

Dublin, GA

  

Compact Tractors

   65      Owned(C)   

Fargo, ND

  

Tractors; Wheel Loaders

   680      Owned       

Goodfield, IL

  

Soil Management (Tillage Equipment)

   233      Owned       

Grand Island, NE

  

Combine Harvesters

   1,380      Owned       

Lebanon, IN

  

Parts Depot

   1,092      Leased       

Mt. Joy, IL

  

Engineering Center

   120      Leased       

Mountville, PA

  

Parts Depot

   469      Owned       

New Holland, PA

  

Administrative Facilities; Hay and Forage; Engineering Center

   1,108      Owned       

Racine, WI

  

Administrative Facilities; Tractor Assembly; Transmissions

   1,127      Owned       

San Leandro, CA

  

Parts Depot

   232      Owned       

Wichita, KS

  

Skid Steer Loaders

   494      Owned       

Italy

        

Cento

  

Parts Depot

   109      Owned/Leased       

Imola

  

Backhoe Loaders; Engineering Center

   269      Owned(C)   

Jesi

  

Tractors

   645      Owned       

Lecce

  

Construction Equipment; Engineering Center

   1,400      Owned       

Modena

  

Components

   1,098      Owned       

San Matteo

  

Engineering Center

   550      Owned       

San Mauro Torinese

  

Crawler Excavators

   613      Owned(B)   

Turin

  

Administrative Offices

   127      Leased       

France

        

Coex

  

Grape Harvesters; Engineering Center

   280      Owned       

Croix

  

Cabs

   129      Owned       

Etampes

  

Parts Depot

   242      Owned       

LePlessis

  

Parts Depot/Administrative

   847      Owned/Leased       

Tracy—Le-Mont

  

Hydraulic Cylinders

   168      Owned       

United Kingdom

        

Basildon

  

Tractors; Components; Engineering Center; Administrative Facilities

   1,390      Owned       

Daventry

  

Parts Depot

   562      Leased       

Germany

        

Berlin

  

Graders, Engineering Center

   633      Owned       

Heidelberg

  

Parts Depot

   173      Owned       

Heilbronn

  

Administrative Facilities; Training Center

   109      Owned       

Brazil

        

Belo Horizonte

  

Construction Equipment; Engineering Center

   505      Owned       

Cuiaba

  

Parts Depot

   210      Owned       

Curitiba

  

Tractors; Combine Harvesters; Engineering Center

   927      Owned       

Piracicaba

  

Sugar Cane Harvesters

   108      Owned       

Sorocaba

  

Manufacturing; Parts Depot

   1,722      Owned       

Canada

        

Regina

  

Parts Depot

   238      Owned       

Saskatoon

  

Planting and Seeding Equipment; Components; Engineering Center

   635      Owned       

Toronto

  

Parts Depot

   332      Owned       

Belgium

        

Antwerp

  

Components

   850      Leased       

Zedelgem

  

Combine Harvesters; Hay and Forage; Engineering Center

   1,549      Owned       

Others

        

St. Marys, Australia

  

Office/Warehousing

   173      Owned       

St. Valentin, Austria

  

Tractors

   604      Leased       

New Delhi, India

  

Tractors; Engineering Center

   755      Owned       

Pithampur, India

  

Backhoe Loaders and Vibratory Compactors

   308      Owned(B)   

Paradiso, Switzerland

  

Commercial, Administrative

   29      Leased       

Plock, Poland

  

Combine Harvesters; Components

   1,022      Owned       

Queretaro, Mexico

  

Components

   161      Owned       

Shanghai, China

  

Tractors; Components

   732      Leased       

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  

Administrative

   2      Leased       

 

(A)

-In thousands of square feet

 

(B)

-Consolidated joint venture

 

(C)

-CNH intends to cease production at this location in 2011

 

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Environmental Matters

Our operations and products are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. In addition, the equipment we sell, and the engines which power them, are subject to extensive statutory and regulatory requirements that impose standards with respect to, among other things, air emissions. Additional laws requiring emission reductions in the future from non-road engines and equipment have been promulgated or are contemplated in the United States as well as by non-U.S. regulatory authorities in many jurisdictions throughout the world. We have made, and expect that we may make additional, significant capital and research expenditures to comply with these standards now and in the future. We anticipate that these costs are likely to increase as emission limits become more stringent. To the extent the timing and terms and conditions of such laws and regulations (and our corresponding obligations) are clear, we have budgeted or otherwise made available funds which we believe will be necessary to comply with such laws and regulations. To the extent the timing and terms and conditions of such laws and regulations (and our corresponding liabilities) are uncertain, we are unable to quantify the dollar amount of potential future expenditures and have not budgeted or otherwise made funds available. The failure to comply with these current and anticipated emission regulations could result in adverse effects on our operations’ future financial results.

See also, “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Particular to the Industries in Which We Operate—Costs of ongoing compliance with and any failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.”

Capital expenditures for environmental control and compliance in 2010 were approximately $3.1 million and we expect to spend approximately $5.7 million in 2011. The U.S. Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and European Commission directives directly affect the operations of all of our manufacturing facilities in the United States and Europe, respectively, currently and in the future. The manufacturing processes affected include painting and coating operations. Although capital expenditures for environmental control equipment and compliance costs in future years will depend on legislative, regulatory and technological developments which are uncertain, we anticipate that these costs are likely to increase as environmental requirements become more stringent and pervasive. We believe that these capital costs, exclusive of product-related costs, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

Pursuant to the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”), which imposes strict and, under certain circumstances, joint and several liability for remediation and liability for natural resource damages, and other federal and state laws that impose similar liabilities, we have received inquiries for information or notices of our potential liability regarding 51 non-owned sites at which regulated materials, allegedly generated by us, were released or disposed (“Waste Sites”). Of the Waste Sites, 18 are on the National Priority List (“NPL”) promulgated pursuant to CERCLA. For 46 of the Waste Sites, the monetary amount or extent of our liability has either been resolved; we have not been named as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”); or our liability is likely de minimis. Because estimates of remediation costs are subject to revision as more information becomes available about the nature, extent and cost of remediation and because settlement agreements can be reopened under certain circumstances, our potential liability for remediation costs associated with the 50 Waste Sites could change, which would require us to adjust our reserves accordingly.

Moreover, because liability under CERCLA and similar laws can be joint and several, we could be required to pay amounts in excess of our pro rata share of remediation costs. However, when appropriate, our understanding of the financial strength of other PRPs has been considered in the determination of our potential liability. We believe that the costs associated with the Waste Sites will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

We are conducting environmental investigatory or remedial activities at certain properties that are currently or were formerly owned and/or operated or which are being decommissioned. We believe that the outcome of these activities will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

 

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The actual costs for environmental matters could differ materially from those costs currently anticipated due to the nature of historical handling and disposal of regulated materials typical of manufacturing and related operations, the discovery of currently unknown conditions, and as a result of more aggressive enforcement by regulatory authorities and changes in existing laws and regulations. As in the past, we plan to continue funding our costs of environmental compliance from operating cash flows.

As of December 31, 2010, management estimates potential environmental liabilities including remediation, decommissioning, restoration, monitoring, and other closure costs associated with current or formerly owned or operated facilities, the Waste Sites, and other claims to be in the range of $31 million to $92 million. Investigation, analysis and remediation of environmental sites are time consuming activities. Consequently, we expect such costs to be incurred and claims to be resolved over an extended period of time which could exceed 30 years for some sites. As of December 31, 2010, environmental reserves of approximately $50 million had been established to address these specific estimated potential liabilities. Such reserves are undiscounted and do not include anticipated recoveries, if any, from insurance companies. After considering these reserves, management is of the opinion that the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Overview of Business

Our business depends upon general activity levels in the agricultural and construction industries. Historically, these industries have been highly cyclical. Our Equipment Operations and Financial Services operations are subject to many factors beyond our control, such as those described in “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Particular to the Industries in Which We Operate.”

A. Operating Results.

In the supplemental consolidating data in this section, Equipment Operations includes the Financial Services business on the equity basis of accounting. Transactions between Equipment Operations and Financial Services have been eliminated to arrive at the consolidated data. 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 our consolidated operations and financial results.

We believe that Equipment Operations’ gross and operating profit are useful for evaluating our financial performance. We define Equipment Operations’ gross profit, as net sales less costs classified as cost of goods sold. We define Equipment Operations’ operating profit as Equipment Operations’ gross profit less selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development costs. Equipment Operations gross and operating profit are non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP financial measures should neither be considered as a substitute for, nor superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Key Trends for 2010

Net income attributable to CNH in 2010 was $452 million, or $1.89 diluted earnings per share ($1.90 basic earnings per share), compared with a loss of $190 million in 2009, or $0.80 basic and diluted loss per share. These improved results were primarily due to improved operating performance, better results from our non-consolidated subsidiaries and a lower effective tax rate. Net sales of equipment increased 13% to $14.5 billion in 2010 from $12.8 billion in 2009. The increase in net sales was primarily the result of improved demand

 

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for agricultural and construction equipment. Equipment Operations’ operating profit increased 138% to $889 million in 2010 from $373 million in 2009. The increase in Equipment Operations’ operating profit was primarily due to higher volumes, improved industrial utilization in North America and Latin America, and improved product mix. The improved performance in North America and Latin America was partially offset by lower demand for agricultural equipment in Western Europe, higher material prices, and new product launch costs, primarily in the construction equipment segment. Financial Services’ net income decreased 9% to $159 million in 2010 from $174 million in 2009. This decrease was primarily due to higher provisions for credit losses in 2010 and a decrease in gains on the sale of receivables due to the January 1, 2010 change in the accounting guidance for securitization transactions, which we adopted prospectively. In 2010, Financial Services benefited from the improvement in credit markets which decreased its cost of funds to levels more consistent with historical averages.

Key Trends for 2011

We expect the agricultural equipment industry retail unit sales to be flat to up 5% in tractors and up 5% to 10% in combines as global commodity prices are expected to remain at high levels.

We believe the construction equipment industry will improve over 2010 levels based on improvements expected in the overall economy. We anticipate the construction equipment industry retail unit sales to improve 8% to 12% in light equipment and 5% to 10% in heavy equipment. We expect production levels to increase in 2011 under current market demand estimates.

Financial Services will continue to focus on underwriting controls and receivable management in order to maintain a solid portfolio performance and continue to diversify our funding base.

 

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2010 Compared to 2009

 

     Consolidated     Equipment
Operations
    Financial Services  
     Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009     2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Revenues:

             

Net sales

   $ 14,474      $ 12,783      $ 14,474      $ 12,783      $       $   

Finance and interest income

     1,134        977        154        131        1,395         1,190   
                                                 
     15,608        13,760        14,628        12,914        1,395         1,190   
                                                 

Costs and Expenses:

             

Cost of goods sold

     11,891        10,862        11,891        10,862                  

Selling, general and administrative

     1,698        1,486        1,243        1,150        455         336   

Research, development and engineering

     451        398        451        398                  

Restructuring

     16        102        16        98                4   

Interest expense

     830        671        395        320        612         497   

Interest compensation to Financial Services

                   238        202                  

Other, net

     306        334        191        201        115         129   
                                                 

Total

     15,192        13,853        14,425        13,231        1,182         966   
                                                 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

     416        (93     203        (317     213         224   

Income tax provision

     77        92        12        33        65         59   

Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates:

             

Financial Services

     11        9        159        174        11         9   

Equipment Operations

     88        (46     88        (46               
                                                 

Net income (loss)

     438        (222     438        (222     159         174   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (14     (32     (14     (32               
                                                 

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH Global N.V.

   $ 452      $ (190   $ 452      $ (190   $ 159       $ 174   
                                                 

Overview of Equipment Operations Results

Net Sales of Equipment

Agricultural Equipment Net Sales

 

     2010      2009      Increase/
(Decrease) in 2010
vs. 2009
    2010 vs. 2009
% Change
    Positive /
(Negative) Impact
of Currency*
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Net sales

            

North America

   $ 5,120       $ 4,602       $ 518        11     2

Western Europe

     2,836         3,168         (332     (10 )%      (3 )% 

Latin America

     1,690         1,163         527        45     12

Rest of World

     1,882         1,730         152        9     5
                                          

Total net sales

   $ 11,528       $ 10,663       $ 865        8     2
                                          

 

*

The currency impact is included in the total 2010 vs. 2009 % change.

 

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The increase in our agricultural equipment net sales was due to higher volumes ($557 million), positive pricing actions ($130 million), and positive currency changes. The higher volumes were primarily due to continued strong demand in North America and Latin America as the result of increases in commodity prices and good harvest conditions. This growth was partially offset by a decline in volumes in Western Europe due to poor harvest conditions in certain countries and due to tight credit markets. Worldwide agricultural tractor and combine industry retail unit sales increased 8% and 2%, respectively, from the prior year. Tractor and combine industry retail unit sales were up in all regions except Western Europe. Our market share for the year was flat for tractors and up for combines.

The increase in North America net sales was the result of an increase in the overall industry and stocking actions taken by our dealers. North American tractor and combine industry retail unit sales increased 5% and 9%, respectively. Our market share for tractors declined and our market share for combines was flat. Our dealers increased inventory levels in response to the industry demand. Currency had a positive impact on net sales as the Canadian dollar strengthened against the U.S. dollar.

The decline in Western Europe net sales was primarily the result of the industry decline, destocking actions, as well as the impact of currency. Industry retail unit sales of tractors decreased 9% and combines decreased 29%. Our market share for the year was flat for tractors and combines. In response to the industry decline, our dealers reduced inventory levels, which negatively impacted net sales. The currency impact on net sales primarily resulted from a strengthening U.S. dollar against the Euro. We were able to offset a portion of the industry decline through positive pricing.

The increase in Latin America net sales was primarily a result of the improvement in the overall industry and currency. Industry retail unit sales of tractors increased 20% and combines increased 29%. We maintained our market share for the year for tractors and combines while also implementing positive pricing actions. Our dealers increased inventory levels in response to the industry demand. Currency also had a positive impact on net sales as the Brazilian real strengthened against the U.S. dollar.

The increase in Rest of World net sales was primarily driven by an overall increase in the industry and currency. Industry retail unit sales of tractors increased 13% and combines increased 3%. The industry growth for tractors was led by Turkey, which did not impact our net sales as we have an unconsolidated joint venture in that country, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS”). The industry growth for combines was led by China, the CIS and Turkey. Industry retail unit sales of tractors and combines decreased in Australia. Our market share in Rest of World markets increased for combines and was flat for tractors. Overall, we maintained positive pricing. Currency had a positive impact, primarily due to the strengthening of the Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar.

Construction Equipment Net Sales

 

     2010      2009      Increase
(Decrease) in
2010 vs. 2009
    2010 vs. 2009
% Change
    Positive /
(Negative) Impact
of Currency*
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Net sales

            

North America

   $ 834       $ 622       $ 212        34     2

Western Europe

     503         513         (10     (2 )%      (6 )% 

Latin America

     1,051         588         463        79     19

Rest of World

     558         397         161        41     (2 )% 
                                          

Total net sales

   $ 2,946       $ 2,120       $ 826        39     4
                                          

 

*

The currency impact is included in the total 2010 vs. 2009% change.

 

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The increase in our construction equipment net sales was primarily due to higher volume and mix ($698 million), pricing ($27 million) and currency. The volume and mix improvement was the result of the significant growth (albeit from historically low levels) in the construction equipment industry as global economic conditions stabilized. Worldwide construction equipment industry retail unit sales increased 47% compared with the prior year as the result of significant market improvements in North America, Latin America and Rest of World. For the year, worldwide industry retail unit sales of light construction equipment increased 35%, driven by improvements in residential and commercial construction activities. Heavy equipment industry retail unit sales increased 59% as a result of overall GDP growth. Compared to the prior year, our market share was flat overall.

In North America, the increase in net sales was primarily the result of improved volume and mix. Construction equipment industry retail unit sales increased 18%. Retail unit sales of light construction equipment, where we have a stronger market presence, increased 20%, while retail unit sales of heavy construction equipment increased 14%. Industry retail unit sales increased compared to the prior year for tractor loader backhoes and skid steers by 12% and 16%, respectively. Our market share compared to the prior year was flat for both heavy and light construction equipment. This industry growth was partially offset by the effect of additional destocking actions taken by our dealers. Currency had a positive impact on net sales as the Canadian dollar strengthened against the U.S. dollar.

Net sales in Western Europe declined primarily as the negative effects of currency more than offset improved volume and mix. Industry retail unit sales for both heavy and light construction equipment increased 21%. Retail unit sales of heavy and light construction equipment increased 17% and 23%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales of tractor loader backhoes and skid steers decreased 3% and 4%, respectively. Our market share was flat for the year in total for both heavy and light construction equipment. The positive impact of the industry growth was largely offset by destocking actions taken by our dealers. The negative currency impact on net sales primarily resulted from a strengthening U.S. dollar against the Euro.

Latin America net sales increased primarily as the result of improved volume and mix due to the significant improvements in the construction equipment industry, and the positive impact of currency. Industry retail unit sales for both heavy and light construction equipment increased 87%. Retail unit sales of heavy and light construction equipment increased 86% and 89%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales of tractor loader backhoes and skid steers increased 70% and 104%, respectively. In addition to the growth in retail unit sales, we benefited from stocking actions taken by our dealers in response to the significant industry growth. We also maintained positive pricing compared to the prior year. Partially offsetting the industry growth was a decline in both heavy and light construction equipment market share, which was down due to manufacturing capacity constraints. The positive impact of currency on net sales was due to the strengthening of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar.

Rest of World net sales increased due to improved volume and mix. Industry retail unit sales for both heavy and light construction equipment increased 64%. Industry retail unit sales for heavy and light construction equipment increased 71% and 50%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales for tractor loader backhoes and skid steers increased 66% and 51%, respectively. Industry growth occurred in all major countries with the exception of Pakistan, and was particularly strong in the CIS, Australia and Turkey. Our market share was flat for both heavy and light construction equipment. We maintained positive pricing compared to the prior year.

 

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Costs and Expenses – Equipment Operations

The table below represents certain costs and expenses that are more appropriately analyzed as part of the Equipment Operations supplemental disclosures. Other costs and expenses are analyzed later in this discussion, either as part of the Financial Services analysis or on a consolidated basis.

 

     2010     2009     Increase
(Decrease) in
2010 vs. 2009
    2010 vs.
2009 %
Change
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Net sales

   $ 14,474         100.0   $ 12,783         100.0   $ 1,691        13

Cost of goods sold

     11,891         82.2     10,862         85.0     1,029        9
                          

Gross profit

     2,583         17.8     1,921         15.0     662        34
                          

Selling, general and administrative

     1,243         8.6     1,150         9.0     93        8

Research and development

     451         3.1     398         3.1     53        13
                          

Operating profit

     889         6.1     373         2.9     516        138
                          

Restructuring

     16         0.1     98         0.8     (82     (84 )% 

Interest expense

     395         2.7     320         2.5     75        23

Interest compensation to Financial Services

     238         1.6     202         1.6     36        18

Other, net

     191         1.3     201         1.6     (10     (5 )% 

Gross Profit and Margin – Equipment Operations

 

     2010     2009     Increase
(Decrease) in
2010 vs. 2009
     2010 vs.
2009
Change
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Agricultural equipment

   $ 2,232         19.4   $ 1,859         17.4   $ 373         2.0 pts   

Construction equipment

     351         11.9     62         2.9     289         9.0 pts   
                           

Total Equipment Operations gross profit

   $ 2,583         17.8   $ 1,921         15.0     662         2.8 pts   
                           

Agricultural equipment gross profit increased due to higher volume and mix ($119 million), production cost improvements ($107 million), net pricing improvements ($88 million), and currency. Volume and mix improvements were primarily driven by overall industry growth for both tractors and combines, and an improved mix to larger horsepower tractors and combines. Higher volumes had a positive impact on manufacturing efficiencies, resulting in an overall improvement in production costs.

Construction equipment gross profit increased due to higher volume and mix ($148 million), lower production costs ($98 million), and currency. Our margins were negatively impacted in 2009 as many of our production facilities were idle. Production increased in 2010 as the economic environment improved, although we under-produced relative to retail demand by 13% to allow for company and dealer de-stocking initiatives to be completed. We also achieved positive pricing ($26 million).

Selling, general and administrative – Equipment Operations

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in 2010 compared to 2009, but decreased as a percentage of sales as we continued to implement cost controls. The increase was primarily due to higher variable compensation ($78 million). Professional fees and advertising costs also increased compared to the prior year. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in payroll costs, due to the 2009 reduction in salaried personnel of approximately 13%, and a reduction in information systems costs. Currency had a favorable impact of approximately 1%.

 

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Research and development – Equipment Operations

Research and development costs increased in the current year, but remained steady as a percentage of net sales, reflecting the continued investment in new products, including Tier 4/Stage IIIB engine development.

Restructuring – Equipment Operations

In 2009, we incurred $98 million for restructuring as we implemented our plan to consolidate and reorganize activities to improve our cost and operating levels. Restructuring costs of $16 million in 2010 primarily related to additional severance and other employee-related costs incurred under the restructuring plan started in 2009. The remaining costs expected to be incurred under announced restructuring actions are $17 million.

See “Note 11: Restructuring” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for a detailed analysis of our restructuring programs.

Interest Expense – Equipment Operations

Interest expense is analyzed on a consolidated basis.

Interest compensation to Financial Services – Equipment Operations

This component of the Equipment Operations’ results is an intercompany charge by Financial Services to Equipment Operations, which is eliminated at the consolidated level. We provide “interest-free” floor plan financing and extended payment terms to our dealers primarily in North America and in Western Europe to support wholesale sales of equipment. Financial Services finances these receivables, manages the credit exposure, controls losses and provides funding. Financial Services receives interest compensation from Equipment Operations for the cost of this financing offered to our dealers.

Interest compensation to Financial Services remained consistent with the prior year as a percentage of net sales moving in line with the increases in volume for both our agricultural and construction equipment.

Other, net – Equipment Operations

The decrease in other, net was the result of decreases in pension and other postemployment costs related to former employees ($44 million) partially offset by higher foreign exchange losses ($28 million) and other miscellaneous costs. In 2010 we recognized a gain of $6 million related to the sale of our participation in the LBX joint venture.

Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates – Equipment Operations

The improved performance of our unconsolidated subsidiaries was driven primarily by improved industry conditions. There was significant improvement in the performance of our construction equipment joint ventures and Turk Traktor, our agricultural equipment joint venture in Turkey.

 

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Overview of Financial Services Results

 

     2010     2009     Increase
(Decrease) in
2010 vs. 2009
    2010 vs.
2009 %
Change
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Finance and interest income

   $ 1,395         100.0   $ 1,190         100.0   $ 205        17
                                

Selling, general and administrative

     455         31.9     336         28.2     119        35

Restructuring

                 4             (4     (100 )% 

Interest expense

     612         43.9     497         41.8     115        23

Other, net

     115         8.2     129         10.8     (14     (11 )% 
                                

Total expenses

   $ 1,182         $ 966         $ 216        22
                                

On-book asset portfolio

   $ 14,274         $ 8,171         $ 6,103        75

Managed asset portfolio

   $ 16,996         $ 17,257         $ (261     (2 )% 

Finance and interest income – Financial Services

The increase in finance and interest income was driven primarily by an increase in interest revenue ($369 million) partially offset by a decrease in ABS revenues ($163 million). The primary driver of the increase in interest revenue and the decrease in ABS revenues was the January 1, 2010 prospective adoption of new accounting guidance related to securitization transactions. ABS revenue decreased as funding transactions that would have historically met the derecognition criteria did not qualify for derecognition in 2010 under the new accounting rules. Interest revenue increased due to a higher level of on-book receivables, as $5.2 billion in receivables were consolidated upon the adoption of the new accounting guidance. Higher interest rates also contributed to the increase in interest revenue due to pricing actions taken to offset increases in our cost of funds. Market conditions improved in North America in both the agricultural and construction equipment sectors, while Europe stabilized in the second half of 2010. See “Item 5.A. New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010” for further details on the change to the accounting rules.

Selling, general and administrative – Financial Services

The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily a result of increased loss provisions and higher variable compensation. Loss provisions increased due to additional loss provisions recorded for our Brazil retail agricultural portfolio and the sustained downturn in the European construction equipment market.

For our managed portfolio, the percentages for delinquencies greater than 30 days and net credit losses were as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     Delinquencies     Losses     Delinquencies     Losses  

North America

     1.41     0.90     2.74     0.93

Europe

     4.20     0.57     7.30     0.33

Latin America

     20.89     1.63     27.89     0.64

Rest of World

     1.68     0.51     2.37     0.56
                                

Total

     4.85     0.90     7.50     0.73
                                

The lower level of delinquencies in each region as of December 31, 2010, was primarily due to collections and the general improvement in global economic conditions.

Restructuring – Financial Services

The restructuring expense incurred during 2009 was the result of personnel reductions primarily in the North American and European regions.

 

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Other, net – Financial Services

The decrease in other, net was primarily the result of currency.

Consolidated interest expense

The increase in interest expense was primarily due to a higher level of average debt outstanding compared to the prior year. Financial Services consolidated $5.7 billion of debt upon the January 1, 2010, adoption of new accounting guidance related to securitization transactions. The increase in outstanding debt at Financial Services was partially offset by a decrease in average outstanding debt at Equipment Operations, and a decrease in average interest rates. Also contributing to the higher interest expense was a $22 million loss recognized as a result of the retirement in July 2010 of $500 million of notes due in 2014. See “Item 5.A. New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010” for further details on the change to the accounting rules.

Consolidated income tax provision

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions,
except percents)
 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

   $ 416      $ (93

Income tax provision

   $ 77      $ 92   

Effective tax rate

     18.5     (98.9 )% 

The favorable effective tax rate in 2010 was primarily due to the settlement of certain tax examinations and the reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions. The adverse tax rate in 2009 was primarily due to losses incurred during the year in certain jurisdictions where we could not recognize a tax benefit, as well as unfavorable deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustments. We expect to return to a more normalized effective tax rate of 36% to 40% in 2011.

See “Note 10: Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for more information on our income tax provision.

2009 Compared to 2008

Overview of Equipment Operations Results

Net Sales of Equipment

Agricultural Equipment Net Sales

 

     2009      2008      Increase/
(Decrease) in 2009
vs. 2008
    2009 vs. 2008
% Change
    Positive /
(Negative) Impact
of Currency*
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Net sales

            

North America

   $ 4,602       $ 4,685       $ (83     (2 )%      (1 )% 

Western Europe

     3,168         4,079         (911     (22 )%      (7 )% 

Latin America

     1,163         1,551         (388     (25 )%      (6 )% 

Rest of World

     1,730         2,587         (857     (33 )%      (2 )% 
                                          

Total net sales

   $ 10,663       $ 12,902       $ (2,239     (17 )%      (4 )% 
                                          

 

*

The currency impact is included in the total 2009 vs. 2008 % change.

The decline in our agricultural equipment net sales was due to lower volumes ($2,126 million) and currency, partially offset by positive pricing actions ($391 million) taken during the year. The volume declines were

 

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primarily driven by an overall slowdown in the global economy and global credit conditions that generally tightened. Worldwide agricultural tractor and combine industry retail unit sales declined 3%. Combine and tractor industry retail unit sales were down 19% and 2% from the prior year, respectively. Combine industry retail unit sales declined in all regions except North America. Tractor industry retail unit sales were down in all regions except Rest of World, which was up primarily in China. Additionally, our market share for the year was down for agricultural equipment driven by declines in Rest of World and Western Europe. Latin America market shares were flat.

The decline in North America net sales was primarily driven by the decline in the overall industry and destocking actions taken by us during the year. North American industry retail unit sales declined 19% in total as a 21% decline in tractors was only partially offset by a 15% increase in combines. In response to the industry declines, we under produced relative to retail demand by 22% in total in order to reduce company and dealer inventory, which negatively impacted net sales. We were able to maintain market share for tractors; however, market share for combines was down. Finally, we maintained positive pricing in spite of the competitive pressures in North America to partially offset the decline in volume.

The decline in Western Europe net sales was primarily the result of the industry declines as well as the impact of currency. Industry retail unit sales of tractors decreased 14% and combines decreased 12%. Market share for the year was flat for tractors and combines. The currency impact on net sales primarily resulted from a strengthening U.S. dollar against both the Euro and the British Pound Sterling. Finally, we were able to offset a portion of the industry declines through positive pricing.

The 2008 net sales in Latin America were the result of strong agricultural industry growth in both combines and tractors. The net sales decline in 2009 was primarily a result of the decline in industry retail unit sales as compared to the 2008 levels. Net sales were also negatively impacted by currency due to the strengthening U.S. dollar. Industry retail unit sales declined 18% as tractors decreased 17% and combines decreased 36% from the strong 2008 levels. Despite the industry declines, we maintained market share for the year for tractors and increased market share for combines, which helped to mitigate the impact on net sales resulting from the decline in the industry. We did, however, experience growth in net sales in the fourth quarter of 2009 for combines.

In Rest of World, the decline in net sales was primarily driven by an overall decline in the tractor and combine industry, especially compared to the very strong levels in 2008. Industry decline and the lack of credit availability in the Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS”) led to a sharp decline in net sales of tractors and combines. CIS was a growing market for us in 2008. Industry retail unit sales of tractors increased 19% overall; however, this was primarily due to an increase in China where we do not have a significant presence. In all other Rest of World markets where we are active except Australia, industry retail unit sales of tractors decreased primarily as a result of adverse credit conditions. Market share in Rest of World markets declined overall as an increase in our combine market share was more than offset by tractor market share declines. We realized positive pricing; however, this was more than offset by the volume declines.

Construction Equipment Net Sales

 

     2009      2008      Increase
(Decrease) in
2009 vs. 2008
    2009 vs. 2008
% Change
    Positive /
(Negative) Impact
of Currency*
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Net sales

            

North America

   $ 622       $ 1,289       $ (667     (52 )%     

Western Europe

     513         1,266         (753     (59 )%      (3 )% 

Latin America

     588         907         (319     (35 )%      (5 )% 

Rest of World

     397         1,002         (605     (60 )%     
                                          

Total net sales

   $ 2,120       $ 4,464       $ (2,344     (53 )%      (2 )% 
                                          

 

*

The currency impact is included in the total 2009 vs. 2008 % change.

 

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The decrease in our construction equipment net sales was primarily driven by declines in industry volume and mix ($2,313 million) and currency impacts which were partially recovered through pricing actions ($45 million). The volume and mix declines were the result of the significant decline in the construction equipment industry as well as destocking actions taken to reduce company and dealer inventory. Worldwide construction equipment industry retail unit sales decreased 41% compared with the prior year with decreases in both the light and heavy construction equipment industries. The decline in construction equipment industry retail unit sales was driven by the overall decline in global economic conditions. For the year, industry retail unit sales of light construction equipment decreased 49% in all markets, driven by decreases in residential and commercial construction activities. Heavy equipment industry retail unit sales declined 31%, with all markets down compared to the prior year. Also contributing to the decline in net sales was a decline in our market share for total heavy and light construction equipment as increases in market share in Latin America were more than offset by the declines in Western Europe and Rest of World. North America market share was flat.

In North America, the decline in net sales was the result of volume and mix declines due to industry and destocking actions taken to reduce company and dealer inventory. Construction equipment industry retail unit sales decreased 48%. Retail unit sales of light construction equipment, where we have a stronger market presence, were down 49% while heavy construction equipment was down 47%. Industry retail unit sales were down for both tractor loader backhoes and skid steers. Market share for the year for both heavy and light construction equipment was flat despite industry declines. The rate of industry decline for both heavy and light construction equipment eased during the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the substantial reductions in the industry in the second half of 2008.

Net sales in Western Europe declined primarily as a result of industry declines, mix and destocking actions. Industry retail unit sales for both heavy and light construction equipment decreased 50% with heavy construction equipment decreasing 55% and light construction equipment decreasing 48%. The rate of industry decline for both heavy and light construction equipment eased in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the substantial volume declines that occurred in the second half of 2008. Tractor loader backhoes and skid steers were down 44% and 40%, respectively. Market share was down for the year in total for both heavy and light construction equipment which contributed to the overall decline in our construction equipment net sales.

Latin America net sales were negatively affected by the decline in both heavy and light construction equipment industry retail unit sales of 54% and 54%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales of tractor loader backhoes and skid steers declined 50% and 62%, respectively. The rate of industry decline slowed slightly in the fourth quarter compared to the previous three quarters in 2009. Partially offsetting these declines was overall strong improvement in market share. Market share growth for the year was strong for light construction equipment with tractor loader backhoes and skid steers up significantly.

In Rest of World, net sales declined due to substantial declines in volume and mix. Industry retail unit sales decreased 48% for light construction equipment and 16% for heavy construction equipment. Industry retail unit sales for tractor loader backhoes and skid steers decreased 78% and 55%, respectively. While the full year was down for both heavy and light equipment industry retail unit sales, industry retail unit sales of heavy and light construction equipment were up in the fourth quarter of 2009. Contributing to the decline in net sales was a decline in market share for the year in both light and heavy construction equipment.

 

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Costs and Expenses – Equipment Operations

The table below represents certain costs and expenses that are more appropriately analyzed as part of the Equipment Operations supplemental disclosures. Other costs and expenses are analyzed later in this discussion, either as part of the Financial Services analysis or on a consolidated basis.

 

     2009     2008     Increase
(Decrease) in
2009 vs. 2008
    2009 vs.
2008 %
Change
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Net sales

   $ 12,783         100.0   $ 17,366         100.0   $ (4,583     (26 )% 
                                

Cost of goods sold

     10,862         85.0     14,054         80.9     (3,192     (23 )% 
                                

Gross profit

     1,921         15.0     3,312         19.1     (1,391     (42 )% 
                                

Selling, general and administrative

     1,150         9.0     1,403         8.1     (253     (18 )% 

Research and development

     398         3.1     422         2.4     (24     (6 )% 

Restructuring

     98         0.8     34         0.2     64        188

Interest expense

     320         2.5     358         2.1     (38     (11 )% 

Interest compensation to Financial Services

     202         1.6     275         1.6     (73     (27 )% 

Other, net

     201         1.6     204         1.2     (3     (1 )% 

Gross Profit – Equipment Operations

The decline in gross profit was driven by volume declines and mix ($1,154 million) as a result of a decline in our agricultural equipment business and the significant deterioration in our construction equipment business. Additionally, the gross margin was negatively affected by increased production and economic costs ($471 million) and currency translation, transaction and hedging activities ($240 million). Positive pricing ($436 million), primarily from the agricultural equipment business, only partially offset the volume and mix and production and economic costs.

Agricultural equipment gross profit decreased due to volume declines and mix ($659 million), production and economic cost increases ($306 million), and currency translation, transaction and hedging activities ($245 million), partially offset by pricing ($391 million). Volume and mix declines were primarily driven by declines in sales of both tractors and combines. In the under-40 hp segment, the decline was much more significant. Higher production costs resulted from higher input costs from inventory purchased or manufactured in the prior year. As we reduced inventories, these higher costs negatively impacted our margins. Additionally, in anticipation of the industry slowdown, we reduced production rates to destock our inventories and dealer inventories which negatively impacted our margins. The negative currency impact is primarily the result of a strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro, British pound and Brazilian real. Finally, price increases were maintained despite industry declines and competitive pressure which helped to offset some of the volume declines.

Gross profit for the construction equipment business declined significantly due to volume and mix declines ($495 million) primarily as a result of the significant market retraction and destocking actions taken during the year to reduce company and dealer inventory. Production cost increases ($142 million) also negatively impacted our margins. Included in production cost are higher input costs incurred for inventory produced principally in the prior year. Our margins were negatively impacted as this higher cost inventory was sold during the year. Additionally, many of our production facilities for the construction equipment business were idle during the year which also negatively impacted our margins. The impact of currency translation, transaction and hedging activities also negatively impacted margins due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. We did achieve positive pricing in most regions ($45 million).

 

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Selling, general and administrative – Equipment Operations

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily the result of strict cost controls and personnel reductions ($168 million) as well as a favorable currency impact ($85 million). Salaried personnel were reduced by approximately 13% during the year in response to the market declines. Additional cost reductions included information systems, professional fees and travel. The year-over-year comparison was also favorably impacted by currency due to a strengthening U.S. dollar. Net sales declined at a faster rate than the reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses resulting in the increase as a percentage of net sales compared to the prior year.

Research and development – Equipment Operations

Research and development costs increased in the current year as a percentage of net sales reflecting a continued investment in products especially for Tier 4/Stage IIIB engine development as well as investments in our core product portfolio.

Restructuring – Equipment Operations

In 2009, we announced restructuring actions to consolidate and reorganize activities to align our cost and operating levels to the current economic conditions. As part of the restructuring, we instituted personnel reductions. Additionally, we reorganized the construction equipment internal management organization combining the two brands under one internal management structure. The personnel reductions and construction equipment’s business management restructuring resulted in a cumulative reduction of salaried personnel and agency of approximately 13% including a cumulative reduction of approximately 28% in construction equipment. Additionally, we have decided to move all production activities of our Imola, Italy plant to our plants in Lecce and San Mauro, Italy.

Of the $98 million incurred for restructuring, $93 million related to the current year restructuring activities and primarily consisted of personnel reductions and a curtailment loss due to a permanent reduction in personnel in the United States. In addition, $5 million relates to restructuring actions announced in prior years and consists of severance and other employee related costs incurred under personnel reduction plans and additional costs related to the closure of facilities. The remaining costs expected to be incurred under announced restructuring actions are $28 million.

See “Note 11: Restructuring” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 for a detailed analysis of our restructuring programs.

Interest Expense – Equipment Operations

Interest expense is analyzed on a consolidated basis.

Interest compensation to Financial Services – Equipment Operations

This component of the Equipment Operations’ results is an intercompany charge by Financial Services to Equipment Operations, which is eliminated at the consolidated level. We provide “interest-free” floor plan financing and extended payment terms to our dealers primarily in North America and in Western Europe to support wholesale sales of equipment. Financial Services finances these receivables, manages the credit exposure, controls losses and provides funding. Financial Services receives interest compensation from Equipment Operations for the cost of this financing offered to our dealers.

Interest compensation to Financial Services remained consistent with the prior year as a percentage of net sales moving in line with the reductions in volume for both our agricultural and construction equipment.

 

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Other, net – Equipment Operations

The decrease in Other, net was the result of increases in pension and other postemployment benefits related to former employees ($50 million) and product liability costs ($15 million) partially offset by a decrease in foreign exchange losses ($49 million) and other miscellaneous costs.

Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates – Equipment Operations

The loss in the current year was primarily related to our construction equipment joint ventures due to the overall decline in the construction equipment industry.

Overview of Financial Services Results

 

     2009     2008     Increase
(Decrease) in
2009 vs. 2008
    2009 vs.
2008 %
Change
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Finance and interest income

   $ 1,190         100.0   $ 1,356         100.0   $ (166     (12 )% 
                                

Selling, general and administrative

     336         28.2     295         21.8     41        14

Restructuring

     4             5             (1     (20 )% 

Interest expense

     497         41.8     606         44.7     (109     (18 )% 

Other, net

     129         10.8     115         8.4     14        (12 )% 
                                

Total expenses

   $ 966         $ 1,021         $ (55     (5 )% 
                                

On-book asset portfolio

   $ 8,171         $ 9,825         $ (1,654     (17 )% 

Managed asset portfolio

   $ 17,257         $ 17,524         $ (267     (2 )% 

Finance and interest income – Financial Services

The decrease in finance and interest income was driven by a decline in net interest revenue ($246 million) partially offset by an increase in ABS revenues ($72 million) and an increase in operating lease revenue ($19 million). Net interest revenue’s decline was the result of volume and mix as well as interest rates. The declines related to volume and mix were driven by the decline in the on-book portfolio due to the significant declines in the construction equipment business as well as the declines in the agricultural equipment business. Also contributing to the decline were decreases due to interest rates. Interest rate decreases were primarily the result of benchmark rates declining globally. ABS revenue increased as credit market conditions eased during the year especially during the fourth quarter. ABS revenue includes $128 million of gains on sales of receivables that occurred during the year.

Selling, general and administrative – Financial Services

The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily a result of increased loss provisions partially offset by declines in other selling, general and administrative expenses. Loss provisions increased due to the downturn in the U.S. and European construction equipment markets. Additional loss provisions were recorded for Brazil’s retail agricultural equipment portfolio. Partially offsetting the increased loss provisions are personnel reductions and other cost control actions.

 

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Delinquency and loss percentages for our managed portfolio were as follows:

 

     2009     2008  
     Delinquencies     Losses     Delinquencies     Losses  

North America

     2.74     0.93     2.54     0.54

Europe

     7.30     0.33     2.22    

Latin America

     27.89     0.64     4.97     0.16

Rest of World

     2.37     0.56     7.33     0.17
                                

Total

     7.50     0.73     2.92     0.34
                                

The increases in retail delinquencies and the overall losses, as a percentage of outstanding receivables were driven by the Brazilian agricultural equipment loans which did not qualify for the renegotiation extension and the continued global slowdown in the construction equipment market in Europe and North America.

Restructuring – Financial Services

The restructuring expense incurred during 2009 was the result of personnel reductions primarily in the North American and European regions.

Other, net – Financial Services

The increase in other, net was primarily driven by an increase in depreciation expense related to a growing operating lease portfolio.

Consolidated interest expense

The decrease in interest expense was mix and interest rate related as for Equipment Operations, average debt outstanding remained flat. The net interest rate on our Equipment Operations debt declined by approximately 140 basis points. The decline was due to lower interest rates on floating rate debt of Equipment Operations. Financial Services experienced both a decline in average debt outstanding as well as a decrease in the net interest rate on the debt resulting in a decline in interest expense. The decrease in the average debt outstanding was driven by the increase in off-book ABS transactions.

Consolidated income tax provision

 

     2009     2008  
     (in millions,
except percents)
 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

   $ (93   $ 1,156   

Income tax provision

   $ 92      $ 385   

Effective tax rate

     (98.9 )%      33.3

The primary reason for the adverse effective tax rate was due to losses incurred during the year in certain jurisdictions where we could not recognize a tax benefit as well as unfavorable deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustments.

Application of Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues

 

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and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our critical accounting estimates, which require management assumptions and complex judgments, are summarized below. Our other accounting policies are described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is established to cover probable losses for receivables owned by us and is allocated based on two components, depending on whether or not the receivable has been individually identified as being impaired. The first component of the allowance for credit losses covers impaired assets which represent all or a portion of receivables specifically reviewed by management for which we have determined we will not collect all of the contractual principal and interest. Receivables are individually reviewed for impairment based on, among other items, amounts outstanding, amounts past due, days past due and prior collection history. These receivables are subject to impairment measurement at the loan level based either on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the receivable’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral for collateral-dependent receivables and receivables for which foreclosure is deemed to be probable. When the values are lower than the carrying value of the receivables, impairment is recognized.

The second component of the allowance for credit losses covers all performing receivables which have incurred losses that are not yet individually identifiable. The allowance for these receivables is based on aggregated portfolio evaluations, generally by financial product. The allowance for retail credit losses is based on loss forecast models which consider a variety of factors that may include, but are not limited to, historical loss experience, portfolio balance and delinquencies. The allowance for wholesale credit losses is based on loss forecast models which consider a variety of factors that may include, but are not limited to, historical loss experience, portfolio balance and dealer risk ratings. The loss forecast models are updated on a quarterly basis to incorporate information reflecting the current economic environment.

The total allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 was $594 million, $393 million, and $269 million, respectively. The allowance for credit losses increased in 2010 due primarily to additional reserves recorded for Brazil’s retail agricultural equipment loan portfolio and the European construction equipment market. The increase in 2009 was due to the downturn in the U.S. and European construction markets and additional reserves recorded for Brazil’s retail agricultural equipment portfolio. Beginning January 1, 2010, we adopted the new accounting guidance related to the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The allowance for credit losses increased approximately $59 million related to the receivables that were consolidated upon adoption of this guidance.

The historical loss experience on the receivable portfolio represents one of the key assumptions involved in determining the allowance for credit losses. Over the last three years, this percent has varied by an average of approximately plus or minus 0.22 percentage points, compared to the average loss experience during that period. Holding other estimates constant, if the estimated loss experience on the receivable portfolio were to increase or decrease 0.22 percentage points, the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2010 would increase or decrease by approximately $32 million.

While management believes it has exercised prudent judgment and applied reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that in the future, changes in economic conditions or other factors would not cause changes in the financial condition of our customers. If the financial condition of our customer deteriorates, the timing and level of payments received could be impacted and, therefore, could result in a change to our ultimate losses on the current portfolio.

 

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Equipment on Operating Lease Residual Values

Our Financial Services segment purchases equipment from our dealers and other independent third parties and leases it to retail customers under operating leases. Income from these operating leases is recognized over the term of the lease. Financial Services’ decision on whether or not to offer lease financing to customers is based, in part, upon estimated residual values of the leased equipment, which are estimated at the lease inception date and periodically updated. Realization of the residual values, a component in the profitability of a lease transaction, is dependent on our ability to market the equipment at lease termination under the then prevailing market conditions. We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have impacted the estimated residual values of equipment on operating leases. Although realization is not assured, management believes that the estimated residual values are realizable.

