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, 2011

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

Schiphol Boulevard 217

1118 BH Schiphol Airport, 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: 239,716,408 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  þ   Accelerated filer  ¨   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

     20   

Item 4A.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

     35   

Item 5.

  

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     35   

Item 6.

  

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     69   

Item 7.

  

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

     79   

Item 8.

  

Financial Information

     80   

Item 9.

  

The Offer and Listing

     81   

Item 10.

  

Additional Information

     82   

Item 11.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     92   

Item 12.

  

Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

     93   

PART II

  

Item 13.

  

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     94   

Item 14.

  

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

     94   

Item 15.

  

Controls and Procedures

     94   

Item 16A.

  

Audit Committee Financial Expert

     96   

Item 16B.

  

Code of Ethics

     96   

Item 16C.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     96   

Item 16D.

  

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

     97   

Item 16E.

  

Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

     97   

Item 16F.

  

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

     97   

Item 16G.

  

Corporate Governance

     97   

PART III

  

Item 17.

  

Financial Statements

     99   

Item 18.

  

Financial Statements

     99   

Item 19.

  

Exhibits

     99   

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. As used in this report, all references to “New Holland” or “Case” refer to (1) the historical business and/or operating results of either New Holland N.V. or Case Corporation (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 brand names.

We prepare our annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Our 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, 2011, Fiat Industrial S.p.A. (“Fiat Industrial”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Fiat Industrial Group”) owned approximately 88% of our outstanding common shares through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fiat Netherlands Holding B.V. (“Fiat Netherlands”). Fiat Industrial is a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Italy whose stock is traded on the Milan stock exchange. The Fiat Industrial Group’s three sectors design, produce and sell trucks, commercial vehicles, buses, and special vehicles (“Iveco”), tractors, and agricultural and construction equipment (“CNH”), in addition to engines and transmissions for those vehicles and engines for marine applications (“FPT Industrial”).

On January 1, 2011, Fiat S.p.A. (“Fiat”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Fiat Group”) 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 indirect ownership of CNH Global, as well as Fiat’s truck and commercial vehicles business 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 received shares of the capital stock of Fiat Industrial. Accordingly, as of January 1, 2011 Fiat Industrial owned approximately 89% of our outstanding common shares through Fiat Netherlands. For information on our share capital, see “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

Fiat is a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Italy whose stock is traded on the Milan stock exchange. 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.

Certain financial information in this report has been presented by geographic area. In 2011, we redefined the geographic designations: (1) North America; (2) Europe Africa Middle East and Commonwealth of Independent States (“EAME and CIS”); (3) Latin America; and (4) Asia Pacific (“APAC”). The new geographic designations have the following meanings:

 

   

North America—United States, Canada and Mexico;

 

   

EAME and CIS—27 member countries of the European Union, 10 member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Balkans, African continent, and Middle East;

 

   

Latin America—Central and South America, and the Caribbean Islands; and

 

   

APAC—Continental Asia and Oceania.

Prior year financial information by geographic area has been presented on a comparable basis.

 

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Certain industry and market share information in this report has been presented on a worldwide basis. 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 Europe, Brazil, and various other markets and on retail and shipment unit data collected by a 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, 2011 and 2010, and for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 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, 2009, 2008, and 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, 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 were no longer exempt from consolidation under the new guidance, we were required to consolidate their 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” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, for additional information on the adoption of this new accounting guidance.

As we adopted the guidance prospectively in 2010, the financial statements prepared for the year ended December 31, 2010 and for subsequent periods 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 statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 no longer reflect securitization income and initial gains or losses on new securitization transactions, but include 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, 2011 and 2010 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 2011 and 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, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007.

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009     2008      2007  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

             

Revenues:

             

Net sales

   $ 18,059       $ 14,474       $ 12,783      $ 17,366       $ 14,971   

Finance and interest income

     1,126         1,134         977        1,110         993   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 19,185       $ 15,608       $ 13,760      $ 18,476       $ 15,964   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 924       $ 438       $ (222   $ 824       $ 574   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

   $ 939       $ 452       $ (190   $ 825       $ 559   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

             

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 3.92       $ 1.90       $ (0.80   $ 3.48       $ 2.36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 3.91       $ 1.89       $ (0.80   $ 3.47       $ 2.36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $       $       $      $ 0.50       $ 0.25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009      2008      2007  
     (in millions)  

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

              

Total assets

   $ 34,093       $ 31,589       $ 23,208       $ 25,459       $ 23,745   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Short-term debt

   $ 4,072       $ 3,863       $ 1,972       $ 3,480       $ 4,269   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt, including current maturities

   $ 13,038       $ 12,434       $ 7,436       $ 7,877       $ 5,367   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common shares at €2.25 par value

   $ 603       $ 599       $ 595       $ 595       $ 595   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding

     240         238         237         237         237   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity

   $ 7,924       $ 7,380       $ 6,810       $ 6,575       $ 6,419   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 35 and the other risks described in the Safe Harbor Statement on page 67. 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 67. 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 materials filed with or furnished to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations

Global economic conditions impact our business.    Financial conditions in several regions continue to place significant economic pressures on 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 impacted by economic pressures, 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. There is particular concern about economic conditions in Europe (and potentially the long-term viability of the euro currency), which is at risk of being impacted by sovereign debt defaults and other severe pressures on the banking system in European Union countries. It is uncertain whether central bank or governmental measures will eliminate this risk. In addition, governments in China and India may continue to implement measures designed to slow the economic growth rate in those countries (e.g. higher interest rates, reduced bank lending, and other anti-inflation measures). If there is significant deterioration in the global economy or the economies of key regions, 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 require management judgment and estimates. The estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, worldwide economic factors and technological changes. Any of these factors, or other unexpected factors, may require us to consider 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 would have an adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.

We are exposed to political, economic and other risks as a result of operating a global business.    Some of those risks include:

 

   

changes in laws, regulations and policies that affect:

 

   

import and export duties and quotas,

 

   

currency restrictions,

 

   

the design, manufacture and sale of our products, including, for example, engine emissions regulations,

 

   

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 the industries and markets in which we operate;

 

   

varying and unpredictable customer needs and desires;

 

   

varying and unexpected actions of our competitors;

 

   

labor disruptions;

 

   

changes in governmental debt relief and subsidy program policies in certain significant markets such as Brazil (See Note 3: “Accounts and Notes Receivable” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011); and

 

   

war, civil unrest, and terrorism.

 

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These risks may delay or reduce our realization of value from our international operations and accordingly may negatively impact our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

Our expansion plans in emerging markets could entail significant risks.

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. In addition, we could increase our use of component suppliers in these markets. Our implementation of these strategies will involve a significant investment of capital and other resources and entail various risks. For example, we may encounter difficulties in obtaining necessary government approvals in a timely manner. In addition, we may experience delays and incur significant costs in constructing facilities, establishing supply channels, and commencing manufacturing operations. Further, customers in these markets may not readily accept our products. We may face challenges as a result of the pervasiveness of corruption and other irregularities in business practices in certain regions. Some of these emerging market countries also may be subject to a greater degree of economic and political volatility that could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

Our financial performance is subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate changes.    Increases and decreases in the value of the U.S dollar relative to other currencies will affect the reported value of 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 in different currencies (currency transactions). Accordingly, a substantial increase or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies would substantially affect our financial position and operating results.

Economic conditions in Europe have raised concerns regarding the long-term viability of the euro currency in particular countries within the euro-zone and as a whole. We conduct a significant volume of business in euros. Although it remains uncertain whether significant changes in utilization of the euro will occur or what the potential impact of such changes in the euro-zone or globally might be, a material shift in circulation of the euro could result in disruptions to our business and negatively impact our results of operations.

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 position 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. While the use of such hedging instruments provides us with protection from certain fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates, we potentially forego 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 position 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 position and results of operations. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” In addition, uncertainties surrounding the interpretation and implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd Frank Act”) could adversely affect our ability to hedge risks associated with our business or increase the cost of our hedging activity.

 

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Risks related to our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement obligations could impact our profitability.    At December 31, 2011, our defined benefit pension plans had an underfunded status of approximately $731 million. This amount included defined benefit pension plan obligations of $418 million for plans that we are not currently required to fund.

The funded status of our defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans is subject to many factors as discussed in “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, 2011. To the extent that our obligations under a plan are unfunded or underfunded, we will have to use cash flow from operations and other sources to pay our obligations as they become due. In addition, since the assets that currently fund these obligations are primarily invested in debt instruments and equity securities, the value of these assets will vary due to market factors. In recent years, these fluctuations have been significant and adverse and there is no assurance that they will not be significant and adverse in the future.

We depend on key suppliers for certain raw materials and components.    We rely upon single suppliers for certain parts and components, primarily those that require joint development between us and our suppliers. Adverse financial conditions and natural disasters such as the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, could cause some of our suppliers to face severe financial hardship and disrupt our access to critical parts, components and supplies. This 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 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, and related supplier actions in response, could adversely affect our operating results. In particular, increases in the cost of steel, rubber, oil and related petroleum-based products could adversely affect our profitability, unless we are able to raise equipment and parts prices to recover any such material or component cost increases.

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 work 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. European worker protection laws, collective bargaining agreements, and other labor agreements 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 780 of our employees in Fargo, North Dakota, ratified a contract, which expires in April 2012. We will begin negotiating with the International Association of Machinists in late March with an anticipated contract ratification in April 2012. 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 that could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

Risks Particular to the Industries in Which We Operate

Government action or inaction 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.

 

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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.

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 global negotiations from time to time 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 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.

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 position 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, if fully implemented in their current form, would 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 are being further evaluated as related regulations and interpretations of the Health Care Acts become available and related litigation continues at federal and state levels. The Health Care Acts could significantly increase the cost of providing healthcare coverage generally and could adversely affect our financial position 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, including shifts in key economic indicators such as gross domestic product;

 

   

demand for food;

 

   

commodity prices and stock levels;

 

   

net farm income levels;

 

   

availability of credit;

 

   

developments in biofuels;

 

   

infrastructure spending rates;

 

   

seasonality of demand;

 

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changes and uncertainties in the monetary and fiscal policies of various governmental and regulatory entities;

 

   

our ability to maintain key dealerships;

 

   

currency rates and interest rates;

 

   

our pricing policies, or those of competitors;

 

   

political, economic and legislative changes;

 

   

housing starts; and

 

   

commercial construction.

In our industries, changes in demand can occur suddenly, resulting in imbalances in inventories, production capacity, and prices for new and used 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.

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). An inability to accommodate large and rapid increases or decreases in demand could impede our ability to operate efficiently and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations, as well as our competitive position. See also “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Industry Overview.”

The agricultural equipment industry is highly seasonal, which causes our results of operations and levels of working capital to fluctuate.    Farmers traditionally purchase agricultural equipment in the spring and fall, 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 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 towards the end of the year, as both our and our dealers’ inventories are typically reduced.

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 position and results of operations.

Our business may be affected by unfavorable weather conditions, climate change or natural disasters that reduce agricultural production and demand for agricultural equipment.    Poor or unusual weather conditions caused by climate change or other factors, particularly during the planting and early growing season, can

 

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significantly affect the purchasing decisions of our agricultural equipment customers. The timing and quantity of rainfall are two of the most important factors in agricultural production. Insufficient levels of rain prevent farmers from planting crops or may cause growing crops to die resulting in lower yields. Excessive rain or flooding can also prevent planting or harvesting from occurring at optimal times and may cause crop loss through increased disease or mold growth. Temperature affects the rate of growth, crop maturity and crop quality. Temperatures outside normal ranges can cause crop failure or decreased yields, and may also affect disease incidence. Natural disasters such as regional floods, hurricanes, storms, and droughts can have a negative impact on agricultural production. The resulting negative impact on farm income can strongly affect demand for our agricultural 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. Aggressive pricing or other strategies pursued by competitors, unanticipated product improvements by competitors, 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. If economic conditions deteriorate, it could be more difficult to maintain pricing or cause volumes to be less 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.

We maintain an independent dealer and distribution network in the markets where we sell products. The financial and operational capabilities of our dealers and distributors are critical to our ability to compete in these markets. In addition, we compete with other manufacturers of agricultural and construction equipment for dealers. If we are unable to compete successfully against other equipment manufacturers, we could lose dealers and their end customers, resulting in a decline in 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 position and results of operations will suffer.

Dealer equipment sourcing and inventory management decisions could adversely affect our sales.    Our 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 other 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 position 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 position and results of operations.

 

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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 quantities 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 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 products. 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, and we may be unable to sell certain products, which could negatively impact our results of 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 Interim Tier 4, Final Tier 4, and Stage IIIB non-road diesel emission requirements applicable to many of our products. We have introduced new products meeting new emissions standards, with initial positive reaction from our customers. If we are unable to continue to successfully execute our plans to meet Tier 4/Stage IIIB emission and other regulatory requirements, our ability to continue selling certain products on the market would suffer, which would negatively impact our financial results and financial 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.

 

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The reallocation of radio frequency spectrums could disrupt or degrade our ability to market and develop Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.    Our current and planned integrated GPS solutions for our agricultural and construction businesses depend upon the use of GPS signals and augmented GPS services that link equipment, operations, owners, dealers and technicians. These services depend upon satellite and radio frequency allocations governed by international and local agencies. Any international or local reallocation of radio frequency bands, including frequency bands segmentation and band spectrum sharing, or other modifications of the permitted uses of frequency bands could significantly disrupt or degrade the utility or reliability of our GPS-based products, which could negatively impact our ability to develop and market GPS-based technology solutions. For our customers, the inability to use high-precision GPS services could result in lower crop yields and higher equipment maintenance, seed, fertilizer, fuel and wage costs. These costs could reduce customer profitability and their ability to purchase our equipment.

Data security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.    In the ordinary course of business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of our customers and employees, in our data centers and on our networks. The secure processing, maintenance, and transmission of this information by us and any contracted third parties is critical to our operations. We have not experienced any significant known or threatened data security incidents to date and we employ and seek to improve security measures and initiatives designed to reduce the impact of such risk. Despite our security measures and initiatives, our information technology and infrastructure may be subject to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance, or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored could be accessesed, publicly disclosed, lost, or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss could result in legal claims or proceedings and harm our business and reputation.

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. See “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 for additional information on the adoption of new accounting guidance.

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 position, 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, 2011 for additional information.

 

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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, expand 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;

 

   

inability to source certain products;

 

   

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 were terminated, our product lines, businesses, financial position, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our sales can be affected by customer attitudes and new product acceptance.    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. We must also make strategic decisions regarding existing products such as our decision in 2011 to withdraw New Holland heavy construction equipment from our product offering in North America. Our efforts are 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 position and results of operations.

Risks related to Financial Services.

Credit Risk.    Fundamental to any organization that extends credit is the credit 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;

 

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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. In such circumstances, our loan 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.

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 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 position and results of operations.

Funding Risk.    Financial Services has traditionally relied upon the asset-backed securitization (“ABS”) market and committed asset-backed facilities as a primary source of funding and liquidity. Access to funding at competitive rates is essential to our Financial Services business. From mid-2007 through 2009, events occurred in the global financial market, including weakened financial condition of several major financial institutions, problems related to subprime mortgages and other financial assets, the devaluation of various assets in secondary markets, the forced sale of asset-backed and other securities by certain investors, and the lowering of ratings on certain ABS transactions, which caused a significant reduction in liquidity in the secondary market for ABS transactions outstanding at such time and a significant increase in funding costs. During these periods, conditions in the ABS market adversely affected our ability to sell receivables on a favorable or timely basis. Similar conditions in the future would have an adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. As Financial Services finances a significant portion of our sales of equipment, to the extent Financial Services is unable to access funding on acceptable terms, our sales of equipment would be negatively impacted.

To maintain competitiveness in the capital markets and to promote the efficient use of various 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 transactions if loss experiences are higher than anticipated. The need to provide additional reserve support could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

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 position, results of operations and cash flow.

 

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Regulatory Risk.    The operations of Financial Services are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by various governmental authorities. These operations are also 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 and unsecured 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 rising to a level commensurate with risk and market conditions, such events could adversely affect our Financial Services business and our financial position and results of operations.

Potential Impact of Dodd-Frank Act. The various requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act, including the many implementing regulations yet to be released, may substantially affect the origination, servicing and securitization programs of our Financial Services business. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act strengthens the regulatory oversight of these securities and capital market activities by the SEC and increases the regulation of the securitization markets through, among other things, a mandated risk retention requirement for securitizers and a direction to the SEC to regulate credit rating agencies and adopt regulations governing these organizations. While we will continue to monitor these developments and their impact upon our access to the ABS market, these and future SEC regulations may impact our ability to engage in these activities or increase the effective cost of asset-backed transactions in the future, which could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

Credit rating changes could affect our cost of funds.    Our access to, and cost of, funding depend on, among other things, the credit ratings of CNH, CNH Capital LLC, our ABS transactions, and Fiat Industrial. (See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”) The rating agencies may change our 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 position 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, 2011, we had an aggregate of $17.1 billion of consolidated indebtedness, of which $13.3 billion related to Financial Services and $3.8 billion to Equipment Operations, and our equity was $7.9 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 may need to use a portion of our projected future cash flow from operations to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, which may reduce the amount of funds available to us for other purposes;

 

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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 capital markets on favorable terms, which may adversely affect our ability to provide competitive retail and wholesale financing programs.

Restrictive 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;

 

   

make certain investments;

 

   

enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates;

 

   

sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies;

 

   

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, 2011.

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

Fiat Industrial guarantees and funding.    Historically we have relied on Fiat to provide credit for Equipment Operations and Financial Services. In the future we could rely on Fiat Industrial for credit. In addition, Fiat Industrial continues to provide financial guarantees in connection with certain of our external financing sources. There is no assurance that Fiat Industrial will 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 those provided by Fiat Industrial, which could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 for additional information.

Potential conflicts of interest with Fiat Industrial.    As of December 31, 2011, Fiat Industrial owned, indirectly through Fiat Netherlands, approximately 88% of our outstanding common shares. 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.

Fiat Industrial provides financing to us. In the recent past, due to the then existing capital markets crisis and its material adverse impact on the ABS markets, we relied more heavily upon financing provided by Fiat. In the event of a repeat of the severe downturn in the ABS markets, we might need to again look to other financing sources, including Fiat Industrial, though Fiat Industrial would have no obligation to provide such financing.

 

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We believe our business relationships with Fiat Industrial can offer economic benefits to us; however, Fiat Industrial’s ownership of our capital stock and its 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 other shareholders. For more information, see “Note 21: Related Party Information” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Our participation in cash management pools exposes us to Fiat Industrial Group credit risk.    We participate in a group-wide cash management system with other companies within the Fiat Industrial Group. 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 Group members and vice versa. 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 Group 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. 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 position and results of operations may be materially impacted. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Source of Funding” for additional information concerning financing arrangements between us and Fiat Industrial.

Pursuant to the Master Services Agreement (“MSA”) between Fiat and Fiat Industrial, Fiat Group Companies provide us with certain corporate functions and services.    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 as has been agreed in the MSA. We cannot be certain that continued assistance provided by Fiat Industrial or by Fiat pursuant to the MSA will be sufficient for our business and operations, or that we will not incur additional costs that could adversely affect our business.

Our historical financial information prior to the demerger 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 prior to the demerger may not reflect what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had we been part of a company that was 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;

 

   

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.

 

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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, Schiphol Boulevard 217, 1118 BH Schiphol Airport, 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, USA (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, increase 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 customers and suppliers, the cost of goods and labor, and plant utilization levels. See also “Item 4. Information on the Company—D. Property, Plant and Equipment” for additional information.

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, 2011, we were manufacturing our products in 37 facilities throughout the world and distributing our products in approximately 170 countries through a network of approximately 11,300 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, 2011, our sales of agricultural equipment represented 73% of our revenues, sales of construction equipment represented 20% of our revenues and Financial Services represented 7% 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, 2011, 42% of our net sales of equipment were generated in North America, 32% in EAME & CIS, 16% in Latin America and 10% in APAC. Our worldwide manufacturing base includes facilities in Europe, Latin America, North America and Asia.

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, 2011, Financial Services managed a portfolio of receivables of approximately $17.1 billion.

 

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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. Global 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. Our 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.

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 the latest 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 that 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

 

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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 or inaction 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, 2011, for additional information.

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 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 rapeseed 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 continued to escalate through 2010 and 2011, 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.

The increase in crop production for biofuels has also driven changes in the type of crops grown and in crop rotations. 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

 

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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 continue to use a particular piece of equipment after its performance and efficiency begin 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 significance of major infrastructure construction and repair projects such as highways, tunnels, dams and harbors, all of which are a function of government spending and economic growth. Furthermore, demand for mining and quarrying equipment applications (although not important to our business) 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 changes in housing industry activity. The heavy equipment industry generally follows cyclical economic patterns, linked to GDP.

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 the 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 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 current 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.

 

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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 and 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 mostly sold to other Southeast Asian markets. This flow of used equipment is highly influenced by exchange rates and the weight and dimensions of the equipment, and the different local regulation in terms of safety and/or emission.

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 are already well established while we direct additional resources to markets and products with high growth potential. Our competitive strengths include well-recognized brand, a full range of competitive products, a strong global presence and distribution network, and dedicated Financial Services capabilities.

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 forecasts 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 current difficult economic environment could result in lower than anticipated price realization.

 

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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 brands, 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 that 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.

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 that 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,

 

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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. In March 2011, CNH acquired full ownership of L&T Case Equipment Private Limited, an unconsolidated joint venture established in 1999 to manufacture and sell construction and building equipment in India. The company operates a production facility in Pithampur and currently builds backhoe loaders and vibratory compactors. We continue to evaluate our construction equipment business with a view toward increasing efficiencies and profitability as well as evaluating our strategic alliances to leverage our position in key markets.

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 that, 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 series of models in our skid steer wheel loader, compact track loader, and crawler excavator product lines. The new models offer key features including higher horsepower, increased durability, improved fuel efficiency and also 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, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

Suppliers

We purchase materials, parts, and components from third-party suppliers. We had approximately 2,400 global direct suppliers to our manufacturing facilities at December 31, 2011. 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 recent 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 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 quantities of 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.

 

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Previously, we purchased engines and other components from, among others, the Fiat Group and since the demerger have made similar purchases from Fiat Industrial Group. See also “Note 21: Related Party Information” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 for additional information.

Distribution and Sales

As of December 31, 2011, we were selling and distributing our products through approximately 11,300 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 that 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 other 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, 2011, 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.

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

 

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advertising. 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 Industrial 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, that reflect a discount from the manufacturer-suggested list 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

 

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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 sold 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, 2011, we operated and administered 21 parts depots worldwide, either directly or through arrangements with our warehouse service providers. This network is comprised of 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 8 depots (4 in China, 2 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, 2011, Financial Services managed a portfolio of receivables and leases of approximately $17.1 billion. North America accounts for 59% of the managed portfolio, Western Europe 21%, Brazil 12% 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.

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.

