Document

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
____________________________________
FORM 20-F
____________________________________
¨    REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 12(b) OR (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, 2018
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 001-36085
____________________________________
CNH INDUSTRIAL N.V.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
____________________________________
The Netherlands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
25 St. James’s Street
London
SW1A 1HA
United Kingdom
(Address of principal executive offices)
Michael P. Going
Secretary
c/o CNH Industrial America LLC
6900 Veterans Blvd. Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Telephone: +1 630-887-3766
FAX: +1 630-887-2344
Email: michael.going@cnhind.com
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company 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 €0.01
 
New York Stock Exchange
4.50% Notes due 2023
 
New York Stock Exchange
3.850% Notes due 2027
 
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: 1,353,831,958 common shares, par value €0.01 per share, and 388,725,624 special voting shares, par value €0.01 per share.
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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    ¨
 
 
 
 
Emerging Growth Company    ¨
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
†     The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
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
 
 
 
Page
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
Item 4A.
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
Item 7.
 
 
Item 8.
 
 
Item 9.
 
 
Item 10.
 
 
Item 11.
 
 
Item 12.
 
 
 
 
Item 13.
 
 
Item 14.
 
 
Item 15.
 
 
Item 16A.
 
 
Item 16B.
 
 
Item 16C.
 
 
Item 16D.
 
 
Item 16E.
 
 
Item 16F.
 
 
Item 16G.
 
 
Item 16H.
 
 
 
 
Item 17.
 
 
Item 18.
 
 
Item 19.
 
 
 






Certain Defined Terms
CNH Industrial is incorporated in, and under the laws of, the Netherlands. CNH Industrial has its corporate seat in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and its principal office in London, England. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, as used in this annual report, the terms “CNH Industrial”, “we”, “us”, “our” or “the Company” refer to CNH Industrial, together with its consolidated subsidiaries.
Presentation of Financial and Certain Other Information
We have prepared our annual consolidated financial statements presented in this Annual Report 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 are expressed in U.S. dollars.
2017 and 2016 figures included in the following sections have been recast following the retrospective adoption, on January 1, 2018, of the updated accounting standard for revenue recognition (ASC 606), retirement benefit accounting (ASU 2017-07) and statement of cash flows - restricted cash (ASU 2016-18).
Certain financial information in this report has been presented by geographic area. Our geographic regions are: (1) North America; (2) EMEA; (3) LATAM and (4) APAC. The geographic designations have the following meanings:
•
North America (formerly NAFTA): United States, Canada and Mexico;
•
EMEA: member countries of the European Union, member countries of the European Free Trade Association (“EFTA”), Ukraine, Balkans, African continent and the Middle East (excluding Turkey);
•
LATAM: Central and South America, and the Caribbean Islands; and
•
APAC: Continental Asia (including Turkey and Russia), Oceania and member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Certain industry and market share information in this Annual Report has been presented on a worldwide basis which includes all countries. In this Annual Report, management estimates of market share information are generally based on retail unit sales data in North America, on registrations of equipment in most of Europe, Brazil, and various APAC 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 in North America, the Committee for European Construction Equipment in Europe, the Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (“ANFAVEA”) in Brazil, the Japan Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association, and the Korea Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association, as well as on other shipment data collected by independent service bureaus. 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. For Commercial Vehicles, regions are defined as: Europe (the 27 countries where our Commercial Vehicles segment competes, excluding United Kingdom and Ireland, for market share and total industry volume (“TIV”) reporting purposes), LATAM (Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela) and APAC (Russia, Turkey, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand). In addition, there may 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.