Total operating lease residual values at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 were $461 million, $427 million, and $374 million, respectively.

Estimates used in determining end-of-lease market values for equipment on operating leases significantly impact the amount and timing of depreciation expense. If future market values for this equipment were to decrease 10% from our present estimates, the total impact would be to increase our depreciation expense on equipment on operating leases by approximately $46 million. This amount would be charged to depreciation expense during the remaining lease terms such that the net investment in operating leases at the end of the lease terms would be equal to the revised residual values. Initial lease terms generally range from three to four years.

Recoverability of Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets such as patents and trademarks. We evaluate the recoverability of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived other intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. We assess the recoverability of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived other intangible assets by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable in full on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived other intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually. In 2010 and 2009, we performed our annual impairment review as of December 31 and concluded that there was no impairment in either year. We continue to evaluate events and circumstances to determine if additional testing may be required.

Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level using a two-step test.

From 2006 to 2009, we managed our business at the brand level: Case IH and New Holland agricultural equipment brands, Case and New Holland Construction construction equipment brands and Financial Services. In 2010, we began to manage our business at the Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment, and Financial Services level and now identify these as our three reporting units.

Under the first step of the goodwill impairment test, our estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and we must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement). Step two of the impairment test, if necessary, would require the identification and estimation of the fair value of the reporting unit’s individual assets, including intangible assets with definite and indefinite lives regardless of whether such intangible assets are currently recorded as an asset of the reporting unit, and liabilities in order to calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill.

 

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Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. The carrying values for each reporting unit include material allocations of our assets and liabilities and costs and expenses that are common to all of the reporting units. We believe that the basis for such allocations has been consistently applied and is reasonable.

To determine fair value, we have relied on two valuation techniques: the income approach and the market approach.

The income approach is a valuation technique used to convert future expected cash flows to a present value. We use the income approach as the primary approach to measure the fair value of the Equipment Operations reporting units. We believe the income approach provides the best measure of fair value for our Equipment Operations reporting units as this approach considers factors unique to each of our reporting units and related long range plans that may not be comparable to other companies and that are not yet publicly available. The income approach is dependent on several critical management assumptions, including estimates of future sales growth, gross margins, operating costs, income tax rates, terminal value growth rates, capital expenditures, changes in working capital requirements and the weighted average cost of capital (discount rate).

Expected cash flows used under the income approach are developed in conjunction with our budgeting and forecasting process and represent what we believe to be the most likely amounts and timing of future cash flows based on our long range plan. Our long range plan is updated annually as a part of our annual planning process and is reviewed and approved by senior management. We use eight years of expected cash flows as management believes that this period generally reflects the underlying market cycles for its businesses.

The discount rates used in the income approach are an estimate of the rate of return that a market participant would expect of each reporting unit. To select an appropriate rate for discounting the future earnings stream, a review was made of short-term interest rates and the yields of long-term corporate and government bonds, as well as the typical capital structure of companies in the industry. The discount rates used for each reporting unit may vary depending on the risk inherent in the cash flow projections, as well as the risk level that would be perceived by a market participant. The discount rate used for the Agricultural Equipment reporting unit decreased from 13% at December 31, 2009 to 11% at December 31, 2010. The discount rate for the Construction Equipment reporting unit decreased from 13.5% at December 31, 2009 to 12% at December 31, 2010. The discount rates changed primarily due to changes in interest rates and risk levels.

A terminal value is included at the end of the projection period used in our discounted cash flow analyses in order to reflect the remaining value that each reporting unit is expected to generate. The terminal value represents the present value subsequent to the last year of the projection period of cash flows into perpetuity. The terminal value growth rate is a key assumption used in determining the terminal value as it represents the annual growth of all subsequent cash flows into perpetuity. The terminal value growth rates used for the December 31, 2010 valuations (1.0% for the Agriculture Equipment reporting unit and 2.0% for the Construction Equipment reporting unit) have not changed from the rates used at December 31, 2009.

The market approach measures fair value based on prices generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Under the market approach, we apply the guideline company method in estimating fair value. The guideline company method makes use of market price data of corporations whose stock is actively traded in a public, free and open market, either on an exchange or over-the counter basis. Although it is clear no two companies are entirely alike, the corporations selected as guideline companies must be engaged in the same or similar line of business or be subject to similar financial and business risks, including the opportunity for growth. The guideline company method of the market approach provides an indication of value by relating the equity or invested capital (debt plus equity) of guideline companies to various measures of their earnings and cash flow, then applying such multiples to the business being valued.

 

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Book value market multiples were utilized in determining the fair value of the Financial Services reporting unit under the market approach. We use the market approach as the primary approach to measure the fair value of the Financial Services reporting unit as it derives value based primarily on the assets under management.

Revenue and EBITDA market multiples were utilized in determining the fair value of the Equipment Operations reporting units under the market approach. For our Equipment Operations reporting units, the market approach is used as a secondary approach to further support the income approach. Because the market approach does not evaluate our reporting units’ projected cash flows, we believe the market approach enables validation of the fair values derived from the income approach using market benchmarks.

We identified comparable companies for use in the guideline company approach based on a review of all publicly traded companies in our lines of business. The comparable companies used were determined based on an evaluation of all relevant factors, including whether the companies were subject to similar financial and business risks.

As of December 31, 2010, the estimated fair value of the Agricultural Equipment reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by a substantial amount.

The excess of the estimated fair value of the Construction Equipment unit over its carrying value increased as of December 31, 2010, compared to the prior year estimate. The calculation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit continues to contain a higher level of risk due primarily to the difficult trading conditions that the business has experienced in the important North American and European markets since 2007. The projections include, among other things, the expected benefits of 2009 restructuring actions to reduce the fixed cost footprint and selling, general and administrative expenses, product development programs and new products with introductions starting in 2010 and continuing through the forecast period, and capacity expansions. The projections also include certain assumptions for continued expansion in emerging markets and an expected improvement in North American and European market conditions, which result in operating performance that is expected to improve and exceed our best past performance. Should the Construction Equipment business be unable to successfully achieve its planned actions, realize the benefits of its investments, or perform to its long range plan objectives, we may be required to re-evaluate the carrying value of the business units goodwill.

Measuring the estimated fair value of our businesses requires judgment and the use of estimates by management. We can provide no assurance that a material impairment charge will not occur in a future period. Our estimates of future cash flows may differ from actual cash flows that are subsequently realized due to, among other things, worldwide economic factors, industry growth rates, technological changes and the achievement of the anticipated benefits of our product development and profit improvement initiatives. Any of these potential factors, or other unexpected factors, may cause us to re-evaluate the carrying value of goodwill. We will continue to monitor circumstances and events in future periods to determine whether additional impairment testing is necessary. If an impairment charge were required to be taken for goodwill, such a charge would be a non-cash charge. However, such a charge could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and statement of operations.

Sales Allowances

We grant certain sales incentives to stimulate sales of our products to retail customers. The expense for such incentive programs is accrued for and recorded as a deduction in arriving at our net sales amount at the time of the sale of the product to the dealer. The expense for new programs is accrued at the inception of the program. The amount of incentives to be paid are estimated based upon historical data, estimated future market demand for our products, dealer inventory levels, announced incentive programs, competitive pricing and interest rates, among other things. If market conditions were to decline, we may take actions to increase customer incentives possibly resulting in an increase in the deduction recorded in arriving at our net sales amount at the time the incentive is offered.

 

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The sales allowance accruals at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 were $774 million, $690 million, and $660 million, respectively.

Over the last three years, the percentage of sales allowance costs to net sales from dealers has varied by approximately plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, comparing the average sales allowance costs to net sales percentage during the period. Holding other assumptions constant, if the estimated percentage were to increase or decrease 2.5 percentage points, the sales incentive allowance at December 31, 2010 would increase or decrease by approximately $73 million, which would positively or negatively impact operating margins.

Warranty Costs

At the time a sale of equipment to a dealer is recognized, we record the estimated future warranty costs for the product, primarily basic warranty coverage. We generally determine our total warranty liability with reference to our historical claims rate experience. Our warranty obligations are affected by sales levels, component failure rates, replacement costs and dealer service costs. If actual failure rates or costs to replace and install new components differ from our estimates, a revision in the warranty liability would be required.

The product warranty accruals at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 were $350 million, $301 million, and $294 million, respectively.

Estimates used to determine the product warranty accruals are significantly impacted by the historical percentage of warranty claims costs to related net sales. Over the last three years, this percentage has varied by approximately 0.3 percentage points, comparing the warranty costs to net sales percentage during the period. Holding other assumptions constant, if this estimated percentage were to increase or decrease 0.3 percentage points, the warranty expense for the year ended December 31, 2010, would increase or decrease by approximately $43 million.

See “Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for further information on our accounting practices and recorded obligations related to modification programs and warranty costs.

Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Obligations

As more fully described in “Note 12: Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, we sponsor pension and other retirement plans in various countries. We actuarially determine these pension and other postretirement costs and obligations using several statistical and judgmental factors. These assumptions include discount rates, rates for expected returns on plan assets, rates for compensation, mortality rates, retirement rates, and health care cost trend rates, as determined by us within certain guidelines. Actual experiences different from those assumed and changes in assumptions can result in gains and losses that we have not yet recognized in our consolidated statements of operations but have been recognized in equity. For our pension and postretirement benefit plans, we recognize net gain or loss as a component of our pension and other retirement plans’ expense for the year if, as of the beginning of the year, such unrecognized net gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of (1) the projected benefit obligation or (2) the fair or market value of the plan assets at year end. In such case, the amount of amortization we recognize is the resulting excess divided by the average remaining service period of active employees, and by the average life expectancy for inactive employees expected to receive benefits under the plan.

 

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The following table shows the effects of a one percentage-point change in our primary defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit actuarial assumptions on pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and expense:

 

     2011 Benefit Cost (income)/expense     Year End Benefit Obligation
increase/(decrease)
 
   One
Percentage-Point
Increase
    One
Percentage-Point
Decrease
    One
Percentage-Point
Increase
    One
Percentage-Point
Decrease
 
   (in millions)  

Pension benefits

        

Assumed discount rate

   $ (13   $ 19      $ (299   $ 364   

Expected rate of compensation increase

     7        (5     40        (35

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

     (20     20        N/A        N/A   

Other postretirement benefits:

        

Assumed discount rate

     (11     13        (104     125   

Assumed health care cost trend rate (initial and ultimate)

     21        (17     104        (88

Tax Contingencies

We are periodically subject to audits of our various income tax returns by taxing authorities. These audits review tax filing positions, including the allocation of income among our tax jurisdictions. Some of our tax positions could be challenged by the taxing authorities. The estimate of our tax contingencies requires the use of judgment to estimate the exposure associated with our various tax filing positions. Although management believes that the judgments and estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. An unfavorable tax settlement would likely require use of our cash and may result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement would generally be recognized as a reduction in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. See “Note 10: Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for further information on our accounting for uncertain tax positions.

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010

As of the beginning of 2010, we adopted new accounting guidance related to the accounting for transfers of financial assets and the consolidation of VIEs.

In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that changes the accounting for transfers of financial assets. The guidance eliminates the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity (“QSPE”), changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures to provide greater transparency about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and an entity’s continuing involvement in and exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets.

In June 2009, the FASB also issued new accounting guidance which amends the accounting for VIEs. The guidance changes the criteria for determining whether the consolidation of a VIE is required from a quantitative risk and rewards model to a qualitative model, based on control and economics. The guidance also eliminates the scope exception for QSPEs, increases the frequency for reassessing consolidation of VIEs and creates new disclosure requirements about an entity’s involvement in a VIE.

We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2010. As a significant portion of our securitization trusts and facilities are no longer exempt from consolidation as QSPEs under the guidance, we reassessed these VIEs under the new qualitative model and determined we were the primary beneficiary, as CNH has both the power to direct

 

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the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Therefore, we consolidated the receivables and related liabilities held by these VIEs based on the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities, as prescribed by the new guidance. The impact of our adoption of the new guidance on January 1, 2010 is as follows:

 

     Adjustment for
New Guidance
 
     (in millions)  

Accounts, notes receivable and other—net

  

Retail receivables securitization

   $ 3,448   

Wholesale receivables securitization

     1,563   

Credit card receivables securitization

     181   
        

Accounts, notes receivable and other—net

     5,192   

Other Assets—primarily restricted cash

     525   
        

Total assets

   $ 5,717   
        

Accrued and other liabilities

   $ 26   

Short-term debt

     1,209   

Long-term debt, including current maturities

     4,519   
        

Total liabilities

     5,754   
        

Total equity

     (37
        

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 5,717   
        

The assets of the VIEs include restricted cash and certain receivables which are restricted to settle the obligations of those entities and are not expected to be available to us or our creditors. Liabilities of the consolidated VIEs include secured borrowings for which creditors or beneficial interest holders do not have recourse to the general credit of CNH.

An additional impact of adopting this guidance is that certain funding transactions that would have historically met the derecognition criteria will not qualify for derecognition under the new accounting rules. Beginning on January 1, 2010, wholesale receivables originated in Europe that were included in factoring programs for the revolving sale to third party factors are treated as secured borrowings. As of December 31, 2010, factoring transactions involving €6 million ($8 million) of receivables continue to be treated as sales under the previous accounting rules as they were sold prior to January 1, 2010.

We adopted the guidance prospectively. Therefore, the financial statements prepared for 2010 and subsequent periods will reflect the new accounting requirements, but the financial statements for periods ended on or before December 31, 2009 reflected the accounting guidance applicable during those periods. Our statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 no longer reflects securitization income and initial gains or losses on new securitization transactions, but instead reports interest income and other income associated with all securitized receivables, and interest expense associated with the debt issued from the securitization trusts and facilities. Therefore, current period results and balances will not be comparable to prior period amounts. In addition, because our new securitization transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings rather than asset sales, the initial cash flows from these transactions are presented in 2010 as cash flows from financing transactions rather than cash flows from operating or investing activities.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following discussion of liquidity and capital resources principally focuses on our consolidated statements of cash flows and our consolidated balance sheets. Our operations are capital intensive and subject to

 

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seasonal variations in financing requirements for dealer receivables and dealer and company inventories. Whenever necessary, funds from operating activities are supplemented from external sources. We expect to have available to us cash reserves and cash generated from operations and from sources of debt and financing activities that are sufficient to fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and debt service at least through the end of 2011. See “Sources of Funding—Funding Policy” below for more information regarding our funding strategy. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” for additional information concerning risks related to our business, strategy and operations.

Cash Flows

Our cash flows from operating activities are primarily a result of net income (loss), Equipment Operations’ working capital requirements and changes in dealer receivable levels. Our cash flows from investing and financing activities principally reflect capital expenditures, changes in deposits with Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools, our level of investment in retail receivables, changes in our funding structure and dividend payments.

The $2,355 million increase in consolidated cash and cash equivalents, during the year ended December 31, 2010, reflects the generation of cash in our operating and financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents at Equipment Operations increased by $2,644 million, while cash and cash equivalents at Financial Services decreased by $289 million.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2010     2009     2008  
   (in millions)  

Equipment Operations

   $ 1,811      $ 1,145      $ (282

Financial Services

     (12     1,220        936   

Eliminations

     (397     (153     (4
                        

Consolidated

   $ 1,402      $ 2,212      $ 650   
                        

Equipment Operations generated $1,811 million of cash flows from operations in 2010, primarily due to $1,000 million in cash flows from working capital reductions, adjustments for depreciation and amortization expense of $291 million, and 2010 net income of $438 million. Cash provided by working capital reductions includes $323 million from inventory reductions and $506 million from an increase in payables, offset by $84 million due to higher receivables. The primary driver of the working capital reduction in 2010 was the stronger market demand reducing the levels of finished goods inventory. The cash generated from operations was also attributable to the increase of $416 million in other liabilities primarily related to higher levels of taxes payable and accrued payroll. The increase in cash flows from operating activities in 2010 compared to 2009 reflects the year-over-year increase in net income.

The utilization of cash in operating activities at Financial Services in 2010 resulted primarily from cash reduction of $203 million from increases in accounts receivables, partially offset by net income of $159 million. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities in 2010 compared to 2009 was primarily due to cash inflows as the result of significant reductions in receivables during 2009.

Equipment Operations generated $1,145 million of cash flows from operations in 2009, primarily due to $1,200 million in cash flows from working capital reductions. Cash provided by working capital reductions is comprised of $809 million from receivable reductions and $1,360 million from inventory reductions, offset by cash used to reduce payables by $969 million. The primary drivers of the working capital reductions in 2009 were the lower levels of revenues, the sale of receivables to Financial Services and changes in our production

 

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schedules that were made to compensate for the lower levels of demand. The cash provided by working capital reductions was partially offset by the impact of the 2009 net loss of $222 million and an increase in prepayments and other current assets related to higher levels of tax receivables. The increase in cash flows from operating activities in 2009 compared to 2008 reflects the decrease in working capital levels that occurred in 2009, while $1,379 million in cash was used due to increases in working capital levels during 2008. The increase in year-over-year cash flow was partially offset by the decline of net income.

Financial Services generated $1,220 million of cash from operating activities in 2009, resulting primarily from $858 million in cash from decreases in dealer and other accounts receivables, from net income of $174 million and depreciation and amortization of $128 million. The decrease in receivables is attributable to the increase in sales of receivables to the ABS markets under the accounting guidance in effect during that period.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2010     2009     2008  
   (in millions)  

Equipment Operations

   $ 168      $ (691   $ (1,066

Financial Services

     (234     1,924        (2,731

Eliminations

     20               8   
                        

Consolidated

   $ (46   $ 1,233      $ (3,789
                        

Cash provided by investing activities at Equipment Operations in 2010 resulted from withdrawals from Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools of $481 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $301 million. The increase in cash from investing activities in 2010 compared to 2009 is primarily due to $451 million in deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools in 2009, compared to withdrawals of $481 million in 2010 as we deposited a greater portion of our cash with third party banks prior to the demerger.

Cash flow used by activities at Financial Services in 2010 totaled $234 million resulting from $365 million in expenditures for equipment on operating leases and a $219 million increase in restricted cash, partially offset by net collections of retail receivables of $77 million and proceeds from the sale of equipment on operating lease of $270 million. We adopted new accounting guidance related to the accounting for transfers of financial assets and the consolidation of VIEs at the beginning of 2010. Under this new accounting guidance, certain securitization transactions were accounted for as secured borrowings rather than asset sales. The cash flows from these securitization transactions were presented as investing activities in 2009 and as financing activities in 2010. Total investing cash flows related to retail receivables and securitization transactions decreased $1,585 million compared to 2009 primarily as a result of this new accounting guidance.

The utilization of cash in investing activities at Equipment Operations in 2009 reflects capital expenditures of $217 million and an increase in deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools of $451 million. Capital expenditures were principally related to initiatives to introduce new products and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

Cash provided by investing activities at Financial Services in 2009 totaled $1,924 million resulting from proceeds from retail securitizations of $3,775 million, collections of retail receivables of $4,466 million, proceeds from the sale of equipment on operating lease of $140 million, $107 million for retained interests, and withdrawals from Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools of $289 million. Partially offsetting these sources of cash were $6,552 million of investments in retail receivables and investments in equipment on operating leases of $302 million. Net cash provided from securitization transactions in 2009 was $1,796 million, up $3,902 million from 2008, as securitization markets re-opened in 2009, leading to an increase in new securitization funding and gains in 2009, which were in sharp contrast with the securitization markets that virtually ceased to operate in 2008.

 

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Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2010     2009     2008  
   (in millions)  

Equipment Operations

   $ 626      $ (356   $ 1,128   

Financial Services

     (57     (2,766     1,719   

Eliminations

     377        153        (4
                        

Consolidated

   $ 946      $ (2,969   $ 2,843   
                        

Cash provided by financing activities at Equipment Operations in 2010 is primarily attributable to net proceeds of $381 million from long-term borrowings and $254 million in cash received for the reduction of intersegment notes from Financial Services. The increase of cash provided by financing activities in 2010 compared to 2009 was due to a net reduction in borrowings in 2009.

Cash flows used by financing activities for Financial Services in 2010 of $57 million primarily reflects dividend payments of $397 million to Equipment Operations and cash payment of $254 million to Equipment Operations to reduce intersegment notes payable, partially offset by net proceeds of $574 million from long-term and short-term borrowings. The improvement in cash flows used by financing activities at Financial Services in 2010 from 2009 was primarily due to the net proceeds from borrowings in 2010 compared with a $1,937 million reduction of long-term and short-term borrowings in 2009.

Equipment Operations cash flows used by financing activities in 2009 of $356 million reflects the use of $1,017 million in cash to reduce short-term and long-term borrowings. Partially offsetting this use of cash, was $676 million in cash received for the reduction of intersegment notes from Financial Services. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2008 primarily related to increases in short-term and long-term borrowings.

Cash flows used by financing activities for Financial Services in 2009 of $2,766 million primarily reflects a reduction in short-term and long-term borrowings of $1,937 million in addition to cash used to reduce intercompany notes from Equipment Operations of $676 million. In 2009, Financial Services paid dividends to Equipment Operations of $153 million, compared to $4 million in 2008. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2008 primarily related to increases in short-term and long-term borrowings.

Sources of Funding

Funding Policy

In the current environment of uncertainty in the financial markets, our policy is to maintain a high degree of flexibility with our funding and investment options by using a broad variety of financial instruments to maintain our desired level of liquidity. In managing our liquidity requirements, we are pursuing a financing strategy that includes maintaining continuous access to a variety of financing sources, including U.S. and international capital markets, commercial bank lines, and funding Financial Services with a combination of receivables securitizations, conduit financing and other transactions.

A summary of our strategy is set forth below:

 

   

To fund Equipment Operations short-term financing requirements and to ensure near-term liquidity, Equipment Operations will continue to sell its receivables to Financial Services and rely primarily on internal cash flows including actions to optimize working capital. We also maintain a funding relationship with Fiat Industrial through term loans and cash management arrangements operated by Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries in a number of jurisdictions. We may supplement our short-term financing by entering into new credit lines with banks.

 

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As funding needs of Equipment Operations are determined to be of a longer-term nature, we may access public medium- and long-term debt markets as well as private investors and banks, as appropriate, to refinance borrowings and replenish our liquidity.

 

   

We will look at the public ABS market as an important source of funding in North America and Australia; however, we will maintain and further develop the funding diversification strategy we initiated in 2008, which was based on diversifying our funding sources and expanding our investor base. Additional funding needs of Financial Services will be covered by the renewal and possibly the increase of asset-backed securitization programs, private ABS transactions and by the sale of selected portfolios of receivables in bilateral transactions with investors or other financial institutions. We will tailor our offerings to improve investor interest in our securities while optimizing economic factors and reducing execution risks. We will integrate our funding strategy for Financial Services with alternative sources of financing which will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Alternative means of funding could include bank facilities, both short and long-term, capital market transactions and private placements.

 

   

Financial Services in Brazil continues to utilize financing provided by BNDES to support the growth of the agricultural and construction equipment sectors of the economy and the issuance of certificates of deposit.

 

   

Financial Services has also relied in the past, and may continue to rely, on intersegment borrowings from Equipment Operations.

On a global level, we will continue to evaluate alternatives to ensure that Financial Services has access to capital on favorable terms to support its business, including agreements with global or regional partners similar to our agreement with BPLG, new funding arrangements or a combination of the foregoing.

A significant portion of our financing has historically come from Fiat and Fiat subsidiaries. As a consequence of the demerger, all the financing arrangements with Fiat treasury subsidiaries outstanding as of December 31, 2010 were assigned to Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries effective as of January 1, 2011. The assignment of term financings took place with the execution of tri-party agreements between the relevant Fiat treasury subsidiaries (which transferred the financial receivables), Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries (which received the receivables) and CNH entities (which acknowledged the transfer). As a result of this assignment, CNH entities had no residual financing with Fiat treasury subsidiaries as of January 1, 2011.

Our access to external sources of financing, as well as the cost of financing, is dependent on various factors, including our unsecured debt ratings. As of February 18, 2011, our long-term unsecured debt was rated BB+ (negative outlook) by S&P; Ba3 (stable outlook) by Moody’s; and BBB Low (under review with developing implications) by DBRS. Fiat Industrial’s long-term unsecured debt was rated BB+ (negative outlook) by S&P and Ba1 (stable outlook) by Moody’s. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. A deterioration in our ratings could impair our ability to obtain debt financing as well as increase the cost of such financing. Debt ratings are influenced by a number of factors, including, among others: our parent company’s ratings, financial leverage on an absolute basis or relative to peers, the composition of the balance sheet and/or capital structure, material changes in earnings trends and volatility, ability to dividend monies from subsidiaries and our competitive position. Material deterioration in any one, or a combination, of these factors could result in a downgrade of our debt ratings, thus increasing the cost, and limiting the availability, of unsecured financing.

 

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Consolidated Debt

As of December 31, 2010, and 2009, our consolidated debt was as detailed in the table below:

 

     Consolidated      Equipment
Operations
     Financial Services  
   2010      2009      2010      2009      2010      2009  
   (in millions)  

Long-term debt excluding current maturities

   $ 8,540       $ 5,050       $ 3,660       $ 3,231       $ 5,933       $ 2,650   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     3,894         2,386         818         774         3,076         2,058   

Short-term debt

     3,863         1,972         177         297         5,468         3,430   
                                                     

Total debt

   $ 16,297       $ 9,408       $ 4,655       $ 4,302       $ 14,477       $ 8,138   
                                                     

On December 31, 2010, our outstanding consolidated debt with Fiat and its subsidiaries was $778 million, or 4.8% of our consolidated debt, compared to $2.9 billion or 31% as of December 31, 2009. The main reason for the decrease in our consolidated debt with Fiat was the opportunity to refinance part of our borrowings with third parties (for Equipment Operations, with a $1.5 billion issue of debt securities at an annual fixed rate of 7.875% due in 2017; and for Financial Services, with new securitizations) as well as internal generation of cash.

We believe that Net Debt, defined as total debt less intersegment notes receivable, deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools and cash and cash equivalents, is a useful analytical tool for measuring our effective borrowing requirements. Our ratio of Net Debt to Net Capitalization provides useful supplementary information to investors so that they may evaluate our financial performance using the same measures we use. Net Capitalization is defined as the sum of Net Debt and Total Equity. Net Debt and Net Capitalization are non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP financial measures should neither be considered as a substitute for, nor superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The calculation of Net Debt and Net Debt to Net Capitalization as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the reconciliation of Net Debt to Total Debt, the U.S. GAAP financial measure that we believe to be most directly comparable, are shown below:

 

     Consolidated     Equipment
Operations
    Financial Services  
   2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  
   (in millions, except percentages)  

Total debt

   $ 16,297      $ 9,408      $ 4,655      $ 4,302      $ 14,477      $ 8,138   

Less:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

     3,618        1,263        2,934        290        684        973   

Deposits with Fiat

     1,760        2,251        1,643        2,144        117        107   

Intersegment notes receivables

                   2,273        2,398        562        634   
                                                

Net debt (cash)

     10,919        5,894        (2,195     (530     13,114        6,424   

Total equity

     7,380        6,810        7,379        6,809        2,008        2,378   
                                                

Net capitalization

   $ 18,299      $ 12,704      $ 5,184      $ 6,279      $ 15,122      $ 8,802   
                                                

Net debt (cash) to net capitalization

     60     46     (42 )%      (8 )%      87     73
                                                

 

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The following table computes Total Debt to Total Capitalization, the U.S. GAAP financial measure which we believe to be most directly comparable to Net Debt to Net Capitalization.

 

     Consolidated     Equipment
Operations
    Financial Services  
     2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Total debt

   $ 16,297      $ 9,408      $ 4,655      $ 4,302      $ 14,477      $ 8,138   

Total equity

     7,380        6,810        7,379        6,809        2,008        2,378   
                                                

Total capitalization

   $ 23,677      $ 16,218      $ 12,034      $ 11,111      $ 16,485      $ 10,516   
                                                

Total debt to total capitalization

     69     58     39     39     88     77
                                                

The improvement in the Net Cash position of Equipment Operations in 2010, compared to 2009, reflects the benefit from the reduction in working capital and increased profitability.

The increase in Financial Services Net Debt in 2010 reflects the consolidation of a significant portion of our off-book debt upon adoption of the new accounting guidance on January 1, 2010. See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional information on the adoption of this new accounting guidance.

Long term debt

As of December 31, 2010, our consolidated long-term debt was $12.4 billion, including $3.9 billion of current maturities, compared to $7.4 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, as of the end of the prior year.

Equipment Operations long-term debt as of December 31, 2010, which was $4.5 billion, including $818 million of current maturities, consisted of bonds and medium-term notes in the aggregate amount of approximately $2.7 billion, medium-term loans and borrowings under credit facilities with third parties and Fiat in the aggregate amount of $845 million and drawdowns from the syndicated credit facility in the amount of €300 million ($401 million) and intersegment notes in the amount of $510 million.

As of December 31, 2010, Financial Services’ long-term debt was $9.0 billion, including $3.1 billion of current maturities, and consisted of $4.7 billion of debt related to securitizations which was consolidated upon adoption of the new accounting guidance on January 1, 2010, $1 billion of borrowing from third parties, $955 million of borrowings under committed credit lines related to our retail lending activities in Brazil, $909 million of term-wholesale asset-backed facilities from U.S. and Canada, $543 million of intersegment notes, $517 million of borrowing from Fiat, $183 million of credit line facilities under which our receivables are sold to a third party and $93 million of borrowing under a Canadian asset-backed facility.

A more detailed description of our long-term debt is provided under “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt” to our consolidated financial statements.

Short Term Debt

As of December 31, 2010, our consolidated short-term debt was $3.9 billion, compared to $2.0 billion as of the end of the prior year.

Equipment Operations’ short-term debt as of December 31, 2010 was $177 million and consisted mainly of $79 million of drawdowns from credit facilities and $52 million of intersegment notes.

 

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As of December 31, 2010, Financial Services’ short-term debt was $5.5 billion, and consisted of $3.6 billion of drawdowns from credit facilities (of which $3.2 billion were financed under various facilities with third parties, $246 million were financed under ABCP warehouse facilities and $148 million were granted by Fiat treasury subsidiaries), $1.7 billion of inter-company borrowings and $116 million of loans (of which $3 million were granted from Fiat treasury subsidiaries).

A more detailed description of our short-term debt is provided under “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt” to our consolidated financial statements.

Credit Facilities

As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately $4.8 billion available under our $12.0 billion total lines of credit, including asset-backed facilities, of which $2.4 million were committed lines, $4.3 billion of uncommitted lines and $5.1 billion in asset-backed facilities.

Of the total $7.1 billion drawn under such lines, $3.7 billion is classified as short term debt, $1.3 billion is classified as current maturities of long-term debt and $2.1 billion classified as long-term debt.

A more detailed description of our credit facilities is provided under “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt” to our consolidated financial statements.

Cash, cash equivalents, Deposits with Fiat and Intersegment notes receivable

Cash and cash equivalents were $3.6 billion as of December 31, 2010, compared to $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2009. The following table shows cash and cash equivalents, together with additional information on deposits with Fiat and intersegment notes receivable, which together contribute to our definition of Net Debt as of December 31, 2010, and 2009.

 

     Consolidated      Equipment
Operations
     Financial Services  
   2010      2009      2010      2009      2010      2009  
   (in millions)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,618       $ 1,263       $ 2,934       $ 290       $ 684       $ 973   
                                                     

Deposits with Fiat

   $ 1,760       $ 2,251       $ 1,643       $ 2,144       $ 117       $ 107   
                                                     

Intersegment notes receivable:

                 

Current

   $       $       $ 1,730       $ 1,893       $ 52       $ 308   

Long-term

                     543         505         510         326   
                                                     

Total intersegment notes receivables

   $       $       $ 2,273       $ 2,398       $ 562       $ 634   
                                                     

The amount of deposits with Fiat and cash and cash equivalents held by us on a consolidated basis fluctuates daily. The ratio of cash equivalents to deposits with Fiat also varies, as a function of the cash flows of our subsidiaries that participate in the various cash pooling systems managed by Fiat worldwide.

At December 31, 2010, we had approximately $1.8 billion of cash deposited in the Fiat treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools compared with $2.3 billion at the end of the prior year. The total amount deposited in the Fiat treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools as of December 31, 2010, included $566 million deposited by our subsidiaries in the United States and in Canada, $1.2 billion deposited by certain of our European subsidiaries.

Further to the demerger, we entered into new cash management arrangements with Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries effective on January 1, 2011. Our cash deposits in Fiat treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools

 

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as of December 31 were transferred to the Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools effective as of January 1, 2011. Accordingly, no residual cash balances were outstanding with Fiat treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pool as of close of business January 1, 2011.

As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately $3.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents; this amount included approximately $2.0 billion of funds which would have historically been deposited with the relevant cash management pools managed by Fiat treasury subsidiaries in the U.S. and in Europe. In anticipation of the demerger, these funds were deposited with primary financial institutions in Europe and the U.S. for a short-term period. At the maturity of these short-term deposits, in the month of January 2011, these funds were deposited with the applicable Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools.

Securitization

As part of our overall funding strategy, we periodically transfers certain financial receivables into VIEs that are special purpose entities (“SPEs”) as part of its asset-backed securitization programs.

As a result of the prospective change in accounting guidance, SPEs utilized in securitization programs no longer meet the sale accounting criteria beginning January 1, 2010, and as such, are accounted for as secured borrowings and are now included in the consolidated balance sheet. The net incremental impact of adopting this new guidance required us to record a $5.7 billion increase to assets and liabilities and equity. See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional information on the adoption of this new accounting guidance.

SPEs utilized in the securitization programs differ from other entities included in our consolidated statements because the assets they hold are legally isolated. For bankruptcy analysis purposes, we have sold the receivables to the SPEs in a true sale and the SPEs are separate legal entities. Upon transfer of the receivables to the SPEs, the receivables and certain cash flows derived from them become restricted for use in meeting obligations to the SPEs’ creditors. The SPEs have ownership of cash balances that also have restrictions for the SPEs’ investors. Our interests in the SPEs’ receivables are subordinate to the interests of third-party investors. None of the receivables that are directly or indirectly sold or transferred in any of these transactions are available to pay our creditors.

Consequently, as of January 1, 2010, certain securitizations that would have historically met the derecognition criteria no longer qualify for derecognition under the new guidance. In addition, wholesale receivables originated in Europe that were included in various factoring programs for the revolving sale to third party factors are accounted for as secured borrowings. As of December 31, 2010, €6 million ($8 million) of receivables continue to be treated as sales under the previous accounting rules as they were sold prior to January 1, 2010. The secured borrowings related to restricted securitized retail notes are obligations that are payable as the receivables liquidate. Repayments of the secured borrowings depend primarily on cash flows generated by the restricted assets. See “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt” to the consolidated financial statements for more information.

 

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The following table summarizes the restricted and off-book receivables and the related retained interests as of December 31, 2010, and 2009:

 

     Restricted
Receivables
     Off-Book
Receivables
     Retained
Interest
 
     2010      2009      2010      2009      2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

North America retail receivables

   $ 4,922       $ 787       $ 206       $ 4,207       $ 39       $ 335   

North America wholesale receivables

     2,694         586                 1,621                 746   

Europe wholesale receivables

     1,051                 8         695                 11   

Australia retail receivables

     936         757                                   

Australia wholesale receivables

     123                                           

North America revolving charge account receivables

     193                         181                 67   
                                                     

Total included in “Accounts and notes receivables, net”

   $ 9,919       $ 2,130       $ 214       $ 6,704         39         1,159   
                                                     

ABS certificates (included in “Other assets”)

                         100   
                             

Total retained interest

               $ 39       $ 1,259   
                             

Wholesale Receivables Securitizations

With regard to the wholesale receivable securitization programs, we sells eligible receivables on a revolving basis to structured master trust facilities that issue private and/or public securities. As of December 31, 2010, the U.S. master trust facility consists of a $583 million term senior and subordinated asset-backed notes issued in August 2009 with a three-year maturity, and four 364-day conduit facilities renewable annually at the sole discretion of the purchasers; $200 million renewable March 2011, $500 million renewable July 2011, $250 million renewable November 2011, and $200 million renewable November 2011, with a $100 million temporary increase through February 2011. At December 31, 2009, the U.S. wholesale facility qualified for off-book treatment under the accounting guidelines at that time and accordingly, was not consolidated.

The Canadian master trust facility consists of C$325 million ($326 million) term senior and subordinated asset-backed notes with a three-year maturity in December 2012, and a 364-day C$250 million ($251 million) conduit facility renewable September 2011 at the sole discretion of the purchaser. As this facility did not meet the sale accounting criteria as of December 31, 2009, the receivables were included in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Australian master trust facility consists of a 364-day A$200 million ($203 million) conduit facility renewable December 2011 at the sole discretion of the purchaser.

We consolidated the U.S. securitization trust as of January 1, 2010. In our role as servicer, we have the power to direct the trust’s activities and an obligation to absorb certain losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the trust. We are the primary beneficiary of the trust, and therefore, the trust was subject to consolidation.

Our involvement with the securitization trusts includes originating and servicing the wholesale receivables, retaining an undivided interest (“seller’s interest”) in the receivables and maintaining cash reserve accounts. The seller’s interest in the trusts represent CNH’s undivided interest in the receivables transferred to the trust. We maintain cash reserve accounts at predetermined amounts to provide security to investors in the event that cash collections from the receivables are not sufficient to remit principal and interest payments on the securities. The investors and the securitization trusts have no recourse to us beyond our retained interests for failure of debtors to pay when due. Our retained interests are subordinate to investor’s interests.

 

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For the U.S. wholesale securitization facility in the year ended December, 31, 2009 and 2008, CNH recognized gains of $51 million and $54 million, respectively, on the sale of receivables. Collections reinvested into the facility for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, were $5,629 million and $6,217 million, respectively. At December 31, 2009, there were no recognized servicing assets or liabilities associated with the U.S. facility.

Each of the facilities contains minimum payment rates and/or portfolio performance thresholds which, if breached, could preclude us from selling additional receivables originated on a prospective basis.

In addition, CNH has various factoring programs for a revolving sale to third party factors of wholesale receivables originated in Europe. At December 31, 2010, the amount of outstanding receivables under these factoring programs was €874 million ($1.2 billion), of which €786 million ($1.1 billion) was recorded as secured borrowings and included in the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2009, CNH had €666 million ($959 million) outstanding under these factoring programs, of which €483 million ($695 million) qualified for off-book treatment and, accordingly, was removed from the balance sheet.

Retail Receivables Securitizations

Within the U.S. retail asset securitization programs, qualifying retail finance receivables are sold to limited purpose, bankruptcy-remote SPEs. In turn, these subsidiaries establish separate trusts to which the receivables are transferred in exchange for proceeds from asset-backed securities issued by the trusts. In Canada, the receivables are transferred directly to the SPEs. These trusts were determined to be VIEs and, consequently, CNH consolidated all previously unconsolidated retail trusts on January 1, 2010. In its role as servicer, CNH has the power to direct the trusts’ activities. Through its retained interests, CNH has an obligation to absorb certain losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the trusts.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, CNH executed $3.5 billion in retail asset-backed transactions in the U.S., Canada and Australia. The securities in these transactions are backed by agricultural and construction equipment retail receivable contracts and finance leases originated through CNH’s dealer network. CNH applied any proceeds from the securitizations to repay outstanding debt. At December 31, 2010, $10.9 billion of asset-backed securities issued to investors were outstanding with a weighted average expected remaining maturity between 26 and 36 months.

During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, CNH securitized retail receivables with a net principal value of $4.0 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, and recognized gains (losses) on these sales of receivables of $68 million and ($5) million, respectively. Further, related to the retail securitizations, CNH received proceeds in the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, of $3,732 million and $1,125 million, respectively, and recorded $31 million and $36 million, respectively, in servicing fees.

CNH receives compensation for servicing receivables transferred and earns other related ongoing income customary with the securitization programs. CNH also may retain all or a portion of subordinated interests in the trusts. At December 31, 2009, prior to the consolidation of the trusts, the retained interests were reported as assets in the consolidated balance sheets. No recourse provisions exist that allow holders of the asset-backed securities issued by the trusts to put those securities back to CNH although CNH provides customary representations and warranties that could give rise to an obligation to repurchase from the trust any receivables for which there is a breach of the representations and warranties. Moreover, CNH does not guarantee any securities issued by the trusts. The trusts have a limited life and generally terminate upon final distribution of amounts owed to investors or upon exercise of a cleanup-call option by CNH, in its role as servicer.

Three private retail transactions were not included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010. These facilities were one-time sales of receivables. Therefore, as these receivables are collected, the amount of off-book receivables will decrease.

 

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Revolving Charge Account Securitizations

CNH, through a trust, securitizes originated revolving charge account receivables to a privately owned 364-day facility. The trust’s facility limit is $250 million and is renewable in October, 2011. Consistent with the wholesale and retail securitization programs, CNH determined the trust was a VIE and consequently it was consolidated in CNH’s balance sheets in accordance with new accounting guidance adopted on January 1, 2010. For 2009, transactions with the facility were considered sales and removed from the balance sheet.

CNH’s continuing involvement with the securitization trust includes servicing the receivables and maintaining a cash reserve account, which provides security to investors in the event that cash collections from the receivables are not sufficient to remit principal and interest payments to the securities. The investors and the securitization trust have no recourse to CNH beyond CNH’s retained interest assets for failure of debtors to pay when due. Further, CNH’s retained interests are subordinate to the investors’ interests.

For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, CNH recognized gains of $10 million and $9 million, respectively, on the sale of receivables and collections reinvested into the facility were $705 million and $227 million, respectively. At December 31, 2009, there were no recognized servicing assets or liabilities associated with the trust.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Pension Benefit Obligations

Plan assets are primarily held in trusts and invested to provide for current and future pension benefits. Plan assets primarily consist of investments in equity securities, debt securities, and cash.

The funded status of our pension benefit obligations is the difference between our plan assets and our recorded plan obligations. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, our pension plans had an underfunded status of approximately $736 million and $848 million, respectively. These amounts included pension plan obligations for plans that we are not currently required to fund of $463 million and $481 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

During 2010, we made a discretionary contribution of $70 million to our U.S. defined benefit pension plan trust. In 2011, we anticipate making a discretionary contribution of up to $70 million to the U.S. defined benefit pension plan trust. Based on projections of minimum funding requirements, we do not anticipate that any additional contributions for this plan will be required during the period 2012 through 2015. We will continue to consider making discretionary contributions to our pension and other benefit plans in the future.

During 2010, we contributed $59 million to our non-U.S. defined benefit plans and we anticipate that we will make contributions to such plans in 2011 of approximately $55 million.

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations

These benefit obligations are currently unfunded although we continue to evaluate making discretionary contributions. At December 31, 2010, and 2009, our other postretirement benefit obligations had an underfunded status of $1.1 billion at both dates.

During 2010 and 2009, we did not make any voluntary contributions to our postretirement benefit plans, however, we made benefit payments of $74 million and $69 million during 2010 and 2009, respectively. We anticipate that cash requirements for other postretirement employee benefit costs will be approximately $81 million in 2011.

 

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See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Application of Critical Accounting Estimates,” as well as “Note 12: Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional information on pension and other postretirement benefits accounting.

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

Our research, development and engineering personnel design, engineer, manufacture and test new products, components, and systems. We incurred $451 million, $398 million, and $422 million of research and development costs in the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Agricultural Equipment—We are marketing the New Holland, Case IH and Steyr brands and logos as the primary brand names for our agricultural equipment products.

Construction Equipment—For construction equipment under New Holland, we are marketing the New Holland and Kobelco brands in particular regions of the world. For construction equipment under Case, we are promoting the Case construction brand name and trademark.

Most of these brand names have been registered as trademarks in the principal markets in which we use them. Other than the New Holland, Case and Case IH trademarks, we do not believe that our business is materially dependent on any single patent or trademark or group of patents or trademarks. We also sell some products under heritage brand names or sub-brand names such as Braud, FiatAllis, Flexi-Coil, Austoft, Concord, DMI and Tyler.

Through our Case IH and New Holland brands in agricultural equipment and Case and New Holland Construction brands in construction equipment, we have a significant tradition of technological innovation in the agricultural and construction equipment industries. As of December 31, 2010, we hold over 4,174 patents and over 974 additional applications are pending. We believe that we are among the market leaders for the number of patents in the product classes in which we compete.

D. Trend Information.

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources,” including: “Equipment Operations and Financial Services Key Trends for 2010”, “Equipment Operations and Financial Services Key Trends for 2011” and “2010 Compared to 2009.”

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

We disclose our off-balance sheet arrangements in the notes to our consolidated financial statements and have incorporated a discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements into our discussion of liquidity and capital resources. Please see “Note 3: Accounts and Notes Receivable”, and “Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospectus—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Securitization” for a detailed description of our off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations.