During 2011, Financial Services continued to diversify its funding sources by completing two unsecured funding transactions. In July 2011, CNH Capital LLC (a Financial Services’ North American entity) entered into a $250 million five-year unsecured credit facility consisting of a $150 million term loan facility and a $100 million revolving credit facility. In November 2011, CNH Capital LLC issued $500 million of unsecured notes in a private placement transaction with registration rights.

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

 

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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% of the sales price, 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 nearly all 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 to the dealer. This practice helps to level fluctuations in factory demand and provides a buffer from the impact of sales seasonality. 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. These audits are unannounced and 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 CNH products 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.

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.

 

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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, 2011.

C. Organizational Structure

As of December 31, 2011, Fiat Industrial owned approximately 88% of our 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, including Fiat’s indirect ownership interest in CNH Global, as well as Fiat’s truck and commercial vehicles business 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 received shares of the capital stock of Fiat Industrial. Accordingly, as of 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, 2011, 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, 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 together with planned capital expenditures, are 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.

 

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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 2011, our total capital expenditures were $408 million of which 38% was spent in North America, 27% in Latin America, and 35% in EAME, CIS and APAC. These capital expenditures were funded through a combination of cash generated from operating activities and borrowings under short-term facilities. In 2011, approximately 80% or $326 million of capital expenditures were related to manufacturing and product related projects with approximately $283 million devoted to agricultural equipment manufacturing and product related expenditures and approximately $43 million devoted to construction equipment expenditures. In 2010, our total capital expenditures were $301 million. 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, 2011:

 

Location

  

Primary Functions

  

Approximate

Covered
Area(A)

   Ownership
Status
 

United States

        

Atlanta, GA

  

Parts Depot

   450      Owned        

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        

Carol Stream

  

Parts Depot

   325      Leased        

Dallas, TX

  

Parts Depot

   509      Owned        

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        

Portland, OR

  

Parts Depot

   246      Leased        

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

   807      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

   105      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

   320      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

   1,694      Owned        

Others

        

St. Marys, Australia

  

Office/Warehousing

   224      Owned        

St. Valentin, Austria

  

Tractors

   604      Leased        

New Delhi, India

  

Tractors; Engineering Center

   781      Owned        

Pithampur, India

  

Backhoe Loaders and Vibratory Compactors

   308      Owned        

Paradiso, Switzerland

  

Commercial, Administrative

   29      Leased        

Plock, Poland

  

Combine Harvesters; Components

   1,022      Owned        

Queretaro, Mexico

  

Components

   161      Owned        

Tatarstan, Russia

  

Tractors, Combine Harvesters

   538      Owned        

Madrid, Spain

  

Parts Depots

   43      Leased        

Shanghai, China

  

Tractors; Components

   732      Leased        

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  

Administrative

   2      Leased        

 

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(A)

-In thousands of square feet

 

(B)

-Consolidated joint venture

 

(C)

-CNH ceased production at this location in 2011

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 that 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 2011 were approximately $3 million and we expect to spend approximately $8 million in 2012. 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 which impose similar liabilities, we have received inquiries for information or notices of our potential liability regarding 52 non-owned sites at which regulated materials, allegedly generated by us, were released or disposed of (“Waste Sites”). Of the Waste Sites, 18 are on the National Priority List (“NPL”) promulgated pursuant to CERCLA. For 47 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 52 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.

 

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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.

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, 2011, 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 $29 million to $87 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, 2011 and 2010, environmental reserves of approximately $46 million and $50 million, respectively, 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

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. 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.

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 cost of goods sold. We define Equipment Operations’ operating profit as Equipment Operations’ gross profit less selling, general and administrative expenses and research, development and engineering 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 2011

Net income attributable to CNH in 2011 was $939 million, or $3.91 diluted earnings per share ($3.92 basic earnings per share), compared with a net income of $452 million in 2010, or $1.89 diluted earnings per share

 

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($1.90 basic earnings per share). These results were primarily due to increased demand in both the agricultural and construction equipment industries, improved operating performance and better results from our unconsolidated subsidiaries partially offset by a higher effective tax rate. Net sales of equipment increased 25% to $18.1 billion in 2011 from $14.5 billion in 2010. The increase in net sales was primarily the result of increased demand for agricultural and construction equipment as well as improved price realization and product mix. Equipment Operations’ operating profit increased 65% to $1,465 million in 2011 from $889 million in 2010. The increase in Equipment Operations’ operating profit was primarily due to higher volumes, improved industrial utilization and better product mix. Our agricultural equipment business benefited from good market demand in all regions while our construction equipment business continued to benefit from the industry recovery. Financial Services’ net income increased 42% to $225 million in 2011 from $159 million in 2010. This increase was primarily due to lower funding costs and lower provision for credit losses, partially offset by a higher effective tax rate.

Key Trends for 2012

Demand in the agricultural and construction equipment markets is expected to remain positive for 2012. Agricultural equipment demand is projected to be flat to up 5% on the back of firm agricultural commodity prices. Construction equipment demand is expected to continue its recovery with industry retail unit sales expected to be up 15% to 20%.

Financial Services will continue to focus on receivables management in order to maintain solid portfolio performance.

 

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Table of Contents

2011 Compared to 2010

 

     Consolidated     Equipment
Operations
    Financial Services  
     Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Revenues:

             

Net sales

   $ 18,059      $ 14,474      $ 18,059      $ 14,474      $       $   

Finance and interest income

     1,126        1,134        172        154        1,387         1,395   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     19,185        15,608        18,231        14,628        1,387         1,395   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

             

Cost of goods sold

     14,626        11,891        14,626        11,891                  

Selling, general and administrative

     1,843        1,698        1,442        1,243        401         455   

Research, development and engineering

     526        451        526        451                  

Restructuring

            16               16                  

Interest expense

     786        830        386        395        547         612   

Interest compensation to Financial Services

                   286        238                  

Other, net

     253        306        140        191        113         115   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     18,034        15,192        17,406        14,425        1,061         1,182   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes and equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

     1,151        416        825        203        326         213   

Income tax provision

     343        77        230        12        113         65   

Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates:

             

Financial Services

     12        11        225        159        12         11   

Equipment Operations

     104        88        104        88                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     924        438        924        438        225         159   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (15     (14     (15     (14          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income attributable to CNH Global N.V.

   $ 939      $ 452      $ 939      $ 452      $ 225       $ 159   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Overview of Equipment Operations Results

Net Sales of Equipment

Agricultural Equipment Net Sales

 

     2011      2010      Increase in 2011
vs. 2010
     2011 vs. 2010
% Change
    Positive Impact
of Currency*
 
     ($ in millions)  

Net sales

             

North America

   $ 6,067       $ 5,162       $ 905         18     1

EAME & CIS

     4,907         3,614         1,293         36     4

Latin America

     1,835         1,648         187         11     4

APAC

     1,374         1,104         270         24     6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total net sales

   $ 14,183       $ 11,528       $ 2,655         23     3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

*

The currency impact is included in the total 2011 vs. 2010 % change.

 

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The increase in our agricultural equipment net sales was due to higher volumes and better product mix ($1,974 million), positive pricing actions ($348 million), and positive currency changes. The higher volumes were primarily due to continued favorable trading conditions in all regions with strong growth in the EAME & CIS markets and North America. Worldwide agricultural tractor and combine industry retail unit sales increased 12% and 16%, respectively, from the prior year. Tractor industry retail unit sales were up in all regions except Latin America. Combine industry retail unit sales were up in all regions except North America. Our market share for the year was down slightly for tractors and up for combines.

The increase in North America net sales was the result of better overall product mix as well as improvements in pricing. The improvement in product mix was the result of continued movement in the region towards higher horse-power tractors and combines which have higher price points. North American tractor industry retail unit sales were up slightly while combine industry retail unit sales were down 5%. Our North American market share for tractors was flat while our market share for combines was up. Currency had a positive impact on net sales as the Canadian dollar strengthened against the U.S. dollar.

The increase in EAME & CIS net sales was primarily the result of the significant increase in the industry, positive impact of currency and positive pricing. Both our European and CIS markets experienced strong year over year increases largely driven by market demand. Industry retail unit sales of tractors increased 25% and sales of combines increased 39%, which contributed to our net sales increase. Our market share for the year was up slightly for tractors and down slightly for combines. The currency impact on net sales was caused primarily by a weakening U.S. dollar against the euro.

The increase in Latin America net sales was primarily a result of increased industry demand related to combines, improvements in pricing, and positive currency changes. Industry retail unit sales of tractors decreased 2% and sales of combines increased 21%. We maintained our market share for tractors and our market share decreased slightly for combines. Currency also had a positive impact on net sales as the Brazilian real strengthened against the U.S. dollar.

The increase in APAC net sales was primarily driven by an overall increase in the industry (both combines and tractors) and by currency. Industry retail unit sales of tractors increased 12% and sales of combines increased 22%. Our market share was down for tractors and up for combines. Currency had a positive impact, primarily due to the strengthening of the Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar.

Construction Equipment Net Sales

 

     2011      2010      Increase
(Decrease) in
2011 vs. 2010
     2011 vs. 2010
% Change
    Positive
Impact
of Currency*
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Net sales

             

North America

   $ 1,447       $ 855       $ 592         69     1

EAME & CIS

     903         734         169         23     5

Latin America

     1,071         1,030         41         4     4

APAC

     455         327         128         39     3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total net sales

   $ 3,876       $ 2,946       $ 930         32     3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

*

The currency impact is included in the total 2011 vs. 2010% change.

The increase in our construction equipment net sales was primarily due to higher volume and the mix of products ($581 million), pricing ($159 million) and currency. The volume and mix increases was the result of the growth trend continuing from the previous year in the construction equipment industry. Worldwide construction equipment industry retail unit sales increased 27% compared with the prior year as a result of significant market

 

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improvements in all regions. For 2011, worldwide industry retail unit sales of light construction equipment increased 30%, driven by improvements in residential and commercial construction activities. Heavy equipment industry retail unit sales increased 23% as a result of overall GDP growth. Compared to the prior year, our overall market share was flat in 2011.

In North America, the increase in net sales was primarily the result of improved volume and product mix and pricing. In North America, the successful launch of new products in the light construction equipment range increased unit sales. Losses in light construction equipment market share experienced in the first half of 2011 narrowed in the second half of the year. For heavy construction equipment, the supply of whole goods and components improved in the second half of 2011 as Japanese suppliers recovered from the earthquake and tsunami. This contributed to our regaining in the second half of the year market share lost in the first half of the year. Construction equipment industry retail unit sales increased 38%. Retail unit sales of light construction equipment, where we have a stronger market presence, increased 39%, while retail unit sales of heavy construction equipment increased 37%. Industry retail unit sales increased compared to the prior year for tractor loader backhoes and skid steers by 39% and 25%, respectively. Our market share compared to the prior year was flat for heavy, and down for light, construction equipment overall.

Net sales in EAME & CIS increased primarily as a result of improved overall volume and product mix, pricing and currency. Industry conditions slowed in the second half of 2011 largely as a result of the European financial crisis. Industry retail unit sales for both heavy and light construction equipment increased 35%. Retail unit sales of heavy and light construction equipment increased 42% and 31%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales of tractor loader backhoes and skid steers increased 43% and 12%, respectively. Our market share was down for the year for heavy construction equipment and flat for light construction equipment. The positive currency impact on net sales primarily resulted from a weakening U.S. dollar against the euro.

Latin America net sales increased primarily as the result of the positive impact of currency as positive pricing was offset by lower volume and product mix. Industry retail unit sales for both heavy and light construction equipment increased 25%. Retail unit sales of heavy and light construction equipment increased 21% and 30%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales of tractor loader backhoes and skid steers increased 23% and 37%, respectively. The increased industry volume was more than offset by competition and pricing pressure primarily from newer entrants into the market. The demand for heavy construction equipment diminished in the second half of 2011 as Brazilian infrastructure spending was deferred until the next fiscal year. Our market share was down for both heavy and light construction equipment. The positive impact of currency on net sales was primarily due to the strengthening of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar.

APAC net sales increased due to improved volume and product mix and positive currency impact. Additionally, APAC net sales include the results of L&T Case Equipment Private Ltd. (“L&T”), previously an unconsolidated joint venture in India that we acquired in March of 2011. Net sales included in 2011 for this entity were approximately $97 million. Industry retail unit sales for both heavy and light construction equipment increased 19%. Industry retail unit sales for heavy and light construction equipment increased 17% and 24%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales increased 31% for tractor loader backhoes and declined 15% for skid steers. Our market share was up slightly for light construction equipment and flat for heavy construction equipment. We maintained positive pricing compared to the prior year.

 

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Table of Contents

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.

 

     2011     2010     Increase
(Decrease) in
2011 vs. 2010
    2011 vs.
2010 %
Change
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Net sales

   $ 18,059         100.0   $ 14,474         100.0   $ 3,585        25

Cost of goods sold

     14,626         81.0     11,891         82.2     2,735        23
  

 

 

      

 

 

        

Gross profit

     3,433         19.0     2,583         17.8     850        33
  

 

 

      

 

 

        

Selling, general and administrative

     1,442         8.0     1,243         8.6     199        16

Research and development

     526         2.9     451         3.1     75        17
  

 

 

      

 

 

        

Operating profit

     1,465         8.1     889         6.1     576        65
  

 

 

      

 

 

        

Restructuring

                    16         0.1     (16     (100 )% 

Interest expense

     386         2.1     395         2.7     (9     (2 )% 

Interest compensation to Financial Services

     286         1.6     238         1.6     48        20

Other, net

     140         0.8     191         1.3     (51     (27 %) 

Gross Profit and Margin – Equipment Operations

 

     2011     2010     Increase
(Decrease) in
2011 vs. 2010
     2011 vs.
2010
Change
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Agricultural equipment

   $ 2,904         20.5   $ 2,232         19.4     672         1.1 pts   

Construction equipment

     529         13.6     351         11.9     178         1.7 pts   
  

 

 

      

 

 

         

Total Equipment Operations gross profit

   $ 3,433         19.0   $ 2,583         17.8     850         1.2 pts   
  

 

 

      

 

 

         

Agricultural equipment gross profit increased due to higher volume and better product mix ($539 million) and net pricing improvements ($348 million), partially offset by increased production and input costs. Volume and mix improvements were primarily driven by overall industry growth for both tractors and combines, and an improved mix towards larger horsepower tractors and combines. Higher volumes had a positive impact on manufacturing efficiencies, resulting in an overall improvement in production cost absorption.

Construction equipment gross profit increased due to positive pricing ($159 million), higher volume and better product mix ($83 million) partially offset by higher input costs and production costs, and currency. Our margins were negatively impacted in 2010 as many of our production facilities were idle. Production increased in 2011 as the economic environment and overall capacity utilization improved which also positively impacted our gross margin.

Selling, general and administrative – Equipment Operations

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in 2011 compared to 2010, but decreased as a percentage of sales as we continued to focus on cost controls. The increase was primarily due to increased labor costs (including variable compensation) and advertising and promotional activities in response to the growth in both our agricultural and construction equipment businesses. Additionally we increased spending on information systems. Currency fluctuations had an unfavorable impact of approximately 3.8%, primarily as a result of a strengthening Brazilian real and euro.

 

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Research and development – Equipment Operations

Research and development costs increased in 2011 due to the continued investment in new products, including Tier 4/Stage IIIB engine development. Spending declined, however, as a percentage of net sales.

Restructuring – Equipment Operations

No significant restructuring actions were taken in 2011. 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.

See “Note 11: Restructuring” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 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 Equipment Operations’ results is an intercompany charge by Financial Services to Equipment Operations, which is eliminated at the consolidated level. Equipment Operations provide “interest-free” floor plan financing and extended payment terms to our dealers (primarily in North America and in 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.

Other, net – Equipment Operations

The decrease in other, net was the result of a gain recognized related to the purchase of the remaining equity of L&T ($34 million) and decreases in pension and other postemployment costs related to former employees ($10 million), partially offset by higher foreign exchange losses ($11 million) and other miscellaneous costs. In 2010 we recognized a gain of $6 million related to the sale of our participation in LBX Company LLC.

Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates – Equipment Operations

The improved performance of our unconsolidated subsidiaries was driven primarily by industry conditions particularly in the agricultural equipment industry. Results of Turk Traktor, our agricultural equipment joint venture in Turkey, increased significantly and were partially offset by our construction equipment joint ventures.

 

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Overview of Financial Services’ Results

 

     2011     2010     Increase
(Decrease) in
2011 vs. 2010
    2011 vs.
2010 %
Change
 
     (in millions, except percents)  

Finance and interest income

   $ 1,387         100.0   $ 1,395         100.0   $ (8     (1 )% 
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Selling, general and administrative

     401         28.9     455         32.6     (54     (12 )% 

Interest expense

     547         39.4     612         43.9     (65     (11 )% 

Other, net

     113         8.1     115         8.2     (2     (2 )% 
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Total expenses

   $ 1,061         76.5   $ 1,182         84.7     (121     (10 )% 
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

On-book asset portfolio at December 31

   $ 14,636         $ 14,274           362        3

Managed asset portfolio at December 31

   $ 17,089         $ 16,996           93        1

Finance and interest income – Financial Services

The decrease in finance and interest income was caused primarily by a decrease in interest revenue ($15 million), partially offset by an increase in operating lease revenue ($7 million). While the portfolio increased due to growth in sales of both agricultural and construction equipment, yield on the portfolio declined due to declining benchmark rates. The increase in operating lease revenue was due to growth in the operating lease portfolio primarily in North America.

Selling, general and administrative – Financial Services

Selling, general and administrative expenses improved compared to the prior year. Decreases in loss provisions ($68 million) were partially offset by other costs. The decrease in loss provisions was the result of overall portfolio improvement in North America, EAME & CIS and Latin America, partially offset by additional loss provisions recorded for APAC. Other cost increases primarily related to increased labor and marketing costs.

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

 

     2011     2010  
     Delinquencies     Losses     Delinquencies     Losses  

North America

     0.75     0.44     1.41     0.90

EAME & CIS

     3.21     0.85     4.20     0.57

Latin America

     7.83     12.32     20.89     1.63

APAC

     1.24     0.46     1.68     0.51
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2.16     2.16     4.85     0.90
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The lower level of delinquencies in North America, EAME & CIS, and APAC as of December 31, 2011, was primarily due to collections. The decline in delinquencies and increased losses for Latin America relate to the $300 million write-off of certain accounts related to the retail agriculture equipment loan portfolio. See Note 3: Accounts and Notes Receivable to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further information on the Brazil retail agricultural equipment loan portfolio.

Consolidated interest expense

The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower funding costs incurred by Financial Services as a result of declining interest rates and a $22 million loss recognized in the prior year due to the retirement in July 2010 of $500 million of notes due in 2014, partially offset by a higher level of average debt outstanding compared to the prior year.

 

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Consolidated income tax provision

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions,
except percents)
 

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

   $ 1,151      $ 416   

Income tax provision

   $ 343      $ 77   

Effective tax rate

     29.8     18.5

The increase in the effective tax rate from 2010 to 2011 was primarily due to the geographic mix of earnings in 2011. For 2010, certain tax examinations were settled and deferred tax valuation allowances were released in certain jurisdictions. We expect a normalized effective tax rate of 32% to 35% in 2012.

See “Note 10: Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 for more information on our income tax provision.

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   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

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

   $ 5,162       $ 4,647       $ 515        11     2

EAME & CIS

     3,614         3,904         (290     (7 )%      (2 )% 

Latin America

     1,648         1,118         530        47     13

APAC

     1,104         994         110        11     6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net sales

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

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

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 Latin America and North America as the result of increases in commodity prices and good harvest conditions. This growth was partially offset by a decline in volumes for combines in EAME & CIS due to poor harvest conditions in certain countries and due to tight credit markets. Worldwide agricultural tractor and combine industry retail unit sales increased 14% and 1%, respectively, from the prior year. Tractor and combine industry retail unit sales were up in all regions except EAME & CIS and APAC where combines were down. Our market share for the year was down slightly 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 3% 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 EAME & CIS net sales was primarily the result of the combine volumes decline, destocking actions, as well as the impact of currency. Industry retail unit sales of tractors increased 6% and combines decreased 17%. Our market share for the year was up for both tractors and combines. 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 32% and combines increased 29%. We maintained our market share for the year for combines and our market share for tractors was down. We 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 APAC net sales was primarily driven by an overall increase in the industry and currency. Industry retail unit sales of tractors increased 18% but was partially offset by an 8% decrease in combines. Our market share in APAC markets decreased for both combines and 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.

 

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Table of Contents

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

   $ 855       $ 632       $ 223         35     2

EAME & CIS

     734         704         30         4     (5 )% 

Latin America

     1,030         577         453         79     17

APAC

     327         207         120         58     1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net sales

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

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

The increase in our construction equipment net sales was primarily due to higher industry volume and better product 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 50% compared with the prior year as the result of significant market improvements across all regions. For the year, worldwide industry retail unit sales of light construction equipment increased 39%, driven by improvements in residential and commercial construction activity. Heavy equipment industry retail unit sales increased 61% as a result of overall GDP growth. Compared to the prior year, our market share was slightly down overall.

In North America, the increase in net sales was primarily the result of improved industry volume and better product mix. Construction equipment industry retail unit sales increased 17%. Retail unit sales of light construction equipment, where we have a stronger market presence, increased 21%, while retail unit sales of heavy construction equipment increased 16%. Industry retail unit sales for tractor loader backhoes and skid steers increased 17% compared to the prior year. Our market share compared to the prior year was flat for both heavy and light construction equipment. The 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 EAME & CIS were up as the industry retail unit sales for heavy and light construction equipment increased 49% and 34%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales of tractor loader backhoes and skid steers increased 47% and 36%, 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, especially in CIS markets, was largely offset by destocking actions taken by our dealers, primarily in Europe. 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 industry volume and product mix due to the significant growth in the construction equipment industry, and the positive impact of currency. Industry retail unit sales for both heavy and light construction equipment increased 92%, albeit from a low base. Retail unit sales of heavy and light construction equipment increased 96% and 88%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales of tractor loader backhoes and skid steers increased 65% and 113%, 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.

APAC net sales increased due to improved industry volume and product mix. Industry retail unit sales for heavy and light construction equipment increased 69% and 52%, respectively. Industry retail unit sales for tractor

 

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loader backhoes and skid steers increased 58% and 37%, respectively. Industry growth occurred in all major countries with the exception of Pakistan, and was particularly strong in Australia. Our market share was flat for both heavy and light construction equipment. We maintained positive pricing compared to the prior year.

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 product 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

 

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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%.

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 included in this annual report on Form 20-F for more information on 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 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 ownership interest in LBX Company LLC.

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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Table of Contents

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” 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 equipment loan 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

EAME & CIS

     4.20     0.57     7.30     0.33

Latin America

     20.89     1.63     27.89     0.64

APAC

     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.

 

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Table of Contents

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 decrease in other, net was primarily the result of the effects of foreign currency exchange rate movements.