1


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 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in “Item 18. Financial Statements” and the information contained in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
The following table contains our selected historical financial data as of and for each of the five years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in millions, except per share data)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
27,831

 
$
25,769

 
$
23,216

 
$
24,677

 
$
31,196

Finance and interest income
1,875

 
1,932

 
1,879

 
1,235

 
1,359

Total Revenues
29,706


27,701


25,095


25,912


32,555

Net (loss) income
$
1,099

 
$
290

 
$
(261
)
 
$
248

 
$
708

Net (loss) income attributable to CNH Industrial N.V.
$
1,068

 
$
272

 
$
(264
)
 
$
253

 
$
710

Earnings per share attributable to CNH Industrial N.V.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.79

 
$
0.20

 
$
(0.19
)
 
$
0.19

 
$
0.52

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.78

 
$
0.20

 
$
(0.19
)
 
$
0.19

 
$
0.52

Cash dividends declared per common share(1)
$
0.173

 
$
0.118

 
$
0.148

 
$
0.214

 
$
0.277

 
As of December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in millions)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
46,100

 
$
48,298

 
$
45,555

 
$
46,677

 
$
51,824

Share capital
$
25

 
$
25

 
$
25

 
$
25

 
$
25

Common shares outstanding
1,354

 
1,364

 
1,362

 
1,362

 
1,355

Special voting shares outstanding
389

 
389

 
412

 
413

 
415

Equity
$
5,068

 
$
4,232

 
$
4,320

 
$
4,843

 
$
4,961

(1)
On March 1, 2019, the Board of Directors recommended to the Company’s shareholders a dividend of €0.18 per common share, totaling approximately €244 million (equivalent to approximately $277 million, translated at the exchange rate reported by the European Central Bank on February 27, 2019). The recommended dividend is subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders to be held on April 12, 2019. For 2018, CNH Industrial declared and a paid a dividend of €0.14 per common share. For 2017, CNH Industrial declared and paid a dividend of €0.11 per common share. For 2016, CNH Industrial declared and paid a dividend of €0.13 per common share. For each of 2015 and 2014, CNH Industrial declared and paid dividend of €0.20 per common share. The cash dividends for 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were paid on May 2, 2018, May 2, 2017, May 3, 2016, April 29, 2015, and April 30, 2014, respectively, and shareholders who held common shares on the record date traded on the NYSE received the dividend in U.S. dollars at the USD/EUR exchange rate reported by the European Central Bank on April 19, 2018 ($0.1722), April 20, 2017 ($0.1182) April 21, 2016 ($0.1476), April 16, 2015 ($0.2142), and April 17, 2014 ($0.2771), respectively.

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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 29, the other risks described in the Safe Harbor Statement beginning on page 59 and notes to the consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-9. These risks may affect our operating results and, individually or in the aggregate, could cause our actual results to differ materially from past and projected future results. Some of these risks and uncertainties could affect particular lines of business, while others could affect all of our businesses. Although risks are discussed separately, many are interrelated. The following discussion of risks may contain forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the Safe Harbor Statement beginning on page 59. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. It is impossible to predict or identify all risk factors and, consequently, you should not consider the following factors to be a complete discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect us. 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 businesses.   Our results of operations and financial position are and will continue to be influenced by macroeconomic factors – including changes in gross domestic product, the level of consumer and business confidence, changes in interest rates or the availability of credit, inflation and deflation, energy prices, and the cost of commodities or other raw materials – which exist in the countries and regions in which we operate. Such macroeconomic factors vary from time to time and their effect on our results of operations and financial position cannot be specifically and singularly assessed and/or isolated.
Economic conditions vary across regions and countries, and demand for our products and services generally increases in those regions and countries experiencing economic growth and investment. Slower economic growth or a change in global mix of regions and countries experiencing economic growth and investment could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In a weaker economic environment, some dealers and 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. Our suppliers may also be impacted by economic pressures, which may adversely affect their ability to fulfill their obligations to us. These factors could result in product delays, increased accounts receivable, defaults and inventory challenges. In addition, demand for our products and services can be significantly impacted by concerns regarding the diverse economic and political circumstances in the European Union, the debt burden of several countries in the European Union, the risk that one or more European Union countries could come under increasing pressure to leave the European Union and the long-term stability of the euro as a single common currency. These concerns, along with the significant fiscal adjustments carried out in several countries, intended to manage actual or perceived sovereign credit risk, have led to further pressure on economic growth and may lead to new periods of economic volatility and recession in the European Union. Similarly, in Brazil and Argentina, macroeconomic conditions remain volatile. If there is significant deterioration in the global economy or the economies of key countries or 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.
We are exposed to political, economic, trade and other risks beyond our control as a result of operating a global business.   We manufacture and sell products and offer services in several continents and numerous countries around the world including those experiencing varying degrees of political and economic instability. Given the global nature of our activities, we are exposed to risks associated with international business activities that may increase our costs, impact our ability to manufacture and sell our products and require significant management attention. These risks include:
•
changes in laws, regulations and policies that affect, among other things:
–
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, contract rights and intellectual property;