The following table sets forth the aggregate amounts of our contractual obligations and commitments with definitive payment terms that will require significant cash outlays in the future. The commitment amounts as of December 31, 2010, are as follows:

 

     Payments Due by Period  
   Total      Less than
1 year
     1-3 years      4-5 years      After
5 years
 
   (in millions)  

Long-term debt

   $ 12,434       $ 3,894       $ 5,585       $ 1,160       $ 1,795   

Interest on fixed rate debt(1)

     2,067         473         792         564         238   

Interest on floating rate debt(1)

     1,512         326         557         475         154   

Operating leases(2)

     156         32         37         29         58   

Purchase obligations

     408         408                           

Tax contingencies (3)

     45         45                           
                                            

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 16,622       $ 5,178       $ 6,971       $ 2,228       $ 2,245   
                                            

 

(1)

The interest funding requirements are based on the 2010 interest rates and the assumption that short-term debt will be renewed for the next five years.

(2)

Minimum rental commitments.

(3)

The total amount of gross tax contingencies, including positions impacting only the timing of tax benefits was $312 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Payment of these liabilities would result from settlements with taxing authorities. Because of the high degree of uncertainty relating to the timing of future cash outflows associated with these liabilities, we are unable to reasonably estimate beyond one year when settlement will occur with respective taxing authorities.

Other Liabilities

While our funding policy requires contributions to our defined benefit pension plans equal to the amounts necessary to, at a minimum, satisfy the funding requirements as prescribed by the laws and regulations of each country, we do make discretionary contributions when management determines it is prudent to do so. For 2011, we anticipate making total discretionary contributions to our U.S. defined benefit pension plans of up to $70 million, and anticipate making contributions to our other defined benefit pension plans of approximately $55 million prior to consideration of any discretionary contributions.

Our other postretirement benefit plans are currently unfunded although we continue to evaluate making discretionary contributions. We are required to make contributions equal to the amount of current plan expenditures, less participant contributions. For 2011, we anticipate contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans of approximately $81 million prior to consideration of any discretionary contributions.

G. Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this filing, including statements: regarding our competitive strengths; business strategy; future financial position or operating results; budgets; projections with respect to revenue, income, earnings (or loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items; costs; and plans and objectives of management regarding operations and products, 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,” “design,” “target,” “objective,” “goal,” or similar terminology.

 

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Our outlook is predominantly based on our interpretation of what we consider to be key economic assumptions and involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ (possibly materially) from such forward-looking statements. Macro-economic factors including monetary policy, interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation, deflation, credit availability and government intervention in an attempt to influence such factors can have a material impact on our customers and the demand for our goods. Crop production and commodity prices are strongly affected by weather and can fluctuate significantly. Housing starts and other construction activity are sensitive to, among other things, credit availability, interest rates and government spending. Some of the other significant factors which may affect our results include general economic and capital market conditions, the cyclical nature of our businesses, customer buying patterns and preferences, the impact of changes in geographical sales mix and product sales mix, foreign currency exchange rate movements, our hedging practices, investment returns, our and our customers’ access to credit, restrictive covenants in our debt agreements, actions by rating agencies concerning the ratings on our debt and asset-backed securities and the credit ratings of Fiat and Fiat Industrial, risks related to our relationship with Fiat Industrial, the effect of the demerger transaction consummated by Fiat pursuant to which CNH was separated from Fiat’s automotive business and has become a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial, 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 those related to tax, healthcare, retiree benefits, government subsidies and international trade regulations), the results of legal proceedings, 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, raw material costs and availability, energy prices, real estate values, animal diseases, crop pests, harvest yields, government farm programs (including those that may result from farm economic conditions in Brazil), consumer confidence, housing starts and construction activity, concerns related to modified organisms and fuel and fertilizer costs, and the growth of non-food uses for some crops (including ethanol and biodiesel production). 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.

Furthermore, in light of recent difficult economic conditions, both globally and in the industries in which we operate, it is particularly difficult to forecast our results and any estimates or forecasts of particular periods that we provide are uncertain. 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.

 

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Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

A. Directors and Senior Management.

The Board of Directors consists of ten directors, seven of which are independent directors as provided in the listing standards and rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The directors serve for a term of one year and may stand for re-election the following year.

As of February 25, 2011, our directors and certain senior managers are as set forth below:

 

Name

   Position with CNH   Director/
Executive
Officer
Since

Harold D. Boyanovsky

  

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

  2005/1999

Dr. Edward A. Hiler

  

Director

  2002

Léo W. Houle

  

Director

  2006

Dr. Rolf M. Jeker

  

Director

  2006

Dr. Peter Kalantzis

  

Director

  2006

John Lanaway

  

Director

  2006

Kenneth Lipper

  

Director

  1996

Sergio Marchionne

  

Director, Chairman of the Board

  2004

Paolo Monferino

  

Director

  2000

Jacques Theurillat

  

Director

  2006

Richard Tobin

  

Chief Financial Officer

  2010

Steven C. Bierman

  

President, CNH Capital

  2005

Franco Fusignani

  

President and Chief Executive Officer, CNH International S.A.
and President, New Holland Agricultural Equipment

  2006

2010

Andreas Klauser

  

President, Case IH Agricultural Equipment

  2009

Linda I. Knoll

  

President, Parts and Service (ad interim)

  2010

James E. McCullough

  

President, Construction Equipment

  2009

Harold D. Boyanovsky, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director, born on August 15, 1944, was appointed President, Construction Equipment Business on September 1, 2002, President and Chief Executive Officer on February 28, 2005, and Director on December 7, 2005. He served as President, Worldwide Agricultural Equipment Products of CNH from November 1999, to October 2002 and as interim President, New Holland Agricultural Equipment from September 2007 to September 2008. Prior to the business merger of New Holland and Case, he served as a Senior Vice President of Case from May 1997 to November 1999. Between December 1966 and November 1999, Mr. Boyanovsky served in a variety of executive positions with Case and International Harvester.

Dr. Edward A. Hiler, Director, born on May 14, 1939, was elected a Director of CNH on May 7, 2002. Dr. Hiler served the Texas A&M University System as the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture and Professor of Horticultural Science from 2004-2007. He previously held the position of Vice Chancellor for Agriculture and Life Sciences and Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He served as Director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. Since joining the faculty of Texas A&M as an assistant professor in 1966, Dr. Hiler has held a series of positions including professor and head of the University’s Department of Agricultural Engineering, and deputy chancellor for Academic and Research Programs of the Texas A&M University System. He retired from academia in 2007. Dr. Hiler earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering at The Ohio State University, and he has served as President of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering. He consults on aspects of water conservation, environmental quality, and energy from biological processes to various government agencies and the U.S. Congress. A licensed professional engineer and recipient of numerous educational and research awards, Dr. Hiler is the author of over 100 professional publications.

 

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Léo W. Houle, Director, born on August 24, 1947, was elected a Director of CNH on April 7, 2006. Mr. Houle was Chief Talent Officer of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada, Canada’s largest communications company, since June 2001 until his retirement in July 2008. Prior to joining BCE and Bell Canada, Mr. Houle was Senior Vice-President, Corporate Human Resources of Algroup Ltd., a Swiss-based diversified industrial company. From 1966 to 1987, Mr. Houle held various managerial positions with the Bank of Montreal, the last of which was Senior Manager, Human Resources Administration Centers. In 1987, Mr. Houle joined the Lawson Mardon Group Limited and served as Group Vice-President, Human Resources until 1994 when Algroup Ltd. acquired Lawson Mardon Group at which time he was appointed Head of Human Resources for the packaging division of Algroup and in 1997 Head of Corporate Human Resources of Algroup, Ltd. Mr. Houle completed his studies at the College St- Jean in Edmonton, attended the Executive Development Program in Human Resources at the University of Western Ontario in 1987 and holds the designation of Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) from the Province of Ontario.

Dr. Rolf M. Jeker, Director, born July 30, 1946, was elected a Director of CNH on April 7, 2006. Dr. Jeker has been working as Executive Vice President and a member of the Group Executive Board of SGS Société Générale de Surveillance, SA, Geneva, Switzerland from May 1999 to July 2006. From June 1990 to May 1999, Dr. Jeker served as Under-Secretary and State Secretary a.i. for Foreign Economic Affairs; Chairman of Swiss Export Risk Guarantee Board and Chairman of the Swiss Investment Risk Guarantee Board. Dr. Jeker is a member of the Board of Directors of Precious Woods Holding Ltd.; Chairman of the Board of the Swiss Export Promotion Office; Chairman of Emerging Market Services Ltd.; CEO and Chairman of AO Foundation; Chairman of the My Climate-CLIPP Foundation; and Member of the Board of the Swiss Climate Penny Foundation. Dr. Jeker holds a Masters and Ph.D. in Economics, business and public administration from the University of St. Gall, Switzerland. Dr. Jeker is the author of various books and articles on development and finance.

Dr. Peter Kalantzis, Director, born December 12, 1945, was elected a Director of CNH on April 7, 2006. Dr. Kalantzis has been a non-executive member of various board of directors since 2001. Prior to 2000, he was responsible for Alusuisse-Lonza Group’s corporate development and actively involved in the de-merger and stock market launch of Lonza, as well as the merger process of Alusuisse and Alcan. Dr. Kalantzis served as head of the Chemicals Division of Alusuisse-Lonza Group from 1991 until 1996. In 1991 Dr. Kalantzis was appointed Executive Vice-President and Member of the Executive Committee of the Alusuisse-Lonza Group. Between 1971 and 1990 he held a variety of positions at Lonza Ltd. in Basel. Dr. Kalantzis is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Movenpick-Holding Ltd., Cham, (Switzerland); Chairman of the Board of Clair Ltd., Cham; Chairman of Von Roll Holding Ltd., Breitenbach (Switzerland); Chairman of Lamda Development Ltd., Athens (Greece) and Chairman of Elpe-Thtraki S.A., Athens (Greece). He is a member of the Board of Paneuropean Oil and Industrial Holdings, Luxembourg; of Lamda Consolidated Holdings, Luxembourg; of Transbalkan Pipeline BV (Amsterdam); of SGS Ltd., Geneva (Switzerland); of Mesord Logistics Ltd., Limassol (Cyprus); and of Hardstone Services SA, Geneva (Switzerland). From 1993 until 2002, he served on the Board of the Swiss Chemical and Pharmaceutical Association as Vice-President and in 2001-2002 as President. Dr. Kalantzis holds a Ph.D. in Economics and Political Sciences from the University of Basel and engaged in research as a member of the Institute for Applied Economics Research at the University of Basel between 1969 and 1971.

John Lanaway, Director, born on April 13, 1950, was elected a Director of CNH on April 7, 2006. Mr. Lanaway has been working as Chief Financial Officer, North America, of McCann Erickson North America, one of the largest marketing communications networks in the world, since November 2007. From January 2001 to November 2007, he held similar positions at Ogilvy North America. Previously, he has held the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President at Geac Computer Corporation Limited from 1999 to 2001; Chief Financial Officer of Algorithmics Incorporated from 1997 to 1999; and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Spar Aerospace from 1995 to 1996. Beginning in 1985 to 1995 Mr. Lanaway held various positions with Lawson Mardon Group Limited, including Sector Vice President, Labels North America from 1993 to 1995; Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1992; General Manager, Lawson Mardon Graphics from 1988 to 1989; and Vice President, Financial Reporting and Control from 1985 to 1987. At

 

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Deloitte & Touche he served as Client Service Partner from 1980 to 1985 and as Student-Staff Accountant- Supervisor-Manager from 1971 to 1980. Mr. Lanaway graduated from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, C.A. and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.

Kenneth Lipper, Director, born on June 19, 1941, was elected a Director of CNH on February 10, 1996. Mr. Lipper was Executive Vice President of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. from 2005 through 2008 and Senior Advisor of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. from 2009 to February 2010. He continues to serve as Chairman and CEO of Lipper & Company, LLC. Previously, he was the Deputy Mayor of the City of New York under Mayor Edward Koch from 1983 to 1985. He was a managing director and general partner of Salomon Brothers during the years 1976-1982 and an associate and general partner at Lehman Brothers during the years 1969-1975. Prior to that, Mr. Lipper was the Director of Industrial Policy for the Office of Foreign Direct Investment at the U.S. Department of Commerce and an associate with the law firm of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson. Mr. Lipper received an Academy Award in 1999 as Producer of “The Last Days” and has been involved as a producer and/or author in “The Winter Guest,” “City Hall,” and “Wall Street.” He is a partner and co-publisher of the celebrated biography series “Penguin Lives,” under the Lipper/Viking Penguin imprint. Mr. Lipper is a Trustee of the Council of Excellence in Government, the Governor’s Committee on Scholastic Achievement and Jerome & Kenneth Lipper Foundation and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Economic Club of New York and The Century Club. Mr. Lipper received a B.A. from Columbia University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School and Master’s in Civil Law from New York University/Faculty of Law & Economics, Paris.

Sergio Marchionne, Director and Chairman of the Board, born on June 17, 1952, was appointed Director of CNH on July 22, 2004, and Chairman on April 7, 2006. He has dual Canadian and Italian citizenship. He is a barrister, solicitor and chartered accountant. He began his professional career in Canada. From 1983 to 1985, he worked as an accountant and tax specialist for Deloitte & Touche. From 1985 to 1988, he was Group Controller and then Director of Corporate Development at the Lawson Mardon Group of Toronto. In 1989 and 1990, he served as Executive Vice President of Glenex Industries. From 1990 to 1992, he was Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Acklands Ltd. From 1992 to 1994, also in Toronto, he held the position of Vice President of Legal and Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer of the Lawson Group, which was acquired by Alusuisse Lonza (Algroup) in 1994. Between 1994 and 2000, he covered various positions of increasing responsibility at Algroup, headquartered in Zurich, until becoming Chief Executive Officer. He then went on to head the Lonza Group Ltd, following its demerger from Algroup, first as Chief Executive Officer (2000-2001) and then as Chairman (2002). In February 2002, he became Chief Executive Officer of the SGS Group of Geneva, a world leader in the area of inspection, verification, testing and certification services. In March 2006, he was appointed Chairman of the company, a position which he continues to hold. He was non-executive Vice Chairman and Senior Independent Director of UBS from 2008 until April 2010. He has been a member of the Board of Fiat S.p.A. since May 2003 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 2004. In February 2005, he was also appointed Chief Executive Officer of Fiat Group Automobiles and in April 2006, Chairman of CNH. In June 2009, he also became Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC. In May 2010, he joined the Board of Directors of Exor. In July 2010 he was appointed Chairman of Fiat Industrial S.p.A. He is a member of the Board of Philip Morris International Inc. and a member of the General Council of Confindustria, of Unione Industriale di Torino (Employers’ Association of Turin) and of ACEA (European Automobile Manufactures Association). He is also a member of the Board of the Peterson Institute for International Economics and Chairman of the Italian Branch of the Council for the United States and Italy. He is a permanent member of the Fondazione Giovanni Agnelli. Mr. Marchionne is a recipient of: an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor, a degree in Economics honoris causa from the University of Cassino, a Master’s degree honoris causa from the CUOA Foundation and a degree ad honorem in Industrial Engineering and Management from Polytechnic University in Turin. Mr. Marchionne also holds the honour of Cavaliere del Lavoro.

Paolo Monferino, Director, born on December 15, 1946, served as President and Chief Operating Officer of CNH from March 24, 2000 to November 7, 2000. On November 8, 2000, Mr. Monferino was appointed a Director and President and Chief Executive Officer, leading the overall management of CNH, including the execution of our wide-ranging integration plan. Mr. Monferino resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer on February 28, 2005 and became Chief Executive Officer of Iveco, the lead company of Fiat Group’s

 

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Commercial Vehicle Sector. Mr. Monferino has more than 20 years of experience in the agricultural and construction equipment business beginning in the United States with Fiatallis, a joint venture between Fiat’s construction equipment business and Allis Chalmers. In 1983, he was named Chief Executive Officer of Fiatallis’ Latin American operations in Brazil. Two years later, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer at Fiatallis and in 1987 was named the Chief Operating Officer at FiatAgri, the farm machinery division of the Fiat Group. Following Fiat Geotech’s 1991 acquisition of Ford New Holland, Mr. Monferino was named Executive Vice President of the new company headquartered in London. He was responsible for strategy and business development, including product, marketing and industrial policies. Mr. Monferino retired from the Fiat Group in October 2010 and, since the middle of November 2010, he assumed the position of Head of the Health Department of the Piemonte Region in Italy.

Jacques Theurillat, Director, born on March 20, 1959, was elected a Director of CNH on April 7, 2006. Since May, 2008, Mr. Theurillat has served as Managing Partner of Ares Life Sciences, a private equity fund whose objective is to build a portfolio in life sciences. Mr. Theurillat served as CEO and Chairman of AlbeaPharma AG, a Swiss company involved in venture financing for life sciences companies. Mr. Theurillat served as Serono’s Deputy CEO until December 2006. In addition to his role as Deputy CEO, he was appointed Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Corporate Development in May 2006 and was responsible for developing the Company’s global strategy and pursuing Serono’s acquisition and in-licensing initiatives. From 2002 to 2006, Mr. Theurillat served as Serono’s President of European and International Sales & Marketing. In this position he was responsible for Serono’s commercial operations in Europe, IBO, Asia-Pacific, Oceania/Japan, Latin America and Canada. He became a Board member in May 2000. From 1996 to 2002, he was Chief Financial Officer. He previously served as Managing Director of the Istituto Farmacologico Serono in Rome, where he started in 1994. In 1993, he was appointed Vice President Taxes and Financial Planning for Serono. In 1990-1993, Mr. Theurillat worked outside Serono, running his own law and tax firm. Before that, he was Serono’s Corporate Tax Director, a post to which he was appointed in 1988. He first joined Serono in 1987 as a Corporate Lawyer working on projects such as the company’s initial public offering. Mr. Theurillat is a Swiss barrister and holds Bachelor of Law degrees from both Madrid University and Geneva University. He also holds a Swiss Federal Diploma (Tax Expert) and has a Master’s degree in Finance.

Thomas J. Colligan, Director candidate, born on July 16, 1944, was appointed to the Board and nominated to be a Director of CNH (subject to shareholder vote at the next annual shareholders meeting which is scheduled for March 29, 2011) on January 6, 2011. Mr. Colligan is currently a member of the Boards of Directors of Office Depot, Inc. and Targus Group International, Inc. and has previously served on the boards of Schering Plough Corporation, Educational Management Corporation and Anesiva, Inc. His most recent position was as Vice Dean of the University of Pennsylvania—Wharton School’s Aresty Institute of Executive Education, where he was responsible for the non-degree executive education programs from July 2007 until his retirement in June 2010. From 2001 to 2004, Mr. Colligan was Vice Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) and served PwC in other capacities from 1969 to 2004, including 25 years as a Partner. Mr. Colligan is a Certified Public Accountant and has a degree in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Richard Tobin, Chief Financial Officer of CNH Global N.V., born on April 4, 1963, assumed responsibility as Chief Financial Officer of CNH Global N.V. on March 8, 2010. He joined CNH from SGS Group Geneva, Switzerland, where he was appointed Chief Financial Officer & Information Technology in June 2004. Prior to assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer, he was Chief Operating Officer of SGS North America. Before joining SGS, Mr. Tobin held business segment general management positions with Alcan Aluminum of Montreal Canada, the Alusuisse Lonza Group of Zurich, Switzerland, and international marketing with the GTE Corporation of Stamford, Connecticut USA. He holds a Bachelors and Masters of Business Administration degrees from Norwich University and Drexel University, respectively.

Steven Bierman, President, CNH Capital, born on March 20, 1955, was appointed President, CNH Capital on September 30, 2005, and was previously Vice President of Commercial Finance for CNH Capital. He served as interim Chief Financial Officer from June 2009 until March 2010. Prior to joining CNH, Mr. Bierman was employed by Fremont General Corporation in Santa Monica, California, from 1998 to 2004. From 2002 to 2004,

 

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Mr. Bierman served as Chief Information Officer for Fremont Investment and Loan, a subsidiary of Fremont General Corporation. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Bierman was employed by Fremont Financial Corporation, also a subsidiary of Fremont General Corporation, first as Senior Vice President for its syndicated loan group and after as President and Chief Operating Officer. Between 1996 and 1998, Mr. Bierman served as Senior Vice President/National Credit Manager of the Union Bank of California in the Commercial Finance Division. From 1986 to 1996, Mr. Bierman held a variety of positions with General Electric Capital Corporation. Additionally, Mr. Bierman is a Certified Public Accountant.

Franco Fusignani, President and Chief Executive Officer of NH Agricultural business and of CNH International SA, , born on September 19, 1945, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of NH Agricultural in October 2010 and of CNH International SA on July 1, 2007. He has responsibility for the NH Agricultural brand in the Americas and Europe and both New Holland Agriculture and Case IH, the agricultural brands of CNH, and New Holland Construction and Case Construction in Africa, Middle East, CIS, Asia, Australia and New Zealand (with a special focus on China, Turkey, India and Japan for the local presence of industrial and commercial JVs and manufacturing activities). After joining the Fiat Group in 1970 as an engineer, he held a variety of positions within the industrial and business’ activities of the Group. In 1978, Mr. Fusignani took the lead of the Fiat operations of specific countries in Latin America. In 1981, he established the new Iveco Commercial Diesel Engine Division in Europe. In 1986, Mr. Fusignani was appointed vice president of the Industrial Construction Equipment operations. In 1991, he took the lead of the European Agricultural Commercial operations and in 1996 of the International Agricultural business establishing new industrial presence in Poland, Turkey, India, China, Mexico and strengthening the commercial presence in Africa, Middle East, Asia and CIS. Before being named CEO of CNH International SA and CEO of NH Agricultural brand, he served as Senior Vice President of CNH Agricultural Industrial Product Development.

Andreas Klauser, President, Case IH Agricultural Equipment, born on October 14, 1965, was appointed President, Case IH Agricultural Equipment on December 1, 2009. Mr. Klauser was previously Vice President & General Manager Commercial/Marketing Europe for Case IH and Steyr branded products for CNH St. Valentin, in addition to serving as Sales and Marketing Director for CNH Osterreich from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Klauser served as Business Director Central Europe CNH (St. Valentin, Modena and Plock) for NH, CASE IH and STEYR branded products from 2000 to 2006. He served as Business Director Eastern Europe for CASE IH and STEYR for Company CASE STEYR LANDMASCHINENTECHNIK (St. Valentin and Paris) from 1997 to 1999. And from 1990 to 1996, he was Export Manager STEYR tractors for Italy and Eastern Europe for Company STEYR Landmaschinentechnik (St. Valentin/Austria).

Linda I. Knoll, President, CNH Parts and Service (ad interim), born on April 3, 1960, was appointed such on July 1, 2010, in addition to her current role as Senior Vice President Human Resources, a position she has held since September 2007. Previously, from 2005 to 2007, she held the position of Executive Vice President, Worldwide Agricultural Manufacturing, then Executive Vice President, Agricultural Product Development. From 2003 to 2005, Ms. Knoll served as Vice President, North America Agricultural Industrial Operations. She was Vice President and General Manager of the Crop Production Global Product Line from 1999 to 2003. Preceding the business merger of Case and New Holland, Ms. Knoll held a variety of positions within Case Corporation. Prior to joining Case, she spent 11 years in positions of increasing responsibility for the Land Systems Division of General Dynamics Corporation. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.

James E. McCullough, President, Construction Equipment, born on June 27, 1950, was appointed President, Construction Equipment on July 21, 2009. He has responsibility for both New Holland Construction Equipment and Case Construction Equipment. Mr. McCullough was appointed President, Case Construction Equipment on September 30, 2005, and was previously President, Construction Equipment N.A. of CNH from June 2003. Mr. McCullough served as Senior Vice President, Construction Equipment Commercial Operations, N.A. from 2002 to 2003 and Senior Vice President, Case Commercial Operations Worldwide from 1999 to 2002. Prior to the business merger of New Holland and Case, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Case Construction Equipment Division from 1995 to 1998. Between 1988 and 1990, Mr. McCullough served in a variety of positions with Case.

 

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B. Compensation

Directors’ Compensation

The following table summarizes remuneration paid or accrued to Directors for the year ended December 31, 2010, excluding directors who are employees of Fiat and are not compensated by us:

 

    Grant
Price
    Dr.
Edward
A. Hiler
    Leo W.
Houle
    Dr. Rolf
M. Jeker
    Dr. Peter
Kalantzis
    John B.
Lanaway
    Kenneth
Lipper
    Jacques
Theurillat
    Harold
Boyanovsky
    Total  

Salary

    $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $ 1,539,046      $ 1,539,046   

Annual Fees

      115,000        70,000        115,000        120,000        84,000        28,750        96,875          629,625   

Common Shares Granted

                   

3/11/2010

  $ 26.54          35,000            9,000          19,375          63,375   

6/9/2010

  $ 22.95          35,000            9,000          19,375          63,375   

9/7/2010

  $ 32.30                9,000          9,687          18,687   

12/6/2010

  $ 44.90                9,000          9,688          18,688   

Use of Company Car

        1,117            4,205              5,322   

Future Remuneration:

                   

Pension Plan

                    84,941        84,941   

Bonus:

                   

Cash

                    739,890        739,890   
                                                                         

Total

    $ 115,000      $ 141,117      $ 115,000      $ 120,000      $ 124,205      $ 28,750      $ 155,000      $ 2,363,877      $ 3,162,949   
                                                                         

Outside directors also may elect to have a portion of their compensation paid in stock options. See “CNH Outside Directors, Compensation Plan” and “Share Ownership” below. Directors who are employees of Fiat or a Fiat Group company do not receive compensation from us.

CNH Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan

The current CNH Global N.V. Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan (“CNH Outside Directors’ Plan”) provides for the payment of: (1) an annual retainer fee of $100,000; (2) an Audit Committee membership fee of $20,000; (3) a Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee membership fee of $15,000; (4) an Audit Committee chair fee of $35,000; and (5) a Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee chair fee of $25,000 (collectively, the “Fees”) to outside directors of CNH in the form of cash, and/or common shares of CNH, and/or options to purchase common shares of CNH. Each quarter of the CNH Outside Directors’ Plan year, the outside directors elect the form of payment of their Fees. If the elected form is common shares, the outside director will receive as many common shares as are equal to the amount of Fees the director elects to forego, divided by the fair market value of a common share. Common shares issued vest immediately upon grant, but cannot be sold for a period of six months. If the elected form is options, the outside director will receive as many options as the amount of Fees that the director elects to forego, multiplied by four and divided by the fair market value of a common share. Such fair market value being equal to the average of the highest and lowest sale price of a common share on the last trading day of each quarter of the CNH Outside Directors’ Plan year on the NYSE. Stock options granted as a result of such an election vest immediately upon grant, but shares purchased under options cannot be sold for six months following the date of exercise. Stock options terminate upon the earlier of: (1) ten years after the grant date; or (2) six months after the date an individual ceases to be an outside director. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee has recommended, and the Board of Directors has approved, a proposed amendment to the CNH Outside Directors’ Plan. The amended CNH Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan is hereinafter referred to as the “CNH Directors’ Plan.” The proposed amendment is subject to shareholder ratification at CNH’s next annual general meeting of shareholders and shall have retrospective effect as of November 1, 2010. The CNH Directors’ Plan provides for the payment of the Fees to eligible members of the board of CNH under the CNH Directors’ Plan, provided that such members do not receive salary or other employment compensation from CNH, its subsidiaries or affiliates, Fiat or Fiat Industrial and their subsidiaries. Prior to 2007, we also issued automatic option awards, which vest after the third anniversary of the grant date. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, there were 693,914 and 700,058 common shares, respectively, reserved for issuance under the CNH Directors’ Plan. Outside directors do not receive benefits upon termination of their service as directors.

 

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The following table reflects option activity under the CNH Directors’ Plan for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

     2010  
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     117,419      $ 27.54   

Granted

     12,904        26.73   

Forfeited

              

Expired

     (2,873     59.17   

Exercised

     (36,610     15.61   
          

Outstanding at end of year

     90,840        31.24   
          

Exercisable at end of year

     90,840        31.24   
          

See “Note 17: Option and Incentive Plans” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 for a detailed discussion of our stock option and incentive programs.

Executive Officers’ Compensation

The aggregate amount of compensation paid to or accrued for executive officers that held office during 2010 was approximately $7.6 million, including $300,000 of pension and similar benefits paid or set aside by us.

C. Board Practices

Responsibility for overseeing the management of the Company lies with our Board of Directors, which determines our policies and the general course of corporate affairs. The members of the Board are elected at the meeting of shareholders, serve for a term of approximately one year, and stand for re-election every year. See “Item 6A. Directors, Senior Management and Employees” above.

We are subject to, among other things, both the laws of The Netherlands and the laws and regulations applicable to foreign private issuers in the U.S. The Dutch Corporate Governance Code (the “Dutch Code”), which became effective as of January 1, 2004, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the NYSE listing standards are also of particular significance to our corporate governance. We describe the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those required of domestic companies by the NYSE listing standards under “Item 16G. Corporate Governance.”

We have a one-tier management structure (i.e. a management board which may be comprised of both members having responsibility for our day-to-day operations, who are referred to as executive directors, and members not having such responsibility, referred to as non-executive directors). A majority of our Board consists of non-executive directors, who meet the independence requirements of the Dutch Code. The Board believes that it is appropriate for the role of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman to be separate, and that the Chairman of the Board should be a non-executive director. Should an executive director be appointed as Chairman, the Board will also designate a non-executive director as the lead director, who will chair executive sessions of the Board. For information regarding the period of time our directors have served, see “Item 6A. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Directors and Senior Management.” None of our directors have service contracts with the Company (or any subsidiary) providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

We currently have an Audit Committee and a Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee which are described in more detail below. During 2010, there were seven meetings of our Board of Directors. Attendance at these meetings was 96%. The Audit Committee met seven times during 2010 and attendance of

 

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directors at those meetings was 95%. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee met three times during 2010 with 93% attendance of directors at such meetings. The Board of Directors and the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee have each discussed the performance of the Board and its committees. The Audit Committee discusses, among other things, our risk assessment and management processes. The work plan of the Audit Committee provides that this assessment will take place annually. The Board also schedules one annual meeting that is devoted to discussing our strategy.

Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee is appointed by the Board to assist in monitoring (1) the integrity of our financial statements, (2) qualifications and independence of our independent registered public accounting firm, (3) the performance of our internal audit function and our independent registered public accounting firm, (4) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (5) the system of internal controls that management and the Board of Directors have established, and (6) it reviews and approves, if appropriate, any related party transactions and transactions under which any director could have a material conflict of interest. Directors are required to immediately report any actual or potential conflict of interest that is of material significance to us or to themselves.

The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. Theurillat, Kalantzis, and Lanaway. The Audit Committee is currently chaired by Mr. Theurillat. At its meetings, the Audit Committee customarily meets with the Chief Financial Officer, the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, the Chief Accounting Officer, the Vice President of Internal Audit, the Vice President Corporate Tax, the Treasurer, and representatives from our independent registered public accounting firm. After such meetings, the Audit Committee routinely meets separately, in executive session, with the Chief Financial Officer, the Internal Auditor and representatives from our independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, at least once per year (and more often as necessary) the Audit Committee meets with representatives from our independent registered public accounting firm without any management present. The Charter for the Audit Committee is available on our web site (www.cnh.com). The information contained on our web site is not included in, or incorporated by reference into, this annual report on Form 20-F.

Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee. The purpose of the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee is to design, develop, implement and review the compensation and terms of employment of our executive officers and the fees of the members of the Board. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee is responsible to make sure that the compensation of the company’s executive personnel is related to our (and our shareholders’) short-term and long-term objectives and our operating performance. The compensation of the directors is set forth in the Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan and any amendments are approved by our shareholders. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee makes its recommendations to the Board. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee also advises the Board on candidates for the Board for a first appointment, to fill a vacancy, and on members for the Board for possible reappointment after each term. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Houle, Hiler, Jeker, Lipper and Marchionne. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee is currently chaired by Mr. Houle. The Charter for the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee is available on our web site (www.cnh.com).

For a discussion of certain provisions of our Articles of Association applicable to our Board, see “Item 10. Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

D. Employees.

At December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, we had approximately 28,800, 28,450, and 31,500 employees, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, there were approximately 18,100 employees in the agricultural equipment business, 4,000 in the construction equipment business, and 900 in the financial services business, with the remaining 5,800 in parts and service and other roles shared by all business units. As of December 31, 2010, as broken down by geographic location, there were 9,900 employees in North America, 12,100 employees in Europe, 4,250 employees in Latin America, and 2,550 employees in the Rest of World.

 

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Unions represent many of our production and maintenance employees. Our collective bargaining agreement with the UAW, which represents approximately 940 of our hourly production and maintenance employees in the United States continues through April 2016. The International Association of Machinists, which represents approximately 630 of our employees in Fargo, North Dakota, ratified a contract in October, 2006, which expires in April 2012.

Our employees in Europe are also covered by laws that afford employees, through local and central works councils, certain rights of information and consultation with respect to matters involving the business and operations of their employers, including the downsizing or closure of facilities and the termination of employment. Over the years, we have experienced various work slow-downs, stoppages and other labor disruptions.

E. Share Ownership

Collectively, our directors and executive officers beneficially own, or were granted options with respect to, less than one percent of our common shares. Directors’ automatic option awards vest after the third anniversary of the grant date. Directors’ elective option awards vest immediately upon grant. Directors’ options terminate six months after a director leaves the Board of Directors if not exercised. In any event, directors’ options terminate if not exercised by the tenth anniversary of the grant date.

 

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Options issued to outside directors are issued from the CNH Directors’ Plan. Options issued to our employees who are also board members are issued from the CNH Equity Incentive Plan (“EIP”). The following table summarizes outstanding stock options for directors as of December 31, 2010, excluding directors who are employees of Fiat or Fiat Group companies and have not been compensated by us:

 

    Grant Date     Exercise
Price
    Lipper     Hiler     Boyanovsky     Houle     Jeker     Kalantzis     Lanaway     Theurillat     Total  

Beginning Balance as of 1/1/10

                     
    2/29/2000        56.09        713                                                         713   
    6/6/2000        60.63        660                                                         660   

(automatic option)

    6/7/2000        60.00        1,500                                                         1,500   

(automatic option)

    4/26/2004        21.22               4,000                                                  4,000   

(automatic option)

    5/3/2005        17.28        4,000        4,000                                                  8,000   

(automatic option)

    4/7/2006        27.70        4,000        4,000               4,000        4,000        4,000        4,000        4,000        28,000   
    7/5/2006        23.87                                                         1,047        1,047   
    9/25/2006        21.20                      11,543                                           11,543   
    10/3/2006        22.32                             4,480        1,008                      1,121        6,609   
    12/29/2006        27.45                             3,643        820                      911        5,374   
    2/16/2007        37.96                      42,299                                           42,299   
    3/30/2007        38.04                             2,629        592                      657        3,878   
    6/30/2007        50.95                             1,963        442                      491        2,896   
    9/28/2007        60.54        1,487                      1,652                             413        3,552   
    12/27/2007        66.41        1,356                      1,506                                    2,862   
    3/19/2008        50.08        1,798                      1,997                                    3,795   
    6/2/2008        48.12                      10,574                                           10,574   
    6/17/2008        42.51        2,118                      2,353                                    4,471   
    9/15/2008        29.58        3,043                                                         3,043   
    12/15/2008        15.63        7,358                                                         7,358   
    3/19/2009        10.22        11,252                                                         11,252   
    4/30/2009        13.58                      85,518                                           85,518   
    6/17/2009        15.43        7,453                                                         7,453   
    9/15/2009        18.23        6,308                                                         6,308   
    12/14/2009        24.74        4,648                                                         4,648   

Beginning Total

        57,694        12,000        149,934        24,223        6,862        4,000        4,000        8,640        267,353   

– Vested/Not Exercised

        57,694        12,000        74,647        24,223        6,862        4,000        4,000        8,640        192,066   

– Not Vested

                      75,287                                           75,287   

Total Options Granted in 2010

                     
    3/11/2010        26.54        4,333                                                         4,333   
    4/30/2010        31.69                      93,391                                           93,391   
    6/9/2010        22.95        5,011                                                         5,011   
    9/7/2010        32.30        3,560                                                         3,560   

2010 Sub-Total

        12,904               93,391                                           106,295   

Options Forfeited in 2010

                     
    2/29/2000        56.09        713                                                         713   
    6/6/2000        60.63        660                                                         660   
    6/7/2000        60.00        1,500                                                         1,500   

Total Options Forfeited in 2010

        2,873                                                         2,873   

Options Exercised in 2010

    5/3/2005        17.28        4,000                                                         4,000   
    04/07/2006        27.70                                           4,000                      4,000   
    09/25/2006        21.20                      11,543                                           11,543   
    12/14/2008        15.63        7,358                                                         7,358   
    03/19/2009        10.22        11,252                                                         11,252   
    04/30/2009        13.58                      28,503                                           28,503   
    06/17/2009        15.43        7,453                                                         7,453   
    09/15/2009        18.23        2,547                                                         2,547   

Total Options Exercised 2010

        32,610               40,046                      4,000                      76,656   

Closing Balance as of 12/31/10

                     

Closing Total

        35,115        12,000        203,279        24,223        6,862               4,000        8,640        294,119   

– Vested/Not Exercised

        35,115        12,000        49,341        24,223        6,862               4,000        8,640        140,181   

– Not Vested

                      153,938                                           153,938   

 

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The following table summarizes outstanding performance share units held by directors with respect to which vesting has not yet occurred.

 

     Grant Date      Price      Harold
Boyanovsky
 

Beginning Balance as of 1/1/10

        

Total Beginning Balance—Not Vested

     12/15/2006       $ 26.99         100,000   

Shares Forfeited

     12/15/2006       $ 26.99         (100,000
              

Shares Granted

     09/30/2010       $ 34.74         100,000   
              

Ending Balance as of 12/31/10—Not Vested

           100,000   
              

 

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

A. Major Shareholders

As of December 31, 2010, our outstanding capital stock consisted of common shares, par value €2.25 ($3.23) per share. As of December 31, 2010, there were 238,433,807 common shares outstanding. At December 31, 2010, we had 582 registered holders of record of our common shares in the United States. Registered holders and indirect beneficial owners hold approximately 11% of our outstanding common shares.

As of December 31, 2010, Fiat Netherlands, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fiat, was our largest single shareholder. Consequently, Fiat controlled all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including approval of annual dividends, election and removal of directors and approval of extraordinary business combinations. Fiat Netherlands had the same voting rights as our other shareholders.

On January 1, 2011, Fiat effected a “demerger” under Article 2506 of the Italian Civil Code. Pursuant to the demerger, Fiat transferred its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands to a new holding company, Fiat Industrial S.p.A., including Fiat’s ownership of CNH Global, as well as Iveco and Fiat’s industrial and marine powertrain business. Consequently, as of January 1, 2011, CNH Global became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial. In connection with the demerger transaction, shareholders of Fiat S.p.A. received shares of capital stock of Fiat Industrial. Accordingly, effective as of January 1, 2011, Fiat Industrial owned approximately 89% of our outstanding common shares through its direct, wholly-owned subsidiary Fiat Netherlands.

The following table sets forth the outstanding common shares of CNH as of December 31, 2010:

 

Shareholders

   Number of
Outstanding
Common
Shares
     Percentage
Ownership
Interest
 

Fiat Netherlands

     211,866,037         89

Other shareholders

     26,567,770         11
                 

Total

     238,433,807         100
                 

As a result of the demerger transaction implemented by Fiat and effective on January 1, 2011, Fiat S.p.A. transferred to Fiat Industrial S.p.A., its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands and, as a result, the company became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial.

Our directors and executive officers, individually and collectively, owned less than 1% of our common shares at December 31, 2010.

 

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B. Related Party Transactions

As of December 31, 2010, CNH’s outstanding capital stock consisted of common shares, par value €2.25 (U.S. $3.23) per share. As of December 31, 2010, there were 238,433,807 common shares outstanding. At December 31, 2010, CNH had 582 registered holders of record of its common shares in the United States. Registered holders and indirect beneficial owners hold approximately 11% of CNH’s outstanding common shares. Fiat Netherlands, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiat, is the largest single shareholder. Consequently, at December 31, 2010, Fiat controlled all matters submitted to a vote of CNH’s shareholders, including approval of annual dividends, election and removal of its directors and approval of extraordinary business combinations. Fiat Netherlands has the same voting rights as CNH’s other shareholders. In connection with the demerger transaction Fiat S.p.A. transferred to Fiat Industrial S.p.A. its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands. As a result, CNH became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial.

Historically, we have developed and maintained a variety of relationships, and engaged in a number of transactions, with various Fiat subsidiaries. In connection with the demerger, relationships have or will be modified, restructured or terminated. See “Note 21: Related Party Transactions” for further information regarding our relationships and transactions with Fiat and Fiat Industrial.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel.

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Financial Information

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information.

See “Item 18. Financial Statements” for a list of the financial statements filed with this document.

B. Significant Changes.

At its meeting on February 17, 2011, our Board of Directors recommended that we do not declare any dividend in 2011.

 

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Item 9. The Offer and Listing

A. Offer and Listing Details.

Our common shares are quoted on the NYSE under the symbol “CNH.” The following table provides the high and low closing prices of our common shares as reported on the NYSE for each of the periods indicated:

Common Share Price

 

     High      Low  

Most recent six months:

     

January 2011

   $ 53.51       $ 47.36   

December 2010

     48.06         43.19   

November 2010

     44.94         39.01   

October 2010

     43.11         35.78   

September 2010

     39.63         29.96   

August 2010

     31.80         27.73   

Year ended December 31, 2010

     

First Quarter

   $ 32.64       $ 22.41   

Second Quarter

     33.15         22.38   

Third Quarter

     39.63         22.66   

Fourth Quarter

     48.06         35.78   

Full Year

     48.06         22.38   

Year ended December 31, 2009

     

First Quarter

   $ 19.17       $ 6.01   

Second Quarter

     18.69         11.03   

Third Quarter

     19.99         11.83   

Fourth Quarter

     25.94         16.22   

Full Year

     25.94         6.01   

2008

   $ 68.82       $ 11.09   

2007

   $ 68.02       $ 26.14   

2006

   $ 30.50       $ 18.14   

On February 25, 2011, the last reported sales price of our common shares as reported on the NYSE was $47.63 per share. There were approximately 582 registered holders and indirect beneficial owners of our common shares in the United States as of that date.

B. Plan of Distribution.

Not applicable.

C. Markets.

Our outstanding common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “CNH.”

D. Selling Shareholders.

Not applicable.

E. Dilution.

Not applicable.

 

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F. Expenses of the Issue.

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Additional Information

A. Share Capital.

Not applicable.

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Set forth below is a summary description of the material provisions of our Articles of Association, effective April 13, 2006 (the “Articles of Association”), and particular provisions of the laws of The Netherlands relevant to our statutory existence. This summary does not restate our Articles of Association or relevant laws of The Netherlands in their entirety.

Corporate Registration and Objectives

We are registered at the Commercial Register kept at the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam under file number 33283760.

As provided in Article 2 of our Articles of Association, our objectives are to:

 

   

engage in, and/or to participate in and operate one or more companies engaged in the design, engineering, manufacture, sale or distribution of agricultural and construction equipment;

 

   

engage in and/or to participate in and operate one or more companies engaged in any business, financial or otherwise, which we may deem suitable to be carried on in conjunction with the foregoing;

 

   

render management and advisory services;

 

   

issue guarantees, provide security, warrant performance or in any other way assume liability for or in respect of obligations of group companies; and

 

   

do anything which a company may lawfully do under the laws of The Netherlands which may be deemed conducive to the attainment of the objectives set out in the foregoing paragraphs.

Issues Relating to Our Directors

Our directors serve on our Board of Directors for a term of approximately one year, such term ending on the day the first general meeting of shareholders is held in the following calendar year and may stand for re-election for any subsequent year. The shareholders elect the members of our Board of Directors at a general meeting. The shareholders may also dismiss or suspend any member of the Board of Directors at any time by a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting.

While the directors may, by majority vote, fix a remuneration for the directors in respect of the performance of their duties, the remuneration policy (and any amendment thereto) must be adopted by the general meeting of shareholders. We are not permitted to grant directors any personal loans, guarantees or the like unless in the normal course of business and at terms applicable to all Company personnel—and then only with approval by the Board. Members of the Board are not subject to an age limitation arising from the Articles of Association; however, pursuant to Corporate Governance Guidelines (Board Structure and Director Qualifications) adopted by the Board, no director may stand for re-election in the year following the year of his/her 70th birthday (unless such requirement is waived by the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee). There is no minimum or maximum number of shares in order to qualify as a director of the Company.

 

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Under the laws of The Netherlands, the Board of Directors must consider, in the performance of its duties, our interests, the interests of our shareholders and our employees, in all cases with reasonableness and fairness. In addition, under our Articles of Association, a member of our Board of Directors must not take part in any vote on a subject or transaction in relation to which he has a conflict of interest.