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 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.

See “Note 10: Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F for more information on our income tax provision.

Application of Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements 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 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 consists of 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 all or a portion of receivables specifically reviewed by management for which we have determined we will likely not collect all of the contractual principal and interest. Receivables are individually reviewed for impairment based on, among other items, amounts

 

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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 that 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 to incorporate information reflecting the current economic environment. The total allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $405 million, $595 million, and $393 million, respectively.

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.

Management’s ongoing evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses takes into consideration past loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of underlying collateral and current economic conditions. 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 will not cause changes in the financial condition of our customers. If the financial condition of some 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.

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. The 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, 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $504 million, $461 million, and $427 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 cumulative depreciation expense on equipment on operating leases by approximately $50 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.

 

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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 2011 and 2010, we performed our annual impairment review as of December 31 and concluded that there was no impairment in either year. We evaluate events and changes in circumstances to determine if additional testing may be required.

We have identified three reporting units for the purpose of goodwill impairment testing: Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment, and Financial Services.

Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level using a two-step test. 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, when necessary, requires 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. 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 utilize 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 to measure the fair value of the Equipment Operations reporting units. We believe the income approach provides the best measure of fair value for Equipment Operations reporting units as this approach considers factors unique to each reporting unit 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). Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risks inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting units. We use eight years of expected cash flows, as management believes that this period generally reflects the underlying market cycles for its businesses.

The market approach measures fair value based on prices generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. We use the market approach to measure the fair value of the Financial Services reporting unit as it derives value based primarily on the assets under management. 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,

 

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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.

As of December 31, 2011, the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets substantially exceeded the respective carrying values.

The sum of the fair values of our reporting units was in excess of our market capitalization. We believe that the difference between the fair value and market capitalization is reasonable (in the context of assessing whether any asset impairment exists) when market-based control premiums are taken in consideration.

Sales Allowances

We grant certain sales incentives to stimulate sales of our products to retail customers. The expense for such incentive programs is 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 maintain volume by increasing customer incentives, possibly resulting in increased expense.

The sales allowance accruals at December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $1,029 million, $774 million, and $690 million, respectively.

Warranty Costs

At the time equipment is sold to a dealer, 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, 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $404 million, $350 million, and $301 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, 2011, would increase or decrease by approximately $60 million.

See “Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 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, 2011, we sponsor pension and other

 

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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 increases, 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 would be 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.

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:

 

    2012 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

  $ (14   $ 18      $ (288   $ 350   

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

    (21     21        N/A        N/A   

Other postretirement benefits:

       

Assumed discount rate

    (13     15        (112     136   

Assumed health care cost trend rate (initial and ultimate)

    30        (23     145        (111

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 gains or losses 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 may also require the use of cash but would reduce 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, 2011 for further information on our accounting for uncertain tax positions.

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

Troubled debt restructuring

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance that clarifies a creditor’s determination of troubled debt restructurings. A troubled debt restructuring occurs when a creditor grants a concession it would not otherwise consider to a debtor that is experiencing financial difficulties. The guidance clarifies what would be considered a concession by the creditor and financial difficulties of the debtor. Certain disclosures are required for transactions that qualify as troubled debt restructurings. This new guidance

 

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was effective for us on January 1, 2011. The disclosures required by this guidance have been included in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. For further information see “Note 3: Accounts and Notes Receivable”.

Transfer of financial assets and consolidation of VIEs

In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which changed 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 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.

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 have reassessed these VIEs under the new qualitative model and determined we were the primary beneficiary, as we have 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, we consolidated the receivables and related liabilities of 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 was 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 us or our creditors. Liabilities of the consolidated VIEs include secured borrowings for which creditors or beneficial interest holders do not have recourse to our general credit.

An additional impact of adopting this guidance is that certain funding transactions that would have historically met the derecognition criteria do not qualify for derecognition under the new accounting

 

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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.

We adopted the guidance prospectively in 2010 and, therefore, the financial statements prepared for 2010 and subsequent periods 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 statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 no longer reflect securitization income and initial gains or losses on new securitization transactions, but instead report interest income and other income associated with all securitized receivables, and interest expense associated with the debt issued by securitization trusts and facilities. Therefore, 2011 and 2010 results are not comparable to prior period amounts. 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 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” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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 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 2012. 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

During the year ended December 31, 2011, consolidated cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1.6 billion due primarily to increased deposits in Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools. Cash and cash equivalents at Equipment Operations decreased by $1,683 million, while cash and cash equivalents at Financial Services increased by $120 million.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2011     2010     2009  
   (in millions)  

Equipment Operations

   $ 1,097      $ 1,811      $ 1,145   

Financial Services

     (18     (12     1,220   

Eliminations

     (85     (397     (153
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 994      $ 1,402      $ 2,212   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equipment Operations generated $1,097 million of cash flows from operations in 2011, primarily due to net income of $924 million partially offset by cash used to fund working capital requirements to meet market demand. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities in 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily related to a decrease of $975 million in cash from working capital in 2011.

 

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The utilization of cash in operating activities at Financial Services in 2011 resulted primarily from cash reduction of $340 million from increases in accounts receivable, partially offset by net income of $225 million.

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, partially 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 for operating activities at Financial Services in 2010 resulted primarily from cash reduction of $203 million from increases in wholesale accounts receivable, 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 was comprised of $809 million from receivable reductions and $1,360 million from inventory reductions, primarily offset by reduced payables of $969 million. The primary drivers of the working capital reductions in 2009 were the lower revenues and demand, and the sale of receivables to Financial Services. 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.

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 receivable, net income of $174 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $128 million. The decrease in receivables was 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,
 
   2011     2010     2009  
   (in millions)  

Equipment Operations

   $ (2,884   $ 168      $ (691

Financial Services

     (666     (234     1,924   

Eliminations

            20          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ (3,550   $ (46   $ 1,233   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flow used by investing activities at Equipment Operations in 2011 was primarily attributable to deposits of $2,400 million cash in Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools and capital expenditures of $408 million. The decrease in cash from investing activities in 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily due to $2,400 million in deposits in Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools in 2011, compared to withdrawals from Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools of $481 million in 2010.

Cash flow used by investing activities at Financial Services in 2011 was a result of $5,582 million of additions to retail receivables and $394 million in expenditures for equipment on operating leases, partially offset by cash generated from the $5,106 million of collections of retail receivables and $241 million proceeds from

 

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sale of equipment on operating lease. Cash flow used by investing activities at Financial Services increased by $432 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to the activities in retail receivables.

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 investing 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 accounting guidance, certain securitization transactions are now 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 reflected 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 leases 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 $302 million investments in equipment on operating leases. Net cash provided from securitization transactions in 2009 was $1,796 million.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2011      2010     2009  
   (in millions)  

Equipment Operations

   $ 152       $ 626      $ (356

Financial Services

     832         (57     (2,766

Eliminations

     85         377        153   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 1,069       $ 946      $ (2,969
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by financing activities at Equipment Operations in 2011 primarily resulted from $391 million cash generated from collections of intersegment notes from Financial Services, partially offset by net payment of $292 million related to long-term borrowings. The decrease of cash provided by financing activities in 2011 compared to 2010 was due to a net reduction in borrowings in 2011.

Cash flows provided by financing activities for Financial Services in 2011 were attributable to net proceeds of $1,063 million from long-term borrowings and $277 million from short-term borrowings, partially offset by a reduction of $391 million in intersegment borrowings from Equipment Operations. The increase in cash flows used by financing activities at Financial Services in 2011 as compared to 2010 was a net effect of $766 million more cash from borrowings and $312 million less dividend distributions in 2011.

 

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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 collections 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 repay 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 primarily reflected the use of $1,017 million in cash to reduce short-term and long-term borrowings, partially offset by $676 million in cash received for the reduction of intersegment notes from Financial Services.

Cash flows used by financing activities for Financial Services in 2009 of $2,766 million primarily reflected 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.

Sources of Funding

Funding Policy

In the continuing environment of uncertainty in the financial markets, our policy is to keep a high degree of flexibility with our funding and investment options in order to maintain our desired level of liquidity. In managing our liquidity requirements, we are pursuing a financing strategy that includes open access to a variety of financing sources. These sources include U.S. and international capital markets, commercial bank lines, and the funding of Financial Services with a combination of receivables securitizations, unsecured borrowings, 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 managing 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 also supplement our short-term financing by entering into new credit lines with banks.

 

   

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.

 

   

Financial Services’ funding strategy is to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity and flexible access to a wide variety of financial instruments. We expect securitizations to continue to represent a substantial portion of our capital structure. However, we will further diversify our funding sources and expand our investor base within the Financial Services plan to create a stand-alone funding profile and achieve investment grade credit ratings. We will continue to look at the public ABS market as an important source of funding in North America and Australia. In addition to our current funding and liquidity sources, which include a combination of term receivables, securitizations, committed asset-backed facilities, and unsecured and secured borrowings, we expect changes to our funding profile as costs and terms of accessing the unsecured term market improve. In addition to offering unsecured notes and to accessing unsecured committed bank facilities in 2011, Financial Services will continue to evaluate

 

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financing alternatives to further diversify its funding base. We will tailor our offerings to improve investor interest in our securities while optimizing economic factors and reducing execution risks.

 

   

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 to continue 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 and financing from Fiat Industrial.

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 BNP Paribas Lease Group, new funding arrangements or a combination of the foregoing.

Prior to 2009, 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 these assignments, 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 9, 2012, our long-term unsecured debt was rated BB+ by S&P; Ba2 by Moody’s; and BBB Low by DBRS. Fiat Industrial’s long-term unsecured debt was rated BB+ (negative outlook) by S&P and Ba1 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 and would 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.

Consolidated Debt

As of December 31, 2011, and 2010, our consolidated debt was as detailed in the table below:

 

     Consolidated      Equipment
Operations
     Financial Services  
   2011      2010      2011      2010      2011      2010  
   (in millions)  

Long-term debt excluding current maturities

   $ 8,626       $ 8,540       $ 3,572       $ 3,660       $ 6,251       $ 5,933   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     4,412         3,894         682         818         3,730         3,076   

Short-term debt

     4,072         3,863         239         177         5,322         5,468   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

   $ 17,110       $ 16,297         4,493       $ 4,655         15,303       $ 14,477   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

On December 31, 2011, our outstanding consolidated debt with Fiat Industrial and its subsidiaries was $639 million, or 3.7% of our consolidated debt, compared to $778 million or 4.8% with Fiat and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010. The reduction was mainly due to Financial Services repaying part of its debt from Fiat Industrial.

 

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We believe that Net Debt, defined as total debt less intersegment notes receivable, deposits in Fiat Industrial 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, 2011 and 2010 and the reconciliation of Net Debt to Total Debt, the U.S. GAAP financial measures that we believe to be most directly comparable, are shown below:

 

     Consolidated     Equipment
Operations
    Financial Services  
   2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
   (in millions, except percentages)  

Total debt

   $ 17,110      $ 16,297      $ 4,493      $ 4,655      $ 15,303      $ 14,477   

Less:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,055        3,618        1,251        2,934        804        684   

Deposits with Fiat Industrial

     4,116               3,980               136          

Deposits with Fiat

            1,760               1,643               117   

Intersegment notes receivables

                   1,993        2,273        693        562   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt (cash)

     10,939        10,919        (2,731     (2,195     13,670        13,114   

Total equity

     7,924        7,380        7,923        7,379        2,046        2,008   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net capitalization

   $ 18,863      $ 18,299        5,192      $ 5,184        15,716      $ 15,122   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt (cash) to net capitalization

     58     60     (53 )%      (42 )%      87     87
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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  
     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Total debt

   $ 17,110      $ 16,297      $ 4,493      $ 4,655      $ 15,303      $ 14,477   

Total equity

     7,924        7,380        7,923        7,379        2,046        2,008   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 25,034      $ 23,677      $ 12,416      $ 12,034      $ 17,349      $ 16,485   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt to total capitalization

     68     69     36     39     88     88
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The improvement in the Net Cash position of Equipment Operations in 2011, compared to 2010, mainly reflects increased profitability and positive cash flow from operations.

The increase in Financial Services Net Debt in 2011 reflected higher managed receivables portfolios.

Long term debt

As of December 31, 2011, our consolidated long-term debt was $13.0 billion, including $4.4 billion of current maturities, compared to $12.4 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2010.

Equipment Operations long-term debt as of December 31, 2011 was $4.3 billion, including $682 million of current maturities, and consisted of bonds in the aggregate amount of approximately $2.8 billion, intersegment notes in the amount of $598 million, medium-term loans and borrowings under credit facilities with third parties

 

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and Fiat Industrial in the aggregate amount of $548 million, and advances under the syndicated credit facility in the amount of $300 million.

As of December 31, 2011, Financial Services’ long-term debt was $10 billion, including $3.7 billion of current maturities, and consisted of $6.9 billion of debt related to securitizations, $896 million of borrowings under committed credit lines related to our retail lending activities in Brazil, $606 million of asset-backed facilities, $599 million of intersegment notes, $500 million of unsecured notes, $311 million of borrowings from Fiat Industrial and third parties, and $150 million of unsecured debt from a bank.

A more detailed description of our long-term debt is provided under “Note 9: Credit Facilities and Debt” to our consolidated financial statements for year ended December 31, 2011.

Short Term Debt

As of December 31, 2011, our consolidated short-term debt was $4.1 billion, compared to $3.9 billion as of the end of 2010.

Equipment Operations’ short-term debt as of December 31, 2011 was $239 million and consisted mainly of $95 million of intersegment notes, $80 million from Fiat Industrial, and $64 million of advances under credit facilities.

As of December 31, 2011, Financial Services’ short-term debt was $5.3 billion, including $3.3 billion financed under asset-backed facilities, $1.4 billion of intersegment notes and $0.6 billion of borrowings from Fiat Industrial and third parties.

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, 2011, we had approximately $4.6 billion available under our $10.6 billion total lines of credit (including asset-backed facilities), including $6.0 billion of asset-backed facilities, $2.6 billion of credit lines with Fiat Industrial, $1.9 billion of committed lines, and $0.1 billion of uncommitted lines.

Of the total $6.0 billion drawn under such lines, $3.7 billion was classified as short term debt, $1.2 billion was classified as current maturities of long-term debt and $1.1 billion was 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.

 

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

Cash and cash equivalents were $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2011, compared to $3.6 billion as of December 31, 2010. The following table shows cash and cash equivalents, together with additional information on deposits with Fiat Industrial (in 2011) and Fiat (in 2010) and intersegment notes receivable, which together contribute to our definition of Net Debt as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

     Consolidated      Equipment
Operations
     Financial Services  
   2011      2010      2011      2010          2011              2010      
   (in millions)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,055       $ 3,618       $ 1,251       $ 2,934       $ 804       $ 684   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deposits with Fiat Industrial

   $ 4,116       $       $ 3,980       $       $ 136       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deposits with Fiat

   $       $ 1,760       $       $ 1,643       $       $ 117   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intersegment notes receivable:

                 

Current

   $       $       $ 1,394       $ 1,730       $ 95       $ 52   

Long-term

                     599         543         598         510   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total intersegment notes receivables

   $       $       $ 1,993       $ 2,273       $ 693       $ 562   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

At December 31, 2011, we had approximately $4.1 billion of cash deposited in the Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools, compared with $1.8 billion of cash deposited in the Fiat Treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools at the end of 2010. The total amount deposited in the Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools as of December 31, 2011, included $1.8 billion deposited by our subsidiaries in the United States and in Canada and $2.3 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 as of December 31, 2010 were assigned 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 at December 31, 2011, CNH had approximately $2.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents, compared to approximately $3.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2010. The amount as of December 31, 2010 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, at the end of 2010, these funds were deposited with primary financial institutions in Europe and the U.S. for a short-term period. In the month of January 2011, these funds were deposited with the applicable Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools.

Securitization

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

SPEs utilized in the securitization programs differ from other entities included in our consolidated financial statements because the assets they hold are legally isolated. For bankruptcy analysis purposes, we have sold the

 

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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.

The following table summarizes the restricted and off-book receivables and the related retained interests as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Restricted
Receivables
     Off-Book
Receivables
     Retained
Interest
 
     2011      2010      2011      2010      2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

North America retail receivables

   $ 5,501       $ 4,922       $ 108       $ 206       $ 18       $ 39   

North America wholesale receivables

     2,884         2,694                                   

Europe wholesale receivables

     1,193         1,051         2         8                   

Australia retail receivables

     932         936                                   

Australia wholesale receivables

     101         123                                   

North America revolving account receivables

     181         193                                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 10,792       $ 9,919       $ 110       $ 214       $ 18       $ 39   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Wholesale Receivables Securitizations

With regard to the wholesale receivable securitization programs, we sell eligible receivables on a revolving basis, to structured master trust facilities which are limited purpose, bankruptcy-remote SPE’s. As of December 31, 2011, the U.S. master trust facility consists of $583 million term asset-backed notes issued in August 2009 with a three-year maturity, $220 million term asset-backed notes issued January 2011 with a two-year maturity and four 364-day conduit facilities renewable annually at the sole discretion of the purchasers; $200 million renewable March 2012, $500 million renewable July 2012, $250 million renewable November 2012, and $200 million renewable November 2012.

The Canadian master trust facility consists of a C$586 million ($574 million) conduit facility renewable December 2012 at the sole discretion of the purchaser.

The Australian master trust facility consists of a 364-day A$200 million ($203 million) conduit facility renewable December 2012 at the sole discretion of the purchaser.

These trusts were determined to be VIE’s and, consequently we consolidate the securitization trusts. In our role as servicer, we have the power to direct the trusts’ activities and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the trusts. We are the primary beneficiary of the trusts, and therefore the trusts were consolidated.

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 represents 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 investors’ interests.

For the U.S. wholesale securitization facility, in the year ended December, 31, 2009, we recognized gains on the sale of receivables of $51 million. Collections reinvested into the facility in the year ended December, 31,

 

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2009 were $5,629 million. 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, we have various factoring programs for the revolving sale to third party factors of wholesale receivables originated in Europe. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the amount of outstanding receivables under these factoring programs were €1.0 billion ($1.3 billion) and €874 million ($1.2 billion), respectively, of which €922 million ($1.2 billion) and €786 million ($1.1 billion), respectively, were recorded as secured borrowings and included in the consolidated balance sheets.

Retail Receivables Securitizations

Within the U.S. retail asset securitization programs, eligible retail finance receivables are sold to limited purpose, bankruptcy-remote SPEs. In turn, these SPEs 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, we 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 our role as servicer, we have the power to direct the trusts’ activities. Through our retained interests, we have an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the trusts.

During both years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we issued $3.5 billion in retail asset-backed securities 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 our dealer network. We applied any proceeds from the securitizations to repay outstanding debt. At December 31, 2011, $5.7 billion of asset-backed securities issued to investors were outstanding with a weighted average expected remaining maturity between 25 and 37 months. 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 year ended December 31, 2009, we securitized retail receivables with a net principal value of $4.0 billion and recognized gains on these sales of receivables of $68 million. Further, related to the retail securitizations, we received proceeds of $3,732 million and recorded $31 million in servicing fees for the year ended December 31, 2009.

We receive compensation for servicing the receivables transferred and earn other related ongoing income customary with the securitization programs. We may also retain all or a portion of subordinated interests in the SPEs. No recourse provisions exist that allow holders of the asset-backed securities issued by the trusts to put those securities back to us, although we provide customary representations and warranties that could give rise to an obligation to repurchase from the trusts any receivables for which there is a breach of the representations and warranties. Moreover, we do 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 us, in our role as servicer.

CNH also has access to $2.1 billion committed asset-backed facilities through which it may sell retail receivables generated by Financial Services in the United States, Canada, and Australia. CNH has utilized these facilities in the past to fund the origination of receivables and have later repurchased and resold the receivables in the term ABS markets or found alternative financing for the receivables. CNH believes that it is probable that the vast majority of newly originated receivables will continue to be repurchased and resold in the public ABS markets. These facilities had an original term of two years and are renewable in December 2012 and December 2013. 

 

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Three private retail transactions totaling $108 million and $206 million were not included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These transactions continue to qualify as sales subsequent to the adoption of the new accounting guidance. Therefore, as these receivables are collected, the amount of off-book receivables will decrease.

Revolving Charge Account Securitizations

Through a trust, CNH securitizes originated revolving charge account receivables through a privately owned two year facility. The trust’s facility limit is $200 million and is renewable in October 2012. Consistent with the wholesale and retail securitization programs, we determined that the trust was a VIE and therefore, it was consolidated in our balance sheets.

Our 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 investors. The investors and the securitization trust have no recourse to us beyond our retained interest assets for failure of debtors to pay when due. Further, our retained interests are subordinate to the investors’ interests.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized gains of $10 million on the sale of receivables and collections reinvested into the facility were $705 million.

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 actuarially determined plan obligations. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, our pension plans had an underfunded status of approximately $731 million and $736 million, respectively. These amounts included pension plan obligations for plans that we are not currently required to fund of $418 million and $451 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

During 2011, we made a discretionary contribution of $70 million to our U.S. defined benefit pension plan trust. In 2012, 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 2013 through 2016. We will continue to consider making discretionary contributions to our pension and other benefit plans in the future.

During 2011, we contributed $55 million to our non-U.S. defined benefit plans and we anticipate that we will make contributions to such plans in 2012 of approximately $53 million.

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations

These benefit obligations are currently unfunded although we continue to evaluate making discretionary contributions. At both December 31, 2011 and 2010, our other postretirement benefit obligations had an underfunded status of $1.1 billion.

During 2011 and 2010, we did not make any voluntary contributions to our postretirement benefit plans; however, we made benefit payments of $63 million and $74 million during 2011 and 2010, respectively. We anticipate that cash requirements for other postretirement employee benefits will be approximately $88 million in 2012.

 

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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, 2011 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 $526 million, $451 million, and $398 million of research and development costs in the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, 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, 2011, we hold over 4,365 patents and over 1,112 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: “Key Trends for 2011”, “Key Trends for 2012” and “2011 Compared to 2010.”

