Detroit Diesel Reports Third Quarter 1997 Results
27 October 1997
Detroit Diesel Reports Third Quarter 1997 ResultsDETROIT, Oct. 27 -- Detroit Diesel Corporation announced today third quarter 1997 revenues increased 7% to $524 million and net income increased 15% to $8.2 million or $0.33 per common share. These figures compare with third quarter 1996 revenues of $488 million and net income of $7.1 million or $0.29 per common share. Total third quarter 1997 shipments were 37,800, an increase of 3% compared with third quarter 1996. Sustained strength in heavy-duty truck and automotive segments resulted in the unit growth. Total shipments year-to-date increased 8% to 123,100 units, compared with 114,300 units in 1996. Roger S. Penske, Chairman, said "The third quarter results reflect our continued emphasis on new product introduction, coupled with a consistent strength in the automotive and on-highway truck segments. I expect the roll- out of new product programs and a stable economy, combined with our cost reduction initiatives, will yield improvements in our future results." The Company's service parts revenues for the first nine months were 5% higher than the previous year. Revenues from both two-cycle and four-cycle service parts have continued to show increases versus the prior year. The Company's remanufacturing revenues grew 10% to $32 million compared with the third quarter 1996. Gross margin was 22.4% in the third quarter, compared with 23.0% in the third quarter 1996. As anticipated, the gross margin in the third quarter was affected by the initial shipment of new products, particularly Series 2000 and Series 4000 engines. Year-to-date gross margin was 22.8%, consistent with the full-year 1996 gross margin. Research and development expenses were $22.2 million for the quarter, compared with $26.6 million in third quarter 1996, despite the continued significant investment in new product development initiatives. Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $78.4 million for the quarter compared with $72.5 million in 1996, due to expenses associated with increased unit volumes and the introduction of new products. The quarterly results include $2.2 million received by the Company from Outboard Marine Corporation in connection with the proposed acquisition, net of expenses incurred in conjunction with the acquisition effort. The amount is included in the revenue reported for the period. Following is a review of the Company's market segments: On-Highway Truck. Revenues increased 32% to $249 million in the third quarter compared with 1996, resulting from the increased demand in the heavy- duty truck market. Shipments to all portions of the market have experienced solid gains over the previous year's levels. Series 60 engine production rates were raised during the period to accommodate increased demand. Year-to- date 1997 revenues increased 24% to $711 million compared with 1996. Construction and Industrial. Revenues were $78 million in the third quarter, compared with $86 million in 1996, due to the discontinuance of distribution of Perkins products at the end of 1996. Year-to-date revenues were $241 million versus $265 million in 1996. On a comparable basis, third quarter revenues increased 5% compared with the third quarter 1996 and year- to-date revenues increased 3%. Initial shipments of the Series 4000 engines for mine haul truck applications coupled with higher Series 50 and Series 60 engine deliveries contributed to the increase. Automotive. Revenues were $47 million in the third quarter, compared with $50 million in 1996, and were impacted by differences in exchange rates between the periods. Year-to-date 1997 revenues were $188 million, an increase of 20% compared to 1996. Coach and Bus. Revenues increased 7% to $58 million in the third quarter compared with 1996. The quarter showed a significant increase in Series 60 engine shipments for the on-highway coach segment. The Company maintained its strong market share in the transit bus segment. Year-to-date 1997 revenues were $178 million, a 13% increase compared to 1996. Marine. Revenues were $34 million in the third quarter, compared with $38 million in the third quarter 1996. Year-to-date 1997 revenues were $105 million versus $120 million in 1996. As anticipated, slow production ramp-up of the Series 2000 marine engine impacted the quarter and year-to-date results. Strong interest in the new Series 2000, Series 4000, and Series 60 marine engines exists for the remainder of the year and into 1998. Power Generation. Revenues were $33 million in the third quarter, comparable to the third quarter 1996. Year-to-date 1997 revenues were $106 million, an 8% increase compared to $98 million in 1996. The Company has seen some recovery in the Far East region, although additional near-term growth may be limited by economic conditions within the region. SPECTRUM(R)-branded orders placed for U.S. deliveries have shown consistent