Our Board of Directors must approve our annual accounts and make them available to the shareholders for inspection at our offices within five months after the end of our fiscal year. Under some special circumstances, the laws of The Netherlands permit an extension of this period for up to six additional months by approval of the shareholders at a general meeting. During this period, including any extension, the Board of Directors must submit the annual accounts to the shareholders for adoption at a general meeting. When our shareholders adopt the annual accounts approved by the Board of Directors, they may discharge the members of the Board of Directors from potential liability with respect to the exercise of their duties during the fiscal year covered by the accounts. This discharge may be given subject to such reservations as the shareholders deem appropriate and is subject to a reservation of liability required under the laws of The Netherlands. Examples of reservations of liability required by the laws of The Netherlands include: (1) liability of members of management boards and supervisory boards upon the bankruptcy of a company; and (2) general principles of reasonableness and fairness. Under the laws of The Netherlands, a discharge of liability does not extend to matters not shown in the annual accounts or otherwise not properly disclosed to the shareholders.

See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices” for a discussion of our corporate governance practices and guidelines.

Issues Relating to Our Shares and Shareholders

Our authorized share capital is €1,350,000,000, consisting of 400,000,000 common shares and 200,000,000 Series A Preferred Stock with each having a par value of €2.25 per share. We will issue shares (both common shares and Series A Preferred Stock) only in registered form. We have two share registers, one is kept at our office in The Netherlands (representing the non-tradable shares) and one is kept by our agent in the United States (representing tradable shares), who also acts as transfer agent and registrar for the common shares and Series A Preferred Stock.

Our Board of Directors has the power to issue common shares and/or preference shares if, and to the extent that, a general meeting of shareholders has designated the Board of Directors to act as the authorized body for this purpose. A designation of authority to the Board of Directors to issue shares remains effective for the period specified by the general meeting and may be up to five years from the date of designation. A general meeting of shareholders may renew this designation for additional periods of up to five years. Without this designation, only the general meeting of shareholders has the power to authorize the issuance of shares. At the general meeting of shareholders held on March 12, 2010, the shareholders authorized our Board of Directors to issue shares for five years.

In the event of an issue of shares of any class, every holder of shares of that class will have a ratable preference right to subscribe for shares of that class that we issue for cash unless a general meeting of shareholders, or its designee, limits or eliminates this right. In addition, the right of our shareholders in the United States to subscribe for shares pursuant to this preference right may be limited under some circumstances to a right to receive approximately the market value of the right, if any, in cash. Our shareholders have no ratable preference subscription right with respect to shares issued for consideration other than cash, nor for shares issued to our employees or employees of our group companies. If a general meeting of shareholders delegates its authority to the Board of Directors for this purpose, then the Board of Directors will have the power to limit or eliminate the preference rights of shareholders. In the absence of this designation, the general meeting of shareholders will have the power to limit or eliminate these rights. Such a proposal requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders at a general meeting if less than half of the issued share capital is represented at the meeting. Designations of authority to the Board of Directors may remain in effect for up to

 

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five years and may be renewed for additional periods of up to five years. At our general meeting of shareholders on March 12, 2010, our shareholders authorized our Board of Directors to limit or eliminate the preference rights of shareholders for five years following the date of the meeting. These provisions apply equally to any issue by us of rights to subscribe for shares.

On an annual basis our shareholders are entitled to elect the directors to serve on our Board of Directors. In such elections, each shareholder is entitled to cast one vote for each share owned. In addition, our shareholders may establish reserves out of our annual profits at a general meeting of shareholders, subject to a proposal of our Board of Directors. The shareholders have discretion as to the use of that portion of our annual profits remaining for distribution of dividends on the common shares after the establishment of reserves and payment of dividends on the preference shares. At any general meeting of shareholders, our shareholders may declare dividends in the form of cash (in U.S. dollars), common shares or a combination of both.

The Board of Directors may resolve that we pay dividends out of our share premium reserve or out of any other reserve available for shareholder distributions under the laws of The Netherlands, provided that payment from reserves may only be made to the shareholders who are entitled to the relevant reserve upon our dissolution. However, we may not pay dividends if the payment would reduce equity to an amount less than the aggregate share capital plus required statutory reserves. The Board of Directors may resolve that we pay interim dividends, but the payments are also subject to these statutory and other restrictions. If a shareholder does not collect any cash dividend or other distribution within six years after the date on which it became due and payable, the right to receive the payment reverts to us.

Other than as described above, our Articles of Association do not include any redemption provisions or provide for any sinking or similar fund. In addition, our Articles of Association do not contain any provisions which discriminate against any existing or prospective holder of our shares as a result of such shareholder owning a substantial number of our shares.

Each shareholder has a right to attend general meetings of shareholders, either in person or by proxy, and to exercise voting rights in accordance with the provisions of our Articles of Association. We must hold at least one general meeting of shareholders each year. This meeting must be convened at one of four specified locations in The Netherlands within six months after the end of our fiscal year. Our Board of Directors may convene additional general meetings as often as it deems necessary, or upon the call of holders representing at least 10% of our outstanding shares or other persons entitled to attend the general meetings. The laws of The Netherlands do not restrict the rights of shareholders who do not reside in The Netherlands to hold or vote their shares.

We will give notice of each meeting of shareholders by notice published in at least one national daily newspaper distributed throughout The Netherlands and, in any other manner that may be required, in order to comply with applicable stock exchange requirements. In addition, we will notify registered holders of the shares by letter, cable, telex or telefax. We will give this notice no later than the fifteenth day prior to the day of the meeting. As deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, the notice will include or be accompanied by an agenda identifying the business to be considered at the meeting or will state that the agenda will be available for shareholders and other persons who are entitled to attend the general meeting, at our offices or places of business.

Each of the common shares and the preference shares, including any Series A Preferred Stock, is entitled to one vote. Unless otherwise required by our Articles of Association or the laws of The Netherlands, shareholders may validly adopt resolutions at the general meeting by a majority vote. Except in circumstances specified in the Articles of Association or provided under the laws of The Netherlands, there is no quorum requirement for the valid adoption of resolutions. Pursuant to the Articles of Association, so long as the Series A Preferred Stock is issued and outstanding, any resolution to amend the terms and conditions of the Series A Preferred Stock requires approval of shareholders representing at least 95% of our issued and outstanding share capital. Consistent with the laws of The Netherlands, the terms and conditions of the common shares may be amended by an amendment of the Articles of Association pursuant to a vote by a majority of the capital shares at a meeting of our

 

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shareholders. Our Articles of Association and relevant provisions of the laws of The Netherlands do not currently impose any limitations on the right of holders of shares to hold or vote their shares.

We are exempt from the proxy rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

In the event of our dissolution and liquidation, the assets remaining after payment of all debts will first be applied to distribute to the holders of preference shares the nominal amount of the preference shares and then the amount of the share premium reserve relating to the preference shares. Any remaining assets will be distributed to the holders of common shares in proportion to the aggregate nominal amount of the common shares and, if only preference shares are issued and outstanding, to the holders of the preference shares in proportion to the aggregate nominal amount of preference shares. No liquidation payments will be made on shares that we hold in treasury.

Under the laws of The Netherlands, shareholders are not liable for further capital calls.

We may acquire shares, subject to applicable provisions of the laws of The Netherlands and of our Articles of Association, to the extent:

 

   

our equity, less the amount to be paid for the shares to be acquired, exceeds the sum of (1) our share capital account, plus (2) any reserves required to be maintained by the laws of The Netherlands; and

 

   

after the acquisition of shares, we and our subsidiaries would not hold, or hold as pledges, shares having an aggregate par value that exceeds 10%1 of our issued share capital account, as these amounts would be calculated under generally accepted accounting principles in The Netherlands.

Our Board of Directors may repurchase shares only if our shareholders have authorized the repurchases. Under the laws of The Netherlands, an authorization to repurchase shares will remain in effect for a maximum of 18 months.

Under the laws of The Netherlands regarding the disclosure of holdings in listed companies, if our shares are admitted to official quotation or listing on Euronext or on any other stock exchange in the European Union, registered holders and some beneficial owners of our shares must promptly notify us and the Securities Board of The Netherlands if their shareholding reaches, exceeds or thereafter falls below 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 75%, or 95% of our outstanding shares. For this purpose, shareholding includes economic interests, voting rights or both. Failure to comply with this requirement would constitute a criminal offense and could result in civil sanctions, including the suspension of voting rights.

Changes in Capital, Control of the Company, or Articles of Association

At a general meeting of shareholders, our shareholders may vote to reduce the issued share capital by canceling shares held by us or by reducing the par value of our shares. In either case, this reduction would be subject to applicable statutory provisions. Holders of at least two-thirds of the votes cast must vote in favor of a resolution to reduce our issued share capital if less than half of the issued share capital is present at the general meeting in person or by proxy.

Certain material transactions are subject to review and approval of our shareholders. Such transactions include: (1) the transfer to a third party of all or substantially all of the business of the Company; (2) the acquisition or disposal by the Company or a subsidiary of an interest in the capital of a company with a value of at least one-third of the Company’s assets; and (3) the entry into or termination of a long-term joint venture of the

 

1

Please note that due to an amendment of the Dutch Civil Code, listed N.V.’s are now allowed to acquire up to 50% of their own shares. However, CNH Global N.V. may only acquire up to 10% of its own shares, because that maximum is stated in article 6(1)(c) of the company’s Articles of Association.

 

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Company or a subsidiary with another legal entity or company, or of the Company’s position as a fully liable partner in a limited partnership or a general partnership, where such entry into or termination is of far-reaching importance to the Company.

A majority of the votes cast by holders of our shares at a general meeting must approve any resolution proposed by our Board of Directors to amend the Articles of Association or to wind up CNH. Any such resolution proposed by one or more shareholders must likewise be approved by a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of shareholders.

C. Material Contracts.

For a discussion of our related party transactions, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions.”

D. Exchange Controls.

Under existing laws of The Netherlands there are no exchange controls applicable to the transfer to persons outside of The Netherlands of dividends or other distributions with respect to, or of the proceeds from the sale of, shares of a Dutch company.

E. Taxation.

United States Federal Income Taxation

The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common shares by a U.S. Holder (as defined below). The discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and court decisions as well as the U.S./Netherlands Income Tax Treaty (as described below) all as currently in effect. Such authorities are subject to change or repeal, possibly on a retroactive basis.

This discussion does not contain a full description of all tax considerations that might be relevant to ownership of our common shares or a decision to purchase such shares. In particular, the discussion is directed only to U.S. Holders that will hold our common shares as capital assets and whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Furthermore, the discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax treatment of holders that are subject to special tax rules such as banks and other financial institutions, security dealers, dealers in currencies, securities traders who elect to account for their investment in shares on a mark-to-market basis, persons that hold shares as a position in a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, holders liable for alternative minimum tax and holders of ten percent or more (actually or constructively) of our voting shares. The discussion also does not consider any state, local or non-U.S. tax considerations and does not cover any aspect of U.S. federal tax law other than income taxation.

If a partnership holds the common shares, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the common shares should consult its tax advisor with regard to the United States federal income tax treatment of an investment in the common shares.

Prospective purchasers and holders of our common shares are advised to consult their own tax advisors about the U.S., federal, state, local or other tax consequences to them of the purchase, beneficial ownership and disposition of our common shares.

For purposes of this discussion, you are a “U.S. Holder” if you are a beneficial owner of our common shares who is:

 

   

an individual citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

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a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States or a state thereof;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust subject to primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more U.S. persons or with a valid election in place to be treated as a domestic trust.

Taxation of Dividends

Subject to the Personal Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”) rules discussed below, the gross amount of cash dividends paid by us in respect of our common shares (including amounts withheld in respect of Dutch taxes) will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary income on the day on which dividends, if any, are actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder, and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations. Dividends received from us by a non-corporate U.S. Holder during taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% provided that such U.S. Holder has held the shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and that certain other conditions are met. For these purposes, a “dividend” will include any distribution paid by us with respect to our common shares but only to the extent that such distribution is not in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your basis in the shares and thereafter as capital gain. For foreign tax credit purposes, dividends will generally be income from sources outside the United States and will, depending on the U.S. Holder’s circumstances, generally be either “passive” or “general” income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a U.S Holder.

The amount of the dividend distribution that you must include in your income as a U.S. Holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the Euro payments made, determined at the spot Euro/U.S. dollar rate on the date the dividend distribution is includible in your income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date you include the dividend payment in income to the date you convert the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. The gain or loss generally will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Subject to applicable limitations under the Code and the Treasury regulations and subject to the discussion below, any Dutch withholding tax imposed on dividends in respect of our common shares will be treated as a foreign income tax eligible for credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability (or, at a U.S. Holder’s election, may be deducted in computing taxable income). Under the Code, foreign tax credits will not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term or hedged positions in securities. The rules regarding U.S. foreign tax credits are very complex, and include limitations that apply to individuals receiving dividends eligible for the 15% maximum tax rate on dividends described above. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the implications of U.S. foreign tax credit rules in light of their particular circumstances.

We generally will fund dividend distributions on our common shares with dividends received from our non-Dutch subsidiaries. Assuming that the necessary conditions and requirements are met under the laws of The Netherlands, we may be entitled to a reduction in the amount in respect of Dutch withholding taxes payable to the Dutch tax authorities. Such a reduction will likely constitute a subsidy in respect of the Dutch withholding tax payable on our dividends and, thus, a U.S. Holder would not be entitled to a foreign tax credit with respect to the amount of the reduction so allowed to us.

 

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Taxation of Capital Gains

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of our common shares, a U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized in the sale or other taxable disposition and its tax basis (determined in U.S. dollars) of the common shares. Such gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss and will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year. Non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) can generally qualify for preferential rates of U.S. federal income taxation in respect of long-term capital gains. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code. Any gain realized by a U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition of our common shares generally will be treated as U.S.-source income for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

PFIC Rules

We believe that our common shares should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a legal and factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change. If we were to be treated as a PFIC, unless a U.S. Holder elects to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to the shares, any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of your common shares would in general not be treated as a capital gain. Instead, if you are a U.S. Holder, you would be treated as if you had realized such gain and certain “excess distributions” ratably over your holding period for the common shares and would not be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. With certain exceptions, your common shares will be treated as stock in a PFIC if we were a PFIC at any time during your holding period in the common shares. Dividends that you receive from us will not be eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if we are treated as a PFIC with respect to you, either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year, but instead will be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.

Netherlands Taxation

The following is a general summary of certain Dutch tax consequences of the acquisition, the ownership and the disposition of our shares, applicable to Non-Resident holders of shares (as defined below). This summary does not purport to describe all possible tax considerations or consequences that may be relevant to such holder or prospective holder of shares and in view of its general nature, it should be treated with corresponding caution. Holders should consult with their tax advisors with regard to the tax consequences of investing in the shares in their particular circumstances. The discussion below is included for general information purposes only.

Except as otherwise indicated, this summary only addresses Dutch national tax legislation and published regulations, as in effect on the date hereof and as interpreted in published case law until this date, without prejudice to any amendment introduced at a later date and implemented with or without retroactive effect.

Scope of the summary

The summary of Dutch taxes set out in this section “Netherlands Taxation” only applies to a holder of shares who is a Non-Resident holder of shares. For the purpose of this summary, a holder of shares is a Non-Resident holder of shares if such holder is neither a resident nor deemed to be resident in The Netherlands for Dutch tax purposes and, if such holder is an individual, such holder has not made an election for the application of the rules of The Dutch Income Tax Act 2001 (in Dutch: “Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001”) as they apply to residents of The Netherlands.

Please note that this summary does not describe the tax considerations for:

(i) holders of shares if such holders, and in the case of individuals, his/her partner or certain of their relatives by blood or marriage in the direct line (including foster children), have a substantial interest or deemed substantial

 

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interest in us under The Dutch Income Tax Act 2001. Generally speaking, a holder of securities in a company is considered to hold a substantial interest in such company, if such holder alone or, in the case of individuals, together with his/her partner (statutorily defined term), directly or indirectly, holds (a) an interest of 5% or more of the total issued and outstanding capital of that company or of 5% or more of the issued and outstanding capital of a certain class of shares of that company; or (b) holds rights to acquire, directly or indirectly, such interest; or (c) holds certain profit sharing rights in that company that relate to 5% or more of the company’s annual profits and/or to 5% or more of the company’s liquidation proceeds. A deemed substantial interest arises if a substantial interest (or part thereof) in a company has been disposed of, or is deemed to have been disposed of, on a non-recognition basis;

(ii) holders of shares in us if the shareholding qualifies as a participation for the purposes of The Dutch Corporate Income Tax Act 1969 (in Dutch: “Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969”). Generally, a taxpayer’s shareholding of 5% or more in a company’s nominal paid-up share capital qualifies as a participation. A holder may, amongst others, also have a participation if such holder does not have a 5% shareholding but a related entity (statutorily defined term) has a participation or if the company in which the shares are held is a related entity (statutorily defined term);

(iii) holders of our shares who are individuals and derive benefits from our shares that are a remuneration or deemed to be a remuneration for activities performed in The Netherlands by such holder or certain individuals related to such holder (as defined in The Dutch Income Tax Act 2001); and

(iv) pension funds and other entities that are resident in another state of the European Union, Norway and Iceland and that are not subject to or exempt from corporate income tax.

Withholding Tax

Dividends distributed by us are generally subject to Dutch dividend withholding tax at a rate of 15%. The expression “dividends distributed” includes, among other things:

 

   

distributions in cash or in kind, deemed and constructive distributions and repayments of paid-in capital not recognised for Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes;

 

   

liquidation proceeds, proceeds of redemption of shares, or proceeds of the repurchase of shares by us or one of our subsidiaries or other affiliated entities to the extent such proceeds exceed the average paid-in capital of those shares as recognised for purposes of Dutch dividend withholding tax, unless a certain exception applies;

 

   

an amount equal to the par value of shares issued or an increase of the par value of shares, to the extent that it does not appear that a contribution, recognised for purposes of Dutch dividend withholding tax, has been made or will be made; and

 

   

partial repayment of the paid-in capital, recognised for purposes of Dutch dividend withholding tax, if and to the extent that we have net profits (in Dutch: “zuivere winst”), unless the holders of shares have resolved in advance at a general meeting to make such repayment and the par value of the shares concerned has been reduced by an equal amount by way of an amendment of our Articles of Association.

If a holder of shares is resident in a country other than The Netherlands and if a double taxation convention is in effect between The Netherlands and such other country, such holder of shares may, depending on the terms of that double taxation convention, be eligible for a full or partial exemption from, or refund of, Dutch dividend withholding tax. If a holder of shares is an entity that is resident in a member state of the European Union, Norway or Iceland, and, generally, holds 5% or more in our nominal paid-up share capital and meets certain other conditions, such holder may be eligible for a full exemption from Dutch dividend withholding tax. The exemption may also be available if a holder of shares is an entity that is resident in a member state of the

 

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European Union and the shareholding in us would have qualified as a participation as described under “Scope of the summary” above, if the holder of shares were a taxpayer in The Netherlands.

In general, a Non-Resident holder of shares may credit the Dutch dividend withholding tax against its income tax or corporate income tax liability in The Netherlands, if the shares are attributable to a permanent establishment, a deemed permanent establishment or a permanent representative in The Netherlands of such Non-Resident holder of shares.

A recipient of a dividend of the shares that is a qualifying company and that satisfies the conditions of the Convention between The Netherlands and the United States for the avoidance of double taxation of December 18, 1992 (the “Convention”) may be entitled to a reduced rate of dividend withholding tax (a “U.S. Holder”). These conditions include but are not limited to being a resident of the U.S. for the purposes of the Convention, being the beneficial owner of such dividend and qualifying under Article 26 of the Convention (the so-called “Limitations on Benefits” Article).

To claim a reduced withholding tax rate under the Convention (both reduction and refund procedure), the U.S. Holder that is a company must file a request with the Dutch tax authorities for which no specific form is available.

A recipient that is a qualifying tax-exempt pension, trust or a qualifying tax-exempt organization and that satisfies the conditions of the Convention may be entitled to exemption or a refund of paid dividend taxes. Qualifying tax exempt pension funds must file form IB 96 USA for the application of relief at source from or refund of dividend withholding tax. Qualifying tax-exempt U.S. organizations are not entitled under the Convention to claim benefits at source, and instead must file claims for refund by filing form IB 95 USA. Copies of the forms may be obtained from the “Belastingdienst/Limburg/kantoor buitenland”, Postbus 2865, 6401 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands, or may be downloaded from www.belastingdienst.nl.

In general, we will be required to remit all amounts withheld as Dutch dividend withholding tax to the Dutch tax authorities. However, under certain circumstances, we are allowed to reduce the amount to be remitted to the Dutch tax authorities by the lesser of:

 

   

3% of the portion of the distribution paid by us that is subject to Dutch dividend withholding tax; and,

 

   

3% of the dividends and profit distributions, before deduction of foreign withholding taxes, received by us from qualifying foreign subsidiaries in the current calendar year (up to the date of the distribution by us) and the two preceding calendar years, as far as such dividends and profit distributions have not yet been taken into account for purposes of establishing the above mentioned reduction.

Although this reduction reduces the amount of Dutch dividend withholding tax that we are required to remit to the Dutch tax authorities, it does not reduce the amount of tax that we are required to withhold on dividends distributed.

Pursuant to legislation to counteract “dividend stripping,” a reduction, exemption, credit or refund of Dutch dividend withholding tax is denied if the recipient of the dividend is not the beneficial owner as described in The Dutch Dividend Withholding Tax Act 1965 (in Dutch: “Wet op de dividendbelasting 1965”). This legislation generally targets situations in which a shareholder retains its economic interest in shares but reduces the withholding tax cost on dividends by a transaction with another party. It is not required for these rules to apply that the recipient of the dividends is aware that a dividend stripping transaction took place. The Dutch State Secretary of Finance takes the position that the definition of beneficial ownership introduced by this legislation will also be applied in the context of a double taxation convention.

 

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Taxes on Income and Capital Gains

A Non-Resident holder of shares will not be subject to Dutch taxes on income or on capital gains in respect of any payment under the shares or any gain realised on the disposal or deemed disposal of the shares, provided that:

 

(i)

such holder does not have an interest in an enterprise or a deemed enterprise (statutorily defined term) which, in whole or in part, is either effectively managed in The Netherlands or is carried out through a permanent establishment, a deemed permanent establishment or a permanent representative in The Netherlands and to which enterprise or part of an enterprise the shares are attributable; and

 

(ii)

in the event such holder is an individual, such holder does not carry out any activities in The Netherlands with respect to the shares that go beyond ordinary asset management and does not derive benefits from the shares that are (otherwise) taxable as benefits from other activities in The Netherlands.

Gift and Inheritance Taxes

No Dutch gift or inheritance taxes will arise on the transfer of the shares by way of a gift by, or on the death of, a Non-Resident holder of shares, unless, in the case of a gift of the shares by an individual, such individual dies within 180 days after the date of the gift, while being resident or deemed to be resident in The Netherlands.

For purposes of Dutch gift and inheritance taxes, amongst others, an individual that holds the Dutch nationality will be deemed to be resident in The Netherlands if such individual has been resident in The Netherlands at any time during the ten years preceding the date of the gift or his/her death. Additionally, for purposes of Dutch gift tax, amongst others, an individual not holding the Dutch nationality will be deemed to be resident in The Netherlands if such individual has been resident in The Netherlands at any time during the twelve months preceding the date of the gift. Applicable tax treaties may override deemed residency.

Other Taxes and Duties

No Dutch VAT and no Dutch registration tax, customs duty, stamp duty or any other similar documentary tax or duty will be payable by a holder of shares on any payment in consideration for the holding or disposal of the shares.

F. Dividends and Paying Agents.

Not applicable.

G. Statement of Experts.

Not applicable.

H. Documents on Display.

We file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, furnish periodic reports on Form 6-K and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. These may be read without charge and copied, upon payment of prescribed rates, at the public reference facility maintained by the SEC at Room 1580, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. To obtain information on the operation of the public reference facility, the telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330. Any SEC filings may also be accessed by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

I. Subsidiary Information.

Not applicable.

 

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Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in both foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We monitor our exposure to these risks, and manage the underlying economic exposures on transactions using financial instruments such as forward contracts, currency options, interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and forward starting swaps. We do not hold or issue derivative or other financial instruments for speculative purposes, or to hedge translation risk.

Transaction Risk and Foreign Currency Risk Management

We have significant international manufacturing operations. We manufacture products and purchase raw materials from many locations around the world. Our cost base is diversified over a number of European, Asia-Pacific, and Latin American currencies, as well as the U.S. and Canadian dollars. Foreign exchange risk exists to the extent that we have payment obligations or receipts denominated in or based on currencies other than the functional currency of the various manufacturing operations.

The diversified cost base counterbalances some of the cash flow and earnings impact of non-U.S. dollar revenues and reduces the effect of foreign exchange rate movements on consolidated income. Due to periodic mismatches in cash inflows and outflows, currencies such as the Euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Brazilian real and Japanese yen may have a possible impact on income. The primary currencies for cash outflows were the British pound, Japanese yen and Euro. The primary currencies for cash inflows were the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar. From a gross exposure perspective, the Euro is one of our major inflow currencies, however, the net exposure is an outflow. To manage these exposures, we identify naturally offsetting positions and purchase hedging instruments to protect the remaining net anticipated exposures. In addition, we hedge the anticipated repayment of inter-company loans to foreign subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies. See “Note 15: Financial Instruments” to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our foreign exchange rate risk management.

We regularly monitor our currency exchange rate exposure, execute policy-defined hedging strategies and review the ongoing effectiveness of such strategies. Our strategy is to use a mixture of foreign exchange forward contracts and options contracts depending on our view of market conditions and the nature of the underlying cash flow exposure.

For the purposes of assessing specific risks, we perform a sensitivity analysis to determine the effects that market risk exposures may have on the fair value of: (a) all foreign exchange forward and option contracts designated as cash flow hedges; (b) all foreign exposures for the U.S. dollar denominated financial assets and liabilities for our Latin American subsidiaries; and (c) other long-term foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. The sensitivity analysis excludes: (a) all other foreign exchange forward contracts designated as fair value hedges and their related foreign currency denominated receivables, payables, and debt; (b) other foreign currency denominated receivables and payables of short-term maturities; (c) anticipated foreign currency cash flows related to the underlying business operations; and (d) those related to certain supplier agreements, payment obligations or receipts based on currencies other than the functional currency of our manufacturing operations. The sensitivity analysis computes the impact on the fair value on the above exposures due to a hypothetical 10% change in the foreign currency exchange rates, assuming no change in interest rates. The net potential loss would be approximately $27 million, $23 million, and $43 million at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our management believes that the above movements in foreign exchange rates would have an offsetting impact on the underlying business transactions that the financial instruments are used to hedge.

See “Note 15: Financial Instruments” to our consolidated financial statements for a description of the methods and assumptions used to determine the fair values of financial instruments.

 

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Effects of Currency Translation

Due to our significant international operations, we recognize that we may be subject to foreign exchange translation risk. This risk may arise when translating net income of our foreign operations into U.S. dollars.

Depending on movements in foreign exchange rates, this may have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements. Exposures to major currencies include the Euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, Japanese Yen and Australian dollar. Exposures to other currencies include the Brazilian real, Argentine peso, Mexican peso, Danish krone, Norwegian krone, Swedish krona, Polish zloty, Indian rupee, and Chinese renminbi. In reviewing historical trends in currency exchange rates, adverse changes of 20% have been experienced in the past and could be experienced in the future. Certain currencies, such as the Mexican peso, Brazilian real and Argentine peso have historically experienced short-term movements ranging from 30% to 90% due to the devaluation of their respective currencies. As the expected future net income from our operations is dependent on multiple factors and foreign currency rates in these countries would not be expected to move in an equal and simultaneous fashion, we have not performed a sensitivity analysis related to this potential exposure. Such currency movements have resulted in a positive impact of $35 million in 2010, a negative impact of $87 million in 2009 and a positive impact of $36 million in 2008. We do not hedge the potential impact of foreign currency translation risk on net income from our foreign operations in our normal course of business operations as net income of our operations are not typically remitted to the United States on an ongoing basis.

We also have investments in Europe, Canada, Latin America and Asia, which are subject to foreign currency risk. These currency fluctuations result in non-cash gains and losses that do not impact net income, but instead are recorded as “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in our consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2010, we performed a sensitivity analysis on our investment in significant foreign operations that have foreign currency exchange risk. We calculated that the fair value impact would be $345 million, $338 million, and $320 million at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, as a result of a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates, assuming no change in interest rates. We do not hedge our net investment in non-U.S. entities because those investments are viewed as long-term in nature.

Interest Rate Risk Management

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. We monitor our exposure to this risk and manage the underlying exposure both through the matching of financial assets and liabilities and through the use of financial instruments, including swaps, caps, forward starting swaps, and forward rate agreements for the net exposure. These instruments aim to stabilize funding costs by managing the exposure created by the differing maturities and interest rate structures of our financial assets and liabilities. We do not hold or issue derivative or other financial instruments for speculative purposes.

We use a model to monitor interest rate risk and to achieve a predetermined level of matching between the interest rate structure of our financial assets and liabilities. Fixed-rate financial instruments, including receivables, debt, ABS certificates and other investments, are segregated from floating-rate instruments in evaluating the potential impact of changes in applicable interest rates. The potential change in fair market value of financial instruments including derivative instruments held at December 31, 2010 and 2009, resulting from a hypothetical, 10% change in the interest rate applicable to such financial instruments would be approximately $2 million and $19 million, respectively, based on the discounted values of their related cash flows. The sensitivity analysis computes the impact on fair value on the above exposures due to a hypothetical 10% change in the interest rates used to discount each homogeneous category of financial assets and liabilities. A homogeneous category is defined according to the currency in which financial assets and liabilities are denominated and the applicable interest rate index. As a result, our interest rate risk sensitivity model may overstate the impact of interest rate fluctuations for such financial instruments, as consistently unfavorable movements of all interest rates are unlikely.

 

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See “Note 15: Financial Instruments” to our consolidated financial statements for a description of the methods and assumptions used to determine the fair values of financial instruments.

Commodity Price Risk Management

Commodity prices affect our Equipment Operations’ sales and Financial Services’ originations. Commodity risk is managed through geographic and enterprise diversification.

Changes in Market Risk Exposure as Compared to 2009

Our exposures and strategy for managing our exposures to interest rate, foreign currency and commodity price risk have not changed significantly from 2009.

 

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

None.

 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

None.

 

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision, and with the participation, of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2010 pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of CNH’s assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that CNH’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of CNH’s management and directors and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2010, our internal controls over financial reporting were effective.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of CNH Global N.V.

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of CNH Global N.V. (a Netherlands Corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 of the Company and our report dated February 28, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements, and included an explanatory paragraph related to the adoption on January 1, 2010 of new accounting guidance related to transfers of financial assets and consolidation of variable interest entities and the application of the reporting requirements on a prospective basis.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 28, 2011

 

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(d) Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change to our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the year ended December 31, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our Board of Directors has determined that members of the audit committee, namely, Dr. Peter Kalantzis, Mr. John Lanaway, and Mr. Jacques Theurillat, are each an audit committee financial expert. All are independent directors under the NYSE standards.

 

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics which is applicable to all employees including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer and controller. This code of ethics is posted on our website, www.cnh.com, and may be found as follows: from our main page, first click on “Corporate Governance” and then on “Code of Conduct.”

 

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and their respective affiliates (collectively, the “Deloitte Entities”) were appointed to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2010. We incurred the following fees from the Deloitte Entities for professional services for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

     2010      2009  

Audit Fees

   $ 8,078,000       $ 7,974,000   

Audit-Related Fees

     1,557,000         1,612,000   

Tax Fees

     12,000         25,000   
                 

Total

   $ 9,647,000       $ 9,611,000   
                 

“Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees billed by the Deloitte Entities for the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements, reviews of interim financial statements and attestation services that are provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. “Audit-Related Fees” are fees charged by the Deloitte Entities for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” This category comprises fees for the audit of employee benefit plans and pension plans, agreed-upon procedure engagements and other attestation services subject to regulatory requirements. “Tax Fees” are fees for professional services rendered by the Deloitte Entities for tax compliance and tax advice on actual or contemplated transactions.

Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures

Our Audit Committee nominates and engages our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements. Our Audit Committee has a policy requiring management to obtain the Committee’s approval before engaging our independent registered public accounting firm to provide any other audit or permitted non-audit services to us or our subsidiaries. Pursuant to this policy, which is designed to assure that such engagements do not impair the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves (if appropriate) specific audit and non-audit services in the categories Audit Services, Audit-Related Services, Tax Services, and any other services that may be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

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Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

None.

 

Item 16E. Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

We currently have no announced share buyback plans.

 

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

None.

 

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

CNH Global N.V. is a company organized under the laws of The Netherlands and qualifies as a foreign private issuer under the NYSE listing standards. In accordance with the NYSE corporate governance rules, listed companies that are foreign private issuers are permitted to follow home-country practice in some circumstances in lieu of the provisions of the corporate governance rules contained in Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual that are applicable to U.S. companies. In addition, we must disclose any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies listed on the NYSE.

Both the Dutch and NYSE corporate governance regimes were adopted with the goal of restoring trust and confidence in the honesty, integrity and transparency of how business is conducted at and by public companies. Because these corporate governance regimes are based on the same principles, they are similar in many respects. However, certain differences exist between Dutch and NYSE corporate governance rules, as summarized below. We believe that our corporate governance practices and guidelines (which were approved by our Board on March 24, 2005 and our shareholders on May 3, 2005) are consistent, in principle, with those required of U.S. companies listed on the NYSE.

The following discussion summarizes the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE standards applicable to U.S. companies:

 

   

Dutch legal requirements concerning director independence differ in certain respects from the rules applicable to U.S. companies listed on the NYSE. While under most circumstances both regimes require that a majority of board members be “independent,” the definition of this term under Dutch law differs from the definition used under the NYSE corporate governance standards. In some cases the Dutch requirement is more stringent, such as by requiring a longer “look-back” period (five years) for former executive directors and employees and by requiring that only one board member may be “dependent”. Currently, a majority of our Board (seven of the ten members) are “independent” under the NYSE definition. This composition of our Board does not fully comply with the requirements of the Best Practices Provisions of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code (the “Dutch Code”).

 

   

NYSE rules require a U.S. listed company to have a compensation committee and a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. As a foreign private issuer, we do not have to comply with this requirement, although we do have a Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee. Our Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee Charter requires that a majority of the members meet the independence requirements of the Dutch Code. Currently, all members of this committee are independent under the Dutch requirements, and only one member would not also be independent under the NYSE standards, as he is also employed by our majority shareholder, Fiat (as of December 31, 2010).

 

   

In contrast to rules applicable to U.S. companies, which require that external auditors be appointed by the Audit Committee, Dutch law requires that external auditors be appointed by the shareholders. In accordance with the requirements of Dutch law, the appointment and removal of our independent

 

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registered public accounting firm must be approved by the shareholders. However, our Audit Committee is directly responsible for the recommendation to the shareholders of the appointment and compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm and oversees and evaluates the work of our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

   

Under NYSE listing standards, shareholders of U.S. companies must be given the opportunity to vote on all equity compensation plans and to approve material revisions to those plans, with limited exceptions set forth in the NYSE rules. As a foreign private issuer we are permitted to follow our home country laws regarding shareholder approval of compensation plans. Pursuant to Dutch law and Article 11 of our Articles of Association, the remuneration policy for directors is to be adopted by the general meeting of shareholders. The board of directors shall determine the remuneration for each director, with due observance of the remuneration policy. In addition, plans to award shares or the right to subscribe for shares shall be submitted by our Board to the general meeting of shareholders for its approval.

 

   

While NYSE rules do not require listed companies to have shareholders approve or declare dividends, the Dutch Code Best Practices Provisions recommend shareholder approval for payments of dividends. In accordance with the Dutch Code Best Practices Provisions and pursuant to Article 20 of our Articles of Association, annual dividends must be approved by our shareholders. For a discussion of our dividend policy, see “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Issues Relating to Our Shares and Shareholders.”

In accordance with the corporate governance rules of the NYSE applicable to foreign private issuers, we also disclose these differences between our corporate governance practices and those required of domestic companies by the NYSE listing standards on our internet website at www.cnh.com.

 

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PART III

 

Item 17. Financial Statements

We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this item.

 

Item 18. Financial Statements

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CNH GLOBAL N.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     F-3   

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2010, and 2009

     F-4   

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     F-6   

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     F-7   

Notes to consolidated financial statements

     F-8   

 

Item 19. Exhibits

A list of exhibits included as part of this annual report on Form 20-F is set forth in the Index to Exhibits that immediately follows the signature page of this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CNH GLOBAL N.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     F-3   

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2010, and 2009

     F-4   

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     F-6   

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008

     F-7   

Notes to consolidated financial statements

     F-8   

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of CNH Global N.V.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CNH Global N.V. (a Netherlands corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CNH Global N.V. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2010, the Company changed its method of accounting and reporting for transfers of financial assets and consolidation of variable interest entities and applied the reporting requirements on a prospective basis.

Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The supplemental information in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements for “Equipment Operations” and “Financial Services” is presented for the purpose of additional analysis of the basic consolidated financial statements rather than to present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Equipment Operations and Financial Services individually, and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. This supplemental information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 28, 2011

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

 

     Consolidated  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Revenues:

      

Net sales

   $ 14,474      $ 12,783      $ 17,366   

Finance and interest income

     1,134        977        1,110   
                        
     15,608        13,760        18,476   
                        

Costs and Expenses:

      

Cost of goods sold

     11,891        10,862        14,054   

Selling, general and administrative

     1,698        1,486        1,698   

Research, development and engineering

     451        398        422   

Restructuring

     16        102        39   

Interest expense—Fiat subsidiaries

     112        189        308   

Interest expense—other

     718        482        457   

Other, net

     306        334        342   
                        
     15,192        13,853        17,320   
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

     416        (93     1,156   

Income tax provision

     77        92        385   

Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates:

      

Financial Services

     11        9        13   

Equipment Operations

     88        (46     40   
                        

Net income (loss)

     438        (222     824   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (14     (32     (1
                        

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH Global N.V.

   $ 452      $ (190   $ 825   
                        

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to CNH Global N.V. common shareholders:

      

Basic

   $ 1.90      $ (0.80   $ 3.48   
                        

Diluted

   $ 1.89      $ (0.80   $ 3.47   
                        

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009

 

     Consolidated  
     2010     2009  
     (in millions, except
share data)
 
ASSETS     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,618      $ 1,263   

Restricted cash

     914        128   

Deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

     1,760        2,251   

Accounts and notes receivable, net

     8,621        5,190   

Inventories, net

     2,937        3,297   

Deferred income taxes

     633        517   

Prepayments and other

     822        462   
                

Total current assets

     19,305        13,108   
                

Long-term receivables

     5,407        3,236   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     1,786        1,764   

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

     490        415   

Equipment on operating leases, net

     622        646   

Goodwill

     2,385        2,374   

Other intangible assets, net

     679        717   

Other assets

     915        948   
                

Total

   $ 31,589      $ 23,208   
                
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     

Current Liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

   $ 253      $ 836   

Current maturities of long-term debt—other

     3,641        1,550   

Short-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

     194        537   

Short-term debt—other

     3,669        1,435   

Accounts payable

     2,367        1,915   

Other accrued liabilities

     3,345        2,678   
                

Total current liabilities

     13,469        8,951   
                

Long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

     331        1,516   

Long-term debt—other

     8,209        3,534   

Pension, postretirement and other postemployment benefits

     1,770        1,871   

Other liabilities

     426        526   

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

     4          

Equity:

    

Common shares, €2.25 par value; authorized 400,000,000 shares in 2010 and 2009, issued 238,588,630 shares in 2010, 237,553,331 shares in 2009

     599        595   

Paid-in capital

     6,198        6,188   

Treasury stock, 154,813 shares in 2010 and 2009, at cost

     (8     (8

Retained earnings

     658        210   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (142     (267

Noncontrolling interests

     75        92   
                

Total equity

     7,380        6,810   
                

Total

   $ 31,589      $ 23,208   
                

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — (Continued)

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009

The following table presents certain assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”), which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet above. The assets in the table include only those assets that can be used to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs. The liabilities in the table include third party liabilities of the consolidated VIEs, for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of CNH Global N.V.

 

     December 31,
2010
 
     (in millions)  

Restricted cash

   $ 871   

Accounts and notes receivable, net

     4,362   

Long-term receivables

     3,718   

Equipment on operating leases, net

     90   
        

Total Assets

   $ 9,041   
        

Current maturities of long-term debt—other

   $ 1,757   

Short-term debt—other

     2,488   

Long-term debt—other

     4,111   
        

Total Liabilities

   $ 8,356   
        

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

 

     Consolidated  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (in millions)        

Operating activities:

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 438      $ (222   $ 824   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization expense

     415        398        374   

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

     (28     (67     86   

Loss on debt extinguishment

     22                 

Gain on disposal of unconsolidated subsidiary

     (4            (7

Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets

     2        4        (1

Stock compensation expense

     34        16          

Undistributed (income) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (79     65        17   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

(Increase) decrease in accounts and notes receivable, net

     (287     1,667        681   

(Increase) decrease in inventories, net

     323        1,360        (1,385

(Increase) decrease in prepayments and other current assets

     (355     (174     (195

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     21        96        (156

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     486        (935     56   

Increase (decrease) in other accrued liabilities

     647        37        310   

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

     (207     (5     171   

Other, net

     (26     (28     (125
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,402        2,212        650   
                        

Investing activities:

      

Acquisitions and investments, net of cash acquired

     (39     (22     (89

Additions to retail receivables

     (6,662     (6,552     (7,938

Proceeds from retail and credit card securitizations

     24        3,775        1,317   

Collections of retail receivables

     6,739        4,466        4,440   

Collections of retained interests in securitized retail receivables

            107        75   

Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets

     315        141        142   

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

     (301     (218     (493

Expenditures for equipment on operating leases

     (365     (302     (318

Increase in restricted cash

     (219              

Withdrawals from (deposits in) Fiat subsidiaries cash management pools

     462        (162     (925
                        

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities

     (46     1,233        (3,789
                        

Financing activities:

      

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

     72        736        1,372   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—other

     3,297        2,109        1,869   

Payment of long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

     (1,834     (1,306     (786

Payment of long-term debt—other

     (1,281     (2,763     (187

Net increase (decrease) in short-term revolving credit facilities

     691        (1,730     689   

Dividends paid

                   (118

Other, net

     1        (15     4   
                        

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

     946        (2,969     2,843   
                        

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     53        154        (96
                        

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     2,355        630        (392

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     1,263        633        1,025   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 3,618      $ 1,263      $ 633   
                        

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

 

    Common
Shares
    Paid-in
Capital
    Treasury
Stock
    Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total     Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
    Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
 
    (in millions)  

Balance, January 1, 2008

  $ 595      $ 6,168      $ (8   $ (311   $ (142   $ 117      $ 6,419       

Comprehensive income:

                 

Net income

                         825               (1     824        $ 824   

Translation adjustment

                                (402     (1     (403       (403

Pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $93 million)

                                (120     1        (119       (119

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities (net of tax of $1 million)

                                (2            (2       (2

Derivative financial instruments:

                 

Gains deferred (net of tax of $3 million)

                                4               4          4   

Losses reclassified to earnings (net of tax of $10 million)

                                (39            (39       (39
                       

Total

                  $ 265   
                       

Stock compensation

           4                                    4       

Dividend paid to noncontrolling interests

                                       (14     (14    

Dividend paid ($0.50 per common share)

                         (118                   (118    

Increase in noncontrolling interest due to change in ownership

                                       19        19       
                                                           

Balance, December 31, 2008

    595        6,172        (8     396        (701     121        6,575       

Comprehensive income:

                 

Net loss

                         (190            (32     (222     $ (222

Translation adjustment

                                418        1        419          419   

Pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $44 million)

                                (21            (21       (21

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities (net of tax of $9 million)

                                20               20          20   

Derivative financial instruments:

                 

Losses deferred (net of tax of $4 million)

                                (27            (27       (27

Losses reclassified to earnings (net of tax of $15 million)

                                48               48          48   
                       

Total

                  $ 217   
                       

Stock compensation

           16                                    16       

Increase in noncontrolling interest

                                       2        2       

Cumulative effect from change in accounting for other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities

                         4        (4                  
                                                           

Balance, December 31, 2009

    595        6,188        (8     210        (267     92        6,810       

Adjustment to adopt new accounting guidance regarding consolidation of variable interest entities

                         (4     (33            (37    

Transfer redeemable noncontrolling interest out of permanent equity

                                       (2     (2   $ 2     

Comprehensive income:

                 

Net income

                         452               (17 )1      435        3      $ 438   

Translation adjustment

                                149        (2     147               147   

Pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $16 million)

                                7               7               7   

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities (net of tax of $2 million)

                                5               5               5   

Derivative financial instruments:

                 

Losses deferred (net of tax of $19 million)

                                (60            (60            (60

Losses reclassified to earnings (net of tax of $19 million)

                                57               57               57   
                       

Total

                  $ 594   
                       

Stock compensation

           35                                    35            

Issuance of common shares

    4        16                                    20            

Increase in noncontrolling interest due to change in ownership

           (4                          4                   

Dividend paid to redeemable noncontrolling interests

                                                     (1  

Return of capital to parent company

           (37                                 (37         
                                                                 

Balance, December 31, 2010

  $ 599      $ 6,198      $ (8   $ 658      $ (142   $ 75      $ 7,380      $ 4     
                                                                 

 

1

Net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests exclude $3 million related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest which is reported separately in the consolidated balance sheet.