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, 2011 and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—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, 2011, 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

   $ 13,038       $ 4,412       $ 4,685       $ 2,297       $ 1,644   

Interest on fixed rate debt(1)

     1,769         433         690         510         136   

Interest on floating rate debt(1)

     1,602         326         595         549         132   

Operating leases(2)

     153         32         42         36         43   

Purchase obligations

     400         400                           

Tax contingencies(3)

     55         55                           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 17,017       $ 5,658       $ 6,012       $ 3,392       $ 1,955   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The interest funding requirements are based on 2011 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 $305 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. 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 2012, 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 $53 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 2012, we anticipate making contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans of approximately $88 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 largely based on our interpretation of what we consider to be relevant 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 the intervention by governments and non-governmental organizations 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 that 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 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 became 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, engine emissions, 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, 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 ongoing difficult macroeconomic 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 eleven directors, eight of whom 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 1, 2012, our directors and certain senior managers are as set forth below:

 

Name

  

Position with CNH

   Director/
Executive
Officer
Since

Harold D. Boyanovsky

  

Director

   2005

Thomas J. Colligan

  

Director

   2011

Dr. Edward A. Hiler

  

Director

   2002

Léo W. Houle

  

Director

   2006

Dr. Rolf M. Jeker

  

Director

   2006

Dr. Peter Kalantzis

  

Director

   2006

John B. Lanaway

  

Director

   2006

Kenneth Lipper

  

Director

   1996

Sergio Marchionne

  

Director, Chairman of the Board

   2004

Paolo Monferino

  

Director

   2000

Jacques Theurillat

  

Director

   2006

Steven C. Bierman

  

President, CNH Capital

   2005

Pierre Fleck

  

President, Parts and Service

   2011

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

James E. McCullough

  

President, Construction Equipment

   2009

Camillo Rossotto

  

Chief Financial Officer

   2012

Richard Tobin

  

President and Chief Executive Officer

   2010

Harold D. Boyanovsky, Director, born on August 15, 1944, retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of CNH Global N.V. on December 31, 2011. Prior to this, Mr. Boyanovsky 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.

Thomas J. Colligan, Director, born on July 16, 1944, was appointed to the Board on January 6, 2011 and elected a Director on March 29, 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.

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

 

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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.

Léo W. Houle, Director, born on August 24, 1947, was elected a Director of CNH on April 7, 2006. On September 6, 2011, Mr. Houle was appointed to the Board of Directors of Chrysler Group LLC. 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 Saint 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 was a member of the Board of Directors of Precious Woods Holding Ltd.; Chairman of the Board of the Swiss Export Promotion Office; Chairman of the My Climate-CLIPP Foundation; and Member of the Board of the Swiss Climate Penny Foundation. Presently Dr. Jeker is Chairman of Emerging Market Services Ltd.; CEO and Vice –Chairman of AO Foundation and Chairman of Carbura. 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); Chairman of Elpe-Thraki S.A., Athens (Greece) and Chairman of Zuricher Goldhandel AG, Cham. 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); 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.

 

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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 B. Lanaway, Director, born on April 13, 1950, was elected a Director of CNH on April 7, 2006. On September 6, 2011, Mr. Lanaway was appointed to the Board of Directors of Chrysler Group LLC. Mr. Lanaway was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, North America, of McCann Erickson, one of the largest marketing communications networks in the world, from November 2007 until June 2011. 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 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, is Chairman and CEO of Lipper & Company, an asset management and investment banking firm, since 1987. He has served as a Director of CNH since 1996. From 2005 to 2010, Mr. Lipper was Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. He was Deputy Mayor of the City of New York under Mayor Edward Koch from 1983 to 1985. Mr. Lipper was a general partner of Salomon Brothers from 1976 to 1982 and Lehman Brothers from 1969 to 1975. Prior to that, Mr. Lipper was the Director of Industrial Policy for the U.S. Office of Foreign Direct Investment 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”. He wrote the novel “Wall Street” and was chief technical advisor of the film; he wrote the novel and screenplay “City Hall”, and was producer on the film; he was producer of the play and film “The Winter Guest.” He is co-owner and co-publisher of the celebrated biography series “Penguin Lives”, under the Lipper/Viking Penguin imprint. He is a trustee of The Hampton Film Festival and of The Jerome & Kenneth Lipper Foundation; he is 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 JD 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 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. From 1994 to 2000, he held 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. He became Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC in June 2009 and Chairman in September 2011. In May 2010, he joined the Board of

 

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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 President 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 holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Philospohy and a bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto, as well as a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor (Canada). He is also a recipient of: an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor (Canada) and honorary Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Toledo (Ohio), a Master honoris causa from the CUOA Foundation (Italy), a degree in Economics honoris causa from the University of Cassino (Italy), and a degree ad honorem in Industrial Engineering and Management from Polytechnic University in Turin. Mr. Marchionne also holds the honor 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 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 the Serono SA 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.

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, 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

 

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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.

Pierre Fleck, President, CNH Parts & Service, born on December 5, 1965, was appointed President of CNH Parts & Service on May 18, 2011 and holds the same position with Iveco. Mr. Fleck is responsible for CNH’s agricultural and construction global aftersales business, along with Iveco’s aftersales business. He first joined Fiat in January 2005 and has held a number of roles within the Fiat Industrial Group, including his most recent role as CEO of Irisbus Iveco. From 2008 to 2010 , Mr. Fleck served as President of CNH Parts & Service and Executive Vice President of Parts & Service for Fiat Group Automobiles from 2006. Before joining Fiat, he held a variety of positions with Alcatel from 1989 and 1991 in Germany, Valeo Electrical Systems and Distribution from 1991 to 2000 and Honeywell Friction Materials from 2000 to 2006, in the fields of sales and marketing, distribution and after sales. Mr. Fleck holds an MBA from IEA, the Institut European des Affairs in Paris.

Franco Fusignani, President and Chief Executive Officer of New Holland Agricultural Equipment and of CNH International SA, born on September 19, 1945, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of New Holland Agricultural Equipment in October 2010 and of CNH International SA on July 1, 2007. He has responsibility for the New Holland 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 facilities 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 New Holland Agricultural Equipment, 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 New Holland, Case IH and Steyr branded products from 2000 to 2006. He served as Business Director Eastern Europe for Case IH and Steyr for 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 Steyr Landmaschinentechnik (St. Valentin/Austria).

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 1990 and 1995, Mr. McCullough served in a variety of positions with Case.

 

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Camillo Rossotto, Chief Financial Officer, born on July 17, 1962, was appointed Chief Financial Officer of CNH on January 1, 2012 and Treasurer and head of Financial Services for Fiat Industrial on January 5, 2011. He also serves as a member of the Industrial Executive Council (IEC) of Fiat Industrial. In March 2010, after a brief period as CEO of FGA Capital, the joint venture between Fiat Group and Credit Agricole, Mr. Rossotto was appointed Treasurer of Fiat Group. In 2008, he was appointed responsible for CNH Capital Europe and Trade Finance. In 2005, he was appointed Treasurer of CNH in the U.S. and in 2007 also became CFO of CNH Capital. In 2000, after a brief period as Group Treasurer at Barilla S.p.A., he returned to Fiat as Treasurer for Fiat Auto. Mr. Rossotto joined the Fiat Group in 1989 and held a number of roles of increasing responsibility in the Finance area, first in Italy and then in the U.S., Germany and Brazil. Mr. Rossotto holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Turin and an MBA from New York University.

Richard Tobin, President and Chief Executive Officer, born on April 4, 1963, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2012. He served as Chief Financial Officer of CNH Global N.V. from March 8, 2010 to December 31, 2011. He joined CNH from SGS Group Geneva, Switzerland, where he was appointed Chief Financial Officer & Information Technology in June 2004 and prior to that 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. He holds a Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Business Administration degrees from Norwich University and Drexel University, respectively.

B. Compensation

Directors’ Compensation

The following table summarizes remuneration paid or accrued to Directors for the year ended December 31, 2011, excluding directors who are employees of Fiat Industrial or Fiat and are not compensated by us:

 

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

Salary

    $ 853,117 (a)    $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $ 853,117   

Annual Fees

        87,964        115,000        140,000        120,000        84,000        86,250        115,000        110,278        116,250        974,742   

Common Shares Granted

                       

3/28/2011

  $ 46.89                  9,000              9,688        18,688   

6/27/2011

  $ 36.10                  9,000              9,687        18,687   

9/26/2011

  $ 26.78          15,000              9,000              9,688        33,688   

12/27/2011

  $ 37.09          9,000              9,000              9,687        27,687   

Use of Company Car

      8,704            13,621          8,576                30,901   

Future Remuneration:

                       

Pension Plan

      85,389 (a)                        85,389   

Bonus:

                       

Cash

      1,593,520                          1,593,520   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $ 2,540,730      $ 111,964      $ 115,000      $ 153,621      $ 120,000      $ 128,576      $ 86,250      $ 115,000      $ 110,278      $ 155,000      $ 3,636,419   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Mr. Boyanovsky exercised stock options during 2011 resulting in $1.8 million of earnings and, in connection with the terms of his retirement in 2011, will receive future cash remuneration totaling $1.4 million. These amounts are not included in the table above.

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

CNH Directors’ Compensation Plan

The CNH Global N.V. Directors’ Compensation Plan (“CNH 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 eligible directors of CNH in the form of cash, and/or common shares of CNH, and/or options to purchase common shares of CNH. The CNH Directors’ Plan provides for the payment of the Fees to eligible members of the Board of CNH, provided that such members do not receive salary or other

 

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employment compensation from CNH, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or Fiat Group or Fiat Industrial Group companies. Each quarter of the CNH Directors’ Plan year, the eligible directors elect the form of payment of their Fees. If the elected form is common shares, the eligible 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 eligible 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 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 a director. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were 690,993 and 693,914 common shares, respectively, reserved for issuance under the CNH Directors’ Plan. Directors eligible to receive compensation under the CNH Directors’ Plan 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, 2011:

 

     2011  
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     90,840      $ 31.24   

Granted

     3,101        37.09   

Forfeited

              

Expired

              

Exercised

     (28,796     24.28   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

     65,145        34.59   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exercisable at end of year

     65,145        34.59   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See “Note 17: Option and Incentive Plans” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 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 2011 was approximately $8.7 million, including $600,000 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.”

 

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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 as a director.

We currently have an Audit Committee and a Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee which are described in more detail below. During 2011, there were seven meetings of our Board of Directors. Attendance at these meetings was 95%. The Audit Committee met eight times during 2011 and attendance of directors at those meetings was 97%. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee met four times during 2011 with 100% 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 typically schedules one annual meeting that is devoted to discussing our strategy (this meeting did not take place in 2011).

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, Colligan, 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 Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, the design, development, implementation and review of the compensation and terms of employment of our executive officers and the fees paid to the members of the Board as well as succession planning issues relating to executive officers and directors. The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee is responsible for making sure that the compensation of the company’s executive personnel is related to and aligned with our (and our shareholders’) short-term and long-term objectives and our operating performance. The directors’ compensation terms and conditions are set forth in the CNH Directors’ Plan, the terms of which are approved by our shareholders. The Corporate Governance and Compensation

 

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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, 2011, 2010, and 2009, we had approximately 32,700, 28,800, and 28,450 employees, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately 20,800 employees in the agricultural equipment business, 5,000 in the construction equipment business, and 900 in the financial services business, with the remaining 6,000 in parts and service and other roles shared by all business units. As of December 31, 2011, as broken down by geographic location, there were 11,200 employees in North America, 13,000 employees in EAME and CIS, 5,100 employees in Latin America, and 3,400 employees in APAC.

Unions represent many of our production and maintenance employees. Our collective bargaining agreement with the UAW, which represents approximately 1,300 of our hourly production and maintenance employees in the United States continues through April 2016. The International Association of Machinists, which represents approximately 780 of our employees in Fargo, North Dakota, ratified a contract in October 2006, which expires in April 2012. We will begin negotiating with the International Association of Machinists in late March with an anticipated contract ratification 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’ 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 eligible 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, 2011, excluding directors who are employees of Fiat Industrial or Fiat Industrial 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 1/1/11

                     

(automatic option)

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

(automatic option)

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

(automatic option)

    4/7/2006        27.70        4,000        4,000               4,000        4,000          4,000        4,000        24,000   
    7/5/2006        23.87                                                         1,047        1,047   
    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   
    4/30/2009        13.58                      57,015                                           57,015   
    9/15/2009        18.23        3,761                                                         3,761   
    12/14/2009        24.74        4,648                                                         4,648   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    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   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Beginning 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   

Total Options Granted in 2011

                     
    12/28/2011        37.09        3,101                                                         3,101   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2011 Sub-Total

        3,101                                                    3,101   

Options Exercised in 2011

                     
    04/26/2004        21.22          4,000                    4,000   
    04/7/2006        27.70        4,000                      4,000   
    02/16/2007        37.96            42,299                  42,299   
    09/15/2008        29.58        3,043                      3,403   
    04/30/2009        13.58            28,503                  28,503   
    09/15/2009        18.23        3,761                      3,761   
    12/14/2009        24.74        4,648                      4,648   
    03/11/2010        26.54        4,333                      4,333   
    06/9/2010        22.95        5,011                      5,011   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Options Exercised 2011

        24,796        4,000        70,802                                      99,598   

Closing Balance as of 12/31/2011

                     

Closing Total

        13,420        8,000        132,477        24,223        6,862               4,000        8,640        197,622   

– Vested/Not Exercised

        13,420        8,000        41,704        24,223        6,862               4,000        8,640        106,849   

Not Vested

                      90,773                                           90,773   

 

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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 January 1, 2011

        

Total Beginning Balance—Not Vested

     09/30/2010       $ 34.74         100,000   

Shares Forfeited

     09/30/2010       $ 34.74         (60,000
        

 

 

 

Ending Balance as of December 31, 2011—Not Vested

           40,000   
        

 

 

 

 

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

A. Major Shareholders

As of December 31, 2011, our outstanding capital stock consisted of common shares, par value €2.25 ($2.91) per share. As of December 31, 2011, there were 239,716,408 common shares outstanding. At December 31, 2011, we had 564 registered holders of record of our common shares in the United States. Registered holders and indirect beneficial owners hold approximately 12% of our outstanding common shares.

As of December 31, 2011, Fiat Netherlands, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fiat Industrial, was our largest single shareholder. Consequently, Fiat Netherlands 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.

The following table sets forth the outstanding common shares of CNH as of December 31, 2011:

 

Shareholders

   Number of
Outstanding
Common
Shares
     Percentage
Ownership
Interest
 

Fiat Netherlands

     211,866,037         88

Other shareholders

     27,850,371         12
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     239,716,408         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a result of the demerger transaction implemented by Fiat and effective on January 1, 2011, Fiat transferred to Fiat Industrial its ownership interest in Fiat Netherlands and, as a result, we became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure” for additional information regarding the demerger transaction.

B. Related Party Transactions

As of December 31, 2011, our outstanding capital stock consisted of common shares, par value €2.25 (U.S. $2.91) per share. As of December 31, 2011, there were 239,716,408 common shares outstanding. At December 31, 2011, we had 564 registered holders of record of our common shares in the United States. Registered holders and indirect beneficial owners hold approximately 12% of our outstanding common shares. Fiat Netherlands, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiat Industrial, is the largest single shareholder. Consequently, at December 31, 2011, Fiat Netherlands 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 has the same voting rights as our other shareholders.

Historically, we have developed a variety of relationships, and engaged in a number of transactions, with various Fiat or Fiat Industrial group companies. See “Note 21: Related Party Information” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December, 31, 2011 for further information regarding our relationships and transactions with Fiat and Fiat Industrial.

 

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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 16, 2012, our Board of Directors recommended that we do not declare any dividend in 2012.

 

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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 2012

   $ 46.52       $ 37.64   

December 2011

     40.62         35.01   

November 2011

     40.86         35.37   

October 2011

     38.49         23.60   

September 2011

     33.00         26.24   

August 2011

     38.27         26.15   

Year ended December 31, 2011

     

First Quarter

   $ 54.01       $ 43.41   

Second Quarter

     49.73         35.96   

Third Quarter

     41.64         26.15   

Fourth Quarter

     40.86         23.60   

Full Year

     54.01         23.60   

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   

2009

   $ 25.94       $ 6.01   

2008

   $ 68.82       $ 11.09   

2007

   $ 68.02       $ 26.14   

On February 23, 2012, the last reported sales price of our common shares as reported on the NYSE was $43.80 per share. There were approximately 564 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 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 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 29, 2011, 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 five years and may be renewed for additional periods of up to five years. At our general meeting of shareholders

 

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on March 29, 2011, 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 would be 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 those 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. At its meeting on February 16, 2012 the Board of Directors recommended that no dividend be paid.

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 that 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 the 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 all the capital shares at a meeting of our 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.

 

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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 our 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 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.

 

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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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, holders that purchase or sell the common shares as part of a wash sale for U.S. federal income tax purposes, 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;

 

   

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

 

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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, 2013, 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.

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

 

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(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 disposal 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. Where in this taxation summary the terms “The Netherlands” and “Dutch” are used, these refer solely to the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

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. Where in this Netherlands taxation paragraph reference is made to a “holder of shares”, that concept includes, without limitation:

 

1.

an owner of one or more shares who in addition to the title to such shares, has an economic interest in such shares;

 

2.

a person or an entity that holds the entire economic interest in one or more shares;

 

3.

a person or an entity that holds an interest in an entity, such as a partnership or a mutual fund, that is transparent for Dutch tax purposes, the assets of which comprise one or more shares, within the meaning of 1. or 2. above; or

 

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4.

a person who is deemed to hold an interest in shares, as referred to under 1. to 3., pursuant to the attribution rules of article 2.14a, of the Dutch Income Tax Act 2001 (Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001), with respect to property that has been segregated, for instance in a trust or a foundation.

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 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 in connection with past, present or future employment performed in the Netherlands or membership of a management board (bestuurder) or a supervisory board (commissaris) of a Netherlands resident entity 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 capital not recognised as paid in capital 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.

 

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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, provided such exemption or refund is timely and duly claimed. 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 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 withholding 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

 

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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.

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 (other than the dividend withholding tax described above) 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 miscellaneous activities in The Netherlands. Benefits derived or deemed to be derived from certain miscellaneous activities by a child or a foster child who is under the age of eighteen years of age are attributed to the parents who exercises, or the parents who exercise authority over the child, irrespective of the country of residence of the child.

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.

 

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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.

 

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including changes in 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. See “Note 15: Financial Instruments” to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our risk management and the methods and assumptions used to determine the fair values of financial instruments.

Foreign Currency Risk

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. 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.

All foreign currency hedging instruments are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the effects that market risk exposures may have on the fair value of the foreign currency hedging instruments. The sensitivity analysis computes the hypothetical impact on the fair value of the foreign currency hedging instruments if there were a 10% change in the foreign currency exchange rates relative to the currency of the contracts, assuming no change in interest rates. The fair value of the foreign currency hedging instruments would be negatively impacted by approximately $25 million and positively impacted by $70 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. However, 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.

Interest Rate Risk

We monitor interest rate risk 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. A sensitivity analysis was performed to compute the hypothetical impact on fair value which would be caused by a 10% change in the interest rates used to discount each category of financial assets and liabilities. The net impact on the fair value of the financial instruments and derivative instruments held as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates, would be approximately $20 million and $2 million, respectively. For the sensitivity analysis the financial instruments are grouped 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

 

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interest rate fluctuations for such financial instruments, as consistently unfavorable movements of all interest rates are unlikely.

 

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, 2011 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 the Company’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 the Company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’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, 2011 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, 2011, our internal controls over financial reporting were effective.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears below.

 

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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 CNH Global N.V. and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). 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 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 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.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statement of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the year then ended of CNH Global N.V. and subsidiaries and our report dated February 29, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 29, 2012

 

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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, 2011 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, Mr. Thomas J. Colligan, Dr. Peter Kalantzis, Mr. John B. 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

Ernst & Young LLP, the member firms of Ernst & Young and their respective affiliates (collectively, the “Ernst & Young Entities”) were appointed to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2011. 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 Ernst & Young Entities and the Deloitte Entities for professional services for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively:

 

     2011      2010  

Audit Fees

   $ 4,893,000       $ 8,078,000   

Audit-Related Fees

     1,575,200         1,557,000   

Tax Fees

     330,000         12,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,798,200       $ 9,647,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

“Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees billed by the Ernst & Young Entities in 2011 and the Deloitte Entities in 2010 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 Ernst & Young Entities in 2011 and the Deloitte Entities in 2010 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 Ernst & Young Entities in 2011 and the Deloitte Entities in 2010 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 Audit 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

 

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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.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

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 (eight of the eleven 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.

 

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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.

 

   

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 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  

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

     F-2   

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

     F-4   

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011, and 2010

     F-5   

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

     F-7   

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

     F-8   

Notes to consolidated financial statements

     F-9   

 

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  

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

     F-2   

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

     F-4   

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011, and 2010

     F-5   

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

     F-7   

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009

     F-8   

Notes to consolidated financial statements

     F-9   

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of CNH Global N.V.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of CNH Global N.V. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. The financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2010, were audited by other auditors whose report dated February 28, 2011, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements and included an explanatory paragraph that disclosed the change in the Company’s method of accounting and reporting for transfers of financial assets and consolidation of variable interest entities discussed in Note 2 to these financial statements.

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 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of CNH Global N.V. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. The supplemental information in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements for “Equipment Operations” and “Financial Services” is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The information as of December 31, 2011 and for the year then ended has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole.

We also have 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, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 29, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 29, 2012

 

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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 sheet of CNH Global N.V. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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 the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, 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. The supplemental information as of December 31, 2010 and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 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.