3


–
where, to whom, and what type of products may be sold, including new or additional trade or economic sanctions imposed by the U.S., EU or other governmental authorities and supranational organizations (e.g., the United Nations); and
–
taxes;
•
regulations from changing world organization initiatives and agreements;
•
changes in the dynamics of the industries and markets in which we operate;
•
labor disruptions;
•
disruption in the supply of raw materials and components, including rare materials (the latter might be more easily the target of sudden increases due to a variety of factors, including speculative measures or unforeseen political changes);
•
changes in governmental debt relief and subsidy program policies in certain significant markets such as Argentina and Brazil, including the Brazilian government discontinuing programs subsidizing interest rates on equipment loans;
•
withdrawal from or changes to trade agreements or trade terms, negotiation of new trade agreements and the imposition of new (and retaliatory) tariffs on certain countries, or covering certain products or raw materials; and
•
war, civil unrest and terrorism.
In recent years, terrorist attacks have occurred around the world, leading to personal safety anxieties and political instability in many countries and, ultimately, an impact on consumers’ confidence. More recently, growing populist political movements in several major developed countries, changes in or uncertainty surrounding global trade policies and other unanticipated changes to the previous geopolitical order may have negative effects on the global economy.
There can be no guarantee that we will be able to quickly and completely adapt our business model to changes that could result from the foregoing, and any such changes may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Reduced demand for equipment would reduce our sales and profitability.   The agricultural equipment market is influenced, in particular, by factors such as:
•
the price of agricultural commodities and the ability to competitively export agricultural commodities;
•
the profitability of agricultural enterprises, farmers’ income and their capitalization;
•
the demand for food products; and
•
agricultural policies, including aid and subsidies to agricultural enterprises provided by governments and/or supranational organizations, policies impacting commodity prices or limiting the export or import of commodities, and alternative fuel mandates.
In addition, unfavorable climatic conditions, especially during the spring, a particularly important period for generating sales orders, could have a negative impact on decisions to buy agricultural equipment and, consequently, on our revenues.
The construction equipment market is influenced, in particular, by factors such as:
•
public infrastructure spending; and
•
new residential and non-residential construction; and
•
capital spending in oil and gas and, to a lesser extent, in mining.
The commercial vehicles market is influenced, in particular, by factors such as:
•
changes in global market conditions, including the level of interest rates;
•
changes in levels of business investment, including timing of fleet renewals; and
•
public infrastructure spending.
The above factors can significantly influence the demand for agricultural and construction equipment, as well as for commercial vehicles, and consequently, our financial results. Additionally, if demand for our products is less than we expect, we may experience excess inventories and be forced to incur additional charges and our profitability will suffer, including higher fixed costs associated with lower production levels at our plants. Our business may be negatively impacted if we experience excess inventories or we are unable to adjust our production schedules or our purchases from suppliers to reflect changes in customer demand and market fluctuations on a timely basis.
We depend on suppliers for raw materials, parts and components.   We rely upon suppliers for raw materials, parts and components that we require to manufacture our products. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain access to raw materials, parts and