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1: Nature of Operations

CNH Global N.V. (“CNH” or the “Company”) is incorporated in, and under the laws of, The Netherlands. CNH’s Equipment Operations manufacture, market and distribute a full line of agricultural and construction equipment and parts on a worldwide basis (see “Note 20: Segment and Geographical Information”). CNH’s Financial Services operations offers an array of financial products and services, including retail financing for the purchase or lease of new and used CNH and other manufacturers’ products and other retail financing programs and wholesale financing to dealers.

As of December 31, 2010, Fiat S.p.A. and its subsidiaries (“Fiat” or the “Fiat Group”) owned approximately 89% of CNH’s outstanding common shares through Fiat Netherlands Holding N.V. (“Fiat Netherlands”).

On January 1, 2011, Fiat effected a “demerger” under Article 2506 of the Italian Civil Code. Pursuant to the demerger, Fiat transferred its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands to a new holding company, Fiat Industrial S.p.A. (“Fiat Industrial”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Fiat Industrial Group”), including Fiat’s ownership of CNH Global, as well as Fiat’s truck and commercial vehicles business (“Iveco”) and its industrial and marine powertrain business. Consequently, as of January 1, 2011, CNH Global became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial. In connection with the demerger transaction, shareholders of Fiat S.p.A. received shares of capital stock of the new holding company. Accordingly, as of January 1, 2011, Fiat Industrial owned approximately 89% of CNH’s outstanding common shares through its direct, wholly-owned subsidiary Fiat Netherlands.

Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

CNH has prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include CNH Global N.V. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars and, unless otherwise indicated, all financial data set forth in these consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CNH’s subsidiaries in which CNH has a controlling financial interest and reflect the noncontrolling interests of the minority owners of the subsidiaries that are not fully owned for the periods presented, as applicable. A controlling financial interest may exist based on ownership of a majority of the voting interest of a subsidiary, or based on CNH’s determination that it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary on an ongoing basis, as prescribed by the accounting guidance on the consolidation of VIEs. The consolidated status of the VIEs with which the Company is involved may change as a result of such reassessments.

As of the beginning of 2010, the Company adopted new accounting guidance related to the accounting for transfers of financial assets and the consolidation of VIEs. As a significant portion of the Company’s securitization trusts and facilities are no longer exempt from consolidation under the new guidance, the Company was required to consolidate the receivables and related liabilities. These securitizations qualify as collateral for secured borrowings. The receivables remain on the balance sheet and are included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net”. No gains or losses are recognized at the time of the securitization. For additional information, see “New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010” below, “Note 3: Accounts and Notes Receivable” and “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt”.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The Company adopted the guidance prospectively, and therefore, the financial statements prepared for 2010 and future periods will reflect the new accounting requirements, but the financial statements for periods ending on or before December 31, 2009 will reflect the accounting guidance applicable during those periods. The Company’s statement of operations no longer reflects securitization income and initial gains or losses on new securitization transactions, but instead reports interest income and other income associated with all securitized receivables, and interest expense associated with the debt issued by the securitization trusts and facilities. Therefore, current period results and balances will not be comparable to prior period amounts. In addition, because the Company’s new securitization transactions that do not meet the requirements for derecognition under the new guidance are accounted for as secured borrowings rather than asset sales, the initial cash flows from these transactions are presented in 2010 as cash flows from financing activities rather than cash flows from operating or investing activities.

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates are accounted for using the equity method when CNH does not have a controlling interest, but exercises significant influence. Under this method, the investment is initially recorded at cost and is increased or decreased by CNH’s proportionate share of the entity’s respective net income or loss. Dividends received from these entities reduce the carrying value of the investments.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates in these consolidated financial statements include the realizable value of property, plant and equipment, and goodwill and other intangibles; residual values of equipment on operating leases; allowance for credit losses; tax contingencies; liabilities for warranties; sales allowances; and assets and obligations related to employee benefits.

Revenue Recognition

Equipment Operations records sales of equipment and replacement parts when title and all risks of ownership have transferred to the independent dealer or other customer according to the terms of sale. Dealers may not return equipment while the applicable dealer contract remains in place. Replacement parts may be returned on a limited basis. In the U.S. and Canada, if a dealer contract is terminated for any reason, CNH may be obligated to repurchase new equipment from the dealer.

For all sales, no significant uncertainty exists surrounding the purchaser’s obligation to pay for the equipment and replacement parts. CNH records appropriate allowance for credit losses and anticipated returns as necessary. Receivables are due upon the earlier of payment terms discussed below or sale to the retail customer. Fixed payment schedules exist for all sales to dealers, but payment terms vary by geographic market and product line. In connection with these payment terms, CNH offers wholesale financing to many of its dealers including “interest-free” financing for specified periods of time which also vary by geographic market and product line. Interest is charged to dealers after the completion of the “interest-free” period. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, “interest-free” periods averaged 2.5 months, 2.9 months, and 3.8 months, respectively, on 84%, 84%, and 63% of sales, respectively, for the agricultural equipment business. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, “interest-free” periods averaged 2.9 months, 4.0 months, and 3.5 months, respectively, on 62%, 64%, and 54% of sales, respectively, for the construction equipment business. Sales to dealers that do not qualify for an “interest-free” period are subject to payment terms of 30 days or less.

Shipping and other transportation costs are recorded in cost of sales.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Finance and interest income on retail and other notes receivables and finance leases is recorded using the effective yield method. Deferred costs on the origination of financing receivables are recognized as a reduction in finance revenue over the expected lives of the receivables using the effective yield method. Recognition of income on loans is suspended when management determines that collection of future income is not probable or when an account becomes 120 days delinquent, whichever occurs earlier. Income accrual is resumed if the receivable becomes contractually current and collection doubts are removed. Previously suspended income is recognized at that time. The Company applies cash received on nonaccrual financing receivables to first reduce any unrecognized interest and then the recorded investment and any other fees. Receivables are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Delinquency is reported on receivables greater than 30 days past due. Charge-offs of principal amounts of receivables outstanding are deducted from the allowance at the point when the principal is reasonably expected to be uncollected.

Income from operating leases is recognized over the term of the lease on a straight-line basis.

Sales Allowances

CNH grants certain sales incentives to stimulate sales of its products to retail customers. The expense for such incentive programs is accrued as a deduction in arriving at the net sales amount at the time of the sale of the product to the dealer. The expense for new programs is accrued at the inception of the program. The amounts of incentives to be paid are estimated based upon historical data, estimated future market demand for products, field inventory levels, announced incentive programs, competitive pricing and interest rates, among other things.

Warranty Costs

At the time a sale of equipment or parts to a dealer is recognized, CNH records the estimated future warranty costs for the product, primarily basic warranty coverage. CNH determines its total warranty liability by applying historical claims rate experience to the estimated amount of equipment that has been sold and is still under warranty. Campaigns are formal post-production modification programs approved by management. The liabilities for such programs are recognized when approved, based on an estimate of the total cost of the program.

Advertising

CNH expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $133 million, $124 million, and $160 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Restructuring

CNH recognizes costs associated with an exit or disposal activity at fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, except in certain situations where employees are required to render service until they are terminated in order to receive termination benefits. If an employee is required to render service until termination to receive benefits and they are to be retained for a period in excess of the lesser of the legal notification period or, in the absence of a legal notification period, 60 days, the costs are recognized ratably over the future service period.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Foreign Currency Translation

Certain of CNH’s non-U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates maintain their books and accounting records using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and net exchange gains or losses resulting from such translation are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Income and expense accounts of these non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, and gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income in the period during which they arise. Net foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reflected in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Company recorded a net loss of $17 million, a net gain of $58 million and a net loss of $224 million, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are comprised of all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these investments.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes principal and interest payments received on wholesale, retail and revolving credit receivables owned by the consolidated VIEs that are payable to the investors of the ABS issued debt in those entities and cash pledged as a credit enhancement to those same investors. These amounts are held by depository banks in order to comply with contractual agreements and are classified as current in the consolidated balance sheet.

Cash Flow Information

All cash flows from the changes in trade accounts and notes receivable are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as these receivables arise from sales to CNH’s customers. Cash flows from financing receivables that are related to sales to CNH’s customers are also included in operating activities. CNH’s financing of receivables related to equipment sold by independent dealers is included in investing activities.

For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, investments with maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. In addition, substantially all of CNH’s short-term borrowings, excluding the current maturities of long-term borrowings, mature or may require payment within three months or less.

Cash payments for interest totaled $838 million, $636 million, and $743 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

CNH paid taxes of $207 million, $117 million, and $249 million in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Deposits in Fiat Subsidiaries’ Cash Management Pools (“Deposits with Fiat”)

CNH accesses funds deposited in these accounts on a daily basis and has the contractual right to withdraw these funds on demand and terminate these cash management arrangements. The carrying value of Deposits with Fiat approximates fair value based on the short maturity of these investments. For additional information on Deposits with Fiat, see “Note 21: Related Party Information.”

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Receivables and Receivable Sales

Receivables are recorded at face value, net of allowances for credit losses and deferred fees and costs. Allowances for credit losses are determined based on past experience with similar receivables including current and historical past due amounts, dealer termination rates, write-offs, collections and economic conditions.

Periodically, CNH sells or transfers retail and wholesale receivables to funding facilities or in securitization transactions. Prior to January 1, 2010, these transactions were primarily accounted for as sales. In accordance with the new accounting guidance, adopted on January 1, 2010 regarding transfers of financial assets and the consolidation of VIEs, the majority of the retail, wholesale and revolving credit receivables sold in securitizations do not qualify as sales and are recorded as secured borrowings with no gains or losses recognized at the time of securitization.

For those receivable securitizations which continue to qualify as sales, the Company retains interest-only strips, servicing rights and cash reserve accounts, all of which are recorded at fair value as retained interests in the securitized receivables. Changes in these fair values are recorded after-tax in other comprehensive income as an unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities. With regards to other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) of debt securities, any OTTI due to changes in the constant prepayment rate and the expected credit loss rate would be included in net income. An OTTI due to a change in the discount rates would be included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. The cost of finished goods and work-in-progress includes the cost of raw materials, other direct costs and production overheads. Net realizable value is the estimate of the selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the cost of completion and selling. Provisions are made for obsolete and slow-moving inventories.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any. Expenditures for improvements that increase asset values and extend useful lives are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:

 

Category

   Lives  

Buildings and improvements

     10 — 40 years   

Plant and machinery

     5 — 16 years   

Other equipment

     3 — 10 years   

CNH capitalizes interest costs as part of the cost of constructing certain facilities and equipment during the period of time required to complete and prepare the facility or equipment for its intended use. The amount of interest capitalized totaled nil, $8 million and $3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. CNH evaluates the recoverability of the carrying amount of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, CNH compares the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Equipment on Operating Leases

Financial Services purchases equipment from CNH dealers and other independent third parties that is then leased to retail customers under operating leases. Financial Services’ investment in operating leases is based on the purchase price paid for the equipment. The investment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease to the estimated residual value at lease termination, which is estimated at the inception of the lease. Realization of the residual values is dependent on Financial Services’ future ability to re-market the equipment under the then prevailing market conditions. CNH continually evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred which affect the estimated residual values of equipment on operating leases and adjusts estimated residual values if necessary. Management believes that the estimated residual values are realizable. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the lessee.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets in a purchase business combination. Goodwill relating to acquisitions of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates is included in “Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually. During 2010 and 2009, the Company performed its annual impairment review as of December 31 and concluded that there was no impairment in either year.

Other intangibles consist primarily of acquired dealer networks, trademarks, product drawings, patents, and software. Other intangibles with indefinite lives principally consist of acquired trademarks which have no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic, or other factor that limits their useful life. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Other intangible assets with definite lives are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 5 to 30 years.

Reference is made to “Note 8: Goodwill and Other Intangibles” for further information regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach in accounting for income taxes. CNH recognizes a current tax liability or asset for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year and tax contingencies estimated to be settled with taxing authorities within one year. A deferred tax liability or asset is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and tax loss carry forwards. The measurement of current and deferred tax liabilities and assets is based on provisions of enacted tax law. Deferred taxes are adjusted for enacted changes in tax rates and tax law. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized based on available evidence.

Retirement Programs

CNH sponsors numerous defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, the assets of which are held in separate trustee-administered funds. The pension plans are funded by payments by CNH. The cost of providing defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits is calculated based upon actuarial valuations. The liability for termination indemnities is accrued in accordance with labor legislation in each country where such benefits are required. CNH contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to income during the period of the employee’s service.

Derivatives

CNH’s policy is to enter into derivative transactions to manage exposures that arise in the normal course of business and not for trading or speculative purposes. CNH records derivative financial instruments in the

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. The fair value of CNH’s foreign exchange derivatives is based on quoted market exchange rates, adjusted for the respective interest rate differentials (premiums or discounts). The fair value of CNH’s interest rate derivatives is based on discounting expected cash flows, using market interest rates, over the remaining term of the instrument. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in current income unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. For derivative financial instruments designated to hedge exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability, the gain or loss is recognized in income in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the related hedged item. For derivative financial instruments designated to hedge exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction, the effective portion of the derivative financial instrument’s gain or loss is initially reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and is subsequently reclassified into income when the forecasted transaction affects income. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recorded in income immediately. For derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedges but held as economic hedges, the gain or loss is recognized immediately in income.

For derivative financial instruments designated as hedges, CNH formally documents the hedging relationship to the hedged item and its risk management strategy for all derivatives designated as hedges. This includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities contained in the consolidated balance sheet and linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow. CNH assesses the effectiveness of its hedging instruments both at inception and on an ongoing basis. If a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable of occurring, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting described above is discontinued and the derivative is marked to fair value and recorded in income through the remainder of its term.

Reference is made to “Note 15: Financial Instruments,” for further information regarding CNH’s use of derivative financial instruments.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

CNH recognizes all stock-based compensation as an expense based on the fair value of each award on the grant date. CNH recognizes stock-based compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of an award.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during each period. Unvested performance-based awards are considered outstanding and included in the computation of diluted earnings per share based on the number of shares that would vest if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period.

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010

As of the beginning of 2010, the Company adopted new accounting guidance related to the accounting for transfers of financial assets and the consolidation of VIEs.

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance which changes the accounting for transfers of financial assets. The guidance eliminates the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity (“QSPE”), changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

additional disclosures by providing greater transparency about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and an entity’s continuing involvement in and exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets.

In June 2009, the FASB also issued new accounting guidance which amends the accounting for VIEs. The guidance changes the criteria for determining whether the consolidation of a VIE is required from a quantitative risk and rewards model to a qualitative model, based on control and economics. The guidance also eliminates the scope exception for QSPEs, increases the frequency for reassessing consolidation of VIEs and creates new disclosure requirements about an entity’s involvement in a VIE.

The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2010. As a significant portion of CNH’s securitization trusts and facilities are no longer exempt from consolidation as QSPEs under the guidance, the Company reassessed these VIEs under the new qualitative model and determined it was the primary beneficiary, as CNH has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Therefore, the Company consolidated the receivables and related liabilities held by these VIEs based on the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities, as prescribed by the new guidance. The impact of the Company’s adoption of the new guidance on January 1, 2010 is as follows:

 

     Adjustments for
New Guidance
 
     (in millions)  

Accounts and notes receivable, net:

  

Retail receivables securitizations

   $ 3,448   

Wholesale receivables securitizations

     1,563   

Credit card receivables securitizations

     181   
        

Accounts and notes receivable, net

     5,192   

Other assets: primarily restricted cash

     525   
        

Total assets

   $ 5,717   
        

Other accrued liabilities

   $ 26   

Short-term debt

     1,209   

Long-term debt, including current maturities

     4,519   
        

Total liabilities

     5,754   
        

Total equity

     (37
        

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 5,717   
        

The assets of the VIEs include restricted cash and certain receivables which are restricted to settle the obligations of those entities and are not expected to be available to the Company or its creditors. Liabilities of the consolidated VIEs include secured borrowings for which creditors or beneficial interest holders do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company.

An additional impact of adopting this guidance is that certain funding transactions that would have historically met the derecognition criteria will not qualify for derecognition under the new accounting rules. Beginning on January 1, 2010, wholesale receivables originated in Europe that were included in factoring programs for the revolving sale to third party factors are treated as secured borrowings. As of December 31, 2010, €6 million ($8 million) of receivables continue to be treated as sales under the previous accounting rules as they were sold before January 1, 2010.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The Company adopted the guidance prospectively and therefore, the financial statements prepared for 2010 and subsequent periods will reflect the new accounting requirements, but the financial statements for periods ended on or before December 31, 2009 reflected the accounting guidance applicable during those periods. The Company’s statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 no longer reflects securitization income and initial gains or losses on new securitization transactions, but instead reports interest income and other income associated with all securitized receivables, and interest expense associated with the debt issued by securitization trusts and facilities. Therefore, current period results and balances will not be comparable to prior period amounts. In addition, because the Company’s new securitization transactions that do not meet the requirements for derecognition under the new guidance will be accounted for as secured borrowings rather than asset sales, the initial cash flows from these transactions will be presented as cash flows from financing transactions rather than cash flows from operating or investing activities. For further information regarding this new guidance, see “Note 3: Accounts and Notes Receivable”, “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt”, and “Note 15: Financial Instruments”.

Note 3: Accounts and Notes Receivable

A summary of accounts and notes receivables included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2010 and 2009, is as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Wholesale notes and accounts receivable

   $ 1,297      $ 2,314   

Retail and other notes receivable and finance leases

     2,979        3,541   

Restricted receivables

     9,919        2,130   

Other notes receivable

     428        834   
                

Gross receivables

     14,623        8,819   

Less:

    

Allowance for credit losses

     (595     (393

Current portion

     (8,621     (5,190
                

Total long-term receivables, net

   $ 5,407      $ 3,236   
                

Wholesale notes and accounts receivable arise primarily from the sale of goods to dealers and distributors and, to a lesser extent, the financing of dealer operations. Under the standard terms of the wholesale receivable agreements, these receivables typically have “interest-free” periods of up to twelve months and stated original maturities of up to twenty-four months, with repayment accelerated upon the sale of the underlying equipment by the dealer. During the “interest free” period, Financial Services is compensated by Equipment Operations for the difference between market interest rates and the amount paid by the dealer. This interest is then eliminated in consolidation. After the expiration of any “interest-free” period, interest is charged to dealers on sales and marketing program outstanding balances until CNH receives payment in full. The “interest-free” periods are determined based on the type of equipment sold and the time of year of the sale. Interest rates are set based on market factors and based on the prime rate or LIBOR. CNH evaluates and assesses dealers on an ongoing basis as to their credit worthiness and may be obligated to repurchase the dealer’s equipment upon cancellation or termination of the dealer’s contract for such causes as change in ownership, closeout of the business, or default. There were no significant losses in 2010, 2009 or 2008 relating to the termination of dealer contracts.

CNH provides and administers financing for retail purchases of new and used equipment sold through its dealer network. The terms of retail and other notes and finance leases generally range from two to six years, and interest rates on retail and other notes and finance leases vary depending on prevailing market interest rates and certain incentive programs offered by CNH.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, included in retail notes receivable are approximately $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, of notes originated through a subsidized long-term loan program of the Brazilian development agency, Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (“BNDES”). The program provides subsidized funding to financial institutions to be loaned to customers to support the purchase of agricultural or construction machinery in accordance with the provisions of the program. Financial Services participates in the program as a lender.

In addition to participating directly in the BNDES program, CNH also originates retail receivables on behalf of other financial institutions participating in the BNDES program and continues to service these receivables on a fee for service basis. CNH has guaranteed this portfolio against all credit losses. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the guaranteed portfolio balance was $396 million and $349 million, respectively, and was not included in the consolidated balance sheet.

The Brazilian government provided debt relief, which included deferral of payments and extensions of maturities, to certain qualifying farmers and borrowers under this program in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2009 and 2010, no mass debt relief programs were initiated. In most instances, the 2009 and 2010 payments were due as scheduled or renegotiated, where applicable. CNH believes the series of debt relief actions has impacted customers’ behavior and payment patterns. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, CNH increased the allowance for this portfolio by $139 million and $47 million, respectively. These increases were based on various factors including the Company’s collection history subsequent to 2008, the last year a mass debt relief was granted. Since the mass debt relief program ended, the Company has aggressively pursued the collection of these receivables, and will continue to do so. The changes in payment dates in prior years have added significant uncertainty regarding the ultimate collection of this portfolio. While CNH believes that, based on the current BNDES program, the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, it is possible that additional allowances could be required in future periods that could be material to the results of operations for such periods. Any future changes to the BNDES program could further impact CNH’s ability to collect amounts owed.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, total receivables greater than 60 days past due included in this program were $465 million and $651 million, respectively. These receivables have been placed on nonaccrual status. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had $286 million and $172 million, respectively, in the allowance for credit losses related to this portfolio.

Maturities of long-term receivables as of December 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

     Amount  
     (in millions)  

2012

   $ 2,045   

2013

     1,473   

2014

     1,017   

2015

     630   

2016 and thereafter

     242   
        

Total long-term receivables, net

   $ 5,407   
        

It has been CNH’s experience that substantial portions of retail receivables are repaid or sold before their contractual maturity dates. As a result, the above table should not be regarded as a forecast of future cash collections. Wholesale, retail and finance lease receivables have significant concentrations of credit risk in the agricultural and construction business sectors, the majority of which are in North America. CNH typically retains, as collateral, a security interest in the equipment associated with wholesale and retail notes receivable.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Restricted Receivables and Securitizations

As part of its overall funding strategy, the Company periodically transfers certain financial receivables into VIEs that are special purpose entities (“SPEs”) as part of its asset-backed securitization programs.

Beginning January 1, 2010, CNH adopted new accounting guidance related to the accounting for transfers of financial assets and the consolidation of VIEs. As a result of this new accounting guidance, SPEs utilized in securitization programs no longer meet the non-consolidation accounting criteria and as such, are accounted for as secured borrowings and are included in the consolidated balance sheet. The net incremental impact of adopting this new guidance was a $5.7 billion increase to assets and liabilities and equity. Refer to “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010” for additional information.

SPEs utilized in the securitization programs differ from other entities included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements because the assets they hold are legally isolated. For bankruptcy analysis purposes, CNH has sold the receivables to the SPEs in a true sale and the SPEs are separate legal entities. Upon transfer of the receivables to the SPEs, the receivables and certain cash flows derived from them become restricted for use in meeting obligations to the SPEs’ creditors. The SPEs have ownership of cash balances that also have restrictions for the SPEs’ investors. The Company’s interests in the SPEs’ receivables are subordinate to the interests of third-party investors. None of the receivables that are directly or indirectly sold or transferred in any of these transactions are available to pay CNH creditors.

Consequently, as of January 1, 2010, certain securitizations that would have historically met the derecognition criteria no longer qualify for derecognition under the new guidance. In addition, wholesale receivables originated in Europe that were included in various factoring programs for the revolving sale to third party factors were accounted for as secured borrowings. As of December 31, 2010, €6 million ($8 million) of receivables continue to be treated as sales under the previous accounting rules as they were sold prior to January 1, 2010. The secured borrowings related to restricted securitized retail notes are obligations that are payable as the receivables are collected. Repayments of the secured borrowings depend primarily on cash flows generated by the restricted assets. See “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt” for more information.

The following table summarizes the restricted and off-book receivables and the related retained interests as of December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Restricted Receivables      Off-Book Receivables      Retained Interest  
         2010              2009              2010              2009              2010              2009      
     (in millions)  

North America retail receivables

   $ 4,922       $ 787       $ 206       $ 4,207       $ 39       $ 335   

North America wholesale receivables

     2,694         586                 1,621                 746   

Europe wholesale receivables

     1,051                 8         695                 11   

Australia retail receivables

     936         757                                   

Australia wholesale receivables

     123                                           

North America revolving charge account receivables

     193                         181                 67   
                                                     

Total included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net”

   $ 9,919       $ 2,130       $ 214       $ 6,704         39         1,159   
                                                     

ABS certificates (included in “Other assets”)

                         100   
                             

Total retained interest

               $ 39       $ 1,259   
                             

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Wholesale Receivables Securitizations

With regard to the wholesale receivable securitization programs, CNH sells eligible receivables on a revolving basis to structured master trust facilities. As of December 31, 2010, the U.S. master trust facility consists of $583 million term senior and subordinated asset-backed notes issued in August 2009 with a three-year maturity, and four 364-day conduit facilities renewable annually at the sole discretion of the purchasers; $200 million renewable March 2011, $500 million renewable July 2011, $250 million renewable November 2011, and $200 million renewable November 2011, with a $100 million temporary increase through February 2011. At December 31, 2009, the U.S. wholesale facility qualified for off-book treatment under the accounting guidelines at that time and accordingly, was not consolidated by CNH.

The Canadian master trust facility consists of C$325 million ($326 million) term senior and subordinated asset-backed notes with a three-year maturity renewable December 2012, and a 364-day C$250 million ($251 million) conduit facility renewable September 2011 at the sole discretion of the purchaser. As this facility did not meet the sale accounting criteria as of December 31, 2009, the receivables were included in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Australian master trust facility consists of a 364-day A$200 million ($203 million) conduit facility renewable December 2011 at the sole discretion of the purchaser.

CNH consolidated the U.S. securitization trust as of January 1, 2010. In its role as servicer, CNH has the power to direct the trust’s activities and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the trust. CNH is the primary beneficiary of the trust, and therefore the trust was consolidated.

The Company’s involvement with the securitization trusts includes servicing the wholesale receivables, retaining an undivided interest (“seller’s interest”) in the receivables and holding cash reserve accounts. The seller’s interest in the trusts represent the Company’s undivided interest in the receivables transferred to the trust. CNH maintains cash reserve accounts at predetermined amounts to provide security to investors in the event that cash collections from the receivables are not sufficient to remit principal and interest payments on the securities. The investors and the securitization trusts have no recourse beyond CNH’s retained interests for failure of debtors to pay when due. CNH’s retained interests are subordinate to investor’s interests.

For the U.S. wholesale securitization facility, in the years ended December, 31, 2009 and 2008, CNH recognized gains on the sale of receivables of $51 million and $54 million, respectively. Collections reinvested into the facility in the years ended December, 31, 2009 and 2008 were $5,629 million and $6,217 million, respectively. At December 31, 2009, there were no recognized servicing assets or liabilities associated with the U.S. facility.

Each of the facilities contains minimum payment rates and/or portfolio performance thresholds which, if breached, could preclude the Company from selling additional receivables originated on a prospective basis.

In addition, CNH has various factoring programs for a revolving sale to third party factors of wholesale receivables originated in Europe. At December 31, 2010, the amount of outstanding receivables under these factoring programs were €874 million ($1.2 billion), of which €786 million ($1.1 billion) were recorded as secured borrowings and included in the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2009, the Company had €666 million ($959 million) outstanding under these factoring programs, of which €483 million ($695 million) qualified for off-book treatment and, accordingly, was removed from the balance sheet.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Retail Receivables Securitizations

Within the U.S. retail asset securitization programs, qualifying retail finance receivables are sold to limited purpose, bankruptcy-remote SPEs. In turn, these subsidiaries establish separate trusts to which the receivables are transferred in exchange for proceeds from asset-backed securities issued by the trusts. In Canada, the receivables are transferred directly to the SPEs. These trusts were determined to be VIEs and, consequently, the Company consolidated all previously unconsolidated retail trusts upon the January 1, 2010 adoption of the new accounting guidance related to transfers of financial assets and the consolidation of VIEs. In its role as servicer, CNH has the power to direct the trusts’ activities. Through its retained interests, the Company has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the trusts.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, CNH executed $3.5 billion in retail asset-backed transactions in the U.S., Canada and Australia. The securities in these transactions are backed by agricultural and construction equipment retail receivable contracts and finance leases originated through CNH’s dealer network. CNH applied any proceeds from the securitizations to repay outstanding debt. At December 31, 2010, $10.9 billion of asset-backed securities issued to investors were outstanding with a weighted average expected remaining maturity between 26 and 36 months.

During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, CNH securitized retail receivables with a net principal value of $4.0 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, and recognized gains (losses) on these sales of receivables of $68 million and ($5) million, respectively. Further, related to the retail securitizations, the Company received proceeds of $3,732 million and $1,125 million and recorded $31 million and $36 million in servicing fees for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

CNH receives compensation for servicing the receivables transferred and earns other related ongoing income customary with the securitization programs. The Company also may retain all or a portion of subordinated interests in the SPEs. At December 31, 2009, prior to the consolidation of the trusts, the retained interests were reported as assets in the consolidated balance sheets. No recourse provisions exist that allow holders of the asset-backed securities issued by the SPEs to put those securities back to CNH although CNH provides customary representations and warranties that could give rise to an obligation to repurchase from the SPE any receivables for which there is a breach of the representations and warranties. Moreover, CNH does not guarantee any securities issued by the SPEs. The SPEs have a limited life and generally terminate upon final distribution of amounts owed to investors or upon exercise of a cleanup-call option by the Company, in its role as servicer.

Three private retail transactions were not included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010. These facilities were one-time sales of receivables. Therefore, as these receivables are collected, the amount of off-book receivables will decrease.

Revolving Charge Account Securitizations

The Company, through a trust, securitizes originated revolving charge account receivables on a revolving basis to a privately owned 364-day facility. The trust’s facility limit is $250 million and is renewable in October 2011. Consistent with the wholesale and retail securitization programs, CNH determined the trust was a VIE and consequently it was consolidated in the Company’s balance sheets in accordance with new accounting guidance adopted on January 1, 2010. For 2009, transactions with the facility were considered sales and removed from the balance sheet.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

CNH’s continuing involvement with the securitization trust includes servicing the receivables and maintaining a cash reserve account, which provides security to investors in the event that cash collections from the receivables are not sufficient to remit principal and interest payments to the securities. The investors and the securitization trust have no recourse beyond the Company’s retained interest assets for failure of debtors to pay when due. Further, CNH’s retained interests are subordinate to the investors’ interests.

For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, CNH recognized gains of $10 million and $9 million, respectively, on the sale of receivables and collections reinvested into the facility of $705 million and $227 million, respectively. At December 31, 2009, there were no recognized servicing assets or liabilities associated with the trust.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is established to cover probable losses on receivables owned by the Company and is allocated based on two components, depending on whether or not the receivable has been individually identified as being impaired. The first component of the allowance for credit losses covers impaired assets which represent all or a portion of receivables specifically reviewed by management for which the Company has determined it will not collect all of the contractual principal and interest. Receivables are individually reviewed for impairment based on, among other items, amounts outstanding, amounts past due, days past due and prior collection history. These receivables are subject to impairment measurement at the loan level based either on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the receivables’ effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral for collateral-dependent receivables and receivables for which foreclosure is deemed to be probable. When the values are lower than the carrying value of the receivables, impairment is recognized.

The second component of the allowance for credit losses covers all receivables which have incurred losses that are not yet individually identifiable. The allowance for these receivables is based on aggregated portfolio evaluations, generally by financial product. The allowance for retail credit losses is based on loss forecast models which consider a variety of factors that may include, but are not limited to, historical loss experience, portfolio balance and delinquencies. The allowance for wholesale credit losses is based on loss forecast models which consider a variety of factors that may include, but are not limited to, historical loss experience, portfolio balance and dealer risk ratings. The loss forecast models are updated on a quarterly basis to incorporate information reflecting the current economic environment.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Allowance for credit losses activity for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     Retail      Wholesale      Other      Total     Total  
     (in millions)  

Allowance for credit losses:

             

Beginning balance

            $ 393      $ 269   

Charge-offs

              (170     (107

Recoveries

              10        10   

Provision

              288        198   

Currency translation and other

              74        23   
                         

Ending balance

   $ 406       $ 174       $ 15       $ 595      $ 393   
                                           

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 60       $ 110       $       $ 170     
                                     

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

   $ 346       $ 64       $ 15       $ 425     
                                     

Financing receivables:

             

Ending balance

   $ 8,751       $ 5,164       $ 708       $ 14,623     
                                     

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 129       $ 699       $       $ 828     
                                     

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

   $ 8,622       $ 4,465       $ 708       $ 13,795     
                                     

As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the wholesale portfolio, CNH utilizes an internal credit scoring model that assigns a risk grade to each dealer. The scoring model considers the strength of dealers’ financial statements, payment history and audit performance. Each quarter, CNH updates its dealers’ ratings and considers the ratings in the credit allowance analysis. A description of the general characteristics of the dealers’ risk grades is as follows:

 

   

Grades A and B—Includes receivables of dealers which have significant capital strength, moderate leverage, stable earnings and growth, and excellent payment performance.

 

   

Grade C—Includes receivables of dealers with moderate credit risk. Dealers of this grade are differentiated from higher grades on the basis of leverage or payment performance.

 

   

Grade D—Includes receivables of dealers with moderate credit risk. These dealers may require higher monitoring due to weaker financial strength or payment performance.

A breakdown of the wholesale portfolio by its credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2010 is as follows, in millions:

 

A

   $ 2,031   

B

     1,541   

C

     772   

D

     820   
        

Total

   $ 5,164   
        

Utilizing an internal credit scoring model which considers customers’ attributes, prior credit history and each retail transaction’s attributes, CNH assigns a credit quality rating to each customer, by specific transaction, as part of the retail underwriting process. This rating is used in setting the interest rate on the transaction. The

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

credit quality rating is not updated after the transaction is finalized. A description of the general characteristics of the customers’ risk grades is as follows:

 

   

Titanium—Customers where CNH expects no collection risk or loss activity.

 

   

Platinum—Customers where CNH expects minimal, if any, collection risk or loss activity.

 

   

Gold, Silver, Bronze—Customers are defined as those with the potential for collection risk or loss activity.

A breakdown of the retail portfolio by the customers’ risk grade at the time of origination for the year ended December 31, 2010 is as follows, in millions:

 

Titanium

   $ 3,027   

Platinum

     2,713   

Gold

     1,799   

Silver

     767   

Bronze

     445   
        

Total

   $ 8,751   
        

The following tables presents information at the level at which management assesses and monitors its credit risk. Given the uncertainty regarding the collection of the Brazilian retail agricultural receivables, CNH also monitors the credit risk specific to this portfolio. These receivables are monitored on a collective basis for impairment. For further details, refer to the past due and nonaccrual information disclosed earlier in this footnote. The aging of receivables as of December 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

    30-59 Days
Past  Due
    60-89 Days
Past  Due
    Greater Than
90 Days
    Total Past
Due
    Current     Total Financing
Receivables
    Recorded
Investment > 90
Days and
Accruing
 
    (in millions)  

Retail

             

North America

  $ 42      $ 16      $ 59      $ 117      $ 5,591      $ 5,708      $ 8   

Europe

    4        3        28        35        243        278          

Latin America

    5        3        474        482        1,172        1,654          

Rest of World

    6        5        5        16        1,095        1,111        3   

Wholesale

             

North America

    2        1        4        7        2,711        2,718          

Europe

    9        3        62        74        1,360        1,434          

Latin America

    51        8        28        87        541        628        27   

Rest of World

    7        3        16        26        358        384        4   

Total

             

Retail

  $ 57      $ 27      $ 566      $ 650      $ 8,101      $ 8,751      $ 11   
                                                       

Wholesale

  $ 69      $ 15      $ 110      $ 194      $ 4,970      $ 5,164      $ 31   
                                                       

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2010, CNH’s recorded investment in impaired receivables individually evaluated for impairment and the related unpaid principal balances and valuation allowances are as follows:

 

     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
 
     (in millions)  

With no related allowance recorded

        

Retail

        

North America

   $ 12       $ 9      

Europe

                  

Latin America

                  

Rest of World

                  

Wholesale

        

North America

     1         1      

Europe

     9         8      

Latin America

                  

Rest of World

                  

With an allowance recorded

        

Retail

        

North America

     85         82       $ 42   

Europe

     32         32         18   

Latin America

                       

Rest of World

                       

Wholesale

        

North America

     64         65         28   

Europe

     561         561         65   

Latin America

     45         43         7   

Rest of World

     19         16         10   

Total

        

Retail

   $ 129       $ 123       $ 60   
                          

Wholesale

   $ 699       $ 694       $ 110   
                          

Recognition of interest income is generally suspended when management determines that collection of future income is not probable or when an account becomes 120 days delinquent, whichever occurs first. Interest accrual is resumed if the receivable becomes contractually current and collection doubts are removed. Previously suspended interest income is recognized at that time. The receivables on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

     Retail      Wholesale  

North America

   $ 52       $ 3   

Europe

     28         57   

Latin America

     477         9   

Rest of World

     3         16   
                 
   $ 560       $ 85   
                 

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Managed Portfolio

Historical loss and delinquency amounts for Financial Services’ Managed Portfolio for 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Principal
Amount of
Receivables At
December 31,
     Principal
More Than
30 Days
Delinquent At
December 31,
     Net Credit
Losses for
the Year
Ending
December 31,
 
     (in millions)  

2010

        

Type of receivable:

        

Wholesale notes and accounts

   $ 4,858       $ 68       $ 27   

Retail and other notes and finance leases

     12,138         757         127   
                          

Total managed

   $ 16,996       $ 825       $ 154   
                          

Comprised of:

        

Receivables held in portfolio

   $ 14,274         

Receivables serviced for Equipment Operations

     189         

Receivables serviced for joint ventures

     1,923         

Receivables serviced for others under BNDES program

     396         

Securitized receivables:

        

Wholesale

     8         

Retail

     206         
              

Total managed

   $ 16,996         
              

2009

        

Type of receivable:

        

Wholesale notes and accounts

   $ 4,929       $ 267       $ 15   

Retail and other notes and finance leases

     12,328         1,027         113   
                          

Total managed

   $ 17,257       $ 1,294       $ 128   
                          

Comprised of:

        

Receivables held in portfolio

   $ 8,171         

Receivables serviced for Equipment Operations

     168         

Receivables serviced for joint ventures

     1,833         

Receivables serviced for others under BNDES program

     349         

Receivables serviced for others

     32         

Securitized receivables:

        

Wholesale

     2,316         

Retail

     4,207         

Credit card

     181         
              

Total managed

   $ 17,257         
              

Non-Cash Retail Receivables Operating and Investing Activities

Non-cash operating and investing activities include retail receivables of $342 million, and $76 million that were exchanged for retained interests in securitized retail receivables in 2009, and 2008, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Note 4: Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, 2010, and 2009 consist of the following:

 

     2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Raw materials

   $ 783       $ 660   

Work-in-process

     214         189   

Finished goods

     1,940         2,448   
                 

Total inventories

   $ 2,937       $ 3,297   
                 

Note 5: Property, Plant and Equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Land, buildings and improvements

   $ 994      $ 978   

Plant and machinery

     2,744        2,685   

Other equipment

     413        407   

Construction in progress

     194        158   
                

Gross property, plant and equipment

     4,345        4,228   

Accumulated depreciation

     (2,559     (2,464
                

Net property, plant and equipment

   $ 1,786      $ 1,764   
                

Depreciation expense on the above property, plant and equipment totaled $230 million, $206 million, and $204 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Note 6: Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries and Affiliates

A summary of investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates as of December 31, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:

 

     2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Equity method

   $ 484       $ 402   

Cost method

     6         13   
                 

Total

   $ 490       $ 415   
                 

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

A summary of the combined results of operations and financial position as reported by the investees that CNH accounts for using the equity method is as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2010      2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Net revenue

   $ 4,374       $ 3,379      $ 4,212   

Finance and interest income

     62         49        57   
                         

Total revenue

   $ 4,436       $ 3,428      $ 4,269   
                         

Gross profit

   $ 1,022       $ 659      $ 784   
                         

Operating income (loss)

   $ 577       $ 137      $ 261   
                         

Net income (loss)

   $ 301       $ (114   $ 92   
                         

 

     As of December 31,  
     2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Current assets

   $ 5,046       $ 2,809   

Noncurrent assets

     1,355         2,629   
                 

Total assets

   $ 6,401       $ 5,438   
                 

Current liabilities

   $ 4,300       $ 2,340   

Noncurrent liabilities

     689         1,948   
                 

Total liabilities

   $ 4,989       $ 4,288   
                 

Total equity

   $ 1,412       $ 1,150   
                 

CNH’s ownership interests in these entities vary from 20% to 50%. The carrying amount of CNH’s equity method investments approximates CNH’s share of the underlying equity in net assets. The information presented in the table for 2009 and 2008 reflects a correction to the data presented for one of CNH’s investees. There was no impact on CNH’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2010, CNH sold its 50% interest in LBX Company LLC (LBX) for $29 million. A gain of $6 million related to this transaction is included in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

In July 2008, CNH sold its 50% interest in Consolidated Diesel Corporation (CDC) for $61 million. A gain of $7 million related to this transaction is included in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Note 7: Equipment on Operating Leases

A summary of equipment on operating leases as of December 31, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Equipment on operating leases

   $ 819      $ 843   

Accumulated depreciation

     (197     (197
                

Net equipment on operating leases

   $ 622      $ 646   
                

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Depreciation expense totaled $120 million, $122 million, and $105 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively and is included in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Lease payments owed to CNH for equipment under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2010, are as follows:

 

     Amount  
     (in millions)  

2011

   $ 111   

2012

     71   

2013

     35   

2014

     17   

2015

     7   
        

Total

   $ 241   
        

Note 8: Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, for the years ended December 31, 2010, and 2009 are as follows:

 

     Agricultural
Equipment
Segment
     Construction
Equipment
Segment
     Financial
Services
Segment
     Total  
     (in millions)  

Balance at January 1, 2009

   $ 1,644       $ 560       $ 143       $ 2,347   

Impact of foreign exchange

     16         5         6         27   
                                   

Balance at December 31, 2009

     1,660         565         149         2,374   

Impact of foreign exchange

     6         2         3         11   
                                   

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 1,666       $ 567       $ 152       $ 2,385   
                                   

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if a triggering event occurs. In 2010 and 2009, CNH performed its annual impairment review as of December 31 and concluded that there was no impairment in either year.

Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at a reporting unit level using a two-step test.

From 2006 to 2009, CNH managed its business at the brand level: Case IH and New Holland agricultural equipment brands, Case and New Holland Construction construction equipment brands and Financial Services. In 2010, CNH began to manage its business at the Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment, and Financial Services level and now identifies these as CNH’s three reporting units.

Under the first step of the goodwill impairment test, CNH’s estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and CNH must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement). Step two of the impairment test, if necessary, would require the identification and estimation of the fair value of the reporting unit’s individual assets, including intangible assets

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

with definite and indefinite lives regardless of whether such intangible assets are currently recorded as an asset of the reporting unit, and liabilities in order to calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill.

The carrying values for each reporting unit include material allocations of the Company’s assets and liabilities and costs and expenses that are common to all of the reporting units. CNH believes that the basis for such allocations has been consistently applied and is reasonable.

The following summarizes the goodwill assigned to CNH’s reporting units and included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2010:

 

     Amount  
   (in millions)  

Agricultural Equipment

   $ 1,666   

Construction Equipment

     567   

Financial Services

     152   
        

Consolidated goodwill

   $ 2,385   
        

To determine fair value, CNH utilizes two valuation techniques: the income approach and the market approach.

The income approach is a valuation technique used to convert future expected cash flows to a present value. CNH uses the income approach as the primary approach to measure the fair value of the Equipment Operations reporting units. CNH believes the income approach provides the best measure of fair value for its Equipment Operations reporting units as this approach considers factors unique to each of its reporting units and related long range plans that may not be comparable to other companies and that are not yet publicly available. The income approach is dependent on several critical management assumptions, including estimates of future sales growth, gross margins, operating costs, income tax rates, terminal value growth rates, capital expenditures, changes in working capital requirements and the weighted average cost of capital (discount rate).

Expected cash flows used under the income approach are developed in conjunction with CNH’s budgeting and forecasting process and represent the most likely amounts and timing of future cash flows based on the Company’s long range plan. CNH’s long range plan is updated annually as a part of the annual planning process and is reviewed and approved by senior management. CNH uses eight years of expected cash flows as management believes that this period generally reflects the underlying market cycles for its businesses.

