CNH Industrial forecasts growth for its Construction Equipment business in 2014

1595 CNH Industrial is forecasting improved performance from its Construction Equipment business in 2014 after the overall Group recorded net revenues of €25.8 billion in 2013 – up 4.3% on a constant currency basis on 2012 revenues.

Revenues from the Construction Equipment and Agricultural businesses, the former including the globally renowned 176 Case and 5895 New Holland brands, were in line with 2012 at €16.006 billion. On a constant currency basis, revenues from Construction Equipment-Agricultural increased by €759 million (+4.7%) as a result of the strong demand for agricultural equipment, said to be partially offset by challenges faced by CNH Industrial’s Construction Equipment operation.

For Q4 2013, Agricultural and Construction Equipment reported revenues of €3.9 billion, 3% up on a constant currency basis (-3.8% on a reported basis) thanks to a strong agricultural equipment performance, particularly in Latin America. Trading profit for the quarter was €298 million, an increase of €34 million (or 13%) over the same period in 2012, with a trading margin of 7.6% (trading margin of 6.5% for Q4 2012). Agricultural Equipment trading profit increased €14 million over Q4 2012 to €240 million, while Construction Equipment reported a trading loss of €41 million (€40 million loss for Q4 2012).

In further full 2013 year figures, CNH Industrial’s net profit of €917 million was up 2% on the €900 million achieved in 2012. The Group’s just published trading accounts also show Group trading profit was €1.985 billion in 2013, with a 7.7% trading margin in line with the previous year. Meanwhile, net industrial debt stood at €1.592 billion (€1,642 million at December 31, 2012). Group available liquidity totalled €6.3 billion (€6.2 billion at December 31, 2012).

The CNH Industrial Board of Directors is recommending for 2013 a dividend of €0.20 per share, totalling around €270 million.

CNH Industrial expects improved performance in 2014, with projected improved trading in the Construction Equipment, Trucks and Commercial Vehicles businesses, coupled with continued industrial efficiencies, expected to offset forecasted decline in unit demand of agricultural product equipment. Group revenues are tipped to be flat to up 5% and trading margin between 7.8% and 8.2%. Net industrial debt is expected to be between €1.5 billion and €1.7 billion.