4


components, and in some cases, this access may be affected by factors outside of our control and the control of our suppliers. Certain components and parts used in our products are available from a single supplier and cannot be quickly sourced from other suppliers. Increasing demand for certain products has resulted in challenges in obtaining parts and components due to supplier constraints. Supply chain disruptions, including those due to supplier financial distress, capacity constraints, labor shortages, business continuity, delivery or disruptions due to weather-related or natural disaster events, could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We use a variety of raw materials in our businesses, including steel, aluminum, lead, resin and copper, and precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. The availability and price of these raw materials fluctuate, particularly during times of economic volatility or regulatory instability or in response to changes in tariffs, and while we seek to manage this exposure, we may not be successful in mitigating these risks. Further, increases in the prices for raw materials can significantly increase our costs of production, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, particularly if we are unable to offset the increased costs through an increase in product pricing.
Competitive activity, or failure by us to respond to actions by our competitors, could adversely affect our results of operations.   We operate in highly competitive global and regional markets. Depending on the particular country, we compete with other international, regional and local manufacturers and distributors of agricultural and construction equipment, commercial vehicles, and powertrains. Certain of our global competitors have substantial resources and may be able to provide products and services at little or no profit or even at a loss to compete with certain of our product offerings. We compete primarily on the basis of product performance, innovation, quality, distribution, customer service and price. Aggressive pricing or other strategies pursued by competitors, unanticipated product or manufacturing delays, quality issues, or our failure to price our products competitively could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial position. Additionally, there has been a trend towards consolidation in the trucks and construction equipment industries that has resulted in larger and potentially stronger competitors in those markets. The markets in which we compete are highly competitive in terms of product quality, innovation, pricing, fuel economy, reliability, safety, customer service and financial services offered. Competition, particularly on pricing, has increased significantly in the markets in which we compete in recent years. Should we be unable to adapt effectively to market conditions, this could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Costs of ongoing compliance with, or failure to comply with, increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety laws could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.   We are subject to comprehensive and constantly evolving laws, regulations and policies in numerous jurisdictions around the world. We expect the extent of legal requirements affecting our businesses and our costs of compliance to continue to increase in the future. Such laws govern, among other things, products – with requirements on emissions of polluting gases and particulate matter, increased fuel efficiency and safety becoming increasingly strict – and industrial plants – with requirements for reduced emissions, treatment of waste and water and prohibitions on soil contamination also becoming increasingly strict. To comply with such laws, we make significant investments in research and development and capital expenditures and expect to continue to incur substantial costs in the future. Failure to comply with such laws could limit or prohibit our ability to sell our products in a particular jurisdiction, expose us to penalties or clean-up costs, civil or criminal liability and sanctions on certain of our activities, as well as damage to property or natural resources. Liabilities, sanctions, damages and remediation efforts related to any non-compliance with such laws, including those that may be adopted or imposed in the future, could negatively impact our ability to conduct our operations and our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, there can be no assurances that we will not be adversely affected by costs, liabilities or claims with respect to any subsequently acquired operations.
Further, environmental, health and safety regulations change from time to time, as may related interpretations and other guidance. For example, changes in environmental and climate change laws, including laws relating to engine and vehicle emissions, safety regulations, fuel requirements, restricted substances, or greenhouse gas emissions, could lead to new or additional investments in product designs and could increase environmental compliance expenditures. If these laws are either changed or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements on us or our products, they could result in higher capital expenditures and negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial position and competitive position. Finally, recent public opinion backlash against emissions regulations might trigger the adoption of policies severely restricting the use of diesel engines.
Changes in government monetary or fiscal policies may negatively impact our results.  Most countries where our products and services are sold have established central banks to regulate monetary systems and influence economic activities, generally by adjusting interest rates. Some governments may 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). Rising interest rates could have a dampening effect on the overall economic activity and/or the financial condition of our customers, either or both of which could negatively affect demand for our products and our customers’ ability to repay obligations to us. Central banks and other policy arms of many countries may take further actions to vary the amount of liquidity and credit available in an economy. The impact from a change in liquidity and credit policies could negatively affect the customers and markets we serve or our suppliers, which could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. Government initiatives that are intended to stimulate demand for products sold by us, such as changes in tax treatment or