The discount rates used in the income approach are an estimate of the rate of return that a market participant would expect of each reporting unit. To select an appropriate rate for discounting the future earnings stream, a review was made of short-term interest rates and the yields of long-term corporate and government bonds, as well as the typical capital structure of companies in the industry. The discount rates used for each reporting unit may vary depending on the risk inherent in the cash flow projections, as well as the risk level that would be perceived by a market participant. The discount rate used for the Agricultural Equipment reporting unit decreased from 13% at December 31, 2009 to 11% at December 31, 2010. The discount rate for the Construction Equipment reporting unit decreased from 13.5% at December 31, 2009 to 12% at December 31, 2010. The discount rates changed primarily due to changes in interest rates and risk levels.

 

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

A terminal value is included at the end of the projection period used in CNH’s discounted cash flow analyses in order to reflect the remaining value that each reporting unit is expected to generate. The terminal value represents the present value subsequent to the last year of the projection period of cash flows into perpetuity. The terminal value growth rate is a key assumption used in determining the terminal value as it represents the annual growth of all subsequent cash flows into perpetuity. The terminal value growth rates used for the December 31, 2010 valuations (1.0% for the Agricultural Equipment reporting unit and 2.0% for the Construction Equipment reporting unit) have not changed from the rates used at December 31, 2009.

The market approach measures fair value based on prices generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. CNH utilizes the market approach to measure the fair value of Financial Services. Under the market approach, CNH applies the guideline company method in estimating fair value. The guideline company method makes use of market price data of corporations whose stock is actively traded in a public, free and open market, either on an exchange or over-the counter basis. Although it is clear no two companies are entirely alike, the corporations selected as guideline companies must be engaged in the same or similar line of business or be subject to similar financial and business risks, including the opportunity for growth. The guideline company method of the market approach provides an indication of value by relating the equity or invested capital (debt plus equity) of guideline companies to various measures of their earnings and cash flow, then applying such multiples to the business being valued.

Book value market multiples were utilized in determining the fair value of the Financial Services reporting unit under the market approach. CNH uses the market approach as the primary approach to measure the fair value of the Financial Services reporting unit as it derives value based primarily on the assets under management.

Revenue and EBITDA market multiples were utilized in determining the fair value of the Equipment Operations reporting units under the market approach. For CNH’s Equipment Operations reporting units, the market approach is used as a secondary approach to further support the income approach. Because the market approach does not evaluate the reporting units’ projected cash flows, CNH believes the market approach enables validation of the fair values derived from the income approach using market benchmarks.

CNH identified comparable companies for use in the guideline company approach based on a review of publicly traded companies in its lines of business. The comparable companies used were determined based on an evaluation of relevant factors, including whether the companies were subject to similar financial and business risks.

As of December 31, 2010, the estimated fair value of the Agricultural Equipment reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by a substantial amount.

The excess of the estimated fair value of the Construction Equipment unit over its carrying value increased as of December 31, 2010, compared to the prior year estimate. The calculation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit continues to contain a higher level of risk due primarily to the difficult trading conditions that the business has experienced in the important North American and European markets since 2007. The projections include, among other things, the expected benefits of 2009 restructuring actions to reduce the fixed cost footprint and selling, general and administrative expenses, product development programs and new products with introductions starting in 2010 and continuing through the forecast period, and capacity expansions. The projections also include certain assumptions for continued expansion in emerging markets and an expected improvement in North American and European market conditions, which result in operating performance that is expected to improve and exceed CNH’s best past performance. Should the Construction Equipment business be unable to successfully achieve its planned actions, realize the benefits of its investments, or perform to its long range plan objectives, the Company may be required to re-evaluate the carrying value of the business units goodwill.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Measuring the estimated fair value of businesses requires judgment and the use of estimates by management. CNH can provide no assurance that a material impairment charge will not occur in a future period. CNH’s estimates of future cash flows may differ from actual cash flows that are subsequently realized due to, among other things, worldwide economic factors, industry growth rates, technological changes and the achievement of the anticipated benefits of the Company’s product development and profit improvement initiatives. Any of these potential factors, or other unexpected factors, may cause the Company to re-evaluate the carrying value of goodwill. If an impairment charge were required to be taken for goodwill, such a charge would be a non-cash charge. However, such a charge could have a material adverse impact on CNH’s financial position and statement of operations.

As of December 31, 2010, and 2009, the Company’s other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization consisted of the following:

 

            2010      2009  
     Weighted
Avg. Life
     Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net      Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net  
     (in millions)  

Other intangible assets subject to Amortization:

                    

Engineering Drawings

     20       $ 377       $ 229       $ 148       $ 381       $ 215       $ 166   

Dealer Networks

     25         216         95         121         216         87         129   

Software

     5         408         299         109         386         267         119   

Other

     10 – 30         66         37         29         66         35         31   
                                                        
        1,067         660         407         1,049         604         445   
                                                        

Other intangible assets not subject to amortization:

                    

Trademarks

        272                 272         272                 272   
                                                        

Total other intangible assets

      $ 1,339       $ 660       $ 679       $ 1,321       $ 604       $ 717   
                                                        

CNH recorded amortization expense of $65 million, $63 million, and $65 million during 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Based on the current amount of other intangible assets subject to amortization, the estimated annual amortization expense for each of the succeeding 5 years is expected to be as follows: $62 million in 2011; $55 million in 2012; $46 million in 2013, $37 million in 2014; and $29 million in 2015.

Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt

Credit Facilities

Lenders of committed credit facilities have the obligation to make advances up to the facility amount. These facilities generally provide for facility fees on the total commitment, whether used or unused. Lenders of uncommitted facilities have the right to terminate the agreement with prior notice to CNH.

As a consequence of the Fiat demerger, the credit facilities provided by Fiat treasury subsidiaries which were outstanding as of December 31, 2010 were assigned to Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries on January 1, 2011. As a result of this assignment, CNH entities had no residual borrowing outstanding with Fiat treasury subsidiaries as of the close of business on January 1, 2011.

Certain of the third party credit facilities are guaranteed by Fiat. In 2010, 2009, and 2008, CNH paid to Fiat an annual guarantee fee of 0.0625% on the average amount outstanding under the guaranteed facilities. After the cancellation of the syndicated credit facility in January 2011, the only Fiat guarantee still in existence is in favor of BNDES (Brazil) for an amount of $1 billion; the Company anticipates that the Fiat guarantee in favor of BNDES will be replaced in the near future with a comparable guarantee issued by Fiat Industrial.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes CNH’s credit facilities, borrowings thereunder and availability at December 31, 2010:

 

    Currency     Maturity*     Committed
(C)/
Uncommitted
(U)
    Total
Facility
    Equipment Operations     Financial Services     Consolidated     Total
Available
    Guarantor  
          Short-
term
    Current
Maturities
    Long-
term
    Short-
term
    Current
Maturities
    Long-
term
    Short-
term
    Current
Maturities
    Long-
term
     

BNDES Financing

                             

BNDES Subsidized Financing (A)

   

 

BRL

 

  

 

   
 
 
Various from
Jan-2011 to
Oct-2019
  
  
  
    C      $ 1,065      $  —      $      $      $      $ 370      $ 585      $      $ 370      $ 585      $ 110        Fiat   
                                                                                               

Subtotal

          1,065                                    370        585               370        585        110     

Asset-Backed Facilities

                             

Retail Securitization (B)

    USD        Dec-2011        C        1,200                             215                      215                      985     

Retail Securitization

    AUD        Mar-2011        C        651                             334                      334                      317     

Retail Securitization

    CAD        Dec-2012        C        400                             31               93        31               93        276     

Wholesale VFN

    CAD        Sep-2011        C        250                             118                      118                      132     

Wholesale VFN

    AUD        Dec-2011        C        203                             124                      124                      79     

Wholesale VFN

    USD       
 
 
Various from
Mar-11 to
Nov-11
  
  
  
    C        1,250                             1,250                      1,250                          

Wholesale Term

    CAD        Dec-2012        C        326                                           326                      326            

Wholesale Term

    USD        Jul-2012        C        583                                           583                      583            

Credit Cards

    USD        Oct-2012        C        225                             176                      176                      49     

Transport Retail Facility (C)

    AUD        Jul-2011        C        56                             56                      56                          
                                                                                               

Subtotal

          5,144                             2,304               1,002        2,304               1,002        1,838     

Other Third Party Facilities

                             

Revolving Syndicated Credit Facility

    Euro        Mar-2011        C        401               401                                           401                      Fiat   

Various Credit Lines—Latin America

   

 

Multiple

 

  

 

   
 
 
Various from
Jan-2011 to
Nov-2017
  
  
  
    C        815        45        416        354                             45        416        354            

Factoring Lines

   

 

Multiple

 

  

 

   
 
 
 
Various from
Jan-2011
through Jan-
2017
  
  
 
  
    U        1,594        15                      1,045        90        93        1,060        90        93        351     

Credit Lines—Australia

    AUS        Dec-2011        C        122                             122                      122                          

Other Credit Lines

   

 

Multiple

 

  

 

   
 
 
Various from
Jan-2011 to
Dec-2011
  
  
  
    U/C        53        15                                           15                      38     
                                                                                               

Subtotal

          2,985        75        817        354        1,167        90        93        1,242        907        447        389     

Fiat Facilities

                             

Credit Lines with Fiat

   

 

Multiple

 

  

 

   
 
 
Various from
Dec-2011 to
Jun-2014
  
  
  
    U        2,643        4                      148        17        37        152        17        37        2,437     

Subtotal

          2,643        4                      148        17        37        152        17        37        2,437     
                                                                                               

Total Credit Facilities

        $ 11,837      $ 79      $ 817      $ 354      $ 3,619      $ 477      $ 1,717      $ 3,698      $ 1,294      $ 2,071      $ 4,774     
                                                                                               

Amount above with or guaranteed by Fiat Subsidiaries

        $ 4,068      $ 4      $ 401      $      $ 148      $ 17      $ 37      $ 152      $ 418      $ 37      $ 3,461     

 

*

Maturity Dates reflect maturities of the credit facility which may be different than the maturities of the advances under the facility.

(A)

Up to $1,024 million (1.7 billion Brazilian Reals) of subsidized financing provided by Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social (“BNDES”).

(B)

U.S. Retail financing are paid only as the underlying receivables are collected unless the receivables sold are not repurchased by CNH.

(C)

As of December 31, 2010, CNH did not meet one of the portfolio performance measures to allow CNH to continue to transfer receivables to this $203 million facility. This facility will wind down consistent with the amortization of the underlying assets unless the specific criteria is modified or waived by the lender.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

BNDES Financing

Financial Services participates in the FINAME (Agência Especial de Financiamento Industrial) program sponsored by BNDES, a development agency of the government of Brazil. Under the original provisions of the program, BNDES provided to Financial Services credit facilities in the aggregate amount of 1.7 billion Brazilian Reals ($1,024 million) which were guaranteed by Fiat. CNH anticipates that the Fiat guarantee in favor of BNDES will be replaced in the near future with a comparable guarantee issued by Fiat Industrial. During 2005 through 2008 BNDES instituted mass debt relief plans providing a moratorium on payments due, an extension of the loan term, and additional advances under the program. At December 31, 2010, the outstanding balance under the program was $955 million. For the 2005 through 2008 extensions, Financial Services received or will receive an equivalent extension of principal amounts due to BNDES. Repayment to BNDES under the credit facilities is proportionate to amounts due to Financial Services under the program loans. Additional advances are at the discretion of BNDES.

Asset-backed Facilities

CNH has access to asset-backed facilities through which it may sell retail receivables generated by Financial Services in the United States, Australia, and Canada. As these transactions do not meet the criteria for sale, the related debt was included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. CNH has utilized these facilities in the past to fund the origination of receivables and per the terms of these facilities, have later repurchased the receivables and resold the receivables in the term ABS markets or found alternative financing for the receivables. Under these facilities, the maximum amount of proceeds that can be accessed at one time is $2.3 billion. Under the U.S. facility, if the receivables sold are not repurchased by CNH, the related debt is paid only as the underlying receivables are collected. Such receivables have maturities not exceeding 6 years. CNH believes that it is probable that these receivables will be repurchased and resold in the public ABS markets. Accordingly, the related debt is classified as short-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Borrowings against these facilities accrue interest at prevailing asset-backed commercial paper rates. Borrowings are obtained in U.S. dollars and certain other foreign currencies.

CNH finances its wholesale receivables portfolios in the U.S., Canada and Australia with the issue of Variable Funding Notes (“VFN”); these notes were privately subscribed by certain bank conduits. These notes accrue interest at prevailing asset-backed commercial paper rates.

Other Third Party Facilities

Borrowings under third-party credit facilities bear interest at the relevant domestic benchmark rates (such as LIBOR or EURIBOR) plus an applicable margin.

The applicable margin on third party debt depends upon:

 

   

the maturity of the facility/credit line;

 

   

the rating of short-term or long-term unsecured debt at the time the facility/credit line was negotiated; in cases where Fiat provides a guarantee, the margin reflects Fiat’s credit standing at the time the facility or credit line was arranged;

 

   

the level of availability of credit lines for CNH in different jurisdictions; and

 

   

market conditions.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The €300 million ($401 million) syndicated credit facility represents the amount allocated to CNH by Fiat under a €1.0 billion ($1.3 billion) Fiat credit facility syndicated with third parties which was scheduled to mature in March 2011. The amount allocated to CNH was fully drawn down as of December 31, 2010. All the amounts outstanding were repaid and the facility was cancelled in January 2011. Loans under this facility accrued interest at fluctuating rates based on EURIBOR (or other index rates, such as LIBOR depending on the currency borrowed), plus a margin relating to the credit rating of Fiat. Fiat and each borrower under the credit facility (other than CNH) had jointly and severally guaranteed the performance of the obligations of all borrowers under the facility. In addition to paying interest on any borrowings it made under this facility, CNH was required to pay a commitment fee, the calculation of which takes into account the Fiat credit rating and any unused portion of the €300 million ($401 million) allocation as well as its pro rata share (based on the number of borrowers from time to time) of any remaining commitment fees and other fees relating to the facility.

Fiat Facilities

At December 31, 2010, CNH had uncommitted credit facilities with various Fiat treasury subsidiaries for an outstanding amount of $206 million, with $2.4 billion of remaining availability. As a consequence of the demerger, all the financing arrangements provided by Fiat treasury subsidiaries outstanding as of December 31, 2010 were assigned to Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries on January 1, 2011. After the assignment, the credit facilities provided by Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries are on the same terms and conditions applicable to the credit facilities provided by Fiat until December 31, 2010. As a result of this assignment, CNH entities had no borrowings outstanding with Fiat treasury subsidiaries as of the close of business on January 1, 2011.

The applicable margin for intersegment debt and debt with Fiat treasury subsidiaries was based on Fiat intercompany borrowing and lending rates applied to all of its affiliates. These rates were determined by Fiat based on its cost of funding for debt of different maturities. CNH believes that rates applied by Fiat to CNH’s related party debt were at least as favorable as alternative sources of funds CNH might have obtained from third parties. The weighted average interest rate of Fiat financing as of December 31, 2010 was 5.63%.

Short-Term Debt

A summary of short-term debt, as of December 31, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:

 

     2010      2009  
     Equipment
Operations
     Financial
Services
     Consolidated      Equipment
Operations
     Financial
Services
     Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

Drawn under credit facilities

   $ 79       $ 3,619       $ 3,698       $ 129       $ 1,477       $ 1,606   

Short-term debt—Fiat subsidiaires

     39         3         42         5         251         256   

Short-term debt—other

     7         116         123         2         108         110   

Intersegment short-term debt

     52         1,730                 161         1,594           
                                                     

Total short-term debt

   $ 177       $ 5,468       $ 3,863       $ 297       $ 3,430       $ 1,972   
                                                     

The weighted-average interest rate on consolidated short-term debt at December 31, 2010, and 2009 was 3.19% and 5.11%, respectively. The average rate is calculated using the actual rates as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 weighted by the amount of the outstanding borrowings of each debt instrument.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Long-Term Debt

A summary of long-term debt as of December 31, 2010, and 2009, including long-term drawings under credit lines, is as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     Equipment
Operations
    Financial
Services
    Consolidated     Equipment
Operations
    Financial
Services
    Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

Public Notes:

            

Payable in 2013, interest rate of 7.75%

   $ 981      $      $ 981      $ 973      $      $ 973   

Payable in 2014, interest rate of 7.125%

                          500               500   

Payable in 2016, interest rate of 7.25%

     250               250        250               250   

Payable in 2017, interest rate of 7.875%

     1,490               1,490                        

Notes with Fiat subsidiaries:

            

Payable in 2017, floating interest rate (1.55% at December 31, 2010)

                          300               300   

Payable in 2017, interest rate of 7.00% (fixed rate)

                          500               500   

Other notes, weighted-average interest rate of 5.63% in 2010 and 5.49% in 2009 of which $236 million is due in 2011

     68        463        531        115        721        836   

Drawn amounts under credit facilities

     1,171        2,194        3,365        878        2,334        3,212   

Asset-backed debt, of which $2,123 million is due in 2011

            5,236        5,236               311        311   

Other debt

     8        573        581        16        538        554   

Intersegment debt

     510        543               473        804          
                                                

Total long-term debt

     4,478        9,009        12,434        4,005        4,708        7,436   

Less-current maturities

     (818     (3,076     (3,894     (774     (2,058     (2,386
                                                

Total long-term debt excluding current maturities

   $ 3,660      $ 5,933      $ 8,540      $ 3,231      $ 2,650      $ 5,050   
                                                

In January 1996, Case Corp. (now CNH America LLC) issued $254 million 7.25% Senior Notes (the “7.25% Senior Notes”), due 2016.

In March 2006, Case New Holland issued $500 million of debt securities at an annual fixed rate of 7.125% (the “7.125% Senior Notes”), due 2014. In July 2010, these Notes were called and fully redeemed, resulting in a $22 million loss on extinguishment of debt that was included in “Interest expense-other” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

In August 2009, Case New Holland issued $1.0 billion of debt securities at an annual fixed rate of 7.75% (the “7.75% Senior Notes”) due 2013.

In June 2010, Case New Holland issued $1.5 billion of debt securities at an annual fixed rate of 7.875% (the “7.875% Senior Notes”) due 2017.

Both the 7.75% Senior Notes and the 7.875% Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by CNH and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

The 7.75% Senior Notes and the 7.875% Senior Notes contain certain covenants that limit the ability of CNH and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things, incur secured funded debt or enter into certain leaseback transactions; the ability of CNH non-guarantor restricted subsidiaries other than Case New Holland or any credit subsidiaries to incur additional funded debt and the ability of CNH, Case New Holland and CNH guarantor subsidiaries to consolidate, merge, convey, transfer or lease out properties and assets.

The 7.75% Senior Notes and the 7.875% Senior Notes are redeemable at Case New Holland’s option at any time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus a make-whole premium defined in their respective indentures. The 7.25% Senior Notes are redeemable in whole or in part at any time at the option of CNH America LLC at a price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the notes) plus 20 basis points. Since 1999, the 7.25% Senior Notes have been fully guaranteed by CNH Global N.V.

The increase in “Asset-backed Debt” for Financial Services from $311 million in 2009 to $5,236 million in 2010 reflects the consolidation of off-book debt relative to securitization transactions upon the adoption of the new accounting guidance on January 1, 2010. See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2010” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for additional information on the adoption of this new accounting guidance.

A summary of the minimum annual repayments of long-term debt as of December 31, 2010, for 2012 and thereafter is as follows:

 

     Equipment
Operations
     Financial
Services
     Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

2012

   $ 328       $ 3,008       $ 3,336   

2013

     1,066         1,182         2,248   

2014

     26         858         884   

2015

     2         274         276   

2016 and thereafter

     1,728         67         1,795   

Long-Term Intersegment

     510         543           
                          

Total

   $ 3,660       $ 5,932       $ 8,539   
                          

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Note 10: Income Taxes

The sources of income (loss) before taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 are as follows:

 

     2010      2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

The Netherlands source

   $ 17       $ (13   $ (62

Foreign sources

     399         (80     1,218   
                         

Income (loss) before taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

   $ 416       $ (93   $ 1,156   
                         

The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 consisted of the following:

 

     2010     2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Current income taxes

   $ 105      $ 159      $ 299   

Deferred income taxes

     (28     (67     86   
                        

Total income tax provision

   $ 77      $ 92      $ 385   
                        

A reconciliation of CNH’s statutory and effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 is as follows:

 

     2010     2009     2008  

Tax provision at the Netherlands statutory rate

     26     26     26

Foreign income taxed at different rates

     15        (2     7   

Change in valuation allowance

     (9     (147       

Withholding taxes and credits

     6        (5     1   

Tax contingencies

     (16     (2     3   

Tax credits and incentives

     (10     38        (4

Tax rate and legislative changes

     6        (4     (1

Other

     1        (3     1   
                        

Total income tax provision

     19     (99 )%      33
                        

During 2010, CNH reversed tax contingencies of approximately $101 million as a result of the settlement of certain tax examinations and the expiration of certain statutes of limitations. In addition, CNH released $71 million of allowances on deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions, where it was now deemed more likely than not that the assets will be realized based on available evidence. Included in the release of valuation allowances were amounts related to India and Brazil.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The components of net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Pension, postretirement and post employment benefits

   $ 563      $ 621   

Marketing and sales incentive programs

     213        198   

Allowance for credit losses

     186        110   

Inventories

     110        94   

Warranty and modification programs

     74        60   

Restructuring

     14        23   

Other accrued liabilities

     379        451   

Tax loss carry forwards

     859        933   

Less: Valuation allowances

     (757     (919
                

Total deferred tax assets

   $ 1,641      $ 1,571   
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Other intangible assets

     196        187   

Property, plant and equipment

     292        247   

Inventories

     95        104   

Other

     52        81   
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

     635        619   
                

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 1,006      $ 952   
                

Net deferred tax assets are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Current deferred tax asset

   $ 633      $ 517   

Long-term deferred tax asset

     536        542   

Current deferred tax liability

     (56     (53

Long-term deferred tax liability

     (107     (54
                

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 1,006      $ 952   
                

CNH has tax loss carry forwards in a number of tax jurisdictions. The years in which tax losses expire are as follows: $19 million in 2012; $11 million in 2013; $34 million in 2014; $25 million in 2015; $17 million in 2016; $15 million in 2017; and $133 million with expiration dates from 2018 through 2030. CNH also has tax loss carry forwards of approximately $3 billion with indefinite lives. Certain countries have a “change in ownership” rule that results in forfeiture of tax loss carry forwards. Due to the Fiat Group demerger, on January 1, 2011, CNH will forfeit nearly $1 billion of tax loss carry forwards that are offset by full long standing valuation allowances, principally relating to Germany.

CNH participated in tax sharing agreements with other Fiat Group companies in the U.K. and Italy. These agreements allow tax losses generated in one company to offset the income of the other companies within the Fiat Group. During 2010, CNH derived $66 million of tax benefit from the tax sharing agreements. Due to the Fiat Group demerger, CNH will participate in tax sharing agreements in the U.K. and Italy with companies in the Fiat Industrial Group.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

A reconciliation of the gross amounts of tax contingencies at the beginning and end of the year is as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 423      $ 374   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     18        23   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     66        109   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (134     (48

Reductions for tax positions as a result of lapse of statute

     (26     (31

Settlements

     (35     (4
                

Balance, end of year

   $ 312      $ 423   
                

The total amount of tax contingencies, if recognized, would affect the total income tax provision by $112 million.

The remaining tax contingencies included in the balance sheet at December 31, 2010 are principally related to tax positions for which there are offsetting tax receivables or tax contingencies related to timing items. Based on worldwide tax audits which are scheduled to close over the next twelve months, the Company expects to have decreases of approximately $85 million and increases of approximately $40 million to tax contingencies primarily related to transfer pricing. These changes in tax contingencies are not expected to have a material impact on the effective tax rate due to compensating adjustments to related tax receivables.

Included in the balance at December 31, 2010, are $1 million of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. The disallowance of a shorter deductibility period would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to tax contingencies as part of the income tax provision. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recognized approximately $18 million, $9 million and $12 million in interest and penalties, respectively. The Company had approximately $55 million, $70 million and $65 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2010, the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively the “Health Care Acts”) were signed into law. The Health Care Acts contain a provision eliminating tax deductibility of retiree health care costs to the extent of federal subsidies received by plan sponsors that provide retiree prescription drug benefits equivalent to Medicare Part D coverage. However, the tax benefit related to the Medicare Part D subsidies would be extended until December 31, 2012. For all tax years ending after December 31, 2012, there would no longer be a tax benefit for the Medicare Part D subsidies. Therefore, the impact to the Company for the loss of this future tax benefit (after December 31, 2012) was an additional tax expense of $22 million recorded in 2010.

During 2010, certain countries enacted changes to their respective statutory income tax rate which are effective starting in 2010. In Canada, the federal statutory income tax rate was reduced 1% from 19% to 18% reducing the overall tax rate from 31% to 30%. In India, the statutory income tax rate remained at 30%; however, the surcharge was reduced from 10% to 7.5% reducing the overall tax rate from 33.99% to 31.22%. From April 1, 2011, the U.K. will reduce its statutory income tax rate by 1% from 28% to 27%.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The Company files income tax returns in various foreign jurisdictions, of which the U.S., Brazil, Australia, Canada, and certain countries in the European Union represent the major tax jurisdictions. The Company is currently under tax examinations by various taxing authorities for years 1997 through 2010 that are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2013. During 2010, the Company settled various tax examinations and has made cash payments of $58 million. There are certain taxing authorities that have proposed adjustments to the Company for certain tax positions and the Company is currently engaged in competent authority proceedings. The Company anticipates that it is reasonably possible to reach a settlement by the end of 2011. The potential tax deficiency assessment could result in cash payments in the range of $40 to $45 million. The Company has provided for tax contingencies and related competent authority recovery. The Company does not believe that the resolution of the competent authority proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operation.

The Company has not provided deferred taxes on $2.5 billion undistributed earnings of non-Netherlands’ subsidiaries at December 31, 2010, as the Company’s intention continues to be to indefinitely reinvest these earnings in non-Netherlands operations. In order to better align the Company’s global equity structure, Case New Holland, Inc. distributed $2.1 billion to the Company in a one-time distribution on December 17, 2010. This distribution is subject to a 5% U.S. withholding tax, which resulted in a $22 million tax expense for 2010.

Note 11: Restructuring

The following summarizes restructuring charges by reportable segment during 2010, 2009 and 2008:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
       2010          2009          2008    
     (in millions)  

Agricultural equipment

   $ 7       $ 66       $ 30   

Construction equipment

     9         32         4   

Financial services

             4         5   
                          

Total restructuring

   $ 16       $ 102       $ 39   
                          

In April 2009, CNH announced a global consolidation and reorganization plan to further adjust cost and operating levels in light of the economic downturn. These actions include optimizing CNH’s manufacturing footprint and reducing salaried personnel. In 2009, CNH reorganized its Construction Equipment business’s management structure and started the process to move all production activities from its construction equipment plant located in Imola, Italy to other CNH facilities.

Restructuring costs of $16 million in 2010 primarily related to severance and other employee-related costs incurred due to personnel reduction actions being implemented under the 2009 plan.

Restructuring costs of $102 million in 2009 primarily related to severance and other employee-related costs incurred due to personnel reduction actions being implemented under the 2009 plan. The Company recognized $87 million relating to salaried personnel reduction, $10 million related to industrial workforce reduction and $5 million related to closing, selling, and downsizing existing facilities.

Restructuring costs of $39 million in 2008 primarily related to severance and other employee-related costs, and business costs related to closing of manufacturing facilities. The Company recorded $31 million of restructuring expense relating to the personnel reduction plan, $4 million related to the 2007 closure of a Berlin, Germany facility, and $4 million related to the closure of other facilities.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Costs related to closing, selling, and downsizing existing facilities were due to excess capacity and duplicate facilities and primarily relate to the following actions:

 

   

rationalization of the agricultural equipment manufacturing facility in Belleville, Pennsylvania;

 

   

rationalization of parts depots in Kansas City, Kansas, St. Paul, Minnesota; and Omaha, Nebraska:

 

   

rationalization of the construction equipment manufacturing facility in Berlin, Germany;

 

   

rationalization of the combine manufacturing plant in East Moline, Illinois; and

 

   

other actions which take into consideration duplicate capacity and other synergies including purchasing and supply chain management, research and development and selling, general and administrative functions related to CNH’s operations.

The following table sets forth restructuring activity for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

 

     Severance
and
Other
Employee
Costs
    Facility
Related
Costs
    Other
Restructuring
    Total  
     (in millions)  

Balance at January 1, 2008

   $ 4      $ 6      $      $ 10   

Additions

     41        9        (11     39   

Reserves utilized: cash

     (34     (6            (40

Reserves utilized: non-cash

            (6     11        5   
                                

Balance at December 31, 2008

     11        3               14   

Additions

     97        5               102   

Reserves utilized: cash

     (54     (7            (61

Reserves utilized: non-cash

     (12                   (12

Currency translation adjustments

     2                      2   
                                

Balance at December 31, 2009

     44        1               45   

Additions

     15        1               16   

Reserves utilized: cash

     (41     (2            (43

Reserves utilized: non-cash

                            

Currency translation adjustments

     (3                   (3
                                

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 15      $      $      $ 15   
                                

Remaining costs expected to be incurred

   $ 16      $ 1      $      $ 17   
                                

Non-cash utilization in 2009 of $12 million relates to the recognition of a curtailment loss on CNH’s pension and postretirement benefit plans due to a permanent reduction in personnel in the United States. See Note 12 for additional information.

The specific restructuring measures and associated estimated costs were based on management’s best business judgment under prevailing circumstances. If future events warrant changes to these estimates, such adjustments will be reflected in the applicable consolidated statements of operations as “Restructuring.”

Note 12: Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits

CNH has defined benefit plans that cover certain employees in various jurisdictions. Benefits are generally based on years of service and, for most salaried employees, on final average compensation. CNH’s defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., U.K. and Canada are all closed to new entrants.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

CNH has postretirement health and life insurance plans that cover certain U.S. and Canadian employees. CNH’s U.S. salaried and non-represented hourly employees and Canadian employees hired after January 1, 2001, and January 1, 2002, respectively, are not eligible for postretirement health and life insurance benefits under the CNH plans. These benefits may be subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations, and CNH has reserved the right to change or terminate these benefits, subject to the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement.

Former parent companies of New Holland and Case retained certain accumulated pension benefit obligations and related assets and certain accumulated postretirement health and life insurance benefit obligations. Accordingly, as these remain the obligations of the former parent companies, the financial statements of CNH do not reflect any of these assets or liabilities. See “Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies, Other Litigation” for a discussion of litigation related to certain obligations retained by former parent companies.

Obligations and Funded Status

The following summarizes data from CNH’s defined benefit pension plans and postretirement health and life insurance plans for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Change in benefit obligations:

        

Actuarial present value of benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 2,799      $ 2,473      $ 1,152      $ 1,190   

Service cost

     24        23        9        8   

Interest cost

     144        152        60        73   

Plan participants’ contributions

     2        3        5        5   

Actuarial loss (gain)

     90        218        57        (51

Gross benefits paid

     (192     (190     (80     (75

Plan amendments

     6        (5     (50     (15

Curtailment loss (gain)

            8               6   

Currency translation adjustments and other

     (66     117        3        11   
                                

Actuarial present value of benefit obligation at end of year

     2,807        2,799        1,156        1,152   
                                

Change in plan assets:

        

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year

     1,951        1,640        66        54   

Actual return on plan assets

     212        249        8        12   

Employer contributions

     130        153        74        69   

Plan participants’ contributions

     2        3        5        5   

Gross benefits paid

     (192     (190     (80     (75

Currency translation adjustments and other

     (32     96        1        1   
                                

Plan assets at fair value at end of year

     2,071        1,951        74        66   
                                

Funded status:

   $ (736   $ (848   $ (1,082   $ (1,086
                                

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

In 2010, CNH amended the postretirement health benefit plan that covers certain salaried and non-union hourly participants in the U.S. CNH changed the coverage for participants eligible for Medicare from a Medicare Advantage Plan to a Customized Supplement Plan, resulting in a reduction in CNH’s other postretirement benefit liability of $49 million. This actuarial gain will be amortized into earnings over the average remaining working lives of active participants and for participants that are inactive, the prior service costs will be amortized into profit or loss over the remaining life expectancy of participants.

The Health Care Acts signed into law in 2010 imposes an excise tax on U.S. health benefit plans when the aggregate value of employer-sponsored health insurance coverage for a plan participant exceeds a threshold amount beginning in 2018 (so-called “Cadillac Plans”). The tax is equal to 40 percent of the excess over the threshold. CNH expects to incur additional costs of $20 million, calculated on a present value basis, on its U.S. postretirement health insurance plans as a result of the excise tax. These costs have been included in the measurement of the CNH’s benefit obligations as of December 31, 2010.

The net actuarial loss of $90 million on pension benefits and $57 million on other postretirement benefits in 2010 were primarily due to lower discount rates. The net actuarial loss of $218 million on pension benefits during 2009 was primarily due to decreases in discount rates in the U.S. and U.K. The other postretirement benefit actuarial gains and losses include the impacts of changes in estimated claim costs and other factors.

Net amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 consist of:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Non-current assets

   $ 5      $      $      $   

Current liabilities

     (40     (45     (13     (18

Non-current liabilities

     (701     (803     (1,069     (1,068
                                

Net liability recognized at end of year

   $ (736   $ (848   $ (1,082   $ (1,086
                                

Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2010 consist of:

 

     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     (in millions)  

Unrecognized actuarial losses

   $ (807   $ (231

Unrecognized prior service (cost) credit

     (4     74   
                

Total

   $ (811   $ (157
                

The following table summarizes CNH’s pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

 

     December 31,  
     2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Accumulated benefit obligation

   $ 2,611       $ 2,698   
                 

Fair value of plan assets

   $ 1,901       $ 1,885   
                 

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes CNH’s pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

 

     December 31,  
     2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 2,697       $ 2,788   

Fair value of plan assets

   $ 1,956       $ 1,940   

The total accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, was $2,772 million and $2,762 million, respectively. Total projected benefit obligations for unfunded pension plans were $463 million and $481 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost of CNH’s defined benefit pension plans and postretirement health and life insurance plans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2010     2009     2008     2010     2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Service cost

   $ 24      $ 23      $ 26      $ 9      $ 8      $ 8   

Interest cost

     144        152        166        60        73        72   

Expected return on assets

     (137     (122     (161     (5     (4     (8

Amortization of:

            

Prior service cost (credit)

     2        1        2        (41     (39     (43

Actuarial loss

     66        71        38        15        21        30   
                                                

Net periodic benefit cost

     99        125        71        38        59        59   

Curtailment and settlement loss (gain) and other

     1        8        3        (1     6        (8
                                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 100      $ 133      $ 74      $ 37      $ 65      $ 51   
                                                

Expense related to benefits for inactive employees totaled $97 million, $142 million, and $90 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, and are included in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

CNH recognized curtailment losses during 2009 primarily due to a permanent reduction in personnel in the United States. CNH recognized a curtailment loss of $7 million and $6 million relating to U.S. defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, respectively. Of these charges, $12 million was reflected in the consolidated statement of operations as “Restructuring.” See Note 11 for additional information regarding the headcount reduction actions taken in 2009.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Net periodic benefit cost recognized in net income and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) during 2010 consist of:

 

     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     (in millions)  

Net periodic benefit cost recognized in net income

   $ (100   $ (37

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations:

    

Net actuarial (loss) gain

     (15     (54

Prior service (cost) credit

     (6     50   

Amortization of actuarial loss

     66        15   

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     2        (41

Curtailment and settlement

            (1

Currency translation adjustments and other

     6        (1
                

Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

     53        (32
                

Total recognized

   $ (47   $ (69
                

Pre-tax amounts expected to be amortized in 2011 from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:

 

     Pension
Benefits
     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     (in millions)  

Actuarial losses

   $ 59       $ 21   

Prior service cost (credit)

     2         (26
                 

Total

   $ 61       $ (5
                 

Assumptions

The following assumptions were utilized in determining the funded status as at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the net periodic benefit cost of CNH’s defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

 

    2010     2009     2008  
    Pension
Benefits
    Other
Postretirement
Benefits
    Pension
Benefits
    Other
Postretirement
Benefits
    Pension
Benefits
    Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 

Assumptions used to determine funded status at December 31:

           

Weighted-average discount rates

    5.17     5.18     5.51     5.47    

Rate of increase in future compensation

    3.39     3.50     3.42     3.50    

Weighted-average, long-term rates of return on plan assets

    7.34     7.75     7.34     7.75    

Assumptions used to determine expense for the years ended December 31:

           

Weighted-average discount rates

    5.51     5.26     6.25     6.48     5.96     6.14

Rate of increase in future compensation

    3.42     3.50     3.25     4.00     3.85     4.00

Weighted-average, long-term rates of return on plan assets

    7.34     7.75     7.34     7.75     7.77     8.00

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Assumed discount rates are used in measurements of pension and postretirement benefit obligations and interest cost components of net periodic cost. CNH selects its assumed discount rates based on the consideration of equivalent yields on high-quality fixed income investments at the measurement date.

The assumed discount rate is used to discount future benefit obligations back to today’s dollars. The discount rates for the U.S., European, U.K. and Canadian obligations are based on a benefit cash flow-matching approach and represent the rates at which the Company’s benefit obligations could effectively be settled as of the Company’s measurement date, December 31. The benefit cash flow-matching approach involves analyzing CNH’s projected cash flows against a high quality bond yield curve, calculated using a wide population of AA-graded corporate bonds subject to minimum amounts outstanding and meeting other defined selection criteria. The discount rates for the Company’s remaining obligations are based on benchmark yield data of high-quality fixed income investments for which the timing and amounts of payments approximate the timing and amounts of projected benefit payments.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects management’s expectations on long-term average rates of return on funds invested to provide for benefits included in the projected benefit obligations. The expected return is based on the outlook for inflation, fixed income returns and equity returns, while also considering asset allocation and investment strategy, premiums for active management to the extent asset classes are actively managed and plan expenses. Return patterns and correlations, consensus return forecasts and other relevant financial factors are analyzed to check for reasonability and appropriateness.

The assumed health care trend rate represents the rate at which health care costs are assumed to increase. Rates are determined based on Company-specific experience, consultation with actuaries and outside consultants, and various trend factors including general and health care sector-specific inflation projections from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Health Care Financing Administration for the Company’s U.S. assumption. The initial trend is a short-term assumption based on recent experience and prevailing market conditions. The ultimate trend is a long-term assumption of health care cost inflation based on general inflation, incremental medical inflation, technology, new medicine, government cost shifting, utilization changes, aging population and a changing mix of medical services.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2010, the U.S. and Canada represented approximately 95% and 5%, respectively, of the total other postretirement benefit obligation. The following assumed health care trend rates were utilized in determining the funded status as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and net periodic benefit cost of CNH’s postretirement health and life insurance plans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

 

     2010     2009     2008  
     U.S.
Plans
    Canadian
Plan
    U.S.
Plans
    Canadian
Plan
    U.S.
Plans
    Canadian
Plan
 

Assumptions used to determine funded status at December 31:

            

Weighted-average, assumed initial healthcare cost trend rate

     8.00     8.50     8.50     9.00    

Weighted-average, assumed ultimate healthcare cost trend rate

     5.00     5.00     5.00     5.00    

Year anticipated attaining ultimate healthcare cost trend rate

     2017        2018        2017        2018       

Assumptions used to determine expense for the years ended December 31:

            

Weighted-average, assumed initial healthcare cost trend rate

     8.50     9.00     9.00     8.00     9.00     8.50

Weighted-average, assumed ultimate healthcare cost trend rate

     5.00     5.00     5.00     5.00     5.00     5.00

Year anticipated attaining ultimate healthcare cost trend rate

     2017        2018        2017        2015        2012        2015   

A one percentage point change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effect:

 

     One Percentage-
Point Increase
     One Percentage-
Point Decrease
 
     (in millions)  

Total increase/(decrease) in service cost and interest cost components of 2010 net postretirement benefit expense

   $ 6       $ (5

Total increase/(decrease) in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2010

   $ 104       $ (88

Plan Assets

The investment strategy followed by CNH varies by country depending on the circumstances of the underlying plan. Typically less mature plan benefit obligations are funded by using more equity securities as they are expected to achieve long-term growth while exceeding inflation. More mature plan benefit obligations are funded using more fixed income securities as they are expected to produce current income with limited volatility. Risk management practices include the use of multiple asset classes and investment managers within each asset class for diversification purposes. Specific guidelines for each asset class and investment manager are implemented and monitored.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Weighted average target asset allocation for all plans for 2010 are as follows:

 

     All
Plans
 

Asset category:

  

Equity securities

     38

Debt securities

     51

Cash/Other

     11

CNH determines the fair value of plan assets using observable market data obtained from independent sources when available. CNH classifies its plan assets according to the fair value hierarchy:

Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

The U.S. plan assets are held in a master trust. Participants in the master trust include other subsidiaries of Fiat until January 1, 2011. CNH does not own individual assets in the master trust. For purposes of this disclosure, CNH’s share of each of the U.S. master trust asset categories is included in the amounts presented below.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following summarizes the fair value of plan assets by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2010:

 

    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
    (in millions)  

Equity securities:

       

Total U.S. equities

  $ 193      $ 193      $      $   

Total non-U.S. equities

    7        7                 
                               

Total equity securities

    200        200                 
                               

Fixed income securities:

       

U.S. government bonds

    190               190          

U.S. corporate bonds

    207               207          

Non-U.S. corporate bonds

    50               50          

Mortgage backed securities

    21               21          

Other fixed income

    4               4          
                               

Total fixed income securities

    472               472          
                               

Other types of investments:

       

Mutual funds(A)

    1,005               1,005          

Investment funds(B)

    429               429          

Insurance contracts

    16                      16   

Derivatives:

       

Futures—Assets

    2               2          

Futures—Liabilities

    (2            (2       
                               

Futures—net value

                           

Credit default swaps—Assets

    1               1          

Credit default swaps—Liabilities

    (1            (1       
                               

Credit default swaps—net value

                           
                               

Total other types of investments

    1,450               1,434        16   
                               

Cash:

    23        2        21          
                               

Total

  $ 2,145      $ 202      $ 1,927      $ 16   
                               

 

(A)

This category includes mutual funds that invest approximately 5% in U.S. equities, 38% in non-U.S. equities, 5% in U.S. corporate bonds, 13% in non-U.S. corporate bonds, 1% in U.S. government bonds, 32% in non-U.S. government bonds, 3% in cash and 3% in other investments.

 

(B)

This category includes funds that invest approximately 49% in U.S. equities, 20% in non-U.S. equities, 4% in U.S. corporate bonds, 5% in non-U.S. corporate bonds, 1% in U.S. government bonds, 13% in non-U.S. government bonds and 8% in cash and other investments.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table presents the changes in the Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

     Non-US
Government
Bonds
    Non-US
Corporate Bonds
    Other Fixed
Income
    Insurance
Contracts
 

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 10      $ 2      $ 2      $ 16   

Actual return on plan assets:

        

Related to assets still held at year end

                            

Relating to assets sold during the year

                            

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     (9     (2              

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     (1            (2       
                                

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $      $      $      $ 16   
                                

The following summarizes the fair value of plan assets by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2009:

 

     Total     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  
     (in millions)  

Equity securities:

         

Total U.S. equities

   $ 281      $ 281       $      $   

Total non-U.S. equities

     155        155                  

Emerging markets

     4        4                  
                                 

Total equity securities

     440        440                  
                                 

Fixed income securities:

         

U.S. government bonds

     169                169          

U.S. corporate bonds

     304                304          

Non-U.S. government bonds

     336        284         42        10   

Non-U.S. corporate bonds

     106        12         92        2   

Mortgage backed securities

     29                29          

Other fixed income

     35        10         23        2   
                                 

Total fixed income securities

     979        306         659        14   
                                 

Other types of investments:

         

Mutual funds(A)

     202        13         189          

Investment funds(B)

     294                294          

Hedge funds

     6                6          

Insurance contracts

     16                       16   

Derivatives:

         

Credit default swaps—Assets

     10                10          

Credit default swaps—Liabilities

     (10             (10       
                                 

Credit swaps—net value

                             

Foreign exchange contracts—Assets

     1                1          

Foreign exchange contracts—Liabilities

     (3             (3       
                                 

Foreign exchange contracts—net value

     (2             (2       

Other investments(C)

     17        17             
                                 

Total other types of investments

     533        30         487        16   
                                 

Cash:

     65        32         33          
                                 

Total

   $ 2,017      $ 808       $ 1,179      $ 30   
                                 

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

(A)

This category includes mutual funds that invest approximately 62% in non-U.S. equities, 2% in U.S. corporate bonds, 26% in non-U.S. corporate bonds, 5% in non-U.S. government bonds and 5% in cash and other investments.

