Summary of Cummins (NYSE:CMI) 2026 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) - **Date of Conference**: February 18, 2026 - **Key Participants**: Kyle Menges (Citi), Jeff Wiltrout (Corporate Strategy), Nick Arens (Investor Relations) Key Points Industry and Market Position - Cummins is focusing on a **fuel-agnostic engine platform** to align with the **Destination Zero strategy** and prepare for **EPA 2027 regulations** [1][2] - The company has invested heavily in **next-generation engine technology**, launching three new engine platforms simultaneously, which is unprecedented for Cummins [2][3] Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy - Cummins acknowledges the **growing trend towards zero-emissions technologies**, including battery electric and E-axles, and has made investments in these areas over the last decade [5][6] - The company views **Tesla** as a significant competitor in the heavy-duty truck market but believes that the economic viability of battery electric trucks will depend on regulatory drivers [6][7] - In **China**, there has been a significant push for battery electric trucks, with over **20% adoption** in the heavy-duty truck market, although Cummins is less exposed to this segment [9][10] EPA 2027 Regulations - The **35 milligram NOx standard** is expected to be implemented, with a potential removal of extended warranty requirements to reduce upfront costs for fleets [15][16] - Cummins is confident in its architecture and technology to meet these regulations, although the timeline for launching three platforms is challenging due to supplier and regulatory coordination [16][19] Financial Outlook and Pricing - The average selling price of trucks is expected to increase by about **$10,000**, primarily driven by the powertrain segment [24][25] - The company anticipates that the new engine platforms will provide margin opportunities over the next few years as production stabilizes [26] Research and Development (R&D) - R&D spending has increased by approximately **$150 million annually** for platform investments, with expectations for a tapering off post-launch in 2027 [27][29] Power Generation and Data Centers - Cummins has seen significant growth in the **power generation** and **data center** markets, driven by increased demand for redundant power solutions [31][32] - The company has doubled its capacity to serve this market and is evaluating further investments for growth [34][36] - The order backlog extends through **2027**, with discussions about orders into **2028** [41][42] Competitive Landscape - Cummins maintains a strong competitive position in the data center backup power market due to its established relationships, reputation, and distribution capabilities [62][63] - The company is aware of increasing competition but believes its unique offerings are difficult to replicate [64] Tariff Impacts - Tariffs are impacting margins, particularly in the engine and distribution segments, with an estimated **50 basis points of dilution** in guidance due to tariff surcharges [73][74] - The company is exploring potential rebates related to tariffs, which could improve margins if successful [76][78] Future Guidance and Investor Day - Cummins plans to update its **2030 financial targets** at the upcoming Investor Day, focusing on engine components, power generation, margin profiles, and capital allocation strategies [99][100][101] Additional Insights - The company is actively engaging with customers to secure favorable payment terms and long-term contracts to support investments in capacity [96][98] - There is a strong demand for backup power solutions, with no visible signs of a slowdown in demand expected through the decade [48][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for the second quarter were $8.6 billion, a decrease of 2% compared to 2024 [9] - EBITDA was $1.6 billion or 18.4% of sales, compared to $1.3 billion or 15.3% a year ago, indicating an increase in profitability [18] - Gross margin improved by 150 basis points year over year, reaching 26.4% of sales [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engine segment revenues were $2.9 billion, down 8% from a year ago, with EBITDA at 13.8% [22] - Components revenue decreased by 9% to $2.7 billion, but EBITDA improved to 14.7% [22] - Distribution segment revenues increased by 7% to $3 billion, with record EBITDA of $445 million, improving to 14.6% of sales [23] - Power Systems segment revenues rose by 19% to $1.9 billion, with record EBITDA of $433 million, increasing to 22.8% of sales [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America revenues decreased by 6% compared to 2024, with heavy-duty truck industry production down 27% [10] - International revenues increased by 5%, with China revenues at $1.8 billion, up 9% due to strong domestic demand [11] - In China, industry demand for medium and heavy-duty trucks increased by 13%, with unit sales up 31% [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its Destination Zero strategy, introducing new products in the Power Systems segment to meet growing power demands [8] - A 10% increase in quarterly dividends was announced, marking the sixteenth consecutive year of dividend increases [8] - The company aims to maintain operational efficiency and invest in capacity expansion to support future growth [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a continued decline in North America heavy and medium-duty truck volumes by 25% to 30% in the third quarter [14] - The company is navigating uncertainties related to tariffs and trade policies, which are impacting freight activity and costs [15] - Despite challenges, management remains confident in the strength of the power generation market and the company's diversified global business [17] Other Important Information - The company returned $251 million to shareholders in dividends, consistent with its long-term plan to return approximately 50% of operating cash flow [9] - Joint venture income increased to $118 million, driven by higher volumes in China [20] - Operating cash flow was an inflow of $785 million, compared to an outflow of $851 million a year ago [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on Power Systems margins sustainability - Management expressed satisfaction with Power Systems performance, indicating ongoing operational improvements and strong demand [30][31] Question: Backlog and pricing flexibility in Power Systems - The company confirmed a backlog extending out two years and ongoing negotiations for tariff recovery with customers [35] Question: Data center market growth and sales expectations - Management reaffirmed expectations for $2 billion in sales from data centers by 2026, maintaining a strong market position [39][41] Question: Distribution margins and component side performance - Management noted that distribution margins benefited from strong parts demand and pricing, while component margins improved despite sales declines [44][46] Question: North America truck market cycle outlook - Management highlighted uncertainty in the truck market due to low orders and regulatory factors, making future predictions challenging [50][52] Question: Capital allocation and share buybacks - The company plans to maintain a long-term benchmark of returning at least 50% of operating cash flow to shareholders, with a focus on effective capital allocation [87][88] Question: Tariff impacts and recovery timeline - Management indicated that tariffs negatively impacted profitability in the second quarter, but they expect to approach price-cost neutrality by the fourth quarter [95][97]