 

/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, 2011, 2010 and 2009

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Revenues:

      

Net sales

   $ 18,059      $ 14,474      $ 12,783   

Finance and interest income

     1,126        1,134        977   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     19,185        15,608        13,760   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

      

Cost of goods sold

     14,626        11,891        10,862   

Selling, general and administrative

     1,843        1,698        1,486   

Research, development and engineering

     526        451        398   

Restructuring

            16        102   

Interest expense—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

     34                 

Interest expense—Fiat subsidiaries

            112        189   

Interest expense—other

     752        718        482   

Other, net

     253        306        334   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     18,034        15,192        13,853   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     1,151        416        (93

Income tax provision

     343        77        92   

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

      

Financial Services

     12        11        9   

Equipment Operations

     104        88        (46
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     924        438        (222

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (15     (14     (32
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 939      $ 452      $ (190
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

      

Basic

   $ 3.92      $ 1.90      $ (0.80
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 3.91      $ 1.89      $ (0.80
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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, 2011 and 2010

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions, except
share data)
 
ASSETS     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,055      $ 3,618   

Restricted cash

     941        914   

Deposits in Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools

     4,116          

Deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

            1,760   

Accounts and notes receivable, net

     8,811        8,621   

Inventories, net

     3,662        2,937   

Deferred income taxes

     645        633   

Prepayments and other

     1,013        822   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     21,243        19,305   

Long-term receivables

     5,680        5,407   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     1,936        1,786   

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

     506        490   

Equipment on operating leases, net

     666        622   

Goodwill

     2,413        2,385   

Other intangible assets, net

     671        679   

Other assets

     978        915   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 34,093      $ 31,589   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY     

Current Liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

   $ 221      $   

Current maturities of long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

            253   

Current maturities of long-term debt—other

     4,191        3,641   

Short-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

     325          

Short-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

            194   

Short-term debt—other

     3,747        3,669   

Accounts payable

     2,952        2,367   

Accrued liabilities

     3,923        3,345   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     15,359        13,469   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

     93          

Long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

            331   

Long-term debt—other

     8,533        8,209   

Pension, postretirement and other post employment benefits

     1,713        1,770   

Other liabilities

     466        426   

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

     5        4   

Equity:

    

Common shares, €2.25 par value; authorized 400,000,000 shares in 2011 and 2010, issued 239,871,221 shares in 2011, 238,588,630 shares in 2010

     603        599   

Paid-in capital

     6,299        6,198   

Treasury stock, 154,813 shares in 2011 and 2010, at cost

     (8     (8

Retained earnings

     1,597        658   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (630     (142

Noncontrolling interests

     63        75   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     7,924        7,380   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 34,093      $ 31,589   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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, 2011 and 2010

 

The following table presents certain assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”), which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets 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,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (in millions)      (in millions)  

Restricted cash

   $ 899       $ 871   

Accounts and notes receivable, net

     4,583         4,362   

Long-term receivables

     4,254         3,718   

Equipment on operating leases, net

     94         90   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 9,830       $ 9,041   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt—other

   $ 2,779       $ 1,757   

Short-term debt—other

     2,302         2,488   

Long-term debt—other

     3,732         4,111   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 8,813       $ 8,356   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Operating activities:

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 924      $ 438      $ (222

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization expense

     426        415        398   

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

     126        (28     (67

Loss on debt extinguishment

            22          

Gain on acquisition of unconsolidated joint venture

     (34              

Stock compensation expense

     62        34        16   

Undistributed (income) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (57     (79     65   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

(Increase) decrease in accounts and notes receivable, net

     (331     (287     1,667   

(Increase) decrease in inventories, net

     (849     323        1,360   

Increase in prepayments and other current assets

     (198     (355     (174

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (95     21        96   

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     631        486        (935

Increase in other accrued liabilities

     521        647        37   

Decrease in other liabilities

     (75     (207     (5

Other, net

     (57     (28     (24
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     994        1,402        2,212   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

      

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (64     (10     (5

Additions to retail receivables

     (5,582     (6,662     (6,552

Proceeds from retail and credit card securitizations

            24        3,775   

Collections of retail receivables

     5,106        6,739        4,466   

Collections of retained interests in securitized retail receivables

     21               107   

Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets

     262        315        141   

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

     (408     (301     (218

Expenditures for software

     (38     (29     (17

Expenditures for equipment on operating leases

     (396     (365     (302

Increase in restricted cash

     (32     (219       

Deposits in Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools

     (2,419              

Withdrawals from (deposits in) Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

            462        (162
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities

     (3,550     (46     1,233   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

      

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

     3                 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

            72        736   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—other

     2,477        3,297        2,109   

Payment of long-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

     (269              

Payment of long-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

            (1,834     (1,306

Payment of long-term debt—other

     (1,440     (1,281     (2,763

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

     297        691        (1,730

Other, net

     1        1        (15
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

     1,069        946        (2,969
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (76     53        154   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,563     2,355        630   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     3,618        1,263        633   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 2,055      $ 3,618      $ 1,263   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

F-7


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

 

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

Balance, January 1, 2009

    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     

Consolidation of formerly unconsolidated subsidiary

                                       10        10       

Comprehensive income:

                 

Net income

                         939               (17 )1      922        2      $ 924   

Translation adjustment

                                (388     (2     (390            (390

Pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $20 million)

                                (49            (49            (49

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities (net of tax of $2 million)

                                (3            (3            (3

Derivative financial instruments:

                 

Losses deferred (net of tax of $14 million)

                                (48            (48            (48

Gains reclassified to earnings (net of tax of $0 million)

                                (3            (3            (3
                 

 

 

 

Total

                  $ 431   
                 

 

 

 

Stock compensation

           62                                    62            

Issuance of common shares

    4        27                                    31            

Sale of unconsolidated subsidiary

           11                                    11            

Tax benefit for stock compensation

           3                                    3            

Decrease in noncontrolling interest due to change in ownership

           (2                   3        (3     (2         

Dividend paid to redeemable noncontrolling interests

                                                     (1  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Balance, December 31, 2011

  $ 603      $ 6,299      $ (8   $ 1,597      $ (630   $ 63      $ 7,924      $ 5     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

1 

Net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests excludes $2 million in 2011 and $3 million in 2010 related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest which is reported separately in the consolidated balance sheets.

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.

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 operation 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, 2011, Fiat Industrial S.p.A. and its subsidiaries (“Fiat Industrial” or the “Fiat Industrial Group”) owned approximately 88% of CNH’s outstanding common shares through Fiat Netherlands Holding N.V. (“Fiat Netherlands”).

On January 1, 2011, Fiat S.p.A. (“Fiat” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Fiat Group”) 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 indirect ownership of CNH Global, as well as Fiat’s truck and commercial vehicles business (“Iveco”) and its industrial and marine powertrain business (“FPT Industrial”). Consequently, as of January 1, 2011, CNH Global became a subsidiary of Fiat Industrial. In connection with the demerger transaction, shareholders of Fiat 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.

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 is 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” 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 in 2010, and therefore, the financial statements prepared for 2010 and future periods reflect the new accounting requirements, but the financial statements for periods ending on or before December 31, 2009 reflected the accounting guidance applicable during those periods. The Company’s statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 no longer reflect securitization income and initial gains or losses on new securitization transactions, but instead report 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, 2011 and 2010 results are not comparable to prior period amounts. In addition, because the Company’s new securitization transactions do not meet the requirements for derecognition under the new guidance and are accounted for as secured borrowings rather than asset sales, the initial cash flows from these transactions are presented in 2011 and 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.

Certain reclassifications of amounts previously reported have been made to the consolidated financial statements in order to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of consolidated financial statements 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, generally upon shipment or delivery of goods. 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 2011, 2010 and 2009, “interest-free” periods averaged 2.4 months, 2.5 months, and 2.9 months, respectively, on 82%, 84%, and 84% of sales, respectively, for the agricultural equipment business. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, “interest-free” periods averaged 2.6 months, 2.9 months, and 4.0 months, respectively, on 67%, 62%, and 64% 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 it is determined to be probable that all amounts due will not be collected.

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 recorded 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 $162 million, $133 million, and $124 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

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. 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

 

F-11


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company recorded a net loss of $61 million and $17 million and a net gain of $58 million, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are 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 asset-backed securities 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.

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 dealers are also included in operating activities. CNH’s financing of receivables related to equipment sold by dealers is included in investing activities.

Cash payments for interest totaled $800 million, $838 million, and $636 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

CNH paid taxes of $308 million, $207 million, and $117 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Deposits in Fiat Industrial Subsidiaries’ and Fiat Subsidiaries’ Cash Management Pools (“Deposits with Fiat Industrial or 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 Industrial and Fiat approximates fair value based on the short maturity of these investments. For additional information on Deposits with Fiat Industrial or Fiat, see “Note 21: Related Party Information.”

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

 

F-12


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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 that 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 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 market. 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.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. 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 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 to 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.

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.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually. During 2011 and 2010, 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 method. 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. 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 Benefits

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 from 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 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

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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 sheets 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.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

CNH recognizes all share-based compensation as an expense based on the fair value of each award on the grant date. CNH recognizes share-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

Troubled debt restructuring

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance that clarifies a creditor’s determination of troubled debt restructurings. A troubled debt restructuring occurs when a creditor grants a concession it would not otherwise consider to a debtor that is experiencing financial difficulties. The guidance clarifies what would be considered a concession by the creditor and financial difficulties of the debtor. Certain disclosures are required for transactions that qualify as troubled debt restructurings. This new guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2011. The disclosures required by this guidance have been included in these notes to the consolidated financial statements. For further information see “Note 3: Accounts and Notes Receivable”.

Transfer of financial assets and consolidation of VIEs

In June 2009, the 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 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.

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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 were 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 was 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 that 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 do 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.

The Company adopted the guidance prospectively in 2010 and, therefore, the financial statements prepared for 2010 and subsequent periods 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 statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 no longer reflect securitization income and initial gains or losses on new securitization transactions, but instead reports interest

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

income and other income associated with all securitized receivables, and interest expense associated with the debt issued by securitization trusts and facilities. Therefore, 2011 and 2010 results are not comparable to prior period amounts. In addition, because the Company’s new securitization transactions do not meet the requirements for derecognition under the new guidance, and are accounted for as secured borrowings rather than asset sales, the initial cash flows from these transactions are presented in 2011 and 2010 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, 2011 and 2010, is as follows:

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Wholesale notes and accounts receivable

   $ 1,336      $ 1,297   

Retail and other notes receivable and finance leases

     2,283        2,979   

Restricted receivables

     10,792        9,919   

Other notes receivable

     485        428   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross receivables

     14,896        14,623   

Less:

    

Allowance for credit losses

     (405     (595

Current portion

     (8,811     (8,621
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term receivables, net

   $ 5,680      $ 5,407   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 2011, 2010 or 2009 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.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, included in retail notes receivable are approximately $1.0 billion and $1.3 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

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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, 2011 and 2010, the guaranteed portfolio balance was $310 million and $396 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. Since 2009, no mass debt relief programs were initiated. In most instances, the payments were due as scheduled or renegotiated, where applicable. CNH believes the series of debt relief actions impacted customers’ behavior and payment patterns. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, CNH increased the allowance for this portfolio by $116 million, $139 million and $47 million, respectively. These increases were based on various factors including the Company’s collection history subsequent to the Brazilian government’s mass debt relief initiative. Since this 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 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, 2011 and 2010, total receivables greater than 60 days past due included in this program were $157 million and $465 million, respectively. These receivables have been placed on nonaccrual status. For the full year 2011 and 2010, the Company wrote off receivables of approximately $300 million and $40 million, respectively. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had $104 million and $286 million, respectively, in the allowance for credit losses related to this portfolio.

Maturities of long-term receivables as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

     Amount  
     (in millions)  

2013

   $ 1,980   

2014

     1,562   

2015

     1,172   

2016

     721   

2017 and thereafter

     245   
  

 

 

 

Total long-term receivables, net

   $ 5,680   
  

 

 

 

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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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

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” 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, 2011 and 2010, €1.2 million ($1.6 million) and €6 million ($8 million), respectively, 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 additional information.

The following table summarizes the restricted and off-book receivables and the related retained interests as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Restricted Receivables      Off-Book Receivables      Retained Interest  
         2011              2010              2011              2010              2011              2010      
     (in millions)  

North America retail receivables

   $ 5,501       $ 4,922       $ 108       $ 206       $ 18       $ 39   

North America wholesale receivables

     2,884         2,694                                   

Europe wholesale receivables

     1,193         1,051         2         8                   

Australia retail receivables

     932         936                                   

Australia wholesale receivables

     101         123                                   

North America revolving account receivables

     181         193                                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 10,792       $ 9,919       $ 110       $ 214       $ 18       $ 39   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

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 which are limited purpose, bankruptcy-remote SPEs. As of December 31, 2011, the U.S. master trust facility consists of $583 million term asset-backed notes issued in August 2009 with a three-year maturity, $220 million term asset-backed notes issued January 2011 with a two-year maturity and four 364-day conduit facilities renewable annually at the sole discretion of the purchasers; $200 million renewable March 2012, $500 million renewable July 2012, $250 million renewable November 2012, and $200 million senior and related subordinate renewable November 2012.

The Canadian master trust facility consists of a C$586 million ($574 million) conduit facility renewable December 2012 at the sole discretion of the purchaser.

The Australian master trust facility consists of a 364-day A$200 million ($203 million) conduit facility renewable December 2012 at the sole discretion of the purchaser.

These trusts were determined to be VIEs and, consequently CNH consolidates the securitization trusts. In its role as servicer, CNH has the power to direct the trusts’ activities and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the trusts. CNH is the primary beneficiary of the trusts, and therefore the trusts were 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 investors’ interests.

For the U.S. wholesale securitization facility, in the year ended December, 31, 2009, CNH recognized gains on the sale of receivables of $51 million. Collections reinvested into the facility in the year ended December, 31, 2009 were $5,629 million. 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, 2011 and 2010, the amounts of outstanding receivables under these factoring programs were €1.0 billion ($1.3 billion) and €874 million ($1.2 billion), respectively, of which €922 million ($1.2 billion) and €786 million ($1.1 billion), respectively, were recorded as secured borrowings and included in the consolidated balance sheets.

Retail Receivables Securitizations

Within the U.S. retail asset securitization programs, eligible 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 trusts. 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

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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 both years ended December 31, 2011 and 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, 2011, $5.7 billion of asset-backed securities issued to investors were outstanding with a weighted average expected remaining maturity between 25 and 37 months. 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 year ended December 31, 2009, CNH securitized retail receivables with a net principal value of $4.0 billion and recognized gains on these sales of receivables of $68 million. Further, related to the retail securitizations, the Company received proceeds of $3,732 million and recorded $31 million in servicing fees for the year ended December 31, 2009.

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 the subordinated interests in the SPEs. 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 trusts 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 the Company, in its role as servicer.

CNH also has access to $2.1 billion committed asset-backed facilities through which it may sell retail receivables generated by Financial Services in the United States, Canada and Australia. CNH has utilized these facilities in the past to fund the origination of receivables and has later repurchased and resold the receivables in the term ABS markets or found alternative financing for the receivables. CNH believes that it is probable that the vast majority of newly originated receivables will continue to be repurchased and resold in the public ABS markets. These facilities had an original term of two years and are renewable in December 2012 and December 2013. 

Three private retail transactions totaling $108 million and $206 million were not included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These transactions continue to qualify as sales subsequent to the adoption of the new accounting guidance. 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 2 year facility. The trust’s facility limit is $200 million and is renewable in October 2012. Consistent with the wholesale and retail securitization programs, CNH determined the trust was a VIE and consequently was required to be consolidated, as CNH is the primary beneficiary.

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

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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, CNH recognized gains of $10 million on the sale of receivables and collections reinvested into the facility of $705 million.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is established to cover probable losses on receivables owned by the Company and consists of two components, depending on whether the receivable has been individually identified as being impaired. The first component of the allowance for credit losses covers 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 may incur 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 that 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 that 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 to incorporate information reflecting the current economic environment.

Charge-offs of principal amounts of receivables outstanding are deducted from the allowance at the point when it is determined to be probable that all amounts due will not be collected.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses is segregated into three portfolio segments: retail, wholesale and other. A portfolio segment is the level at which CNH develops a systematic methodology for determining its allowance for credit losses. The retail segment includes retail and finance lease receivables. The wholesale segment includes wholesale financing to CNH dealers and the other portfolio includes the Company’s commercial revolving accounts and other miscellaneous receivables.

Further, the Company evaluates its portfolio segments by class of receivable: North America, EAME & CIS, Latin America and APAC. Typically, CNH’s finance receivables within a geographic area have similar risk profiles and methods for assessing and monitoring risk. These classes align with management reporting.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Allowance for credit losses activity for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

     2011  
     Retail     Wholesale     Other     Total  

Allowance for credit losses:

        

Beginning balance

   $ 406      $ 174      $ 15      $ 595   

Charge-offs

     (351     (82     (13     (446

Recoveries

     23        6        3        32   

Provision

     200        43        6        249   

Currency translation and other

     (26     1               (25
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 252      $ 142      $ 11      $ 405   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 70      $ 76      $      $ 146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

   $ 182      $ 66      $ 11      $ 259   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing receivables:

        

Ending balance

   $ 8,716      $ 5,514      $ 666      $ 14,896   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 103      $ 735      $      $ 838   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment

   $ 8,613      $ 4,779      $ 666      $ 14,058   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2010  
     Retail     Wholesale     Other     Total  

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   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Allowance for credit losses:

      

Beginning balance

   $ 595      $ 393      $ 269   

Charge-offs

     (446     (170     (107

Recoveries

     32        10        10   

Provision

     249        288        198   

Currency translation and other

     (25     74        23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 405      $ 595      $ 393   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 that have significant capital strength, moderate leverage, stable earnings and growth, and excellent payment performance.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

   

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, 2011 and 2010 is as follows, in millions:

 

     2011      2010  

A

   $ 2,348       $ 2,031   

B

     1,683         1,541   

C

     697         772   

D

     786         820   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 5,514       $ 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 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; and

 

   

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 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows, in millions:

 

     2011      2010  

Titanium

   $ 3,616       $ 3,027   

Platinum

     2,839         2,713   

Gold

     1,363         1,799   

Silver

     441         767   

Bronze

     457         445   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 8,716       $ 8,751   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following tables present information at the level at which management assesses and monitors its credit risk. 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. 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. The aging of receivables as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

    2011  
    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

  $ 25      $ 7      $ 32      $ 64      $ 6,192      $ 6,256      $ 3   

EAME & CIS

    2        1        21        24        121        145          

Latin America

    4        2        141        147        1,101        1,248          

APAC

    2        1        3        6        1,061        1,067        2   

Wholesale

             

North America

    2        2        5        9        2,873        2,882        1   

EAME & CIS

    5        3        32        40        1,566        1,606          

Latin America

    10        4        5        19        632        651          

APAC

    14        4        48        66        309        375        22   

Total

             

Retail

  $ 33      $ 11      $ 197      $ 241      $ 8,475      $ 8,716      $ 5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Wholesale

  $ 31      $ 13      $ 90      $ 134      $ 5,380      $ 5,514      $ 23   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    2010  
    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   

EAME & CIS

    4        3        28        35        243        278          

Latin America

    5        3        474        482        1,172        1,654          

APAC

    6        5        5        16        1,095        1,111        3   

Wholesale

             

North America

    2        1        4        7        2,711        2,718          

EAME & CIS

    9        3        62        74        1,360        1,434          

Latin America

    51        8        28        87        541        628        27   

APAC

    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   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-25


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, CNH’s recorded investment in impaired receivables individually evaluated for impairment and the related unpaid principal balances and allowances are as follows. Impaired receivables are receivables for which the Company has determined it will not collect all of the principal and interest payments as per the terms of the original contract.

 

     2011      2010  
     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
 
     (in millions)  

With no related allowance recorded

                 

Retail

                 

North America

   $ 7       $ 7          $ 12       $ 9      

EAME & CIS

                                     

Latin America

                                     

APAC

                                     

Wholesale

                 

North America

                        1         1      

EAME & CIS

     87         87            88         87      

Latin America

                                     

APAC

     4         4                         

With an allowance recorded

                 

Retail

                 

North America

     66         61       $ 43         85         82       $ 42   

EAME & CIS

     23         23         21         32         32         18   

Latin America

                                               

APAC

     7         7         6                           

Wholesale

                 

North America

     60         58         13         64         65         28   

EAME & CIS

     491         491         37         482         482         65   

Latin America

     73         71         14         45         43         7   

APAC

     20         18         12         19         16         10   

Total

                 

Retail

   $ 103       $ 98       $ 70       $ 129       $ 123       $ 60   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Wholesale

   $ 735       $ 729       $ 76       $ 699       $ 694       $ 110   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-26


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company’s average recorded investment in impaired receivables individually evaluated for impairment (based on a thirteen month average) and the related interest income recognized is as follows:

 

     2011  
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

With no related allowance recorded

     

Retail

     

North America

   $ 3       $   

EAME & CIS

               

Latin America

               

APAC

               

Wholesale

     

North America

               

EAME & CIS

     89           

Latin America

               

APAC

     3           

With an allowance recorded

     

Retail

     

North America

     82         4   

EAME & CIS

     25         1   

Latin America

               

APAC

     8         1   

Wholesale

     

North America

     72         2   

EAME & CIS

     499         1   

Latin America

     77         6   

APAC

     21         1   

Total

     

Retail

   $ 118       $ 6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Wholesale

   $ 761       $ 10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 becomes probable. Previously suspended interest income is recognized at that time. The receivables on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

     2011      2010  
     Retail      Wholesale      Retail      Wholesale  

North America

   $ 55       $ 55       $ 52       $ 3   

EAME & CIS

     21         33         28         57   

Latin America

     143                 477         9   

APAC

     2         14         3         16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 221       $ 102       $ 560       $ 85   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-27


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

A restructuring of a receivable constitutes a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when the lender grants a concession it would not otherwise consider to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties. As a collateral based lender, the Company typically will repossess collateral in lieu of restructuring receivables. As such, for retail receivables, concessions are typically provided based on bankruptcy court proceedings. For wholesale receivables, concessions granted may include extended contract maturities, inclusion of interest only periods, modification of a contractual interest rate to a below market interest rate, extended skip payment periods and waving of interest and principal.

TDRs are reviewed along with other receivables as part of management’s ongoing evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses attributable to TDRs is based on the most probable source of repayment, which is normally the liquidation of collateral. In determining collateral value, CNH estimates the current fair market value of the equipment collateral and considers credit enhancements such as additional collateral and third-party guarantees.

Before removing a receivable from TDR classification, a review of the borrower is conducted. If concerns exist about the future ability of the borrower to meet its obligations under the loans based on a credit review, the TDR classification is not removed from the receivable.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company has approximately 2,500 retail and finance receivable contracts in North America that are in legal proceedings, primarily bankruptcies. The pre-modification value was $83 million and the post-modification value was $53 million. The court has yet to determine the concessions in some of the outstanding cases that will be granted, if any. As the outcome of the bankruptcy cases is determined by the court based on available assets, subsequent defaults are unusual and were not material for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company has approximately $73 million in retail and finance lease contracts in Latin America classified as TDR’s. The concessions granted on these receivables are primarily skip payments and extensions of contract maturities. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the amount of these receivables that subsequently defaulted was approximately $10 million.

For wholesale receivables for the year ended December 31, 2011, the amount of restructured wholesale agreements was insignificant. The wholesale receivables that subsequently defaulted were not significant for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

F-28


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 2011 and 2010 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)  

2011

        

Type of receivable:

        

Wholesale notes and accounts

   $ 5,215       $ 45       $ 44   

Retail and other notes and finance leases

     11,874         324         339   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total managed

   $ 17,089       $ 369       $ 383   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprised of:

        

Receivables held in portfolio

   $ 14,636         

Receivables serviced for Equipment Operations

     192         

Receivables serviced for joint ventures

     1,841         

Receivables serviced for others under BNDES program

     310         

Securitized receivables:

        

Wholesale

     2         

Retail

     108         
  

 

 

       

Total managed

   $ 17,089         
  

 

 

       

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         
  

 

 

       

Non-Cash Retail Receivables Operating and Investing Activities

Non-cash operating and investing activities include retail receivables of $342 million that were exchanged for retained interests in securitized retail receivables in 2009.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Note 4: Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, 2011, and 2010 consist of the following:

 

     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Raw materials

   $ 1,129       $ 783   

Work-in-process

     218         214   

Finished goods

     2,315         1,940   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total inventories

   $ 3,662       $ 2,937   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 5: Property, Plant and Equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Land, buildings and improvements

   $ 1,049      $ 994   

Plant and machinery

     2,903        2,744   

Other equipment

     399        413   

Construction in progress

     167        194   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross property, plant and equipment

     4,518        4,345   

Accumulated depreciation

     (2,582     (2,559
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment

   $ 1,936      $ 1,786   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation expense on the above property, plant and equipment totaled $246 million, $230 million, and $206 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Note 6: Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries and Affiliates

A summary of investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates as of December 31, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:

 

     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Equity method

   $ 501       $ 484   

Cost method

     5         6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 506       $ 490   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-30


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,
 
     2011      2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Net revenue

   $ 5,697       $ 4,374       $ 3,379   

Finance and interest income

     67         62         49   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue

   $ 5,764       $ 4,436       $ 3,428   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

   $ 1,312       $ 1,022       $ 659   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 663       $ 577       $ 137   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 320       $ 301       $ (114
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Current assets

   $ 5,658       $ 5,046   

Noncurrent assets

     1,311         1,355   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 6,969       $ 6,401   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current liabilities

   $ 4,733       $ 4,300   

Noncurrent liabilities

     749         689   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 5,482       $ 4,989   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

   $ 1,487       $ 1,412   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The investees included in these tables are Al Ghazi Tractors Ltd. (43% ownership), Turk Traktor re Ziraat Makineteri A.S. (37% ownership), New Holland HFT Japan Inc. (50% ownership), Kobelco Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. (20% ownership), CNH de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (50% ownership), Case Special Excavators N.V. (50% ownership), CNH Capital Europe S.A.S. (50% ownership), and CNH Servicios Comerciales, S.A. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R. (49% ownership).