(B)

This category includes funds that invest approximately 41% in U.S. equities, 26% in non-U.S. equities, 1% in U.S. corporate bonds, 9% in non-U.S. corporate bonds, 1% in U.S. government bonds, 14% in non-U.S. government bonds and 8% in cash and other investments.

(C)

This category is comprised of investments in commodities.

The following table presents the changes in the Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2009:

 

     Non-US
Government
Bonds
     Non-US
Corporate Bonds
     Other Fixed
Income
    Insurance
Contracts
 

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 1       $ 1       $ 3      $ 16   

Actual return on plan assets:

          

Related to assets still held at year end

                              

Relating to assets sold during the year

                              

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     9         1                  

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

                     (1       
                                  

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 10       $ 2       $ 2      $ 16   
                                  

Contributions

CNH’s funding policy is to contribute assets to the plans equal to the amounts necessary to, at a minimum, satisfy the funding requirements as prescribed by the laws and regulations of each country.

During 2010, CNH made a discretionary contribution to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan trust of $70 million. CNH currently estimates that discretionary contributions to its U.S. defined benefit pension plans will be up to $70 million in 2011. During 2010, CNH contributed $59 million to its non-U.S. defined benefit plans and expects to make contributions to such plans in 2011 of approximately $55 million.

During 2010 and 2009, CNH did not make any voluntary contributions to its postretirement benefit plans; however, CNH made benefit payments of $74 million and $69 million during 2010 and 2009, respectively. CNH expects that cash requirements for other postretirement employee benefit costs will be approximately $81 million in 2011.

The following summarizes cash flows related to total benefits expected to be paid from the plans or from Company assets, as well as expected Medicare Part D subsidy receipts:

 

     Pension
Benefits
     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
     Medicare
Part D
Reimbursement
 
     (in millions)  

Employer contributions:

        

2011 (expected)

   $ 126       $ 82         N/A   
                          

Expected benefit payments and reimbursements:

     

2011

   $ 194       $ 89       $ 2   

2012

     186         88         2   

2013

     189         89         2   

2014

     190         90         2   

2015

     190         90         2   

2016 – 2020

     945         406         7   
                          

Total

   $ 1,894       $ 852       $ 17   
                          

 

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Defined Contribution Plans

CNH provides defined contribution plans for its U.S. salaried employees, its U.S. non-represented hourly employees and for its represented hourly employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. During the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, CNH recorded expense of $33 million, $34 million, and $33 million, respectively, for its defined contribution plans.

Note 13: Other Accrued Liabilities

A summary of other accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

 

     2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Value-added taxes and other taxes payable

   $ 738       $ 479   

Marketing and sales incentive programs

     774         690   

Warranty and modification programs

     350         301   

Accrued payroll

     275         163   

Legal reserves

     237         213   

Accrued income tax liability

     169         111   

Deferred income

     136         115   

Accrued interest

     91         99   

Defined benefit and other retirement plan obligations

     74         82   

Current deferred tax liability

     56         53   

Customer advances

     51         28   

Restructuring

     15         45   

Other

     379         299   
                 

Total other accrued liabilities

   $ 3,345       $ 2,678   
                 

Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies

CNH and its subsidiaries are party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including: product liability; product warranty; environmental; asbestos; dealer disputes; disputes with suppliers and service providers; workers compensation; patent infringement; and customer and employment matters. The ultimate outcome of legal matters pending against CNH and its subsidiaries cannot be predicted, and although such lawsuits are not expected individually to have a material adverse effect on CNH, such lawsuits could have, in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on CNH’s consolidated financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.

Environmental

Pursuant to the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”), which imposes strict and, under certain circumstances, joint and several liability for remediation and liability for natural resource damages, and other federal and state laws that impose similar liabilities, CNH has received inquiries for information or notices of its potential liability regarding 51 non-owned sites at which regulated materials allegedly generated by us were released or disposed (“Waste Sites”). Of the Waste Sites, 18 are on the National Priority List (“NPL”) promulgated pursuant to CERCLA. For 46 of the Waste Sites, the monetary amount or extent of the Company’s liability has either been resolved; it has not been named as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”); or its liability is likely de minimis.

 

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In September, 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA”) proposed listing the Parkview Well Site in Grand Island, Nebraska on the NPL. Within its proposal the EPA discussed two alleged alternatives, one of which identified historical on-site activities that occurred during prior ownership at CNH America’s Grand Island manufacturing plant property as a possible contributing source of area groundwater contamination. CNH America filed comments on the proposed listing which reflected its opinion that the data does not support the EPA’s reliance on the Grand Island facility as a potential basis for listing. In April, 2006, the EPA finalized the listing. After subsequent remedial investigations were completed by the EPA and the Company in 2006, the EPA advised that it will proceed with a remediation funded by the Federal Superfund without further participation by CNH. The U.S. EPA continues to search for PRPs other than CNH. In December, 2004, a toxic tort suit was filed by area residents against CNH, certain of its subsidiaries including CNH America, and prior owners of the property. While the outcome of this proceeding is uncertain, CNH believes that it has strong legal and factual defenses, and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.

Because estimates of remediation costs are subject to revision as more information becomes available about the extent and cost of remediation and because settlement agreements can be reopened under certain circumstances, the Company’s potential liability for remediation costs associated with the 51 Waste Sites could change. Moreover, because liability under CERCLA and similar laws can be joint and several, CNH could be required to pay amounts in excess of its pro rata share of remediation costs. However, when appropriate, the financial strength of other PRPs has been considered in the determination of the Company’s potential liability. CNH believes that the costs associated with the Waste Sites will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations.

The Company is conducting environmental investigatory or remedial activities at certain properties that are currently or were formerly owned and/or operated or which are being decommissioned. The Company believes that the outcome of these activities will not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial position or results of operations.

The actual costs for environmental matters could differ materially from those costs currently anticipated due to the nature of historical handling and disposal of hazardous substances typical of manufacturing and related operations, the discovery of currently unknown conditions, and as a result of more aggressive enforcement by regulatory authorities and changes in existing laws and regulations. As in the past, CNH plans to continue funding its costs of environmental compliance from operating cash flows.

Based upon information currently available, the Company estimates potential environmental liabilities including remediation, decommissioning, restoration, monitoring, and other closure costs associated with current or formerly owned or operated facilities, the Waste Sites, and other claims to be in the range of $31 million to $92 million. Investigation, analysis and remediation of environmental sites is a time consuming activity. The Company expects such costs to be incurred and claims to be resolved over an extended period of time which could exceed 30 years for some sites. As of December 31, 2010, environmental reserves of approximately $50 million have been established to address these specific estimated potential liabilities. Such reserves are undiscounted and do not include anticipated recoveries, if any, from insurance companies.

Product Liability

Product liability claims against CNH arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. There is an inherent uncertainty as to the eventual resolution of unsettled claims. However, in the opinion of management, any losses with respect to these existing claims will not have a material adverse effect on CNH’s financial position or results of operations. Product liability expense is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the line “Other, net.”

 

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Other Litigation

Yolton : In December 2002 six individuals acting on behalf of a purported class filed a lawsuit, Gladys Yolton, et al. v. El Paso Tennessee Pipeline Co. and Case Corporation, styled as a class action, in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against El Paso Tennessee Pipeline Co. (formerly Tenneco Inc., “El Paso”) and Case, LLC (now known as CNH America LLC, “CNH”). The lawsuit alleged breach of contract and violations of various provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and Labor Management Relations Act arising due to alleged changes in health insurance benefits provided to employees of the Tenneco Inc. agriculture and construction equipment business who retired before selected assets of that business were transferred to CNH in June 1994. El Paso administers the health insurance programs for these retirees. An agreement had been reached with the UAW capping the premium amounts that El Paso would be required to pay. Any amount above the cap limit would be the responsibility of the retirees. In 1998, in exchange for a release of all further liability for above-cap costs, CNH contributed $28 million to a Voluntary Employee’s Beneficiary Association (“VEBA”) to help defray the retirees’ above-cap costs.

The lawsuit arose after El Paso notified the retirees that the VEBA funds were exhausted and the retirees thereafter would be required to pay the premiums above the cap amounts. The plaintiffs also filed a motion for preliminary injunction in March 2003, asking the district court to order El Paso and/or CNH to pay the above-cap amounts. On March 9, 2004, based on an “alter ego” theory, the district court held that CNH was liable and ordered that CNH pay the above-cap health insurance benefits. CNH filed a motion for reconsideration and a motion for stay, both of which the district court denied on June 3, 2004. CNH and El Paso appealed to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, but the Sixth Circuit affirmed the district court’s decision. El Paso and CNH each filed a petition for a writ of certiorari seeking review by the U.S. Supreme Court. On November 6, 2006 the U.S. Supreme Court denied El Paso’s and CNH’s petitions and the matter was returned to the district court. After extensive discovery, El Paso and the plaintiffs filed summary judgment motions. CNH filed a summary judgment motion on the “alter ego” and VEBA release issues.

On March 7, 2008, the district court entered several orders. First it denied El Paso’s motion for summary judgment with respect to the benefits vesting issue, and granted plaintiff’s summary judgment motion with respect to liability. The court also denied CNH’s motion for summary judgment with respect to the “alter ego” basis of liability, effectively ruling for plaintiffs on that issue. The court denied CNH’s motion for summary judgment on the VEBA release issue. The VEBA release issue was tried the week of January 26, 2009. On October 27, 2009, the court ruled against CNH on the VEBA release issue. CNH intends to appeal this decision. El Paso is still adjudicating the damage claims of the plaintiffs.

In conjunction with the above litigation, CNH filed a summary judgment motion with the district court asking the court to enforce the terms of a Reorganization Agreement, which CNH contended obligated El Paso to defend CNH and indemnify it for all expenses and losses arising from this lawsuit. The court granted that motion and the decision has been upheld on appeal by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Based on CNH’s rights to indemnification under the Reorganization Agreement now being final, CNH and El Paso reached a settlement, whereby El Paso fully repaid CNH the amounts previously paid to the retirees and committed to pay CNH’s costs in litigating the “alter ego” issue and the VEBA release issue going forward. CNH has and will continue to vigorously contest this matter.

Despite the fact that El Paso has been finally determined to be financially responsible for the benefits which the plaintiffs seek, CNH could be exposed to losses if El Paso at some future time is unable to fulfill its indemnification obligations to CNH under the Reorganization Agreement. CNH is unable to quantify the amount of the health care obligations and cannot estimate the possible loss or range of losses on this matter as El Paso administers the health care plan. It is possible that such losses could be material.

 

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ACT: Three of CNH’s subsidiaries, New Holland Limited, New Holland Holding Limited and CNH (U.K.) Limited (together “CNH U.K.”), are claimants in group litigation (Class 2 and Class IV) against the Inland Revenue of the United Kingdom (“Revenue”) arising out of the discrimination under EU law in the advance corporation tax (“ACT”) regime operated by the Revenue between 1974 and 1999. The test claimant Pirelli was unsuccessful in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal during 2010 on the Class 2 and Class IV arguments, with no granting of an appeal to the Supreme Court allowed by the Court of Appeal. Pirelli is currently seeking separate leave of appeal directly to the Supreme Court.

In December 2010 CNH UK repaid all monies received from the Revenue, without prejudice to the final outcome of the group litigation. The total repayment to the Revenue by CNH UK was £24.7 million including simple interest. As CNH UK had already provided in full for these repayments no further adverse impact on the results of CNH UK arose.

Oil for Food: In February 2006, Fiat S.p.A. received a subpoena from the SEC Division of Enforcement with respect to a formal investigation entitled In the Matter of Certain Participants in the Oil for Food Program. This subpoena requested documents relating to certain Fiat S.p.A. and CNH-related entities with respect to matters relating to the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program with Iraq (the “OFF Program”). A substantial number of companies, including certain CNH subsidiaries, were mentioned in the “Report of the Independent Inquiry Committee into the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme” issued in October 2005 (the “Report”). The Report alleged that these companies engaged in transactions under the OFF Program that involved inappropriate payments. There are two CNH subsidiaries named in the Report: CNH Italia S.p.A. and Case France (now known as CNH France S.A.).

On December 22, 2008, Fiat and CNH reached a settlement with the SEC and U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to resolve potential civil and criminal claims arising from their subsidiaries’ participation in the OFF Program. Under the terms of the settlement, Fiat and CNH collectively agreed to pay a $7.0 million criminal penalty, a $3.6 million civil penalty, and disgorgement of $5.3 million in profits (plus $1.9 million in prejudgment interest). Fiat paid these amounts in early January 2009 and CNH reimbursed Fiat an amount of $8.3 million. CNH neither admitted nor denied the allegations of the SEC, but agreed to be enjoined from violating certain provisions of federal law in the future. As part of the DOJ settlement, criminal complaints were filed against CNH Italia and CNH France, charging them with conspiracy to violate the books and records provisions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). Pursuant to a deferred prosecution agreement entered on the same date, the DOJ agreed to drop these charges upon the expiration of a three-year term, provided CNH meets certain obligations such as cooperating with the DOJ and maintaining an adequate FCPA compliance program.

PGN: CNH was involved in a consolidated arbitration proceeding (the “Arbitration”) before the ICC International Court of Arbitration. The Arbitration related to a Services Agreement between CNH and PGN Logistics Ltd (“PGN”), pursuant to which PGN provided specified logistics services for certain CNH subsidiaries in Europe. The dispute arose following CNH’s termination of the Services Agreement in January 2005 and involved 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 in August 2007, 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 suffered with respect to lost profits.

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

 

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Agreement and bear a portion of the costs incurred in connection with the dispute and the Arbitration. The Tribunal dismissed all of PGN’s other claims. During the years 2007 through 2009, CNH made various payments to PGN (including approximately $55 million in October 2007, approximately $17 million in December 2008, and approximately £1.9 million in March 2009) in connection with the damages award and on the resolution of certain procedural issues. Pursuant to a Deed of Settlement, dated June 15, 2009, CNH paid PGN a final settlement of $5 million and the parties to the arbitration proceeding resolved all outstanding issues relating to the arbitration and the termination of the Services Agreement.

Cheron: In connection with a logistics Services Agreement among CNH Global N.V., PGN Logistics Ltd. (“PGN”) and certain affiliated companies, PGN entered into a subcontract with Transport Cheron N.V. (“Cheron”). The subcontract was signed by Cheron and by PGN purportedly “in the name and on behalf of” CNH Global N.V. (“CNH Global”). CNH Global contends that it is not a party to the subcontract and that PGN was not authorized to sign the subcontract on its behalf. In early 2005 and as a result of the termination of the Services Agreement Cheron filed suit in the District Court in Haarlem, the Netherlands against both PGN and CNH Global for breach of the subcontract and for preliminary relief. In March 2005 the district court issued an order requiring CNH Global to pay €1.5 million ($2.4 million) to Cheron as a preliminary payment of lost profit damages. CNH Global appealed this decision to the Court of Appeals in Amsterdam, and, on November 24, 2005, the Court of Appeals rendered its decision in effect holding that liability had not been demonstrated with a degree of certainty sufficient to warrant a preliminary award of damages. At this point the matter returned to the district court for a determination of liability.

On September 24, 2008, the district court issued its interim award with respect to liability. The district court held that CNH Global is liable under the subcontract for damages that Cheron suffered as a result of the alleged breach of the subcontract. Cheron has alleged damages in the amount of approximately €21 million ($34 million). CNH Global believes that the damages alleged by Cheron are improperly calculated and, as a result, are materially overstated. Moreover, CNH Global believes the district court interim award with respect to liability is incorrect. The damages phase of the case is currently pending and a hearing was held on June 9, 2010. On July 14, 2010 the District Court in Haarlem issued an interim judgment on damages in effect rejecting Cheron’s arguments in favor of a materially longer time period during which lost profit damages accrued. CNH continues to believe Cheron’s damages claim is materially inflated and unsustainable and will vigorously defend this matter. Management has considered relevant facts in connection with this matter and has established what it believes to be a reasonable accrual. It is possible that the actual loss may exceed the amount accrued but, in the Company’s view, any such excess is unlikely to be material.

Ligon: On February 5, 2009, a lawsuit was filed by Ligon Capital LLC (a former CNH supplier) against CNH America LLC. Ligon alleges fraud and breach of contract resulting from its termination as a CNH supplier in June 2008. Ligon claims that CNH defrauded them by failing to disclose plans to source from other suppliers and induced Ligon to purchase and process unique components to fulfill CNH’s forecasted hydraulic cylinder orders. Ligon seeks $5.3 million in damages consisting of unpurchased inventory, capital improvements, expedited freight charges and overtime allegedly incurred to meet CNH’s forecasted orders. CNH believes that, in the absence of an express contract, it had no duty to disclose its plans to source from other suppliers and any reliance upon forecasted orders (as opposed to firm orders) was unreasonable, because forecasted orders were subject to modification and cancellation. CNH also disputes the amount of alleged damages as being overstated. On January 27, 2010, a single arbitrator in a non-binding arbitration held that the evidence would support an award of compensatory damages to Ligon in the amount of approximately $5.3 million, with the potential for additional punitive damages. The arbitrator’s decision was rendered in the absence of formal discovery being imposed upon Ligon for the production of internal documents and testimony. The case is now proceeding to formal discovery, including production by Ligon of internal documents and testimony which may rebut the

 

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arbitrator’s findings. CNH will continue to vigorously defend this matter. Management has considered relevant facts in connection with this matter and has established what it believes to be a reasonable accrual. It is possible that the actual loss may exceed the amount accrued but, in the Company’s view, any such excess is unlikely to be material. In addition, it is possible that punitive damages could be assessed and that the amount of punitive damages could be material, however, CNH cannot estimate a range of possible punitive damages that might be assessed.

CNH records litigation expense in the consolidated statements of operations in the line “Other, net.”

Commitments

Minimum rental commitments at December 31, 2010, under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:

 

     Amount  
     (in millions)  

2011

   $ 32   

2012

     21   

2013

     16   

2014

     15   

2015

     14   

2016 and beyond

     58   
        

Total minimum rental commitments

   $ 156   
        

Total rental expense for all operating leases was $35 million, $39 million, and $39 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

At December 31, 2010, Financial Services has various agreements to extend credit for the following financing arrangements:

 

Facility

   Total
Credit
Limit
     Utilized      Unfunded
Amount
 
     (in millions)  

Private label revolving charge accounts

   $ 3,966       $ 286       $ 3,680   

Wholesale and dealer financing

   $ 5,670       $ 2,945       $ 2,725   

Guarantees

In the normal course of business, CNH and its subsidiaries provide indemnification for guarantees it arranges in the form of bonds guaranteeing the payment of taxes, performance bonds, custom bonds, bid bonds and bonds related to litigation. As of December 31, 2010, total commitments of this type are approximately $543 million.

In addition CNH provides payment guarantees on financial debts of customers for approximately $539 million, of which the main guarantee relates to credit lines with BNDES, a development agency of the government of Brazil. BNDES has provided limited credit lines to qualified financial institutions at subsidized interest rates to enable subsidized retail financing to customers for purchases of agricultural or construction equipment. In addition to participating directly in the program, Financial Services originated and continues to service secured retail loans on behalf of some other financial institutions participating in the BNDES program.

 

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CNH, through Financial Services, has guaranteed the portfolio against all credit losses. At December 31, 2010, the guaranteed portfolio balance is $396 million.

Fiat issued to BNDES a guarantee in the maximum amount of $1 billion in connection with BNDES making available to Banco CNH a credit line in the amount of $1 billion. CNH has issued to Fiat a guarantee in the maximum amount of $1 billion and covering any amounts Fiat may be required to pay under its guaranty in favor of BNDES. CNH anticipates that the Fiat guarantee in favor of BNDES will be replaced in the near future with a comparable guarantee issued by Fiat Industrial.

Warranty and Campaign Reserve

As described in “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” CNH pays for basic warranty costs and other service action costs. A summary of recorded activity for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 for the basic warranty and accruals for modification programs are as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 301      $ 294   

Current year additions

     377        328   

Claims paid

     (328     (342

Currency translation adjustment

            21   
                

Balance, end of year

   $ 350      $ 301   
                

Note 15: Financial Instruments

Under current accounting guidance, the Company may elect to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that were previously not required to be measured at fair value. This fair value option must be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis with changes in fair value reported in earnings. After the initial adoption, the election can be made at the acquisition of an eligible financial asset, financial liability, or firm commitment or when certain specified reconsideration events occur. The fair value election may not be revoked once an election is made. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have an impact on CNH’s financial position and results of operations, as the Company did not elect the fair value measurement option for eligible items.

Fair-Value Hierarchy

U.S. GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair-value hierarchy:

Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

 

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This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available.

Determination of Fair Value

When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine fair value and classifies such items in Level 1. In some cases where a market price is not available, the Company will make use of observable market based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the items are classified in Level 2.

If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters such as interest rates, currency rates, or yield curves. Items valued using such internally generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be some significant inputs that are readily observable.

The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure various financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified. Where appropriate, the description includes details of the valuation models, the key inputs to those models, as well as any significant assumptions.

Derivatives

CNH utilizes derivative instruments to mitigate its exposure to interest rate and foreign currency exposures. Derivatives used as hedges are effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged and are designated as a hedge at the inception of the derivative contract. CNH does not hold or issue derivative or other financial instruments for speculative purposes. The credit and market risk for interest rate hedges are reduced through diversification among counterparties with high credit ratings. These counterparties include certain Fiat subsidiaries. The total notional amount of foreign exchange hedges and interest rate derivative hedges with certain Fiat subsidiaries as counterparties was approximately $3.5 billion and $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Beginning January 1, 2011, as a result of the demerger, contracts whose counterparties were Fiat subsidiaries were transferred to certain Fiat Industrial subsidiaries. Derivative instruments are generally classified as Level 2 or 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

CNH has entered into foreign exchange forward contracts, swaps, and options in order to manage and preserve the economic value of cash flows in non-functional currencies. CNH conducts its business on a global basis in a wide variety of foreign currencies and hedges foreign currency exposures arising from various receivables, liabilities and expected inventory purchases and sales. Derivative instruments that are utilized to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with anticipated inventory purchases and sales in foreign currencies are designated as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses on these instruments are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings when the related transaction occurs. Ineffectiveness related to these hedge relationships is recognized currently in the consolidated statements of operations in the line “Other, net” and was not significant for any of the periods presented. The maturity of these instruments does not exceed 17 months and the net of tax losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that will be recognized in net sales and cost of goods sold over the next twelve months is approximately $4 million. If a

 

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derivative instrument is terminated because the hedge relationship is no longer effective or because the hedged item is a forecasted transaction that is no longer determined to be probable the cumulative amount recorded in AOCI is recognized immediately in earnings. Such amounts were insignificant in all periods presented.

CNH also uses forwards and swaps to hedge certain short-term receivables and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and foreign operational cash flow exposures. Such derivatives are considered economic hedges and not designated as hedging instruments. The changes in the fair values of these instruments are recognized directly in income and are expected to offset the foreign exchange gains or losses on the exposures being managed.

All of CNH’s foreign exchange derivatives are considered Level 2 as the fair value is calculated using market data input and can be compared to actively traded derivatives. The total notional amount of CNH’s foreign exchange derivatives was $4.2 billion and $3.2 billion at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Interest Rate Derivatives

CNH has entered into interest rate derivatives (swaps and caps) in order to manage interest rate exposures arising in the normal course of business for Financial Services. Interest rate derivatives that have been designated in cash flow hedging relationships are being used by CNH to mitigate the risk of rising interest rates related to the anticipated issuance of short-term LIBOR based debt in future periods. Further, CNH used these swaps to mitigate the risk of rising interest rates related to variable-rate debt in certain ABS trusts associated with CNH’s retail securitization programs. Gains and losses on these instruments, to the extent that the hedge relationship has been effective, are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in interest expense over the period in which CNH recognizes interest expense on the related debt. Ineffectiveness recognized related to these hedging relationships for the year ending December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $7 million and $6 million, respectively, and was not significant for the year ended December 31, 2008. These amounts are recorded in “Other, net” in the consolidated statement of operations. Furthermore for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, CNH recorded losses of less than $1 million, $13 million, and $23 million, respectively, related to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge accounting for instances where the forecasted transactions were no longer probable. These amounts are recorded in “Interest expense” and “Other, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. The maximum length of time over which CNH is hedging its interest rate exposure through the use of derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedge relationships is 60 months and CNH expects net gains or losses to be insignificant.

Interest rate derivatives that have been designated in fair value hedge relationships have been used by CNH to mitigate the risk of reductions in the fair value of existing fixed rate long-term bonds and medium-term notes due to increases in LIBOR based interest rates. This strategy is used mainly for the interest rate exposures for Equipment Operations. Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in “Interest expense” in the period in which they occur and an offsetting gain or loss is also reflected in “Interest expense” based on changes in the fair value of the debt instrument being hedged due to changes in LIBOR based interest rates. There was no material ineffectiveness as a result of fair value hedge relationships in 2010, 2009, or 2008, respectively.

CNH also enters into offsetting interest rate derivatives with substantially similar terms that are not designated as hedging instruments. Unrealized and realized gains and losses resulting from fair value changes in these instruments are recognized directly in income. These instruments are used to mitigate interest rate risk related to the CNH’s ABCP facilities and various ABS trusts. These facilities and trusts require CNH to enter into interest rate derivatives. To ensure that these transactions do not result in the Company being exposed to this risk, CNH enters into a compensating position. Net gains and losses on these instruments were insignificant for

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. As a result of the new consolidation accounting guidance adopted January 1, 2010, interest rate derivatives, which were held by SPEs and are now consolidated, were recorded as part of the adoption adjustment. The table below summarizes the impact of the adoption specific to the interest rate derivatives and the location on the balance sheet.

 

     January 1, 2010  
     (in millions)  

Other assets

   $ 3   

Other liabilities

     24   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax of $9 million)

     14   

Most of CNH’s interest rate derivatives are considered Level 2. The fair market value of these derivatives is calculated using market data input and can be compared to actively traded derivatives. The future notional of some of CNH’s interest rate derivatives is not known in advance. These derivatives are considered Level 3 derivatives. The fair market value of these derivatives is calculated using market data input and a forecasted future notional. The total notional amount of CNH’s interest rate derivatives was approximately $4 billion and $5.5 billion at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Financial Statement impact of CNH Derivatives

The location on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the fair value of CNH’s derivatives as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Derivatives Designated as Hedges:

     

Other Assets:

     

Foreign exchange contracts:

     

Equipment Operations

   $ 42       $ 41   

Interest rate derivatives:

     

Equipment Operations

     14         2   

Financial Services

     13         17   
                 

Total

   $ 69       $ 60   
                 

Other Liabilities:

     

Foreign exchange contracts:

     

Equipment Operations

     62         72   

Interest rate derivatives:

     

Equipment Operations

     16           

Financial Services

     17         20   
                 

Total

   $ 95       $ 92   
                 

 

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     2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges:

     

Other Assets

     

Foreign exchange contracts:

     

Equipment Operations

   $ 19       $ 28   

Financial Services

     3           

Interest rate derivatives:

     

Financial Services

     8         14   
                 

Total

   $ 30       $ 42   
                 

Other Liabilities

     

Foreign exchange contracts:

     

Equipment Operations

   $ 39       $ 55   

Interest rate derivatives:

     

Financial Services

     10         17   
                 

Total

   $ 49       $ 72   
                 

The location of pre-tax gains (losses) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to CNH’s derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Fair Value Hedges

    

Interest rate derivatives—Other, Net

   $ (3   $ 2   

Gains/(losses) on hedged items—Other, Net

     3        (1

Cash Flow Hedges

    

Recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (Effective Portion):

    

Foreign exchange contracts—accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ (44   $ (51

Interest rate derivatives—accumulated other comprehensive income

     (33     26   

Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (Effective Portion):

    

Foreign exchange contracts—Net Sales

     (15     (10

Foreign exchange contracts—Cost of Goods Sold

     (20     (38

Interest rate derivatives—Interest Expense

     (41     (13

Interest rate derivatives—Finance and Interest Income

            (2

Recognized directly in income (amounts excluded from effectiveness testing and ineffective portion):

    

Foreign exchange contracts—Other, Net

     (29     7   

Interest rate derivatives—Other, Net

     (7     (9

Interest rate derivatives—Interest Expense

            (10

Not Designated as Hedges

    

Foreign exchange contracts—Other, Net

   $ 19      $ 53   

Interest rate derivatives—Other, Net

            (6

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Retained Interest in Securitized Assets

Beginning January 1, 2010, with the adoption of the new accounting guidance related to VIEs, CNH reclassified retained interests to receivables for transactions that were consolidated under this guidance. For transactions that are considered sales and are off-book, CNH continues to carry the retained interest at estimated fair value, which it determines by discounting the projected cash flows over the expected life of the assets sold in connection with such transactions using prepayment, default, loss and interest rate assumptions. CNH recognizes declines in the value of its retained interests, and resulting charges to income or equity, when their fair value is less than their carrying value. The portion of the decline from discount rates exceeding those in the initial transaction is charged to equity. All other credit related declines are charged to income. Assumptions used to determine fair values of retained interests are based on internal evaluations and, although CNH believes its methodology is reasonable, actual results may differ from its expectations. CNH’s current estimated valuation of retained interests may change in future periods, and CNH may incur additional impairment charges as a result. Retained interests in securitized assets are generally classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2010, retained interests in securitized assets are $39 million.

Key assumptions utilized in measuring the initial fair value of retained interests for securitizations completed during 2009 were as follows:

 

     Range   Weighted
Average

Constant prepayment rate

   15.00-20.00%   19.31%

Expected credit loss rate

   0.59-1.50%   0.79%

Discount rate

   9.00-17.00%   14.06%

Remaining maturity in months

   13-32   25

The fair value is compared to the carrying value of the retained interests and consistent with new accounting guidance issued in 2009 for changes in credit-related rates that result in an excess of carrying value over fair value, an impairment of the retained interests is recorded with a corresponding offset to income. If changes in the discount rates result in an excess of carrying value over fair value, an impairment to the retained interest is recorded with the offset included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Based on this analysis, CNH reduced the value of its retained interests by $37 million and $42 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Impact on Fair Value

The weighted average of significant assumptions used in estimating the fair values of retained interests from sold receivables, which remained outstanding at December 31, 2009, and the sensitivity of the current fair value to a 10% and 20% adverse change were as follows:

 

     Assumption     10%
Change
     20%
Change
 
     (in millions except percentages)  

Constant prepayment rate

     18.58   $ 2       $ 2   

Expected credit loss rate

     1.10   $ 4       $ 9   

Discount rate

     10.21   $ 7       $ 14   

Remaining maturity in months

     15        

The changes shown above are hypothetical. They are computed based on variations of individual assumptions without considering the interrelationship between these assumptions. As a change in one assumption

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

may affect the other assumptions, the magnitude of the impact on fair value of actual changes may be greater or less than those illustrated above. Weighted-average remaining maturity represents the weighted-average number of months that the current collateral balance is expected to remain outstanding, assuming exercise of cleanup calls.

Actual and expected retail credit losses are summarized as follows:

 

     Retail Receivables Securitized in  
         2009             2008      

As of December 31, 2009

     0.78     1.69

As of December 31, 2008

       0.86

Credit losses are calculated by adding the actual and projected future credit losses and dividing them by the original balance of each pool of assets securitized.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables present for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Level 2      Level 3      Total  
     2010      2009      2010      2009      2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Assets

                 

Foreign Exchange Derivatives

   $ 64       $ 69       $       $       $ 64       $ 69   

Interest Rate Derivatives

     35         32                 1         35         33   

Retained Interests

                     39         1,259         39         1,259   
                                                     

Total Assets

   $ 99       $ 101       $ 39       $ 1,260       $ 138       $ 1,361   
                                                     

Liabilities

                 

Foreign Exchange Derivatives

   $ 102       $ 127       $       $       $ 102       $ 127   

Interest Rate Derivatives

     37         35         5         2         42         37   
                                                     

Total Liabilities

   $ 139       $ 162       $ 5       $ 2       $ 144       $ 164   
                                                     

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table presents the changes in the Level 3 fair-value category for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Retained
Interests
    Derivative
Financial
Instruments
 
     (in millions)  

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 804      $ (1

Total gains or losses (realized / unrealized)

    

Included in earnings

     (14       

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     29          

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     440          
                

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 1,259      $ (1

Total gains or losses (realized / unrealized)

    

Impact from accounting change

     (1,222     (24

Included in earnings

            20   

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     2          
                

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 39      $ (5
                

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools, accounts payable short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt included in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value.

Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

The estimated fair market values of financial instruments not carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

     2010      2009  
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair
Value
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair
Value
 
     (in millions)  

Retail finance accounts receivable

   $ 8,134       $ 8,369       $ 4,264       $ 4,205   

Long-term public debt, excluding current maturities

   $ 2,721       $ 3,005       $ 1,723       $ 1,787   

Long-term asset backed debt, excluding current maturities

   $ 3,113       $ 3,117       $ 146       $ 186   

Other long-term debt, excluding current maturities

   $ 2,706       $ 2,707       $ 3,181       $ 3,004   

Retail finance receivables

The fair value of the retail finance receivables is based on the discounted values of their related cash flows at current market interest rates. The carrying amount of short-term receivables were assumed to approximate fair value.

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

The fair values of the long-term debt were based on current market quotes for identical or similar borrowings and credit risk.

 

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Note 16: Shareholders’ Equity

The Articles of Association of CNH provide for authorized share capital of €1.35 billion, divided into 400 million common shares and 200 million Series A preference shares, each with a per share par value of €2.25. At the general meeting of the shareholders held on March 12, 2010, the shareholders authorized CNH’s Board of Directors to issue shares for a period ending in March 2015.

During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, changes in CNH common shares issued were as follows:

 

     Common Shares  
     2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Issued as of beginning of year

     237,553         237,525   

Issuances of CNH Common Shares:

     

Shares issued to Directors

     6         20   

Stock-based compensation

     1,029         8   
                 

Issued as of end of year

     238,588         237,553   
                 

There were no Series A preference shares outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

No dividend was declared or paid in 2010 or 2009. A dividend of $0.50 per common share, totaling $118 million was declared and paid in 2008.

Note 17: Option and Incentive Plans

CNH issues share-based compensation awards to outside members of the Board of Directors under the CNH Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan, and to certain employees under the CNH Equity Incentive Plan. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, CNH recognized total share-based compensation expense of $34 million, $14 million and $0 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, CNH recognized a total tax benefit relating to share-based compensation expense of $10 million, $4 million, and nil, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, CNH has unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested awards of approximately $69 million based on current assumptions related to achievement of specified performance objectives when applicable. Unrecognized share-based compensation costs will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

Share Ownership

Collectively, CNH’s directors and executive officers beneficially own, or were granted options with respect to, less than one percent of CNH’s common shares. Directors’ automatic option awards vest after the third anniversary of the grant date.

CNH Equity Incentive Plan

The CNH Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “CNH EIP”) provides for grants of various types of awards to officers and certain employees of CNH and its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2010, CNH has reserved 15,900,000 shares for the CNH EIP.

Except as noted below, the exercise prices of all options granted under the CNH EIP are equal to or greater than the fair market value of CNH common shares on the respective grant dates. During 2009 and 2001, CNH

 

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granted stock options with an exercise price less than the quoted market price of CNH’s common shares at the date of grant. The exercise price of these grants were based upon the average closing price of CNH common shares on the New York Stock Exchange for the thirty-day period preceding the date of grant.

Stock Option Grants

Beginning in 2006, the Company began to issue performance-based stock options under the CNH EIP. In April 2010, CNH granted approximately 1.5 million performance-based stock options (at target award levels) under the CNH EIP. As CNH’s 2010 results exceeded the target performance levels, 2.9 million of these options will vest. One-third of the options vested in February 2011 following the approval of 2010 results by the Board of Directors. The remaining options will vest equally on the first and second anniversary of the initial vesting date. Options granted under the CNH EIP in 2010 have a contractual life of five years from the initial vesting date.

Prior to 2006, certain stock option grants were issued which vest ratably over four years from the grant date and expire after ten years. Additionally, certain performance-based options, which had an opportunity for accelerated vesting subject to the attainment of specified performance criteria were issued; however, the performance criteria were not achieved. In any event, vesting of these performance-based options occurred seven years from the grant date. All options granted prior to 2006 have a contract life of ten years.

The following table reflects option activity under the CNH EIP for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

     2010  
     Shares     Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     4,332,835      $ 26.67   

Granted

     2,888,625        31.69   

Forfeited

     (324,494     31.91   

Expired

     (115,460     68.85   

Exercised

     (992,535     20.69   
          

Outstanding at end of year

     5,788,971        29.07   
          

Exercisable at end of year

     1,431,524        36.40   
          

Outstanding options under the CNH EIP have a weighted average remaining contract term of 4.2 years. Exercisable options under the CNH EIP have a weighted average remaining contract term of 2.4 years.

The following table summarizes outstanding stock options under the CNH EIP at December 31, 2010:

 

    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  

Range of

Exercise Price

  Shares
Outstanding
    Weighted-
Average
Contractual
Life
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
    Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value(A)
    Shares
Exercisable
    Weighted-
Average
Contractual
Life
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
    Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value(A)
 

$13.58–$19.99

    1,536,464        4.0      $ 13.66      $ 52,369,572        203,053        3.5      $ 14.15      $ 6,820,252   

$20.00–$29.99

    53,333        1.2        21.20        1,415,458        53,333        1.2        21.20        1,415,458   

$30.00–$39.99

    3,734,654        4.4        33.00        55,049,755        846,029        2.0        37.47        8,687,324   

$40.00–$57.30

    464,520        2.9        49.33               329,109        2.9        49.82          
                           
        $ 108,834,785            $ 16,923,034   
                           

 

(A)

The difference between the exercise price of stock-based compensation and the year-end market price of CNH common shares of $47.74. No amount is shown for awards with an exercise price that is greater than the year-end market price.

 

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Performance Share Grants

Under the CNH EIP, performance-based shares may also be granted to selected key employees and executive officers. CNH establishes the period and conditions of performance for each award. Performance-based shares vest upon the attainment of specified performance objectives.

In September 2010, CNH granted approximately 2 million performance-based share awards under the CNH EIP. These performance shares will vest in three equal installments if specified targets are achieved on a cumulative basis during the three-, four- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The fair value of this award is $34.74 per share.

CNH granted performance-based share awards under the Top Performance Plan (“TPP”) in 2006 through 2009. Vesting of the TPP performance shares was dependent on achievement of specified targets by 2010. In 2006 and 2007, CNH recognized expense for TPP awards based on an assumption that the specified performance targets would be achieved in 2009. In 2008, CNH determined achievement of these performance targets to be improbable and CNH reversed all previously recognized stock-based compensation expense ($11 million). Achievement of the performance targets did not occur in either 2009 or 2010 and these awards were forfeited. CNH did not recognize any stock-based compensation expense related to TPP awards in 2009 or 2010.

The following table reflects performance-based share activity under the CNH EIP for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

     2010  
     Performance
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at beginning of year

     1,349,000      $ 31.22   

Granted

     2,027,000        34.74   

Forfeited

     (1,359,000     31.25   

Vested

              
          

Nonvested at end of year

     2,017,000        34.74   
          

Restricted Share Grants

In September 2010, CNH granted 302,000 restricted share awards to selected key employees under the CNH EIP. Restricted shares vest in three equal installments over a three-year period ended September 30, 2013. The fair value of this award is $34.74 per share.

The following table reflects restricted share activity under the CNH EIP for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

     2010  
     Performance
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at beginning of year

          $   

Granted

     326,000        34.56   

Forfeited

     (2,000     34.74   

Vested

     (8,000     32.35   
          

Nonvested at end of year

     316,000        34.62   
          

 

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CNH Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan

The current CNH Global N.V. Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan (“CNH Outside Directors’ Plan”) provides for the payment of: (1) an annual retainer fee of $100,000; (2) an Audit Committee membership fee of $20,000; (3) a Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee membership fee of $15,000; (4) an Audit Committee chair fee of $35,000; and (5) a Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee chair fee of $25,000 (collectively, the “Fees”) to outside directors of CNH in the form of cash, and/or common shares of CNH, and/or options to purchase common shares of CNH. Each quarter of the CNH Outside Directors’ Plan year, the outside directors elect the form of payment of their Fees. If the elected form is common shares, the outside director will receive as many common shares as are equal to the amount of Fees the director elects to forego, divided by the fair market value of a common share. Common shares issued vest immediately upon grant, but cannot be sold for a period of six months. If the elected form is options, the outside director will receive as many options as the amount of Fees that the director elects to forego, multiplied by four and divided by the fair market value of a common share. Such fair market value being equal to the average of the highest and lowest sale price of a common share on the last trading day of each quarter of the CNH Outside Directors’ Plan year on the NYSE. Stock options granted as a result of such an election vest immediately upon grant, but shares purchased under options cannot be sold for six months following the date of exercise. Stock options terminate upon the earlier of: (1) ten years after the grant date; or (2) six months after the date an individual ceases to be an outside director. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee has recommended, and the Board of Directors has approved, a proposed amendment to the CNH Outside Directors’ Plan. The amended CNH Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan is hereinafter referred to as the “CNH Directors’ Plan.” The proposed amendment is subject to shareholder ratification at CNH’s next annual general meeting of shareholders and shall have retrospective effect as of November 1, 2010. The CNH Directors’ Plan provides for the payment of the Fees to eligible members of the board of CNH under the CNH Directors’ Plan, provided that such members do not receive salary or other employment compensation from CNH, its subsidiaries or affiliates, Fiat or Fiat Industrial and their subsidiaries. Prior to 2007, the Company also issued automatic option awards, which vest after the third anniversary of the grant date. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, there were 693,914 and 700,058 common shares, respectively, reserved for issuance under the CNH Directors’ Plan. Outside directors do not receive benefits upon termination of their service as directors.

The following table reflects option activity under the CNH Directors’ Plan for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

     2010  
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     117,419      $ 27.54   

Granted

     12,904        26.73   

Forfeited

              

Expired

     (2,873     59.17   

Exercised

     (36,610     15.61   
          

Outstanding at end of year

     90,840        31.24   
          

Exercisable at end of year

     90,840        31.24   
          

Outstanding and exercisable options under the Directors’ Plan have a weighted average remaining contract term of 6.6 years.

 

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The following table summarizes outstanding stock options under the CNH Directors’ Plan at December 31, 2010:

 

     Options Outstanding and Exercisable  

Range of
Exercise Price

   Shares
Outstanding
     Weighted Average
Contractual Life
     Weighted Average
Exercise Price
     Aggregate
Intrinsic Value(A)
 

$17.28–$26.00

     29,076         6.7       $ 21.50       $ 763,026   

$26.01–$40.00

     44,188         6.4         28.96         829,702   

$40.01–$56.00

     11,162         7.1         47.27         23,383   

$56.01–$66.41

     6,414         6.9         63.16           
                 
            $ 1,616,111   
                 

 

(A)

The difference between the exercise price of stock-based compensation and the year-end market price of CNH common shares of $47.74. No amount is shown for awards with an exercise price that is greater than the year-end market price.

Stock-Based Compensation Fair Value Assumptions

The Black-Scholes pricing model was used to calculate the fair value of stock options. The weighted-average assumptions used under the Black-Scholes pricing model were as follows:

 

     2010     2009     2008  
     Directors’
Plan
    CNH
EIP
    Directors’
Plan
    CNH
EIP
    Directors’
Plan
    CNH
EIP
 

Risk-free interest rate

     2.0     1.9     2.2     1.6     2.4     3.0

Dividend yield

     0.6     0.5     0.8     0.7     0.9     0.9

Stock price volatility

     66.9     74.1     62.9     70.6     45.0     40.5

Option life (years)

     5.00        3.73        5.00        3.73        5.00        3.59   

Based on this model, the weighted-average grant date fair values of stock options awarded for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 were as follows:

 

     2010      2009      2008  

CNH Directors’ Plan

   $ 14.60       $ 8.03       $ 11.70   

CNH EIP

   $ 16.10       $ 9.03       $ 12.95   

The risk-free interest rate is based on the current U.S. Treasury rate for a bond of approximately the expected life of the options. The expected volatility is based on the historical activity of CNH’s common shares over a period at least equal to the expected life of the options. The expected life for the CNH EIP grant is based on the average of the vesting period of each tranche and the original contract term of 69 months. The expected life for CNH Directors’ Plan grants are based on management estimates. The expected dividend yield for the CNH EIP grant is based on the annual dividends which have been paid on CNH’s common shares over the last four years.

The fair value of performance-based shares and restricted shares is based on the market value of CNH’s common shares on the date of the grant and is adjusted for the estimated value of dividends which are not available to participants during the vesting period.

 

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Additional Stock-Based Compensation Information

The table below provides additional stock-based compensation information for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:

 

     2010      2009      2008  
     (in millions)  

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

   $ 15       $       $ 3   

Fair value of shares vested

   $       $       $ 4   

Cash received from stock award exercises

   $ 21       $       $ 3   

Tax benefit of options exercised

   $ 3       $       $ 1   

As of December 31, 2010, there were 4,992,271 common shares available for issuance under the CNH EIP. Company shares that may be issued under the CNH EIP or any other plans may be either authorized and unissued shares, or issued shares that have been reacquired by the Company and are being held as treasury shares.