5


purchase incentives for new equipment, can substantially influence the timing and level of our revenues. The terms, size and duration of such government actions are unpredictable and outside of our control. Any adverse change in government policy relating to those initiatives could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our future performance depends on our ability to innovate and on market acceptance of new or existing products.   The success of our businesses depends on our ability to maintain or increase our market share in existing markets and to expand into new markets through the development of innovative, high-quality products that provide adequate profitability. This is dependent on a number of factors, including our ability to maintain key dealer relationships, our ability to produce products that meet the quality, performance and price expectations of our customers, and our ability to develop effective sales, dealer training and marketing programs. Failure to develop and offer innovative products that compare favorably to those of our principal competitors in terms of price, quality, functionality, features, mobility and connected services, vehicle electrification, fuel cell technology and autonomy, or delays in bringing strategic new products to market, or the inability to adequately protect our intellectual property rights or supply products that meet regulatory requirements, including engine emissions requirements, could result in reduced market share, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our existing operations and expansion plans in emerging markets could entail significant risks.   Our ability to grow our businesses depends to an increasing degree on our ability to increase market share and operate profitably worldwide, and in particular, in emerging market countries, such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, Argentina, Turkey, and South Africa. In addition, we could increase our use of suppliers located in such countries. Our implementation of these strategies will involve a significant investment of capital and other resources and exposes us to multiple and potentially conflicting cultural practices, business practices and legal requirements that are subject to change, including those related to tariffs, trade barriers, investments, property ownership rights, taxation and sanction requirements. For example, we may encounter difficulties in obtaining necessary governmental 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 as opposed to products manufactured and commercialized by our competitors. The emerging market countries may also be subject to a greater degree of economic and political volatility that could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Many emerging market economies have experienced slower growth, volatility, and other economic challenges in recent periods and may be subject to a further slowdown in gross domestic product expansion and/or be impacted by domestic political or currency volatility, potential hyperinflationary conditions and/or increase of public debt.
We are subject to extensive anti-corruption and antitrust laws and regulations.   Due to the global scope of our operations, we are subject to many laws and regulations that apply to our operations around the world, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and the U.K. Bribery Act, as well as a range of national anti-corruption and antitrust or competition laws that apply to conduct in a particular jurisdiction. These anti-corruption laws prohibit improper payments in cash or anything of value to improperly influence third parties to obtain or retain business or gain a business advantage. These laws tend to apply regardless of whether those practices are legal or culturally acceptable in a particular jurisdiction. Over the past several years there has been an increase in the enforcement of anti-corruption and antitrust or competition laws both globally and in particular jurisdictions and we have from time to time been subject to investigations and charges claiming violations of anti-corruption or antitrust or competition laws, including our settlement of the EU antitrust investigation announced on July 19, 2016. Following this settlement, the Company has been named as defendant in current private litigation commenced in various European jurisdictions and Israel that remains at an early stage. The Company expects to face further claims in various jurisdictions, the extent and outcome of which cannot be predicted at this time. We are committed to operating in compliance with all applicable laws, in particular anti-corruption and antitrust or competition laws. We have implemented a program to promote compliance with these laws and to reduce the likelihood of potential violations. Our compliance program, however, may not in every instance protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, contractors, or collaborators that may violate the applicable laws or regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Such improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations and monetary, injunctive and other penalties as well as damage claims. Investigations of alleged violations of these laws tend to be expensive and require significant management time and attention, and these investigations of purported violations, as well as any publicity regarding potential violations, could harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position. For further information see "Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2018.