In March 2011, CNH acquired full ownership of L&T Case Equipment Private Limited, an unconsolidated joint venture established in 1999 with Larsen & Toubro Limited to manufacture and sell construction and building equipment in India. The new wholly owned company took the name Case New Holland Construction Equipment India Private Limited. The purchase price was $50 million. The acquisition resulted in an allocation of $35 million to goodwill, $32 million to net tangible assets, $30 million to intangible assets such as dealer network and acquired technology. A gain of $34 million related to this transaction as a result of revaluing CNH’s previously held 50% ownership interest is included in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The process of valuing the assets and the intangibles acquired in connection with this acquisition was completed during the fourth quarter of 2011.

In May 2010, CNH sold its 50% interest in LBX Company LLC for $29 million. A gain of $6 million related to this transaction is included in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Note 7: Equipment on Operating Leases

A summary of equipment on operating leases as of December 31, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Equipment on operating leases

   $ 854      $ 819   

Accumulated depreciation

     (188     (197
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net equipment on operating leases

   $ 666      $ 622   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation expense totaled $114 million, $120 million, and $122 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, 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, 2011, are as follows:

 

     Amount  
     (in millions)  

2012

   $ 96   

2013

     60   

2014

     26   

2015

     10   

2016

     4   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 196   
  

 

 

 

Note 8: Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010 are as follows:

 

     Agricultural
Equipment
Segment
    Construction
Equipment
Segment
    Financial
Services
Segment
     Total  
     (in millions)  

Balance at January 1, 2010

   $ 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   

Acquisition

            35                35   

Impact of foreign exchange

     (2     (5             (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 1,664      $ 597      $ 152       $ 2,413   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The increase of $35 million to Construction Equipment goodwill is due to the acquisition of L&T Case Equipment Private Limited. Refer to “Note 6: Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries and Affiliates” for additional information.

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if a triggering event occurs. In 2011 and 2010, CNH performed its annual impairment review as of December 31 and concluded that there were no impairments in either year.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

CNH has identified three reporting units for the purpose of goodwill impairment testing: Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment, and Financial Services.

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

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 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 the 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, 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). Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting units. CNH uses eight years of expected cash flows as management believes that this period generally reflects the underlying market cycles for its businesses.

The market approach measures fair value based on prices generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. CNH uses the market approach to measure the fair value of the Financial Services reporting unit as it derives value based primarily on the assets under management. 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 a 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.

As of December 31, 2011, the estimated fair value of each of CNH’s reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets substantially exceeded the respective carrying values.

 

F-33


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The sum of the fair values of CNH’s reporting units was in excess of CNH’s market capitalization. CNH believes that the difference between the fair value and market capitalization is reasonable (in the context of assessing whether any asset impairment exists) when market-based control premiums are taken in consideration.

As of December 31, 2011, and 2010, the Company’s other intangible assets and related accumulated amortization consisted of the following:

 

            2011      2010  
     Weighted
Avg. Life
     Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net      Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net  
     (in millions)  

Other intangible assets subject to amortization:

                    

Engineering Drawings

     20       $ 376       $ 245       $ 131       $ 377       $ 229       $ 148   

Dealer Networks

     25         230         104         126         216         95         121   

Software

     5         436         333         103         408         299         109   

Other

     10 – 30         78         39         39         66         37         29   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        1,120         721         399         1,067         660         407   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other intangible assets not subject to amortization:

                    

Trademarks

        272                 272         272                 272   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other intangible assets

      $ 1,392       $ 721       $ 671       $ 1,339       $ 660       $ 679   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CNH recorded amortization expense of $66 million, $65 million, and $63 million during 2011, 2010, and 2009, 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 2012; $53 million in 2013; $45 million in 2014, $36 million in 2015; and $30 million in 2016.

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.

 

F-34


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, 2011:

 

    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

    BRL      Various from
Jan-12 to
Nov-19
    C      $ 987      $      $      $      $      $ 275      $ 621      $      $ 275      $ 621      $ 91       
 
Fiat
Ind.
  
(A) 
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

          987                                    275        621               275        621        91     

Committed Asset-Backed Facilities

                             

Retail Securitization(B)

    USD      Sep-13     C        1,200                               92        278          92        278        830     

Retail Securitization

    CAD      Dec-12     C        294                               153                 153               141     

Retail Securitization

    AUD      Dec-12     C        651                             237                      237                 414     

Credit Cards

    USD      Oct-12     C        200              167            167            33     

Wholesale VFN

    USD      Nov-12     C        1,150                             1,150                      1,150                          

Wholesale VFN

    CAD      Dec-11     C        574                             488                      488                      86     

Wholesale VFN

    AUD      Dec-12     C        203                             98                      98                      105     
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

          4,272                             2,140        245        278        2,140        245        278        1,609     

Other Third Party Facilities

                             

Revolving Credit Facilities

    USD      Dec-11

($300 ml);
Jul-16
($100 ml)

    C        400               300                                           300               100     

Various Credit Lines—Latin America

    Multiple      Various from
Jan-2012 to
Dec-2017
    C        475               317        158                                    317        158            

Factoring Lines

    Multiple      Various from
Jan-2012
through
Jan-2017
    U        1,715        14                      1,191        47        35        1,205        47        35        428     

Credit Lines—Australia

    AUD      Dec-12     C        122                             122                      122                          

Other Credit Lines

    Multiple      Various from
Jan-12 to
Dec-12
    U        93        44                                           44                      49     
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

          2,805        58        617        158        1,313        47        35        1,371        664        193        577     

Fiat Industrial Facilities

                             

Credit Lines with Fiat Industrial

    Multiple      Various from
Jan-12 to
Jun-14
    U        2,564        7                      159        17        9        166        17        9        2,372     

Subtotal

          2,564        7                      159        17        9        166        17        9        2,372     
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Credit Facilities

        $ 10,628      $ 65      $ 617      $ 158      $ 3,612      $ 584      $ 943      $ 3,677      $ 1,201      $ 1,101      $ 4,649     
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Amount above with or guaranteed by Fiat Industrial Subsidiaries

        $ 3,474      $ 7      $      $      $ 159      $ 292      $ 630      $ 166      $ 292      $ 630      $ 2,386     

 

*

Maturity Dates reflect maturities of the credit facility which may be different than the maturities of the advances under the facility.

(A)

$910 million (1.7 billion Brazilian Reals) of total facility of $987 million is guaranteed by Fiat Industrial. Therefore, Fiat Industrial guarantees up to $14 million of the remaining availability at December 31, 2011.

(B)

U.S. Retail financing are paid only as the underlying receivables are collected unless the receivables sold are not repurchased by CNH.

 

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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 credit facilities to Financial Services in the aggregate amount of 1.7 billion Brazilian reals ($910 million). At December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance under the program was $896 million. The facility is guaranteed by Fiat Industrial. Fiat Industrial replaced Fiat as guarantor during 2011. A guarantee fee of 0.0625% p.a. on the average outstanding amount of such guaranteed facility is charged to Financial Services. 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. For the 2005 through 2008 extensions, Financial Services received 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.

Committed 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 is included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. CNH utilizes these facilities to fund the origination of receivables and, per the terms of these facilities, have later repurchased the receivables and either 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 $2.1 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 sheets. 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”) 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;

 

   

the level of availability of credit lines for CNH in different jurisdictions; and

 

   

market conditions.

Various Fiat subsidiaries, including CNH, were parties to a €1 billion ($1.3 billion) syndicated credit facility with a group of banks. As of December 31, 2010, this facility was fully drawn, €300 million ($401 million) by CNH 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.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Fiat Industrial Facilities

At December 31, 2011, CNH had uncommitted credit facilities with various Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries with an outstanding amount of $192 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. 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 Industrial treasury subsidiaries is based on Fiat Industrial intercompany borrowing and lending rates applied to all of its affiliates. These rates are determined by Fiat Industrial based on its cost of funding for debt of different maturities. CNH believes that rates applied by Fiat Industrial 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 Industrial financing as of December 31, 2011 was 4.07%.

Short-Term Debt

A summary of short-term debt, as of December 31, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:

 

     2011      2010  
     Equipment
Operations
     Financial
Services
     Consolidated      Equipment
Operations
     Financial
Services
     Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

Drawn under credit facilities

   $ 65       $ 3,612       $ 3,677       $ 79       $ 3,619       $ 3,698   

Short-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

     73         86         159                           

Short-term debt—Fiat subsidiaries

                             39         3         42   

Short-term debt—other

     6         230         236         7         116         123   

Intersegment short-term debt

     95         1,394                 52         1,730           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total short-term debt

   $ 239       $ 5,322       $ 4,072       $ 177       $ 5,468       $ 3,863   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted-average interest rate on consolidated short-term debt at December 31, 2011, and 2010 was 3.32% and 3.19%, respectively.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Long-Term Debt

A summary of long-term debt as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, including long-term drawings under credit lines, is as follows:

 

    2011     2010  
    Equipment
Operations
    Financial
Services
    Consolidated     Equipment
Operations
    Financial
Services
    Consolidated  
    (in millions)  

Notes:

           

Payable in 2013, interest rate of 7.75% (*)

  $ 997      $      $ 997      $ 991      $      $ 991   

Payable in 2016, interest rate of 7.25% (*)

    259               259        261               261   

Payable in 2017, interest rate of 7.875% (*)

    1,552               1,552        1,475               1,475   

Payable in 2016, interest rate of 6.25%

           500        500                        

Notes with Fiat Industrial / Fiat subsidiaries:

           

Other notes, weighted-average interest rate of 5.71% in 2011 and 5.63% in 2010 of which $204 million is due in 2012

    65        223        288        68        463        531   

Credit Facilities:

           

Drawn amounts under credit facilities (excluding asset-backed facilities)

    775        922        1,697        1,171        1,009        2,180   

Asset-backed facilities, of which $293 million is due in 2012

           606        606               1,185        1,185   

Other Debt:

           

Asset-backed debt, of which $2,961 million is due in 2012

           6,919        6,919               5,236        5,236   

Other debt

    8        212        220        2        573        575   

Intersegment debt

    598        599               510        543          
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

    4,254        9,981        13,038        4,478        9,009        12,434   

Less-current maturities

    (682     (3,730     (4,412     (818     (3,076     (3,894
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt excluding current maturities

  $ 3,572      $ 6,251      $ 8,626      $ 3,660      $ 5,933      $ 8,540   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

Includes unamortized discount and swap adjustments

In January 1996, Case Corp. (now CNH America LLC) issued $254 million 7.25% Senior Notes (the “7.25% Senior Notes”), due 2016.

In August 2009, Case New Holland Inc. 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 Inc. issued $1.5 billion of debt securities at an annual fixed rate of 7.875% (the “7.875% Senior Notes”) due 2017.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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 Inc. 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 Inc.’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 the 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.

In December 2010, CNH Global entered into a $300 million one-year revolving committed credit facility with a syndicated group of banks, 90% insured by the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The facility was available to support U.S. export sales and provided advances with repayment terms of up to 360 days. It was fully utilized as of the end of 2011.

In July 2011, CNH Capital LLC closed a $250 million, 5-year, unsecured committed credit facility. The facility includes a $150 million term loan which thereafter was fully drawn with a 5-year tenor, and a $100 million revolving credit facility that has remained fully available.

In November 2011, CNH Capital LLC issued $500 million of debt securities at an annual fixed rate of 6.25% (the “6.25% Notes”) due 2016. The 6.25% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by certain wholly owned subsidiaries of the issuer.

A summary of the minimum annual repayments of long-term debt as of December 31, 2011, for 2013 and thereafter is as follows:

 

     Equipment
Operations
     Financial
Services
     Consolidated  
     (in millions)  

2013

   $ 1,117       $ 1,949       $ 3,066   

2014

     29         1,589         1,618   

2015

     8         1,074         1,082   

2016

     267         949         1,216   

2017 and thereafter

     1,553         91         1,644   

Long-Term Intersegment

     598         599           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,572       $ 6,251       $ 8,626   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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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, 2011, 2010, and 2009 are as follows:

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

The Netherlands source

   $ 32       $ 17       $ (13

Foreign sources

     1,119         399         (80
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

   $ 1,151       $ 416       $ (93
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 consisted of the following:

 

     2011      2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Current income taxes

   $ 217       $ 105      $ 159   

Deferred income taxes

     126         (28     (67
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax provision

   $ 343       $ 77      $ 92   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

A reconciliation of CNH’s statutory and effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:

 

     2011     2010     2009  

Tax provision at the Netherlands statutory rate

     25     26     26

Foreign income taxed at different rates

     9        15        (2

Change in valuation allowance

     (3     (9     (147

Withholding taxes and credits

     3        6        (5

Tax contingencies

     (1     (16     (2

Tax credits and incentives

     (4     (10     38   

Tax rate and legislative changes

     1        6        (4

Other

            1        (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax provision

     30     19     (99 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During 2011, CNH reduced net tax contingencies by approximately $10 million as a result of the settlement of certain tax examinations. In addition, CNH released $49 million of allowances on deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions, where it was deemed more likely than not that the assets will be realized based on available evidence.

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The components of net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Pension, postretirement and post employment benefits

   $ 535      $ 563   

Marketing and sales incentive programs

     317        213   

Allowance for credit losses

     128        186   

Inventories

     86        110   

Warranty and campaigns

     79        74   

Restructuring

     11        14   

Accrued liabilities

     307        379   

Tax loss carry forwards

     542        859   

Less: Valuation allowances

     (443     (757
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

   $ 1,562      $ 1,641   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Other intangible assets

     197        196   

Property, plant and equipment

     340        292   

Inventories

     99        95   

Other

     54        52   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     690        635   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 872      $ 1,006   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 as follows:

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Current deferred tax asset

   $ 645      $ 633   

Other assets

     542        536   

Other accrued liabilities

     (129     (56

Other liabilities

     (186     (107
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 872      $ 1,006   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CNH has tax loss carry forwards in a number of tax jurisdictions. The years in which these tax losses expire are as follows: $3 million in 2012; $3 million in 2013; $15 million in 2014; $22 million in 2015; $30 million in 2016; $17 million in 2017; $6 million in 2018 and $79 million with expiration dates from 2019 through 2031. CNH also has tax loss carry forwards of approximately $2 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 demerger, on January 1, 2011, CNH forfeited nearly $1 billion of tax loss carry forwards that were offset by full long-standing valuation allowances, principally relating to Germany.

CNH formerly 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. Due to the Fiat demerger, CNH now participates in tax sharing agreements in the U.K. and Italy with companies in the Fiat Industrial Group. CNH derived $61 million, $66 million and $28 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 of tax benefit from the tax sharing agreements.

 

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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:

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 312      $ 423   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     36        18   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     36        66   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (53     (134

Reductions for tax positions as a result of lapse of statute

     (25     (26

Settlements

     (1     (35
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   $ 305      $ 312   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The total amount of tax contingencies, if recognized, would affect the total income tax provision by $117 million.

The remaining tax contingencies included in the balance sheet at December 31, 2011 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 $144 million and increases of approximately $57 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, 2011, are $5 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, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized approximately $(5) million, $(18) million and $9 million in interest and penalties, respectively. The Company had approximately $48 million, $55 million and $70 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, 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 2011, certain countries enacted changes to their respective statutory income tax rate which are effective starting in 2011. Effective on January 1, 2011, the Netherlands reduced its corporate income tax rate from 25.5% to 25%. In addition to changes in statutory tax rates, certain countries enacted legislation limiting the amount of loss carryforwards that can offset taxable income. In September 2011, France announced the Amended Finance Act of 2011. Under the new provisions, the amount of losses that can be utilized in the current year

 

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CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

would be limited to 60% of the current year taxable profits that exceed €1 million euro. On July 17, 2011, Law Decree n. 98/2011 which repealed the five-year carryforward rules and allows only 80% of the fiscal year’s taxable income to be offset by ordinary losses, was enacted by the Italian parliament. Therefore, an Italian company must pay IRES federal tax on at least 20% of its taxable income starting in 2011.

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 2011 that are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2014. During 2011, the Company settled various tax examinations and has made cash payments of approximately $1 million. Certain taxing authorities 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 2012. The potential tax deficiency assessment could result in cash payments in the range of $50 to $55 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 financial position or its results of operations.

The Company has not provided deferred taxes on $3.2 billion undistributed earnings of non-Netherlands’ subsidiaries at December 31, 2011, 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 billion to CNH Global N.V. in a non-recurring distribution on December 22, 2011. This distribution is subject to a 5% U.S. withholding tax, which resulted in a $32 million tax expense for 2011.

Note 11: Restructuring

No significant restructuring actions were taken in 2011.

In 2010, the Company incurred restructuring expenses of $16 million primarily related to severance and other employee-related costs incurred due to personnel reduction actions being implemented under the 2009 plan.

In 2009, the Company incurred restructuring expenses of $102 million 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 reductions, $10 million related to industrial workforce reductions and $5 million related to closing, selling, and downsizing existing facilities.

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.

Costs related to closing, selling, and downsizing existing facilities due to excess capacity and duplicate facilities, 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;

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

   

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, 2011, 2010, and 2009:

 

     Severance
and
Other
Employee
Costs
    Facility
Related
Costs
    Total  
     (in millions)  

Balance at January 1, 2009

     11        3        14   

Restructuring charges

     97        5        102   

Payments

     (54     (7     (61

Non-cash utilization

     (12            (12

Currency translation adjustments

     2               2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

     44        1        45   

Restructuring charges

     15        1        16   

Payments

     (41     (2     (43

Currency translation adjustments

     (3            (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

     15               15   

Restructuring charges

     (2     2          

Payments

     (8     (1     (9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 5      $ 1      $ 6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Remaining costs expected to be incurred

   $ 12      $ 2      $ 14   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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: Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits” 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.

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.

 

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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” 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, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Change in benefit obligations:

        

Actuarial present value of benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 2,807      $ 2,799      $ 1,156      $ 1,152   

Service cost

     25        24        9        9   

Interest cost

     142        144        58        60   

Plan participants’ contributions

     2        2        6        5   

Actuarial loss

     90        90        23        57   

Gross benefits paid

     (190     (192     (79     (80

Plan amendments

            6               (50

Currency translation adjustments and other

     (10     (66            3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actuarial present value of benefit obligation at end of year

     2,866        2,807        1,173        1,156   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

        

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year

     2,071        1,951        74        66   

Actual return on plan assets

     124        212        16        8   

Employer contributions

     126        130        63        74   

Plan participants’ contributions

     2        2        6        5   

Gross benefits paid

     (190     (192     (79     (80

Currency translation adjustments and other

     2        (32     1        1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Plan assets at fair value at end of year

     2,135        2,071        81        74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status:

   $ (731   $ (736   $ (1,092   $ (1,082
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 impose 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, 2011 and 2010.

 

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The net actuarial loss of $90 million on pension benefits and $23 million on other postretirement benefits in 2011 were primarily due to lower discount rates. In 2010, the net actuarial loss was $90 million on pension benefits and $57 million on other postretirement benefits primarily due to lower discount rates.

Net amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 consist of:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Non-current assets

   $ 6      $ 5      $      $   

Current liabilities

     (36     (40     (80     (13

Non-current liabilities

     (701     (701     (1,012     (1,069
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability recognized at end of year

   $ (731   $ (736   $ (1,092   $ (1,082
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2011 consist of:

 

     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     (in millions)  

Unrecognized actuarial losses

   $ (861   $ (223

Unrecognized prior service (cost) credit

     (2     48   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (863   $ (175
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table summarizes CNH’s pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

 

     December 31,  
     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Accumulated benefit obligation

   $ 2,720       $ 2,611   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets

   $ 2,021       $ 1,901   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes CNH’s pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

 

     December 31,  
     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 2,759       $ 2,697   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets

   $ 2,021       $ 1,956   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The total accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, was $2,828 million and $2,772 million, respectively. Total projected benefit obligations for unfunded pension plans were $418 million and $451 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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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, 2011, 2010, and 2009:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement
Benefits
 
     2011     2010     2009     2011     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Service cost

   $ 25      $ 24      $ 23      $ 9      $ 9      $ 8   

Interest cost

     143        144        152        58        60        73   

Expected return on assets

     (148     (137     (122     (6     (5     (4

Amortization of:

            

Prior service cost (credit)

     2        2        1        (26     (41     (39

Actuarial loss

     62        66        71        21        15        21   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

     84        99        125        56        38        59   

Curtailment and settlement loss (gain) and other

            1        8               (1     6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 84      $ 100      $ 133      $ 56      $ 37      $ 65   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expense related to benefits for inactive employees totaled $87 million, $97 million, and $142 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, 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.

Net periodic benefit cost recognized in net income and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) during 2011 consist of:

 

     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     (in millions)  

Net periodic benefit cost recognized in net income

   $ (84   $ (56

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations:

    

Net actuarial loss

     (114     (13

Amortization of actuarial loss

     62        21   

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     2        (26

Currency translation adjustments and other

     (1       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized in other comprehensive loss

     (51     (18
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized

   $ (135   $ (74
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Pre-tax amounts expected to be amortized in 2012 from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of:

 

     Pension
Benefits
     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
     (in millions)  

Actuarial losses

   $ 68       $ 20   

Prior service cost (credit)

     2         (14
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 70       $ 6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assumptions

The following assumptions were utilized in determining the funded status as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the net periodic benefit cost of CNH’s defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009:

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     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

     4.64     4.57     5.17     5.18    

Rate of increase in future compensation

     3.32     3.50     3.39     3.50    

Assumptions used to determine expense for the years ended December 31:

            

Weighted-average discount rates

     5.17     5.18     5.51     5.26     6.25     6.48

Rate of increase in future compensation

     3.39     3.50     3.42     3.50     3.25     4.00

Weighted-average, long-term rates of return on plan assets

     7.13     7.50     7.34     7.75     7.34     7.75

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.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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 for the Company’s U.S. assumptions, general and health care sector-specific inflation projections from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Health Care Financing Administration. 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, an aging population and a changing mix of medical services.