growth over the last several quarters. Military. Revenues were $25 million in the third quarter, compared with $37 million in the third quarter 1996. Year-to-date revenues were $72 million versus $87 million in the prior year due to reduced defense spending. This reduction has been partially mitigated by the increased shipments of remanufactured products and international opportunities. Detroit Diesel Corporation is engaged in the design, manufacture, sale and service of heavy-duty diesel and alternative fuel engines, automotive diesel engines, and engine related products; and provides financing through Detroit Diesel Capital Corporation. The Company offers a complete line of diesel engines from ten to 10,000 horsepower for the on-highway truck; construction, mining and industrial; automotive; coach and bus; marine; power generation; and military markets. Detroit Diesel services these markets directly and through a worldwide network of more than 2,500 authorized distributors and dealers. DDC is a QS-9000 certified company. Detroit Diesel's major shareholder is Penske Corporation, a closely-held, diversified transportation services company whose operations include Penske Truck Leasing Company, Diesel Technology Company, Penske Automotive Group, Inc., Penske Auto Centers, Inc. Penske Motorsports, Inc., and Penske Capital Partners. The Penske Group of businesses has annual revenues exceeding $6 billion and employs more than 28,000 people around the world. This news release may include projections, forecasts and other forward- looking statements about the Company, the industry in which it competes and the markets it serves. The achievement of such projections is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, fully detailed in the "Cautionary Statement for purposes of 'Safe Harbor' under the Private Securities Act of 1995" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Detroit Diesel's World Wide Web address is http://www.detroitdiesel.com. Detroit Diesel Corporation Consolidated Statements of Operations (In millions, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 1997 1996 1997 1996 Net revenues $ 524.1 $ 487.6 $1,601.2 $1,457.7 Cost of sales 406.9 375.3 1,235.8 1,120.5 Gross profit 117.2 112.3 365.4 337.2 Expenses: Selling and administrative 78.4 72.5 248.0 213.6 Research and development 22.2 26.6 71.5 78.1 Interest 3.1 3.7 9.7 9.1 Special charge* - - - 38.3 Total 103.7 102.8 329.2 339.1 Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests 13.5 9.5 36.2 (1.9) Provision (credit) for income taxes 5.2 2.3 14.1 (1.7) Minority interests .1 .1 .1 .6 Net income (loss) $ 8.2 $ 7.1 $ 22.0 $ (.8) Primary net income (loss) per share $ .33 $ .29 $ .89 $ (.03) * Consists of product coverage and reduction in the value of an investment in Mexico of $24.9 million after tax or $1.01 per share. Sales Data by Market (In millions) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 1997 1996 1997 1996 On-Highway Truck $ 249 $ 189 $ 711 $ 573 Construction & Industrial 78 86 241 265 Automotive 47 50 188 157 Coach & Bus 58 54 178 158 Power Generation 33 34 106 98 Marine 34 38 105 120 Military 25 37 72 87 Total $ 524 $ 488 $1,601 $1,458 Detroit Diesel Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheets (In millions, except per share amounts) Sept. 30, Dec. 31, 1997 1996 (Unaudited) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 6.9 $ 3.0 Receivables, net of allowances 316.9 293.1 Inventories 301.5 292.1 Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other current assets 12.9 19.8 Deferred tax assets 54.2 56.4 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 692.4 664.4 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Net of accumulated depreciation of $146.0 and $125.3, respectively 300.8 281.5 DEFERRED TAX ASSETS 25.2 26.0 INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net 88.4 103.9 OTHER ASSETS 36.8 36.8 TOTAL ASSETS $1,143.6 $1,112.6 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Notes payable $ 45.0 $ 16.6 Accounts payable 299.4 279.9 Accrued expenses 178.0 179.8 Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases 6.3 9.8 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 528.7 486.1 LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES 75.0 92.6 OTHER LIABILITIES 166.3 165.2 DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES 27.6 35.4 DEFERRED INCOME 6.1 6.5 MINORITY INTERESTS .6 5.6 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, no shares issued - - Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 24.7 million shares issued .2 .2 Additional paid-in capital 217.8 217.8 Retained earnings 130.9 108.9 Additional minimum pension adjustment (2.5) (2.5) Currency translation adjustment (7.1) (3.0) Deferred compensation on restricted stock - (.2) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 339.3 321.2 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $1,143.6 $1,112.6 SOURCE Detroit Diesel Corporation