6


We may be adversely affected by the U.K. vote to leave the European Union (Brexit).   In a June 23, 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) voted to terminate the U.K.’s membership in the European Union (“Brexit”). Negotiations will determine the terms of the U.K.’s future relationship with the European Union and its member states, including the terms of trade. Any effect of Brexit is expected to depend on the agreements, if any, negotiated between the U.K. and the EU with respect to reciprocal market access and other matters, either during a transitional period or more permanently. The terms of the withdrawal, including terms of trade, are subject to ongoing negotiations that have created significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.K. and the EU. Brexit may also lead to legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the U.K. determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit, among others, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Brexit could adversely affect U.K., European or worldwide economic and market conditions more broadly and could contribute to instability in global financial markets. We have operations in the U.K., but do not believe that our global operations would be affected materially by Brexit. However, any adverse effect of Brexit on us or on global or regional economic or market conditions could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition as customers may reduce or delay spending decisions with respect to our products. Any uncertainty related to Brexit could also affect trading in our shares.
We are organized as a Dutch company but we are considered resident in the U.K. for U.K. tax purposes. This determination is based on the U.K. as the location of management and control which has been confirmed through a mutual agreement procedure with the relevant tax authorities (as to which see “Other Risks – CNH Industrial operates and will continue to operate, as a company that is resident in the U.K. for tax purposes; other tax authorities may treat CNH Industrial as being tax resident elsewhere”). We do not expect Brexit to affect our tax residency in the U.K.; however, we are unable to predict with certainty whether the discussions to implement Brexit will ultimately have any impact on this matter.
Dealer equipment sourcing and inventory management decisions could adversely affect our sales.   We sell our products primarily through independent dealers and are subject to risks relating to their inventory management decisions and operating and sourcing practices. Our dealers carry inventories of finished products and parts as part of ongoing operations and adjust those inventories based on their assessment of future sales opportunities and market conditions, including the level of used equipment inventory. If our dealers’ inventory levels are higher than they desire, they may postpone product purchases from us, which could cause our sales to be lower than the end-user demand for our products and negatively impact our results. Similarly, our sales could be negatively impacted through the loss of time-sensitive sales if our dealers do not maintain inventory sufficient to meet customer demand. Further, 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, results of operations and financial condition.
We may not be able to realize anticipated benefits from any acquisitions and, further, challenges associated with strategic alliances may have an adverse impact on our results of operations.   We have engaged in the past, and may engage in the future, in mergers and acquisitions or enter into, expand or exit from strategic alliances and joint ventures that could involve risks that could prevent us from realizing the expected benefits of the transactions or the achievement of strategic objectives or could divert management’s time and attention. Such risks, many of which are outside our control, include:
•
technological and product synergies, economies of scale and cost reductions not occurring as expected;
•
unexpected liabilities;
•
incompatibility of operating, information or other systems;
•
unexpected changes in laws;
•
inability to retain key employees;
•
protecting intellectual property rights;
•
inability to source certain products or components (or the cost thereof);
•
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 for managerial, financial, or other reasons, or if such strategic alliances or other relationships were terminated, our product lines, businesses, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our results of operations may be adversely impacted by various types of claims, lawsuits, and other contingent obligations.   We are involved in pending litigation and investigations on a wide range of topics, including dealer and supplier litigation, intellectual property right disputes, product warranty and defective product claims, product performance, asbestos, personal injury, emissions and/or fuel