As of December 31, 2011, the U.S. and Canada represented approximately 95% and 5%, respectively, of the total other postretirement benefit obligations. The following assumed health care trend rates were utilized in determining the funded status as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and net periodic benefit cost of CNH’s postretirement health and life insurance plans for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009:

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     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

     7.51     8.00     8.00     8.50    

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

     8.00     8.50     8.50     9.00     9.00     8.00

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        2018        2017        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 2011 net postretirement benefit expense

   $ 8       $ (6

Total increase/(decrease) in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2011

   $ 145       $ (110

 

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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.

Weighted average target asset allocation for all plans for 2011 are as follows:

 

     All
Plans
 

Asset category:

  

Equity securities

     33

Debt securities

     54

Cash/Other

     13

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 included other U.S. subsidiaries of Fiat until January 1, 2011. The plans of other subsidiaries of Fiat transferred their assets to another trust effective January 1, 2011. In 2011 CNH’s plans are the only plans in the master trust.

 

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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, 2011:

 

     Total     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  
     (in millions)  

Equity securities:

         

U.S. equities—Large cap

   $ 119      $ 119       $      $   

U.S. equities—Mid cap

     45        45                  

U.S. equities—Small cap

     58        58                  

Non-U.S. equities—Large cap

     10        10                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity securities

     232        232                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fixed income securities:

         

U.S. government bonds

     246        229         17          

U.S. corporate bonds

     267                267          

Non-U.S. government bonds

     301        25         276          

Non-U.S. corporate bonds

     52                52          

Mortgage backed securities

     7                7          

Other fixed income

     2                2          
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed income securities

     875        254         621          
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other types of investments:

         

Mutual funds(A)

     704                704          

Investment funds(B)

     336                336          

Insurance contracts

     27                       27   

Derivatives:

         

Credit default swaps—Assets

     5                5          

Credit default swaps—Liabilities

     (6             (6       
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit default swaps—net value

     (1             (1       

Total other types of investments

     1,066                1,039        27   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash:

     43        3         40          
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,216      $ 489       $ 1,700      $ 27   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A)

This category includes mutual funds, which primarily invest in non-U.S. equities and non-U.S. corporate bonds.

(B)

This category includes primarily commingled funds, which invest in equities.

The following table presents the changes in the Level 3 plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2011:

 

     Insurance
Contracts
 

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 16   

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     12   

Transfers out of Level 3

     (1
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 27   
  

 

 

 

 

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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. For purpose of the 2010 disclosure, CNH’s share of each of the U.S. master trust assets categories was included in the amounts presented below:

 

     Total     Level 1      Level 2     Level 3  
     (in millions)  

Equity securities:

         

U.S. equities—Large cap

   $ 107      $ 107       $      $   

U.S. equities—Mid cap

     38        38                  

U.S. equities—Small cap

     48        48                  

Non-U.S. equities—Large cap

     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, which primarily invest in non-U.S. equities and non-U.S. corporate bonds.

(B)

This category includes primarily commingled funds, which invest in equities.

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   

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     (9     (2              

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     (1            (2       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $      $      $      $ 16   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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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 2011, 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 2012. During 2011, CNH contributed $55 million to its non-U.S. defined benefit plans and expects to make contributions in 2012 of approximately $53 million to such plans.

During 2010, CNH made a discretionary contribution to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan trust of $70 million. During 2010, CNH contributed $59 million to its non-U.S. defined benefit plans.

During 2011 and 2010, CNH did not make any voluntary contributions to its postretirement benefit plans; however, CNH made benefit payments of $63 million and $74 million during 2011 and 2010, respectively. CNH expects that cash requirements for other postretirement employee benefit costs will be approximately $88 million in 2012.

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:

        

2012 (expected)

   $ 124       $ 88         N/A   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expected benefit payments/(reimbursements):

     

2012

   $ 189       $ 94       $ (2

2013

     189         94         (2

2014

     190         96         (3

2015

     190         97         (3

2016

     188         97         (3

2017 – 2021

     941         442         (20
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,887       $ 920       $ (33
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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, 2011, 2010, and 2009, CNH recorded expense of $39 million, $33 million, and $34 million, respectively, for its defined contribution plans.

 

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Note 13: Accrued Liabilities

A summary of other accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Value-added taxes and other taxes payable

   $ 974       $ 738   

Marketing and sales incentive programs

     1,028         774   

Warranty and campaigns

     404         350   

Accrued payroll

     311         275   

Legal reserves

     229         237   

Accrued income tax liability

     140         169   

Deferred income

     143         136   

Accrued interest

     77         91   

Defined benefit and other retirement plan obligations

     141         74   

Current deferred tax liability

     129         56   

Customer advances

     83         51   

Restructuring

     6         15   

Other

     258         379   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accrued liabilities

   $ 3,923       $ 3,345   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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. Although the ultimate outcome of legal matters pending against CNH and its subsidiaries cannot be predicted, the Company believes the reasonable possible range of losses for these unresolved legal actions in addition to the amounts accrued would not have a material effect on its financial statements.

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 52 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 47 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.

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

 

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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 52 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 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 $29 million to $87 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, 2011 and 2010, environmental reserves of approximately $46 million and $50 million, respectively, were 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 its results of operations. Product liability expense is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the line “Other, net.”

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

 

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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 the 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.

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.

In November 2011, the district court approved a settlement of the Yolton case. The settlement agreement between plaintiffs and El Paso provides that El Paso pay certain retiree benefits to the class and that the benefits are guaranteed by El Paso’s corporate parent, EI Paso Corporation, who is obligated to provide security for its guaranty in the event its debt falls below investment grade. However, CNH could be responsible for certain payments and obligations in the future if the El Paso entities default on their obligations under the settlement. In connection with the final approval of the Yolton Case, CNH agreed to dismiss its lawsuit against the UAW. CNH can reinitiate its claims if certain events and defaults occur under the Yolton settlement. On October 17, 2011, it was announced that El Paso Corporation would be acquired by Kinder Morgan Inc. The acquisition is not expected to affect the El Paso entities’ performance or guarantees of their settlement obligations. 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 and its corporate parent(s) at some future time are unable to

 

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fulfill their 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.

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. The judgment in the Court of Appeal is therefore final.

In December 2010 CNH UK repaid all monies received from the Revenue. 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).

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. The DOJ is in the process of dropping these charges as the deferred prosecution agreement has expired.

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

 

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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 that 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. 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 and HTI LLC (a former CNH supplier) against CNH America LLC. Plaintiffs allege fraudulent suppression and breach of contract resulting from termination of HTI as a CNH supplier in June 2008. Ligon and HTI claim 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. The case was tried in Birmingham, AL in December 2011. At trial, plaintiffs sought $9.5 million in compensatory damages consisting of unpurchased inventory, capital improvements, expedited freight charges and overtime allegedly incurred to meet CNH’s forecasted orders, and lost profits. Plaintiffs also sought punitive damages of $25 million. CNH argued at trial 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 disputed the amount of alleged damages as being overstated and vigorously defended the case before and during trial. On December 16, 2011, the jury returned its verdict, finding for CNH on the breach of contract claim and for plaintiffs on the fraudulent suppression claim. The jury awarded plaintiffs $3.8 million in compensatory damages and $7.6 million in punitive damages. CNH has filed for post-trial relief as to the verdict and the damages awards. Management has considered relevant facts in connection with this matter and has established what it believes to be a reasonable accrual.

CNH records litigation expense in the consolidated statements of operations in the line “Other, net.”

 

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Commitments

Minimum rental commitments at December 31, 2011, under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:

 

     Amount  
     (in millions)  

2012

   $ 32   

2013

     22   

2014

     20   

2015

     18   

2016

     18   

2017 and beyond

     43   
  

 

 

 

Total minimum rental commitments

   $ 153   
  

 

 

 

Total rental expense for all operating leases was $33 million, $35 million, and $39 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

At December 31, 2011, 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

   $ 3,669       $ 265       $ 3,404   

Wholesale and dealer financing

   $ 5,624       $ 3,069       $ 2,555   

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, 2011, total commitments of this type were approximately $145 million.

In addition, CNH provides payment guarantees on financial debts of customers for approximately $466 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. CNH, through Financial Services, has guaranteed the portfolio against all credit losses. At December 31, 2011, the guaranteed portfolio balance is $310 million.

Fiat Industrial issued to BNDES a guarantee in the maximum amount of $910 million in connection with BNDES making available to Banco CNH the current credit line. CNH has issued to Fiat Industrial a guarantee in the maximum amount of $910 million, which covers the amounts Fiat Industrial may be required to pay under its guarantee in favor of BNDES.

 

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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, 2011 and 2010 for the basic warranty and accruals for modification programs are as follows:

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 350      $ 301   

Current year additions

     448        377   

Claims paid

     (380     (328

Currency translation adjustment

     (14       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   $ 404      $ 350   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 15: Financial Instruments

The Company may elect to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This fair value option would be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis with changes in fair value reported in earnings. 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 made. The Company did not elect the fair value measurement option for eligible items.

Fair-Value Hierarchy

The hierarchy of valuation techniques for financial instruments is 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.

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.

 

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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, and 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 is reduced through diversification among counterparties with high credit ratings. These counterparties include certain Fiat Industrial subsidiaries in 2011 and certain Fiat subsidiaries in 2010. The total notional amount of foreign exchange hedges with certain Fiat Industrial and Fiat subsidiaries as counterparties was approximately $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. Derivative instruments are generally classified as Level 2 or 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The cash flows underlying all derivative contracts were recorded in operating activities in the statements of consolidated cash flows.

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”. The maturity of these instruments does not exceed 17 months and the after-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 assuming foreign exchange rates remain unchanged is approximately $40 million. If a 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 accumulated other comprehensive income is recognized immediately in earnings. Such amounts were insignificant in all periods presented.

CNH also uses forwards and swaps to hedge certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. 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 in “Other, net” 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 $4.1 billion and $4.2 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, 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 as cash flow hedging relationships are used by CNH to mitigate the risk of rising interest rates related to the

 

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anticipated issuance of short-term LIBOR based debt in future periods. Further, CNH uses 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. The ineffectiveness is recorded in “Other, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, CNH recorded losses of less than $1 million and $13 million, respectively, related to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge accounting for instances where the forecasted transactions were no longer probable. There were no such losses related to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge accounting for the year ended December 31, 2011. 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. The after-tax losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that will be recognized in interest expense over the next twelve months is approximately $3 million.

Interest rate derivatives that have been designated as 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 for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010, or 2009.

CNH also enters into offsetting interest rate derivatives with substantially similar terms that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate interest rate risk related to the CNH’s ABCP facilities and various ABS trusts. Unrealized and realized gains and losses resulting from fair value changes in these instruments are recognized directly in income. 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 the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009. As a result of the accounting guidance adopted January 1, 2010 (see “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”), interest rate derivatives, which were held by SPEs are now consolidated, and 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 amount 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 balance. The total notional amount of CNH’s interest rate derivatives was approximately $3.8 billion and $4.0 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Financial Statement impact of CNH Derivatives

The fair values of CNH’s derivatives as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 in the consolidated balance sheets are recorded as follows:

 

     2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:

     

Other assets:

     

Foreign exchange contracts:

     

Equipment Operations

   $ 23       $ 42   

Interest rate derivatives:

     

Equipment Operations

     73         14   

Financial Services

             13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 96       $ 69   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other liabilities:

     

Foreign exchange contracts:

     

Equipment Operations

   $ 85       $ 62   

Interest rate derivatives:

     

Equipment Operations

             16   

Financial Services

     19         17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 104       $ 95   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:

     

Other assets

     

Foreign exchange contracts:

     

Equipment Operations

   $ 12       $ 19   

Financial Services

             3   

Interest rate derivatives:

     

Financial Services

     4         8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 16       $ 30   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other liabilities

     

Foreign exchange contracts:

     

Equipment Operations

   $ 11       $ 39   

Financial Services

     2           

Interest rate derivatives:

     

Financial Services

     3         10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 16       $ 49   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Pre-tax gains (losses) on the consolidated statements of operations related to CNH’s derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are recorded in the following accounts:

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Fair Value Hedges

    

Interest rate derivatives—Other, net

   $ 76      $ (3   $ 2   

Gains/(losses) on hedged items—Other, net

     (75     3        (1

Cash Flow Hedges

    

Recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (Effective Portion):

    

Foreign exchange contracts—accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ (18   $ (44   $ (51

Interest rate derivatives—accumulated other comprehensive income

     (40     (33     26   

Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (Effective Portion):

    

Foreign exchange contracts—Net sales

     (26     (15     (10

Foreign exchange contracts—Cost of goods sold

     50        (20     (38

Interest rate derivatives—Interest expense

     (21     (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

     (6     (29     7   

Interest rate derivatives—Other, net

     (3     (7     (9

Interest rate derivatives— Interest expense

                   (10

Not Designated as Hedges

    

Foreign exchange contracts—Other, net

   $ 22      $ 19      $ 53   

Interest rate derivatives—Other, net

     (1     —          (6

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, 2011 and 2010, retained interests in securitized assets are $18 million and $39 million, respectively.

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   

 

 

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The fair value is compared to the carrying value of the retained interests. If changes in credit-related rates 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 in 2009.

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, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Level 2      Level 3      Total  
     2011      2010      2011      2010      2011      2010  
     (in millions)  

Assets

                 

Foreign exchange derivatives

   $ 35       $ 64       $       $       $ 35       $ 64   

Interest rate derivatives

     77         35                         77         35   

Retained interests

                     18         39         18         39   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 112       $ 99       $ 18       $ 39       $ 130       $ 138   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

                 

Foreign exchange derivatives

   $ 98       $ 102       $       $       $ 98       $ 102   

Interest rate derivatives

     22         37                 5         22         42   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 120       $ 139       $       $ 5       $ 120       $ 144   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the changes in the Level 3 fair-value category for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Retained
Interests
    Derivative
Financial
Instruments
 
     (in millions)  

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 1,259      $ (1

Total gains or losses (realized / unrealized)

    

Included in earnings

            20   

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,222     (24

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     2          
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 39      $ (5

Total gains or losses (realized / unrealized)

    

Included in earnings

            5   

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     1          

Settlements

     (22       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 18      $   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In addition, the Company holds government debt securities carried at fair value of $80 million. These securities are considered level 1.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, deposits in Fiat and Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools, accounts payable short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt included in the consolidated balance sheets approximates 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 sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

     2011      2010  
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair
Value
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair
Value
 
     (in millions)  

Retail finance accounts receivable

   $ 8,221       $ 8,679       $ 8,134       $ 8,369   

Long-term public debt, excluding current maturities

   $ 3,308       $ 3,626       $ 2,721       $ 3,005   

Long-term asset backed debt, excluding current maturities

   $ 4,272       $ 4,316       $ 3,113       $ 3,117   

Other long-term debt, excluding current maturities

   $ 1,047       $ 985       $ 2,706       $ 2,707   

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 amounts 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.

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 29, 2011, the shareholders authorized CNH’s Board of Directors to issue shares for a period ending in March 2016.

During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, changes in CNH common shares issued were as follows:

 

     Common Shares  
     2011      2010  
     (in thousands)  

Issued as of beginning of year

     238,588         237,553   

Issuances of CNH Common Shares:

     

Shares issued to Directors

     32         6   

Stock-based compensation

     1,251         1,029   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Issued as of end of year

     239,871         238,588   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

There were no Series A preference shares outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

No dividend was declared or paid in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

Note 17: Option and Incentive Plans

CNH issues share-based compensation awards to eligible members of the Board of Directors under the CNH Directors’ Compensation Plan, and to certain employees under the CNH Equity Incentive Plan. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, CNH recognized total share-based compensation expense of $63 million, $34 million and $14 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, CNH recognized a total tax benefit relating to share-based compensation expense of $12 million, $10 million, and $4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, CNH has unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested awards of approximately $73 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 1.8 years.

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, 2011, CNH has reserved 25,900,000 shares for the CNH EIP.

The exercise prices of the stock option grants are 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 2011, CNH granted approximately one million performance-based stock options (at target award levels) under the CNH EIP. As CNH’s 2011 results exceeded the target performance levels, approximately 1.8 million of these options were granted. One-third of the options vested in February 2012 following the approval of 2011 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 have a contractual life of five years from the initial vesting date.

Options granted prior to 2006 have a contract life of ten years. However, the number of shares outstanding for these grants were immaterial as of December 31, 2011 and these shares are expected to expire in early 2012.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table reflects option activity under the CNH EIP for the year ended December 31, 2011:

 

     2011  
     Shares     Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     5,788,971      $ 29.07   

Granted

     1,813,557        47.02   

Forfeited

     (269,379     28.77   

Expired

     (25,971     39.54   

Exercised

     (1,181,765     24.44   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at end of year

     6,125,413        35.02   
  

 

 

   

Exercisable at end of year

     1,895,828        33.49   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding options under the CNH EIP have a weighted average remaining contract term of 4 years. Exercisable options under the CNH EIP have a weighted average remaining contract term of 2.7 years.

The following table summarizes outstanding stock options under the CNH EIP at December 31, 2011:

 

    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

    965,672        3.0      $ 13.65      $ 21,568,547        349,587        2.9      $ 13.79      $ 7,762,082   

$20.00–$29.99

    27,896        0.2        21.20        412,582        27,896        0.2        21.20        412,582   

$30.00–$39.99

    2,913,085        3.7        32.65        10,608,762        1,113,142        2.9        34.20        2,869,007   

$40.00–$57.30

    2,218,760        4.8        47.60               405,203        1.9        49.38          
       

 

 

         

 

 

 
        $ 32,589,891            $ 11,043,671   
       

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

(A)

The difference between the exercise price of share-based compensation and the year-end market price of CNH common shares of $35.99. No amount is shown for awards with an exercise price that is greater than the year-end market price.

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 two million performance-based share awards under the CNH EIP. These performance shares will vest in three equal installments if specified performance 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. In 2011, CNH granted 154,000 additional shares which are subject to the same vesting condition and periods as the 2010 award. The weighted average fair value of this award is $39.10 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. Achievement of the performance targets was not achieved in either 2009 or 2010 and these awards were forfeited. CNH did not recognize any share-based compensation expense related to TPP awards in 2009 or 2010.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table reflects performance-based share activity under the CNH EIP for the year ended December 31, 2011:

 

     2011  
     Performance
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at beginning of year

     2,017,000      $ 34.74   

Granted

     154,000        39.10   

Forfeited

     (151,000     34.74   

Vested

              
  

 

 

   

Nonvested at end of year

     2,020,000        35.07   
  

 

 

   

Restricted Share Grants

In 2011, CNH granted 272,750 restricted share awards to selected key employees under the CNH EIP, of which 269,000 shares were granted in September 2011. The restricted share awards in September 2011 will vest in three equal installments over a three-year period ended September 30, 2014 and have a fair value $26.65 per share.

The following table reflects restricted share activity under the CNH EIP for the year ended December 31, 2011:

 

     2011  
     Performance
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at beginning of year

     316,000      $ 34.62   

Granted

     272,750        26.91   

Forfeited

     (17,122     34.74   

Vested

     (101,359     34.58   
  

 

 

   

Nonvested at end of year

     470,269        30.15   
  

 

 

   

CNH Directors’ Compensation Plan

The CNH Global N.V. Directors’ Compensation Plan (“CNH 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 eligible directors of CNH in the form of cash, and/or common shares of CNH, and/or options to purchase common shares of CNH. The CNH Directors’ Plan provides for the payment of the Fees to eligible members of the board of CNH, provided that such members do not receive salary or other employment compensation from CNH, its subsidiaries or affiliates, Fiat or Fiat Industrial or their subsidiaries. Each quarter of the CNH Directors’ Plan year, the eligible directors elect the form of payment of their Fees. If the elected form is common shares, the eligible 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 eligible

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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 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 a director. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were 690,993 and 693,914 common shares, respectively, reserved for issuance under the CNH Directors’ Plan. Directors eligible to receive compensation under the CNH Directors Plan 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, 2011:

 

     2011  
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     90,840      $ 31.24   

Granted

     3,101        37.09   

Forfeited

              

Expired

              

Exercised

     (28,796     24.28   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at end of year

     65,145        34.59   
  

 

 

   

Exercisable at end of year

     65,145        34.59   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding and exercisable options under the Directors’ Plan have a weighted average remaining contract term of 5.4 years.

The following table summarizes outstanding stock options under the CNH Directors’ Plan at December 31, 2011:

 

     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

     11,656         4.2       $ 20.73       $ 177,875   

$26.01–$40.00

     35,913         5.4         30.05         224,830   

$40.01–$56.00

     11,162         6.1         47.27           

$56.01–$66.41

     6,414         5.9         63.16           
           

 

 

 
            $ 402,705   
           

 

 

 

 

(A)

The difference between the exercise price of share-based compensation and the year-end market price of CNH common shares of $35.99. No amount is shown for awards with an exercise price that is greater than the year-end market price.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Share-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:

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     Directors’
Plan
    CNH
EIP
    Directors’
Plan
    CNH
EIP
    Directors’
Plan
    CNH
EIP
 

Risk-free interest rate

     1.0     1.4     2.0     1.9     2.2     1.6

Dividend yield

     0.4     0.3     0.6     0.5     0.8     0.7

Stock price volatility

     70.4     75.1     66.9     74.1     62.9     70.6

Option life (years)

     5.00        3.81        5.00        3.73        5.00        3.73   

Based on this model, the weighted-average grant date fair values of stock options awarded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 were as follows:

 

     2011      2010      2009  

CNH Directors’ Plan

   $ 20.96       $ 14.60       $ 8.03   

CNH EIP

   $ 26.24       $ 16.10       $ 9.03   

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 70 months. The expected life for grants under the CNH Directors’ Plan are based on management estimates. The expected dividend yield for grants under 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 expected dividend yield for grants under the CNH Directors’ Plan is based on the annual dividends which have been paid on CNH’s common shares over the last five 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.

Additional Share-Based Compensation Information

The table below provides additional share-based compensation information for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 

     2011      2010      2009  
     (in millions)  

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

   $ 28       $ 15       $   

Fair value of shares vested

   $ 3       $       $   

Cash received from share award exercises

   $ 31       $ 21       $   

Tax benefit of options exercised and shares vested

   $ 3       $ 3       $   

As of December 31, 2011, there were 13,112,372 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.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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, 2011, 2010, and 2009:

 

     2011      2010      2009  
    

(in millions, except

per share data)

 

Basic:

        

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

   $ 939       $ 452       $ (190
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic

     239.4         237.8         237.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to CNH Global N.V. common shareholders

   $ 3.92       $ 1.90       $ (0.80
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted:

        

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

   $ 939       $ 452       $ (190
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic

     239.4         237.8         237.4   

Effect of dilutive securities (when dilutive):

        

Stock Compensation Plans(A)

     1.0         0.8           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted

     240.4         238.6         237.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to CNH Global N.V. common shareholders

   $ 3.91       $ 1.89       $ (0.80
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A)

Stock options to purchase approximately 2.3 million, 4.2 million, and 4.5 million shares during 2011, 2010, and 2009, 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.