Note 18: Earnings per Share

CNH reflects common share equivalents in its computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding when applicable and when inclusion is not anti-dilutive. The effect of dilutive securities is calculated using the treasury stock method.

The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

 

     2010      2009     2008  
    

(in millions, except

per share data)

 

Basic:

       

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH Global N.V.

   $ 452       $ (190   $ 825   
                         

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic

     237.8         237.4        237.3   
                         

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to CNH Global N.V. common shareholders

   $ 1.90       $ (0.80   $ 3.48   
                         

Diluted:

       

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH Global N.V.

   $ 452       $ (190   $ 825   
                         

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic

     237.8         237.4        237.3   

Effect of dilutive securities (when dilutive):

       

Stock Compensation Plans(A)

     0.8                0.2   
                         

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted

     238.6         237.4        237.5   
                         

Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to CNH Global N.V. common shareholders

   $ 1.89       $ (0.80   $ 3.47   
                         

 

(A)

Stock options to purchase approximately 4.2 million, 4.5 million, and 2.2 million shares during 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the impact of these options would have been anti-dilutive.

 

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Note 19: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to CNH Global N.V.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2010, and 2009 are as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Cumulative translation adjustment

   $ 487      $ 338   

Adjustment to recognize the underfunded status of defined benefit plans, net of taxes ($350 million and $366 million, respectively)

     (618     (625

Deferred losses on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes ($7 million and $(1) million, respectively)

     (17       

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, net of taxes ($(4) million and $(12) million, respectively)

     6        20   
                

Total

   $ (142   $ (267
                

Note 20: Segment and Geographical Information

Segment Information

CNH has three reportable segments: Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment and Financial Services.

Agricultural Equipment

The agricultural equipment segment manufactures and distributes a full line of farm machinery and implements, including two-wheel and four-wheel drive tractors, combines, cotton pickers, grape and sugar cane harvesters, hay and forage equipment, planting and seeding equipment, soil preparation and cultivation implements and material handling equipment.

Construction Equipment

The construction equipment segment manufactures and distributes a full line of construction equipment including excavators, crawler dozers, graders, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders and trenchers.

Financial Services

The financial services segment is engaged in broad-based financial services through wholly owned subsidiaries and joint ventures in North America, Latin America, Europe and Australia. CNH provides and administers retail financing to end-use customers for the purchase or lease of new and used CNH and other agricultural and construction equipment sold by CNH dealers and distributors. CNH also facilitates the sale of insurance products and other financing programs to retail customers. In addition, CNH provides wholesale financing to CNH dealers and rental equipment operators, as well as financing options to dealers to finance working capital, real estate and other fixed assets and maintenance equipment in connection with their operations.

As of December 31, 2010, Fiat owned approximately 89% of CNH’s outstanding common shares through Fiat Netherlands. As a result, CNH evaluates segment performance and reports to Fiat based on criteria established by Fiat.

 

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CNH reports to Fiat based on financial information prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (collectively “IFRS”). CNH evaluates segment performance based on “trading profit” as defined by Fiat. Fiat defines trading profit as income before restructuring, net financial expenses of Equipment Operations, income taxes, noncontrolling interests, equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, and impairment losses. Transactions between segments are accounted for at market value.

A reconciliation from consolidated trading profit reported to Fiat under IFRS to income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 is provided below.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Trading profit reported to Fiat

   $ 1,001      $ 470      $ 1,650   

Adjustments to convert from trading profit to U.S. GAAP income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries:

      

Accounting for benefit plans

     (62     (51     (43

Accounting for other intangible assets, primarily product development costs

     (176     (140     (68

Restructuring

     (16     (102     (39

Net financial expense

     (342     (287     (289

Accounting for receivable securitizations and other

     11        17        (55
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under U.S. GAAP

   $ 416      $ (93   $ 1,156   
                        

The following summarizes trading profit by reportable segment:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Agricultural equipment

   $ 839      $ 650      $ 1,234   

Construction equipment

     (43     (393     26   

Financial services

     205        213        390   
                        

Trading profit

   $ 1,001      $ 470      $ 1,650   
                        

 

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A summary of additional reportable segment information, compiled under IFRS, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 is as follows:

 

     2010     2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Revenues:

      

Agricultural equipment

   $ 11,528      $ 10,663      $ 12,902   

Construction equipment

     2,946        2,120        4,464   

Financial services

     1,617        1,574        1,719   

Eliminations

     (309     (260     (373
                        

Net revenues under IFRS

     15,782        14,097        18,712   

Difference1

     (174     (337     (236
                        

Revenues under U.S. GAAP

   $ 15,608      $ 13,760      $ 18,476   
                        

Depreciation and amortization:

      

Agricultural equipment

   $ 264      $ 239      $ 235   

Construction equipment

     97        87        86   

Financial services

     124        127        116   
                        

Depreciation and amortization under IFRS

     485        453        437   

Difference, principally amortization of development costs capitalized under IFRS

     (70     (55     (63
                        

Depreciation and amortization under U.S. GAAP

   $ 415      $ 398      $ 374   
                        

Total assets:

      

Agricultural equipment2

   $ 11,913      $ 9,696      $ 9,094   

Construction equipment2

     3,729        3,604        4,800   

Financial services

     17,346        17,885        17,442   

Assets not allocated to segments, principally goodwill, other intangibles and taxes

     11,742        10,515        9,410   

Eliminations

     (12,544     (11,403     (9,494
                        

Total assets under IFRS

     32,186        30,297        31,252   

Difference3

     (597     (7,089     (5,793
                        

Total assets under U.S. GAAP

   $ 31,589      $ 23,208      $ 25,459   
                        

 

1

In 2010, principally classification of finance income. In 2009 and 2008, principally finance and interest income on receivables that were on-book under IFRS, but off-book under the U.S. GAAP accounting guidance in effect during those periods.

2

Includes receivables legally transferred to Financial Services.

3

In 2010, principally development costs that are capitalized under IFRS. In 2009 and 2008, principally receivables that were on-book under IFRS, but off-book under the U.S. GAAP accounting guidance in effect during those periods.

 

     2010     2009     2008  
     (in millions)  

Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets*:

      

Agricultural equipment

   $ 430      $ 341      $ 444   

Construction equipment

     138        92        161   

Financial services

     362        300        328   
                        

Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets under IFRS

     930        733        932   

Difference, development costs capitalized under IFRS

     (264     (213     (121
                        

Total expenditures for additions to long-lived assets under U.S. GAAP

   $ 666      $ 520      $ 811   
                        

 

*

Includes equipment on operating leases and property, plant and equipment

 

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     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates:

    

Agricultural equipment

   $ 221      $ 165   

Construction equipment

     188        167   

Financial services

     83        85   
                

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under IFRS

     492        417   

Difference, principally product development cost capitalized under IFRS

     (2     (2
                

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under U.S. GAAP

   $ 490      $ 415   
                

Geographical Information

The following highlights CNH’s long-lived tangible assets by geographic area and total revenues by destination:

 

     United
States
    Brazil     Canada     France     Australia     Germany     Other     Total  
     (in millions)  

At December 31, 2010, and for the year then ended:

                

Total revenues

   $ 5,771      $ 2,355      $ 1,102      $ 715      $ 547      $ 518      $ 4,600      $ 15,608   
                                                                

Long-lived tangible assets

   $ 1,070      $ 301      $ 241      $ 80      $ 22      $   35      $ 659      $ 2,408   
                                                                

At December 31, 2009, and for the year then ended:

                

Total revenues

   $ 5,308      $ 1,584      $ 551      $ 940      $ 620      $ 557      $ 4,200      $ 13,760   
                                                                

Long-lived tangible assets

   $ 1,039      $ 271      $ 214      $ 90      $ 54      $   40      $ 702      $ 2,410   
                                                                

At December 31, 2008, and for the year then ended:

                

Total revenues

   $ 5,491      $ 1,987      $ 1,252      $ 1,397      $ 490      $ 772      $ 7,087      $ 18,476   
                                                                

Long-lived tangible assets

   $ 1,033      $ 186      $ 181      $ 89      $ 15      $   41      $ 676      $ 2,221   
                                                                

The amounts reported as long-lived tangible assets include equipment on operating leases and property, plant and equipment.

CNH is organized under the laws of The Netherlands. Geographical information for CNH pertaining to The Netherlands is not significant or not applicable.

Note 21: Related Party Information

As of December 31, 2010, the Company’s outstanding capital stock consisted of common shares, par value €2.25 (U.S. $3.23) per share. As of December 31, 2010, there were 238,433,807 common shares outstanding. At December 31, 2010, CNH had 582 registered holders of record of its common shares in the United States. Registered holders and indirect beneficial owners hold approximately 11% of CNH’s outstanding common

 

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shares. Fiat Netherlands, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiat, is the largest single shareholder. Consequently, at December 31, 2010, Fiat controlled all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders, including approval of annual dividends, election and removal of its directors and approval of extraordinary business combinations. Fiat Netherlands has the same voting rights as the Company’s other shareholders. In connection with the demerger transaction Fiat transferred to Fiat Industrial its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands. As a result, CNH became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial.

Historically, the Company has developed and maintained a variety of relationships, and engaged in a number of transactions, with various Fiat subsidiaries. In connection with the contemplated demerger, relationships have been, or will be, modified, restructured or terminated. Following the demerger, Fiat will have no obligation to provide assistance to the Company other than on a transitional or other basis as may be agreed in connection with the demerger.

In connection with the demerger transaction Fiat and Fiat Industrial have entered into a Master Services Agreement (“MSA”) which sets forth the primary terms and conditions pursuant to which the various service provider subsidiaries of such entities will provide services (such as purchasing, tax, accounting and other back office services, security and training) to the various service receiving subsidiaries. As structured, the applicable service provider and service receiver subsidiaries will become parties to the MSA through the execution of an Opt-In letter which may contain additional terms and conditions. Pursuant to the MSA, service receivers are required to pay to service providers the actual cost of the services plus a nominal negotiated margin. CNH has not yet completed its evaluation of the terms and conditions of the proposed MSA. Pending such approval, entities providing services to CNH subsidiaries are continuing to provide such services on the terms and conditions which were applicable prior the demerger transaction.

Various Fiat subsidiaries, including CNH, were parties to a €1 billion ($1.3 billion) syndicated credit facility with a group of banks. Loans under this facility accrued interest at fluctuating rates based on EURIBOR (or other index rates, such as LIBOR depending on the currency borrowed), plus a margin. €300 million ($401 million) of this borrowing capacity was allocated to us with additional amounts potentially available depending on the usage by other borrowers. As of December 31, 2010, this facility was fully drawn, €300 million ($401 million) by us and €700 million ($935 million) by other Fiat subsidiaries. The amounts were repaid in whole and the syndicated credit facility was cancelled in January 2011.

Fiat, through certain of its treasury subsidiaries, had also made available to the Company and certain of CNH’s subsidiaries, pursuant to a Facility Agreement entered into in February 2009, a multi-currency revolving credit facility. Pursuant to this facility, CNH and the designated subsidiaries were permitted, from time to time, to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion, subject to specified sub-limits for each borrower. The interest rates on advances under the credit agreement ranged from LIBOR plus 0.15% per annum to LIBOR plus 5.75% per annum during 2009. The Company agreed to pay a commitment fee of 0.20% per annum on any unused amount of the facility. The facility matured and was repaid in full on February 26, 2010; it has not been renewed or extended.

On December 31, 2010, the Company’s outstanding consolidated debt with Fiat and its subsidiaries was $778 million, compared to $2.9 billion as at December 31, 2009. As a result of the demerger, all financing arrangements provided by Fiat treasury subsidiaries outstanding as of December 31, 2010 were assigned to Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries on January 1, 2011.

As at December 31, 2010, Fiat guaranteed $1.4 billion of the Company’s debt with third parties. The Company paid Fiat a guarantee fee based on the average amount outstanding under facilities guaranteed by Fiat.

 

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In 2010 and in 2009, the Company paid Fiat a guarantee fee of 0.0625% per annum. After the cancellation of the above mentioned syndicated credit facility in January 2011, the only Fiat guarantee still outstanding is for an amount of $1.0 billion; the Company anticipates that the Fiat guarantee in favor of BNDES will be replaced in the near future with a comparable guarantee issued by Fiat Industrial.

Like other companies that are part of multinational groups, the Company participates in a group-wide cash management system with the Fiat Group. Under this system, which is operated by Fiat treasury subsidiaries in a number of jurisdictions, the cash balances of Fiat Group members, including CNH, are aggregated at the end of each business day in central pooling accounts (the Fiat treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools). CNH’s positive cash deposits, if any, at the end of each business day may be invested by Fiat treasury subsidiaries in highly rated, highly liquid money market instruments or bank deposits or applied by Fiat treasury subsidiaries to meet financial needs of other Fiat Group members and vice versa. Deposits with Fiat treasury subsidiaries earn interest at LIBOR plus 0.15%. Interest earned on CNH’s deposits with Fiat treasury subsidiaries included in finance and interest income were approximately $44 million, $32 million, and $58 million in the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Further to the demerger, CNH entered into new cash management arrangements with Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries effective on January 1, 2011. The cash deposits in Fiat treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools as of December 31 were transferred to Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools on January 1, 2011. Accordingly, no cash residual balances were outstanding with Fiat treasury subsidiaries’ cash management system pools as of close of business January 1, 2011.

The terms and conditions applicable to the Fiat Industrial Group’s cash management pools are substantially the same as the terms and conditions governing the Fiat cash management pools.

As a result of CNH’s participation in the Fiat Industrial Group’s cash management pools, the Company is exposed to Fiat Industrial Group’s credit risk to the extent that the Fiat Industrial entity in whose name the deposit is pooled is unable to return the funds. In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of Fiat Industrial (or any other Fiat Industrial member in the jurisdictions with set off agreements) or in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of the Fiat Industrial Group entity in whose name the deposit is pooled, CNH may be unable to secure the return of such funds to the extent they belong to CNH, and CNH may be viewed as a creditor of such Fiat Industrial entity with respect to such deposits. Because of the affiliated nature of CNH’s relationship with the Fiat Industrial Group, it is possible that CNH’s claims as a creditor could be subordinated to the rights of third party creditors in certain situations.

As at December 31, 2010, CNH had approximately $3.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents; this amount included approximately $2 billion of funds which would have historically been deposited with the relevant cash management pools managed by Fiat treasury subsidiaries in the U.S. and in Europe. In anticipation of the demerger, these funds were deposited with primary financial institutions in Europe and the U.S. for a short-term period. At the maturity of these short-term deposits, in the month of January 2011, these funds were deposited with the applicable Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools.

For material related party transactions involving the purchase of goods and services, the Company generally solicits and evaluates bid proposals prior to entering into any such transactions. CNH’s Audit Committee conducts a review to determine that such related party transactions are on what the Committee believes to be arm’s-length terms.

CNH purchases engines and other components from the Fiat Group, and companies of the Fiat Group provide CNH with administrative services such as accounting and internal audit, cash management, maintenance

 

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of plant and equipment, plant, security, research and development, information systems and training. The companies of the Fiat Group also provide purchasing services to CNH. CNH sells certain products to subsidiaries of Fiat. In addition, the Company enters into hedging arrangements with counterparties that are members of the Fiat Group. The principal purchases of goods from Fiat and its subsidiaries include engines from Iveco and Fiat Powertrain Technologies, dump trucks from Iveco, robotic equipment and paint systems from Comau, and castings from Teksid. The Company was party to derivative or other financial instruments having an aggregate contract value of $3.5 billion and $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, to which subsidiaries of Fiat were counterparties.

Fiat provided accounting services to CNH in Europe and Brazil through a subsidiary that uses shared service centers to provide such services to various Fiat companies. Fiat provided internal audit services at the direction of CNH’s internal audit department in certain locations where the Company believed it is more cost effective to use existing Fiat resources. In 2005 and 2004, CNH purchased network and hardware support from and outsourced a portion of the Company’s information services to a joint venture that Fiat had formed with IBM. Fiat announced in 2005 that it had entered into a nine year strategic agreement with IBM under which IBM assumed full ownership of this joint venture as well as the management of a significant part of the information technology needs of members of the Fiat Group, including CNH. Fiat also provided training services through a subsidiary. The Company used a broker that is a subsidiary of Fiat to purchase a portion of its insurance coverage. The Company purchased research and development services from an Italian joint venture set up by Fiat and owned by various Fiat subsidiaries. This joint venture benefits from Italian government incentives granted to promote work in the less developed areas of Italy. The Company anticipates that if CNH approves of the terms of the MSA, these services will be covered under the terms and conditions of that agreement (together with any applicable Opt-In Letters). In the event CNH does not approve and become a party to the MSA, the Company will need to obtain these services from another source. If CNH were required to obtain such services from another source, there is no assurance that the Company would be successful in doing so or that the applicable terms and conditions would be as favorable as that previously provided by Fiat or available pursuant to the MSA.

The Company participated in tax sharing agreements with Fiat and certain of its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Italy. CNH’s management believes the terms of these agreements are customary for agreements of this type and are advantageous as tax losses generated in one company can offset income of the other companies within the group. During 2010, CNH derived $66 million of tax benefit from the tax sharing agreements. Due to the Fiat Group demerger effective January 1, 2011, CNH will still participate in tax sharing agreements in the U.K. and Italy, however, only with companies in the Fiat Industrial Group.

In order to optimize the tax efficiency of the Company, New Holland Tractors and Fiat India Private Limited effectuated an amalgamation as of April 1, 2007 for Indian fiscal and statutory purposes, which was approved by the Delhi and Bombay High Court on September 23, 2008. CNH obtained a fairness opinion from an independent third party financial advisor that documents that the consideration received by the parties to the transaction represent an arm’s-length “value-for-value” exchange.

In connection with the demerger transaction of Fiat and Fiat Industrial, in 2010 CNH sold its ownership interest in several small cost method investments to entities within the Fiat Group. These investments provided various services to the Fiat Group companies. The sales price was $3 million, resulting in a net loss of $2 million. CNH also anticipates selling 4% of its 10% ownership interest in Fiat Revi S.c.r.l to Fiat Industrial Group entities for a minimal loss in 2011. 

During 2008 CNH entered into a reimbursement agreement with Fiat in connection with the sponsorship contract Fiat signed with the Juventus Football Club S.p.A. The sponsorship contract was for a three year term

 

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that expired in 2010 and was not renewed. The Company paid $10 million, $17 million, and $8 million related to this reimbursement agreement in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The Juventus Football Club S.p.A., in which EXOR S.p.A. has a 60% stake, is listed on the Electronic Share Market of the Italian stock exchange. EXOR is one of the major investment holding companies in Europe. Among other things, EXOR also manages a portfolio that includes investments in Fiat, SGS S.A., and Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. CNH obtains services from SGS, for verification, inspection, control and certification activities and also obtain real estate services from Cushman & Wakefield.

If the goods or services or financing arrangements described above were not available from related parties, the Company would have to obtain them from other sources. The Company can offer no assurance that such alternative sources would provide such goods and services, or would provide them on terms as favorable as those offered by such related parties.

The following table summarizes CNH’s sales, purchase, and finance income with Fiat and subsidiaries of Fiat and joint ventures that are not already separately reflected in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

 

     2010      2009      2008  
   (in millions)  

Sales to affiliated companies and joint ventures

   $ 204       $ 200       $ 317   
                          

Purchase of materials, production parts, merchandise and services

   $ 895       $ 818       $ 1,185   
                          

Finance and interest income

   $ 44       $ 32       $ 58   
                          

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, CNH had trade payables to affiliated companies and joint ventures of $367 million and $270 million, respectively.

Note 22: Supplemental Consolidating Data

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. In addition, CNH’s principal competitors present supplemental data on a similar basis. Therefore, users of CNH’s consolidated financial statements can use the supplemental data to make meaningful comparisons of CNH and its principal competitors. This supplemental information does not purport to represent the operations of each group as if each group were to operate on a standalone basis. For example, Equipment Operations presents the cost of “interest free” periods for wholesale receivables as Interest Compensation to Financial Services, and not as a reduction of sales in their Statements of Operations. This supplemental data is as follows:

Equipment Operations—The financial information captioned “Equipment Operations” reflects the consolidation of all majority-owned subsidiaries except for CNH’s Financial Services business. CNH’s Financial Services business has been included using the equity method of accounting whereby the net income and net assets of CNH’s Financial Services business are reflected, respectively, in “Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates—Financial Services” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, and in “Investment in Financial Services” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Financial Services—The financial information captioned “Financial Services” reflects the consolidation or combination of CNH’s Financial Services business including allocation of assets and liabilities to the business.

 

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All significant intercompany transactions, including activity within and between “Equipment Operations” and “Financial Services,” have been eliminated in deriving the consolidated financial statements and data. Intersegment notes receivable, intersegment long-term notes receivable, intersegment short-term debt and intersegment long-term debt represent intersegment financing between Equipment Operations and Financial Services. Accounts and notes receivable, net and accounts payable include operational intersegment amounts between Equipment Operations and Financial Services. Equipment Operations sells a significant portion of its receivables to Financial Services. These intercompany cash flows are eliminated in the consolidated cash flows.

 

     Statements of Operations  
     Equipment Operations     Financial Services  
     2010     2009     2008     2010      2009      2008  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Revenues:

              

Net sales

   $ 14,474      $ 12,783      $ 17,366      $       $       $   

Finance and interest income

     154        131        205        1,395         1,190         1,356   
                                                  
     14,628        12,914        17,571        1,395         1,190         1,356   
                                                  

Costs and Expenses:

              

Cost of goods sold

     11,891        10,862        14,054                          

Selling, general and administrative

     1,243        1,150        1,403        455         336         295   

Research, development and engineering

     451        398        422                          

Restructuring

     16        98        34                4         5   

Interest expense—Fiat subsidiaries

     43        78        101        69         111         207   

Interest expense—other

     352        242        257        543         386         399   

Interest compensation to Financial Services

     238        202        275                          

Other, net

     191        201        204        115         129         115   
                                                  
     14,425        13,231        16,750        1,182         966         1,021   
                                                  

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

     203        (317     821        213         224         335   

Income tax provision

     12        33        279        65         59         106   

Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates:

              

Financial Services

     159        174        242        11         9         13   

Equipment Operations

     88        (46     40                          
                                                  

Net income (loss)

     438        (222     824        159         174         242   

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (14     (32     (1                       
                                                  

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH Global N.V.

   $ 452      $ (190   $ 825      $ 159       $ 174       $ 242   
                                                  

 

The supplemental Equipment Operations (with Financial Services on the equity basis) data in these statements include primarily CNH Global N.V.’s agricultural and construction equipment operations. The supplemental Financial Services data in these statements include primarily CNH Global N.V.’s financial services business.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

    Balance Sheets  
    Equipment
Operations
    Financial
Services
 
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (in millions, except share data)  
ASSETS      

Current Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 2,934      $ 290      $ 684      $ 973   

Restricted cash

                  914        128   

Deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

    1,643        2,144        117        107   

Accounts and notes receivable, net

    881        783        8,118        4,721   

Intersegment notes receivable

    1,730        1,893        52        308   

Inventories, net

    2,937        3,297                 

Deferred income taxes

    437        393        196        124   

Prepayments and other

    632        430        190        32   
                               

Total current assets

    11,194        9,230        10,271        6,393   
                               

Long-term receivables

    30        5        5,377        3,231   

Intersegment long-term notes receivable

    543        505        510        326   

Property, plant and equipment, net

    1,784        1,761        2        3   

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

    407        330        83        85   

Investment in Financial Services

    2,007        2,377                 

Equipment on operating leases, net

    2        3        620        643   

Goodwill

    2,233        2,225        152        149   

Other intangible assets, net

    673        710        6        7   

Other assets

    779        734        136        214   
                               

Total

  $ 19,652      $ 17,880      $ 17,157      $ 11,051   
                               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      

Current Liabilities:

     

Current maturities of long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

  $      $ 59      $ 253      $ 777   

Current maturities of long-term debt—other

    818        568        2,823        982   

Short-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

    43        7        151        530   

Short-term debt—other

    82        129        3,587        1,306   

Intersegment short-term debt and current maturities of intersegment long-term debt

    52        308        1,730        1,893   

Accounts payable

    2,586        2,061        150        151   

Other accrued liabilities

    2,964        2,414        390        281   
                               

Total current liabilities

    6,545        5,546        9,084        5,920   
                               

Long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

    67        872        264        644   

Long-term debt—other

    3,083        2,033        5,126        1,501   

Intersegment long-term debt

    510        326        543        505   

Pension, postretirement and other postemployment benefits

    1,757        1,858        13        13   

Other liabilities

    307        436        119        90   

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

    4                        

Equity:

     

Preference shares, $1.00 par value; authorized and issued 74,800,000 shares in 2010 and 2009

                  35        35   

Common shares, €2.25 par value; authorized 400,000,000 shares in 2010 and 2009, issued 238,588,630 shares in 2010, 237,553,331 shares in 2009

    599        595        156        323   

Paid-in capital

    6,198        6,188        1,281        1,261   

Treasury stock, 154,813 shares in 2010 and 2009, at cost

    (8     (8              

Retained earnings

    658        210        215        475   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    (142     (267     320        283   

Noncontrolling interests

    74        91        1        1   
                               

Total equity

    7,379        6,809        2,008        2,378   
                               

Total

  $ 19,652      $ 17,880      $ 17,157      $ 11,051   
                               

 

The supplemental Equipment Operations (with Financial Services on the equity basis) data in these statements include primarily CNH Global N.V.’s agricultural and construction equipment operations. The supplemental Financial Services data in these statements include primarily CNH Global N.V.’s financial services business.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

    Statements of Cash Flows  
    Equipment Operations     Financial Services  
    2010     2009     2008     2010     2009     2008  
    (in millions)  

Operating activities:

           

Net income (loss)

  $ 438      $ (222   $ 824      $ 159      $ 174      $ 242   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

           

Depreciation and amortization

    291        270        258        124        128        116   

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

    (34     (80     45        6        13        41   

Loss on debt extinguishment

    22                                      

Gain on disposal of unconsolidated subsidiary

    (4            (7                     

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

    1                      1        4        (1

Stock compensation expense

    34        16                               

Undistributed (income) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries

    164        41        (221     (5     3          

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

           

(Increase) decrease in intersegment receivables and payables

    37        39        69        (37     (39     (69

(Increase) decrease in accounts and notes receivable, net

    (84     809        (71     (203     858        752   

(Increase) decrease in inventories, net

    323        1,360        (1,385                     

(Increase) decrease in prepayments and other current assets

    (201     (218     (19     (154     44        (176

(Increase) decrease in other assets

    (41     87        (178     62        9        22   

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

    506        (969     77        (20     34        (21

Increase (decrease) in other accrued liabilities

    544               344        103        37        (34

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

    (154     41        105        (53     (46     66   

Other, net

    (31     (29     (123     5        1        (2
                                               

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

    1,811        1,145        (282     (12     1,220        936   
                                               

Investing activities:

           

Acquisitions and investments, net of cash acquired

    (57     (24     (91     (2     2        (6

Additions to retail receivables

                         (6,662     (6,552     (7,938

Proceeds from retail and credit card securitizations

                         24        3,775        1,317   

Collections of retail receivables

                         6,739        4,466        4,440   

Collections of retained interests in securitized retail receivables

                                107        75   

Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets

    45        1        68        270        140        74   

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

    (301     (217     (492            (1     (1

Expenditures for equipment on operating leases

                  (5     (365     (302     (313

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

                         (219              

(Deposits in) withdrawals from Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

    481        (451     (546     (19     289        (379
                                               

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

    168        (691     (1,066     (234     1,924        (2,731
                                               

Financing activities:

           

Intersegment activity

    254        676        (625     (254     (676     625   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

    72        131        842               605        530   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—other

    1,930        1,315        852        1,367        794        1,017   

Payment of long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

    (931     (951     (5     (903     (355     (781

Payment of long-term debt—other

    (690     (911     (38     (591     (1,852     (149

Net increase (decrease) in short-term revolving credit facilities

    (10     (601     216        701        (1,129     473   

Dividends paid

                  (118     (397     (153     (4

Other, net

    1        (15     4        20               8   
                                               

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities

    626        (356     1,128        (57     (2,766     1,719   
                                               

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    39        19        (12     14        135        (84
                                               

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    2,644        117        (232     (289     513        (160

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    290        173        405        973        460        620   
                                               

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 2,934      $ 290      $ 173      $ 684      $ 973      $ 460   
                                               

 

The supplemental Equipment Operations (with Financial Services on the equity basis) data in these statements include primarily CNH Global N.V.’s agricultural and construction equipment operations. The supplemental Financial Services data in these statements include primarily CNH Global N.V.’s financial services business.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Note 23: Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

CNH and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of CNH (the “Guarantor Entities”) guarantee the 7.875% Senior Notes and the 7.75% Senior Notes issued by Case New Holland. As the guarantees are unconditional, irrevocable and joint and several and as the Guarantor Entities are all wholly-owned by CNH, the Company has included the following condensed consolidating financial information as of December 31, 2010, and 2009 and for the three years ended December 31, 2010. The condensed consolidating financial information reflects investments in consolidated subsidiaries on the equity method of accounting. The goodwill and other intangible assets are allocated to reporting units and are primarily reported by the Guarantor Entities, except for the portion related to Financial Services which is reported by All Other Subsidiaries. It is not practicable to allocate goodwill and other intangibles to the individual Guarantor Entities and All Other Subsidiaries.

In an effort to reduce the complexity of the Company’s legal structure and as a part of the Company’s tax planning strategies, CNH has actively eliminated and transferred legal entities. These transactions between entities under common control are accounted for at historical cost in accordance with existing accounting guidance. As a consequence, any material future transactions related to CNH’s legal entity rationalization activities and tax planning strategies may result in a retroactive restatement of the information contained in this note as these transactions are completed.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following condensed financial statements present CNH, Case New Holland, the Guarantor Entities, and all other subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010, and 2009, and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

 

    Condensed Statements of Operations For the Year Ended December 31, 2010  
    CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    All Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (in millions)  

Revenues:

       

Net sales

  $      $      $ 10,474      $ 7,471      $ (3,471   $ 14,474   

Finance and interest income

    62        100        163        1,340        (531     1,134   
                                               
    62        100        10,637        8,811        (4,002     15,608   
                                               

Cost and Expenses:

       

Cost of goods sold

                  8,772        6,590        (3,471     11,891   

Selling, general and administrative

    3               635        1,060               1,698   

Research, development and engineering

                  287        164               451   

Restructuring

                  5        11               16   

Interest

    68        219        196        708        (361     830   

Interest compensation to Financial Services

                  170               (170       

Other, net

    123        2        103        78               306   
                                               
    194        221        10,168        8,611        (4,002     15,192   
                                               

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

    (132     (121     469        200               416   

Income tax provision (benefit)

    25        (50     107        (5            77   

Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

    609        425        316        91        (1,342     99   
                                               

Net income (loss)

    452        354        678        296        (1,342     438   

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

                         (14            (14
                                               

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH

  $ 452      $ 354      $ 678      $ 310      $ (1,342   $ 452   
                                               

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

    Condensed Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2010  
    CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    All Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (in millions)  

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,101      $ 892      $ 156      $ 1,469      $      $ 3,618   

Deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

    20               1,319        421               1,760   

Accounts, notes receivable and other, net

    18        15        653        14,531        (1,189     14,028   

Intercompany notes receivable

    1,004        339        2,099        584        (4,026       

Inventories

                  1,380        1,557               2,937   

Property, plant and equipment, net

                  932        854               1,786   

Equipment on operating leases, net

                  2        620               622   

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

    469               15        6               490   

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

    5,472        3,771        1,724        413        (11,380       

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

    1               2,826        237               3,064   

Other assets

    3        279        1,388        1,868        (254     3,284   
                                               

Total Assets

  $ 8,088      $ 5,296      $ 12,494      $ 22,560      $ (16,849   $ 31,589   
                                               

Liabilities and Equity:

           

Short-term debt

  $ 256      $      $ 536      $ 3,071      $      $ 3,863   

Intercompany short-term debt

    70        300        599        1,993        (2,962       

Accounts payable

    1        79        1,632        1,779        (1,124     2,367   

Long-term debt, including current maturities

    401        2,466        264        9,303               12,434   

Intercompany long-term debt

                  509        554        (1,063       

Accrued and other liabilities

    55        51        4,052        1,707        (320     5,545   
                                               
    783        2,896        7,592        18,407        (5,469     24,209   

Equity

    7,305        2,400        4,902        4,153        (11,380     7,380   
                                               

Total Liabilities and Equity

  $ 8,088      $ 5,296      $ 12,494      $ 22,560      $ (16,849   $ 31,589   
                                               

 

F-85


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

    Condensed Statements of Cash Flow For the Year Ended December 31, 2010  
    CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    All Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (in millions)  

Operating Activities:

           

Net income (loss)

  $ 452      $ 354      $ 678      $ 296      $ (1,342   $ 438   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

           

Depreciation and amortization

                  173        242               415   

Intercompany activity

    35        83        (36     (82              

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    33        (98     569        152               656   

Other, net

    (502     (639     (121     (187     1,342        (107
                                               

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

    18        (300     1,263        421               1,402   
                                               

Investing activities:

           

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

                  (175     (126            (301

Expenditures for equipment on operating leases

                         (365            (365

Net (additions) collections from retail receivables and related securitizations

                         101               101   

Other, net

    (10            1        66               57   

(Deposits in) withdrawals from Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

    (20            434        48               462   
                                               

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

    (30            260        (276            (46
                                               

Financing Activities:

           

Intercompany activity

    (954     2,905        (1,667     (284              

Net increase (decrease) in indebtedness

    (28     167        (47     853               945   

Dividends paid

                                         

Other, net

    2,095        (1,880     294       
(508

           1   
                                               

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

    1,113        1,192        (1,420     61          946   
                                               

Other, net

                  16        37          53   
                                               

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    1,101        892        119        243               2,355   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

                  37        1,226               1,263   
                                               

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 1,101      $ 892      $ 156      $ 1,469      $      $ 3,618   
                                               

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

     Condensed Statements of Operations For the Year Ended December 31, 2009  
     CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     All Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

Revenues:

             

Net sales

   $      $      $ 9,446       $ 6,264      $ (2,927   $ 12,783   

Finance and interest income

     21        64        114         1,148        (370     977   
                                                 
     21        64        9,560         7,412        (3,297     13,760   
                                                 

Cost and Expenses:

             

Cost of goods sold

                   8,049         5,740        (2,927     10,862   

Selling, general and administrative

     4               611         871               1,486   

Research, development and engineering

                   262         136               398   

Restructuring

                   68         34               102   

Interest

     35        120        144         602        (230     671   

Interest compensation to Financial Services

                   144                (144       

Other, net

     18        2        201         109        4        334   
                                                 
     57        122        9,479         7,492        (3,297     13,853   
                                                 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

     (36     (58     81         (80            (93

Income tax provision (benefit)

     8        (23     74         33               92   

Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

     (146     83        200         91        (265     (37
                                                 

Net income (loss)

     (190     48        207         (22     (265     (222

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

                           (32            (32
                                                 

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH

   $ (190   $ 48      $ 207       $ 10      $ (265   $ (190
                                                 

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

     Condensed Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2009  
     CNH
Global N.V.
     Case New
Holland Inc.
     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     All Other
Subsidiaries
     Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

Assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $       $       $ 37       $ 1,226       $      $ 1,263   

Deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

                     1,750         501                2,251   

Accounts, notes receivable and other, net

     30         29         497         8,802         (932     8,426   

Intercompany notes receivable

     984         2,944         3,291         657         (7,876       

Inventories

                     1,529         1,768                3,297   

Property, plant and equipment, net

                     904         860                1,764   

Equipment on operating leases, net

                     3         643                646   

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

     366                 13         36                415   

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

     7,022         3,112         1,601         349         (12,084       

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

     1                 2,866         224                3,091   

Other assets

     17         148         1,176         860         (146     2,055   
                                                    

Total Assets

   $ 8,420       $ 6,233       $ 13,667       $ 15,926       $ (21,038   $ 23,208   
                                                    

Liabilities and Equity:

                

Short-term debt

   $ 253       $       $ 539       $ 1,180       $      $ 1,972   

Intercompany short-term debt

     1,004                 3,238         2,219         (6,461       

Accounts payable

     3         11         1,299         1,484         (882     1,915   

Long-term debt, including current maturities

     432         2,273         308         4,423                7,436   

Intercompany long-term debt

                     752         663         (1,415       

Accrued and other liabilities

     10         42         3,649         1,570         (196     5,075   
                                                    
     1,702         2,326         9,785         11,539         (8,954     16,398   

Equity

     6,718         3,907         3,882         4,387         (12,084     6,810   
                                                    

Total Liabilities and Equity

   $ 8,420       $ 6,233       $ 13,667       $ 15,926       $ (21,038   $ 23,208   
                                                    

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

     Condensed Statements of Cash Flow For the Year Ended December 31, 2009  
     CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    All Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

Operating Activities:

            

Net income (loss)

   $ (190   $ 48      $ 207      $ (22   $ (265   $ (222

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

            

Depreciation and amortization

            5        162        231               398   

Intercompany activity

     (135     (19     131        23                 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     13        8        675        1,321               2,017   

Other, net

     115        (83     (234     (44     265        19   
                                                

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

     (197     (41     941        1,509               2,212   
                                                

Investing activities:

            

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

                   (107     (111            (218

Expenditures for equipment on operating leases

                          (302            (302

Net (additions) collections from retail receivables and related securitizations

                          1,796               1,796   

Other, net

     2               (14     131               119   

(Deposits in) withdrawals from Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

     418               (828     248               (162
                                                

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

     420               (949     1,762               1,233   
                                                

Financing Activities:

            

Intercompany activity

     49        (417     461        (93              

Net increase (decrease) in indebtedness

     (272     473        (487     (2,668            (2,954

Dividends paid

                                          

Other, net

            (15                          (15
                                                

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

     (223     41        (26     (2,761       (2,969
                                                

Other, net

                   8        146          154   
                                                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

                   (26     656               630   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

                   63        570               633   
                                                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $      $      $ 37      $ 1,226      $      $ 1,263   
                                                

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

     Condensed Statements of Operations For the Year Ended December 31, 2008  
     CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    All Other
Subsidiaries
     Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

Revenues:

             

Net sales

   $      $      $ 12,390      $ 9,939       $ (4,963   $ 17,366   

Finance and interest income

     19        96        171        1,308         (484     1,110   
                                                 
     19        96        12,561        11,247         (5,447     18,476   
                                                 

Cost and Expenses:

             

Cost of goods sold

                   10,605        8,411         (4,962     14,054   

Selling, general and administrative

     5               744        949                1,698   

Research, development and engineering

                   283        139                422   

Restructuring

                          39                39   

Interest

     66        120        202        703         (326     765   

Interest compensation to Financial Services

                   103        80         (183       

Other, net

     132        3        45        138         24        342   
                                                 
     203        123        11,982        10,459         (5,447     17,320   
                                                 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

     (184     (27     579        788                1,156   

Income tax provision (benefit)

     10        (9     91        293                385   

Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

     1,019        307        266        202         (1,741     53   
                                                 

Net income

     825        289        754        697         (1,741     824   

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

                   (1                    (1
                                                 

Net income attributable to CNH

   $ 825      $ 289      $ 755      $ 697       $ (1,741   $ 825   
                                                 

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

     Condensed Statements of Cash Flow For the Year Ended December 31, 2008  
     CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    All Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

Operating Activities:

            

Net income

   $ 825      $ 289      $ 754      $ 697      $ (1,741   $ 824   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

            

Depreciation and amortization

     2               154        218               374   

Intercompany activity

     (33     20        (68     81                 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     64        (43     (332     (207            (518

Other, net

     (392     (306     (327     (746     1,741        (30
                                                

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

     466        (40     181        43               650   
                                                

Investing activities:

            

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

                   (206     (287            (493

Expenditures for equipment on operating leases

                   (5     (313            (318

Net (additions) collections from retail receivables and related securitizations

                          (2,106            (2,106

Other, net

     (84            9        128               53   

(Deposits in) withdrawals from Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

     (413            (384     (128            (925
                                                

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

     (497            (586     (2,706            (3,789
                                                

Financing Activities:

            

Intercompany activity

     (553     (168     (66     787                 

Net increase (decrease) in indebtedness

     696        8        485        1,768               2,957   

Dividends paid

     (118                                 (118

Other, net

     4                                    4   
                                                

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

     29        (160     419        2,555          2,843   
                                                

Other, net

     2               (7     (91       (96
                                                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

            (200     7        (199            (392

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

            200        56        769               1,025   
                                                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $      $      $ 63      $ 570      $      $ 633   
                                                

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Note 24: Subsequent Events

On January 1, 2011, Fiat effected a “demerger” under Article 2506 of the Italian Civil Code. Pursuant to the demerger, Fiat transferred its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands to a new holding company, to be called “Fiat Industrial S.p.A.” (“Fiat Industrial”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Fiat Industrial Group”), including Fiat’s ownership of CNH Global, as well as Iveco and Fiat’s industrial and marine powertrain business. Consequently, as of such date, CNH Global became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial. In connection with the demerger transaction, shareholders of Fiat S.p.A. received shares of capital stock of the new holding company. As of January 1, 2011, Fiat Industrial owned approximately 89% of CNH’s outstanding common shares through its direct, wholly-owned subsidiary Fiat Netherlands.

On January 31, 2011, CNH announced the closure of its tractor assembly plant in Dublin, Georgia. The costs associated with this closure are not expected to be material to the results of the Company.

 

F-92


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

(Registrant)

/s/    RICHARD TOBIN        

Richard Tobin
Chief Financial Officer

Dated: March 1, 2011


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

  

Description

1.1    Amended Articles of Association of CNH Global N.V., amended on April 13, 2006. (Previously filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 333-05752) and incorporated herein by reference).
1.2    Regulations of the Board of Directors of CNH Global N.V. dated December 8, 1999 (Previously filed as Exhibit 1.2 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 1999 (File No. 001-14528) and incorporated herein by reference).
2.1    Registration Rights Agreement entered into among CNH Global N.V., Fiat S.p.A. and Sicind S.p.A. dated April 8, 2003 (Previously filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2002 (File No. 333-05752) and incorporated herein by reference).
2.2    Indenture, dated as of May 18, 2004 between Case New Holland Inc., a subsidiary of CNH Global N.V., as issuer, the Guarantors named therein and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, as trustee, regarding 6% Senior Notes due 2009, Series A and 6% Senior Notes due 2009, Series B (Previously filed as Exhibit 3 to Form 6-K of the registrant on July 23, 2004 (File No. 333-05752) and incorporated herein by reference).
2.3    Indenture, dated August 17, 2009, between Case New Holland Inc., as issuer, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, regarding 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2013 (Previously filed as Exhibit 1 to the Form 6-K of the registrant on August 25, 2009 (File No. 333-05752) and incorporated herein by reference).
   There have not been filed as exhibits to this Form 20-F certain long-term debt instruments, none of which relates to indebtedness that exceeds 10% of the consolidated assets of CNH Global N.V. CNH Global N.V. agrees to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, a copy of any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of CNH Global N.V. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
4.1    CNH Global N.V. Outside Directors’ Compensation Plan as amended, restated and effective July 22, 2008 (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1.4 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).
4.1.2    CNH Global N.V. Directors’ Compensation Plan as amended and restated as of January 26, 2011 and effective as of November 1, 2010.
4.2    Equity Incentive Plan of CNH Global N.V. as amended and restated on July 23, 2001 (Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-3 of the registrant (File No. 333-84954) and incorporated herein by reference).
4.2.1    Equity Incentive Plan of CNH Global N.V. as last amended on October 19, 2007. (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2.7 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 333-05752) and incorporated herein by reference).
4.2.2    CNH Global N.V. Equity Incentive Plan as Adopted on December 22, 2008 and amended and restated effective January 1, 2005 (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2.8 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).
4.2.3    2008 Performance & Leadership Bonus (PLB) Plan (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2.9 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).
4.2.4    Non-Qualified Performance Stock Option Award Agreement, effective as of February 16, 2007.
4.2.5    Non-Qualified Performance Stock Option Award Agreement, effective as of April 30, 2010.


Table of Contents

Exhibit

  

Description

4.2.6    2010 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement, effective as of September 30, 2010.
4.2.7    2010 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, effective as of September 30, 2010.
4.2.8    CNH Global N.V. Equity Incentive Plan as Adopted on December 22, 2008 and ratified and approved on March 20, 2009.
4.3    Form of Top Hat Plan Letter. (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 333-05752) and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4    Case New Holland Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan. (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 333-05752) and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4.1    Case New Holland, Inc. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2005 and restated January 1, 2008 (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.4.1 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).
8.1    List of subsidiaries of registrant.
12.1    Certification Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
12.2    Certification Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13    Certification required by Rule 13(a)-14(b) or Rule 15(d)-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350).
15    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.