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, 2011, and 2010 are as follows:

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Cumulative translation adjustment

   $ 102      $ 487   

Adjustment to recognize the underfunded status of defined benefit plans, net of taxes ($370 million and $350 million, respectively)

     (667     (618

Deferred losses on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes ($20 million and $7 million, respectively)

     (68     (17

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, net of taxes ($(2) million and $(4) million, respectively)

     3        6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (630   $ (142
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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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, 2011, Fiat Industrial owned approximately 88% of CNH’s outstanding common shares through Fiat Netherlands. As a result, CNH evaluates segment performance and reports to Fiat Industrial based on criteria established by Fiat Industrial.

CNH reports to Fiat Industrial 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 Industrial. Fiat Industrial 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.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

A reconciliation from consolidated trading profit reported to Fiat Industrial under IFRS to income before income taxes and equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under U.S. GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2011, and 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 2010 and 2009 are provided below.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Trading profit

   $ 1,606      $ 1,001      $ 470   

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

     (31     (62     (51

Accounting for other intangible assets, primarily product development costs

     (138     (176     (140

Restructuring

            (16     (102

Net financial expense

     (322     (342     (287

Accounting for receivable securitizations and other

     36        11        17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under U.S. GAAP

   $ 1,151      $ 416      $ (93
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following summarizes trading profit by reportable segment:

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2011      2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Agricultural equipment

   $ 1,264       $ 839      $ 650   

Construction equipment

     27         (43     (393

Financial services

     315         205        213   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Trading profit

   $ 1,606       $ 1,001      $ 470   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

A summary of additional reportable segment information, compiled under IFRS, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Revenues:

      

Agricultural equipment

   $ 14,183      $ 11,528      $ 10,663   

Construction equipment

     3,876        2,946        2,120   

Financial services

     1,629        1,617        1,574   

Eliminations

     (347     (309     (260
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net revenues under IFRS

     19,341        15,782        14,097   

Difference1

     (156     (174     (337
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues under U.S. GAAP

   $ 19,185      $ 15,608      $ 13,760   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

      

Agricultural equipment

   $ 303      $ 264      $ 239   

Construction equipment

     102        97        87   

Financial services

     117        124        127   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization under IFRS

     522        485        453   

Difference, principally amortization of development costs capitalized under IFRS

     (96     (70     (55
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization under U.S. GAAP

   $ 426      $ 415      $ 398   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets:

      

Agricultural equipment2

   $ 13,182      $ 11,913      $ 9,696   

Construction equipment2

     4,423        3,729        3,604   

Financial services

     18,106        17,346        17,885   

Assets not allocated to segments, principally goodwill, other intangibles and taxes

     12,678        11,742        10,515   

Eliminations

     (13,758     (12,544     (11,403
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets under IFRS

     34,631        32,186        30,297   

Difference3

     (538     (597     (7,089
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets under U.S. GAAP

   $ 34,093      $ 31,589      $ 23,208   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1

In 2011 and 2010, principally classification of finance income. In 2009, 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 2011 and 2010, principally development costs that are capitalized under IFRS. In 2009, principally receivables that were on-book under IFRS, but off-book under the U.S. GAAP accounting guidance in effect during those periods.

 

     2011     2010     2009  
     (in millions)  

Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets*:

      

Agricultural equipment

   $ 507      $ 430      $ 341   

Construction equipment

     148        138        92   

Financial services

     393        362        300   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenditures for additions to long-lived assets under IFRS

     1,048        930        733   

Difference, development costs capitalized under IFRS

     (244     (264     (213
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenditures for additions to long-lived assets under U.S. GAAP

   $ 804      $ 666      $ 520   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Includes equipment on operating leases and property, plant and equipment

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates:

    

Agricultural equipment

   $ 205      $ 221   

Construction equipment

     221        188   

Financial services

     83        83   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under IFRS

     509        492   

Difference, principally product development cost capitalized under IFRS

     (3     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates under U.S. GAAP

     506      $ 490   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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, 2011, and for the year then ended:

                       

Total revenues

   $ 6,786       $ 2,421       $ 1,592       $ 1,029       $ 721       $ 650       $ 5,986       $ 19,185   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-lived tangible assets

   $ 1,190       $ 326       $ 250       $ 77       $ 28       $ 32       $ 699       $ 2,602   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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, 2011, the Company’s outstanding capital stock consisted of common shares, par value €2.25 (U.S. $2.91) per share. As of December 31, 2011, there were 239,716,408 common shares outstanding. At December 31, 2011, CNH had 564 registered holders of record of its common shares in the United States. Registered holders and indirect beneficial owners hold approximately 12% of CNH’s outstanding common shares. Fiat Netherlands, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiat Industrial, is the largest single shareholder.

 

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Consequently, at December 31, 2011, Fiat Netherlands 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.

Historically, the Company and its subsidiaries have developed a variety of relationships, and engaged in a number of transactions, with various Fiat Group or Fiat Industrial Group Companies. Following the demerger effected on January 1, 2011, Fiat has no obligation to provide assistance to the Company or its subsidiaries other than pursuant to contractual agreements that have been negotiated between the applicable parties.

In connection with the demerger transaction Fiat and Fiat Industrial 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 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 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 negotiated margin. In March 2011, upon review and recommendation of a special committee of independent Board members, the Company’s Board approved the MSA and the applicable related Opt-In letters.

As at December 31, 2011, the Company’s outstanding consolidated debt with Fiat Industrial and its subsidiaries was $639 million, compared to $778 million of outstanding consolidated debt with Fiat and its subsidiaries as at December 31, 2010. As a result of the demerger, all financing arrangements previously provided by Fiat treasury subsidiaries outstanding as of December 31, 2010 were assigned to Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries on January 1, 2011.

Various Fiat subsidiaries, including CNH, were parties to a €1 billion ($1.3 billion) syndicated credit facility with a group of banks. As of December 31, 2010, this facility was fully drawn, €300 million ($401 million) by CNH and €700 million ($935 million) by other Fiat subsidiaries. The amounts were repaid in full and the syndicated credit facility was cancelled in January 2011.

As at December 31, 2011, Fiat Industrial guaranteed $896 million of the Company’s debt with BNDES (Brazil). The Company pays Fiat Industrial a guarantee fee based on the average amount outstanding under facilities guaranteed by Fiat Industrial. In 2011, the Company paid a guarantee fee of 0.0625% per annum.

Like other companies that are part of multinational groups, the Company participates in a group-wide cash management system with Fiat Industrial. Under this system, operated by Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries in a number of jurisdictions, the cash balances of Fiat Industrial and its subsidiaries, including CNH, are aggregated at the end of each business day in central pooling accounts (the Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries’ cash management pools). CNH’s positive cash deposits, if any, at the end of each business day may be invested by Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries in highly rated, highly liquid money market instruments or bank deposits or applied by Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries to meet financial needs of other Fiat Industrial subsidiaries and vice versa. Deposits with Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries earn interest at LIBOR plus 0.15%. Interest earned on CNH’s deposits with Fiat Industrial treasury subsidiaries included in finance and interest income was approximately $31 million in 2011. The equivalent amount was approximately $44 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 under the group-wide cash management system with Fiat.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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, 2010 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 Fiat Industrial’s cash management pools at the time of the demerger were substantially the same as the terms and conditions governing Fiat cash management pools as of the same date.

As a result of CNH’s participation in Fiat Industrial’s cash management pools, the Company is exposed to Fiat Industrial’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 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 Fiat Industrial, 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, 2011, CNH had approximately $2.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents. This amount compares to approximately $3.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents CNH had as of December 31, 2010; this latter 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, at the end of 2010, 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 all related party transactions are on what the Committee believes to be arm’s-length terms.

CNH purchases engines and other components from Fiat Industrial and its subsidiaries as well as Fiat and its subsidiaries, and companies of the Fiat Group provide CNH with administrative services such as accounting and internal audit, cash management, maintenance of plant and equipment, plant, security, research and development, information systems and training. Fiat subsidiaries also provide purchasing services to CNH. CNH may sell certain goods or provide certain services to Fiat and/or its subsidiaries. In addition, the Company enters into hedging arrangements with counterparties that are subsidiaries of Fiat Industrial. The principal purchases of goods from Fiat Industrial subsidiaries and Fiat 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 foreign exchange hedges having an aggregate contract value of $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, to which subsidiaries of Fiat Industrial subsidiaries 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. In 2005 Fiat

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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. A substantial portion of these services continue to be provided to CNH subsidiaries by Fiat through Fiat Industrial under the terms and conditions of the MSA and the applicable Opt-In Letters.

The Company participated in tax sharing agreements with Fiat Industrial 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 2011, CNH derived $61 million, $66 million and $28 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 of tax benefit from the tax sharing agreements.

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.

On October 20, 2011 CNH acquired Fiat Switzerland SA from Fiat for $19 million. As the purchase price approximated the equity of the acquired company, this transaction did not significantly impact the CNH’s financial position.

On December 31, 2011 CNH sold to FPT Industrial S.p.A. its ownership interest (33%) in European Engine Alliance Scrl for $17 million. As this sale represented a transaction between entities under common control, the $11 million gain resulting from the sale was recorded as additional-paid in capital. In connection with the demerger transaction of Fiat and Fiat Industrial, in 2010 CNH sold its ownership interest in several small investments to entities within the Fiat Group. These transactions did not significantly impact CNH’s financial position.

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 that expired in 2010 and was not renewed. The Company paid $10 million and $17 million, related to this reimbursement agreement in 2010 and 2009, 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.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes CNH’s sales, purchase, and finance income with Fiat Industrial Group, Fiat Group and joint ventures that are not already separately reflected in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009:

 

     2011      2010      2009  
   (in millions)  

Sales to affiliated companies and joint ventures

   $ 309       $ 204       $ 200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Purchase of materials, production parts, merchandise and services

   $ 1,388       $ 895       $ 818   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Finance and interest income

   $ 31       $ 44       $ 32   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, CNH had trade payables to affiliated companies and joint ventures of $470 million and $367 million, respectively.

Note 22: Supplemental Information

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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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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  
     2011     2010     2009     2011      2010      2009  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Revenues:

              

Net sales

   $ 18,059      $ 14,474      $ 12,783      $       $       $   

Finance and interest income

     172        154        131        1,387         1,395         1,190   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     18,231        14,628        12,914        1,387         1,395         1,190   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

              

Cost of goods sold

     14,626        11,891        10,862                          

Selling, general and administrative

     1,442        1,243        1,150        401         455         336   

Research, development and engineering

     526        451        398                          

Restructuring

            16        98                        4   

Interest expense—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

     7                      27                   

Interest expense—Fiat S.p.A. subsidiaries

            43        78                69         111   

Interest expense—other

     379        352        242        520         543         386   

Interest compensation to Financial Services

     286        238        202                          

Other, net

     140        191        201        113         115         129   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     17,406        14,425        13,231        1,061         1,182         966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

     825        203        (317     326         213         224   

Income tax provision

     230        12        33        113         65         59   

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

              

Financial Services

     225        159        174        12         11         9   

Equipment Operations

     104        88        (46                       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     924        438        (222     225         159         174   

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (15     (14     (32                       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

   $ 939      $ 452      $ (190   $ 225       $ 159       $ 174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-81


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

    Balance Sheets  
    Equipment
Operations
    Financial
Services
 
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (in millions, except share data)  
ASSETS      

Current Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,251      $ 2,934      $ 804      $ 684   

Restricted cash

                  941        914   

Deposits in Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools

    3,980               136          

Deposits in Fiat S.p.A. subsidiaries’ cash management pools

           1,643               117   

Accounts and notes receivable, net

    880        881        8,406        8,118   

Intersegment notes receivable

    1,394        1,730        95        52   

Inventories, net

    3,662        2,937                 

Deferred income taxes

    429        437        216        196   

Prepayments and other

    933        632        80        190   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

    12,529        11,194        10,678        10,271   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term receivables

    14        30        5,666        5,377   

Intersegment long-term notes receivable

    599        543        598        510   

Property, plant and equipment, net

    1,934        1,784        2        2   

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates

    423        407        83        83   

Investment in Financial Services

    2,045        2,007                 

Equipment on operating leases, net

    7        2        659        620   

Goodwill

    2,261        2,233        152        152   

Other intangible assets, net

    665        673        6        6   

Other assets

    703        779        275        136   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 21,180      $ 19,652      $ 18,119      $ 17,157   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      

Current Liabilities:

     

Current maturities of long-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

  $ 65      $      $ 156      $   

Current maturities of long-term debt—Fiat S.p.A. subsidiaries

                         253   

Current maturities of long-term debt—other

    617        818        3,574        2,823   

Short-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

    80               245          

Short-term debt—Fiat S.p.A. subsidiaries

           43               151   

Short-term debt—other

    64        82        3,683        3,587   

Intersegment short-term debt and current maturities of intersegment long-term debt

    95        52        1,394        1,730   

Accounts payable

    3,219        2,586        199        150   

Accrued liabilities

    3,564        2,964        368        390   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    7,704        6,545        9,619        9,084   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

                  93          

Long-term debt—Fiat S.p.A. subsidiaries

           67               264   

Long-term debt—other

    2,974        3,083        5,559        5,126   

Intersegment long-term debt

    598        510        599        543   

Pension, postretirement and other postemployment benefits

    1,699        1,757        14        13   

Other liabilities

    277        307        189        119   

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

    5        4                 

Equity:

     

Preference shares, $1.00 par value; authorized and issued 74,800,000 shares in 2011 and 2010

                  35        35   

Common shares, €2.25 par value; authorized 400,000,000 shares in 2011 and 2010, issued 239,871,221 shares in 2011, issued 238,588,630 shares in 2010

    603        599        156        156   

Paid-in capital

    6,299        6,198        1,415        1,281   

Treasury stock, 154,813 shares in 2011 and 2010, at cost

    (8     (8              

Retained earnings

    1,597        658        291        215   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    (630     (142     148        320   

Noncontrolling interests

    62        74        1        1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

    7,923        7,379        2,046        2,008   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 21,180      $ 19,652      $ 18,119      $ 17,157   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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.

 

F-82


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

    Statements of Cash Flows  
    Equipment Operations     Financial Services  
    2011     2010     2009     2011     2010     2009  
    (in millions)  

Operating activities:

           

Net income (loss)

  $ 924      $ 438      $ (222   $ 225      $ 159      $ 174   

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

           

Depreciation and amortization

    311        291        270        115        124        128   

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

    95        (34     (80     31        6        13   

Loss on debt extinguishment

           22                               

Gain on acquisition of unconsolidated joint venture

    (34                                   

Stock compensation expense

    62        34        16                        

Undistributed (income) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries

    (193     164        41        (4     (5     3   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

           

(Increase) decrease in intersegment receivables and payables

    58        37        39        (58     (37     (39

(Increase) decrease in accounts and notes receivable, net

    9        (84     809        (340     (203     858   

(Increase) decrease in inventories, net

    (849     323        1,360                        

(Increase) decrease in prepayments and other current assets

    (307     (201     (218     109        (154     44   

(Increase) decrease in other assets

    (26     (41     87        (69     62        9   

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

    594        506        (969     37        (20     34   

Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities

    590        544               (69     103        37   

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

    (56     (154     41        (19     (53     (46

Other, net

    (81     (34     (29     24        6        5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

    1,097        1,811        1,145        (18     (12     1,220   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

           

Acquisitions and investments, net of cash acquired

    (64     (30     (5                     

Additions to retail receivables

                         (5,582     (6,662     (6,552

Proceeds from retail and credit card securitizations

                                24        3,775   

Collections of retail receivables

                         5,106        6,739        4,466   

Collections of retained interests in securitized retail receivables

                         21               107   

Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets

    21        45        1        241        270        140   

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

    (408     (301     (217                   (1

Expenditures for software

    (36     (27     (19     (2     (2     2   

Expenditures for equipment on operating leases

    (2                   (394     (365     (302

Increase in restricted cash

                         (32     (219       

Deposits in Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools

    (2,395                   (24              

(Deposits in) withdrawals from Fiat S.p.A. subsidiaries’ cash management pools

           481        (451            (19     289   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

    (2,884     168        (691     (666     (234     1,924   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

           

Intersegment activity

    391        254        676        (391     (254     (676

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

                         3                 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—Fiat S.p.A. subsidiaries

           72        131                      605   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—other

    502        1,930        1,315        1,975        1,367        794   

Payment of long-term debt—Fiat Industrial subsidiaries

                         (269              

Payment of long-term debt—Fiat S.p.A. subsidiaries

           (931     (951            (903     (355

Payment of long-term debt—other

    (794     (690     (911     (646     (591     (1,852

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

    20        (10     (601     277        701        (1,129

Dividends paid

    (1                   (85     (397     (153

Other, net

    34        1        (15     (32     20          
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities

    152        626        (356     832        (57     (2,766
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    (48     39        19        (28     14        135   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (1,683     2,644        117        120        (289     513   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    2,934        290        173        684        973        460   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 1,251      $ 2,934      $ 290      $ 804      $ 684      $ 973   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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.

 

F-83


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 in 2009 and 2010, respectively. 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, 2011, and 2010 and for the three years ended December 31, 2011. 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.

 

F-84


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, 2011, and 2010, and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

 

    Condensed Statements of Operations For the Year Ended December 31, 2011  
    CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    All Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (in millions)  

Revenues:

       

Net sales

  $      $      $ 13,625      $ 9,448      $ (5,014   $ 18,059   

Finance and interest income

    36        43        114        1,350        (417     1,126   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    36        43        13,739        10,798        (5,431     19,185   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost and Expenses:

       

Cost of goods sold

                  11,364        8,276        (5,014     14,626   

Selling, general and administrative

    10        2        687        1,144               1,843   

Research, development and engineering

                  334        192               526   

Restructuring

        (2     2       

Interest

    7        209        141        654        (225     786   

Interest compensation to Financial Services

             193               (193       

Other, net

    (12            185        80               253   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    5        211        12,902        10,348        (5,432     18,034   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

    31        (168     837        450        1        1,151   

Income tax provision (benefit)

    11        (67     195        204               343   

Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

    919        621        428        188        (2,040     116   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

    939        520        1,070        434        (2,039     924   

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

                         (15            (15
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH

  $ 939      $ 520      $ 1,070      $ 449      $ (2,039   $ 939   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-85


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

    Condensed Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2011  
    CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    All Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (in millions)  

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 602      $      $ 92      $ 1,361      $      $ 2,055   

Deposits in Fiat subsidiaries’ cash management pools

    413               3,115        588               4,116   

Accounts, notes receivable and other, net

    46        1        819        15,260        (1,635     14,491   

Intercompany notes receivable

    1,451        447        2,329        859        (5,086  

Inventories

                  1,704        1,958               3,662   

Property, plant and equipment, net

                  1,017        919               1,936   

Equipment on operating leases, net

                  7        659               666   

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

    391               3        112               506   

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method

    5,533        4,248        1,984        1,134        (12,899       

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

    1               2,778        305               3,084   

Other assets

    26        577        1,274        1,728        (28     3,577   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

  $ 8,463      $ 5,273      $ 15,122      $ 24,883      $ (19,648   $ 34,093   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Equity:

           

Short-term debt

  $ 256      $      $ 537      $ 3,279      $      $ 4,072   

Intercompany short-term debt

           173        774        1,282        (2,229  

Accounts payable

           122        2,124        2,281        (1,575     2,952   

Long-term debt, including current maturities

    300        2,548        261        9,929          13,038   

Intercompany long-term debt

           1,653        598        606        (2,857       

Accrued and other liabilities

    47        32        4,391        1,726        (89     6,107   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    603        4,528        8,685        19,103        (6,750     26,169   

Equity

    7,860        745        6,437        5,780        (12,898     7,924   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Equity

  $ 8,463      $ 5,273      $ 15,122      $ 24,883      $ (19,648   $ 34,093   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-86


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

    Condensed Statements of Cash Flow For the Year Ended December 31, 2011  
    CNH
Global N.V.
    Case New
Holland Inc.
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    All Other
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (in millions)  

Operating Activities:

           

Net income (loss)

  $ 939      $ 520      $ 1,070      $ 434      $ (2,039   $ 924   

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

           

Depreciation and amortization

    —          —          175        251        —          426   

Intercompany activity

    (26     59        93        (126     —          —     

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    (18     (312     219        (285     —          (396

Other, net

    (19     (619     315        (78     441        40   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

    876        (352     1,872        196        (1,598     994   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

           

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

    —          —          (192     (216     —          (408

Expenditures for equipment on operating leases

    —          —          (2     (394     —          (396

Net (additions) collections from retail receivables and related securitizations

    —          —          —          (455     —          (455

(Deposits in) withdrawals from Fiat Industrial subsidiaries’ cash management pools

    (393     —          (1,832     (194     —          (2,419

Other, net

    (1,630     —          (454     (562     2,774        128   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities

    (2,023     —          (2,480     (1,821     2,774        (3,550
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

           

Intercompany activity

    715        186        3        (904     —          —     

Net (decrease) increase in indebtedness

    (101     73        (2     1,098        —          1,068   

Dividends paid

    —          (799     (354     (445     1,598        —     

Other, net

    34        —          897        1,844        (2,774     1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

    648        (540     544        1,593        (1,176     1,069   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other, net

    —          —          —          (76     —          (76
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (499     (892     (64     (108     —          (1,563

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    1,101        892        156        1,469        —          3,618   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 602      $ —        $ 92      $ 1,361      $ —        $ 2,055   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-87


Table of Contents

CNH GLOBAL N.V.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

    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   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-88


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-89


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   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-90


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
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-91


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   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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/    CAMILLO ROSSOTTO        

Camillo Rossotto
Chief Financial Officer

Dated: February 29, 2012


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, restated and ratified as of January 26, 2011 (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1.2 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).
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 (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2.4 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).


Table of Contents

Exhibit

  

Description

4.2.5    Non-Qualified Performance Stock Option Award Agreement, effective as of April 30, 2010 (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2.5 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).
4.2.6    2010 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement, effective as of September 30, 2010. (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2.6 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).
4.2.7    2010 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, effective as of September 30, 2010. (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2.7 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).
4.2.8    CNH Global N.V. Equity Incentive Plan as Adopted on December 22, 2008 and ratified and approved on March 20, 2009. (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2.8 to the annual report on Form 20-F of the registrant for the year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 333-05752) and herein incorporated by reference).
4.2.9    CNH Global N.V. Equity Incentive Plan as Adopted on October 27, 2011. (Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the registration statement on Form S-8 of the registrant (File No. 333-177642) and incorporated herein by reference).
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).
15.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
15.2    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document**
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document**
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document**
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document**
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document**
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document**

 

**

XBRL information is furnished, not filed.