7


economy regulatory and contract issues, and environmental claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. The industries in which we operate are also periodically reviewed or investigated by regulators, which could lead to enforcement actions, fines and penalties or the assertion of private litigation claims. The ultimate outcome of these legal matters pending against us is uncertain, and although such legal matters are not expected individually to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or profitability, such legal matters could, in the aggregate, in the event of unfavorable resolutions thereof, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, 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 risks, 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 claims under such policies. As required by U.S. GAAP, we establish reserves based on our assessment of contingencies, including contingencies related to legal claims asserted against us. Subsequent developments in legal proceedings may affect our assessment and estimates of the loss contingency recorded as a reserve and require us to make payments that exceed our reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and/or financial position. For further information see “Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 for additional information.
A cybersecurity breach could interfere with our operations, compromise confidential information, negatively impact our corporate reputation and expose us to liability.   We rely upon information technology systems and networks, some of which are managed by third parties, in connection with a variety of our business activities. These systems include supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, invoicing and collection of payments from dealers or other purchasers of our products and from customers of our financial services business, and connection services among vehicles. We use information technology systems to record, process and summarize financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory financial reporting, legal and tax requirements. Additionally, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, proprietary business information and the proprietary information of our customers, suppliers and dealers, as well as personally identifiable information of our dealers, customers and employees, in data centers and on information technology networks. Operating these information technology systems and networks, and processing and maintaining this data, in a secure manner, are critical to our business operations and strategy. Increased information technology security threats and more sophisticated computer crime pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. Cybersecurity attacks could also include attacks targeting customer data or the security, integrity and/or reliability of the hardware and software installed in our products.
While we actively manage information technology security risks within our control through security measures, business continuity plans and employee training around phishing and other cyber risks, there can be no assurance that such actions will be sufficient to mitigate all potential risks to our systems, networks, data, and products. Furthermore, third parties on which we rely, including internet, mobile communications technology and cloud service providers, could be sources of information security risk to us.
A failure or breach in security, whether of our systems and networks or those of third parties on which we rely, could expose us and our customers, dealers and suppliers to risks of misuse of information or systems, the compromising of confidential information, loss of financial resources, manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes and operations disruptions, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, businesses and results of operations. Security breaches could also result in litigation, regulatory action, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data, as well as remediation costs and higher operational and other costs of implementing further data protection measures. In addition, as security threats continue to evolve we may need to invest additional resources to protect the security of our systems and data. The amount of insurance coverage we maintain may be inadequate to cover claims or liabilities relating to a cybersecurity attack.
Changes in privacy laws could disrupt our business.   We are also subject to various laws regarding privacy and the protection of personal information. The regulatory framework for privacy and data security issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. On May 25, 2018, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) became effective. The GDPR imposes more stringent data protection requirements and provides for greater penalties for noncompliance. We may be required to incur significant costs to comply with privacy and data security laws, rules and regulations, including the GDPR. Any inability to adequately address privacy and security concerns or comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, rules and regulations could have an adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations and/or financial position.
We face risks associated with our employment relationships.   In many countries where we operate, our employees are protected by laws and/or collective labor agreements that guarantee them, through local and national representatives, the right of consultation on specific matters, including downsizing or closure of production facilities, activities and reductions in personnel. Laws and/or collective labor agreements applicable to us could impair our flexibility in reshaping and/or strategically repositioning our business activities. Therefore, our ability to reduce personnel or implement other permanent or temporary redundancy measures is subject to government approvals and/or the agreement of labor unions where such laws and agreements are applicable. Furthermore, we are at greater risk of work interruptions or stoppages than non-unionized companies and any work interruption or stoppage could significantly impact the

8


volume of products we manufacture and sell, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our ability to execute our strategy is dependent upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified personnel Our ability to compete effectively, to manage our business effectively and to expand our business depends, in part, on our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified personnel in key functions. In particular, we are dependent on our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified personnel with the requisite education, background, talents and industry experience. Failure to attract and retain qualified personnel, whether as a result of an insufficient number of qualified applicants, difficulty in recruiting new personnel, or the inability to integrate and retain qualified personnel, could impair our ability to execute our business strategy and could adversely affect our business.
Our business may be affected by unfavorable weather conditions, climate change or other calamities.  Poor, severe or unusual weather conditions caused by climate change or other factors, particularly during the planting and early growing season, can 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, crop quality and yield. Temperatures outside normal ranges can cause crop failure or decreased yields, and may also affect disease incidence. Natural disasters such as 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 in any given period.
In addition, natural disasters, pandemic illness, terrorist attacks or violence, equipment failures, power outages, disruptions to our information technology systems and networks or other unexpected events could result in physical damage to and complete or partial closure of one or more of our manufacturing facilities or distribution centers, temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of parts or component products, disruption in the transport of our products to dealers and customers and delay in delivery of products to distribution centers. In the event such events occur, our financial results might be negatively impacted. Our existing insurance arrangements may not protect against all costs that may arise from such events.
Furthermore, the potential physical impacts of climate change on our facilities, suppliers and customers and therefore on our operations are highly uncertain and will be particular to the circumstances developing in various geographical regions. These may include long-term changes in temperature levels and water availability. These potential physical effects may adversely impact the demand for our products and the cost, production, sales and financial performance of our operations.
Changes in demand for food and alternate energy sources could impact our revenues.   Changing worldwide demand for farm outputs to meet the world’s growing food and alternative energy demands, driven in part by government policies and a growing world population, are likely to result in fluctuating agricultural commodity prices, which affect sales of agricultural equipment. While higher commodity prices will benefit our crop producing agricultural equipment customers, higher commodity prices also result in greater feed costs for livestock and poultry producers, which in turn may result in lower levels of equipment purchased by these customers. Lower commodity prices directly affect farm income, which could negatively affect sales of agricultural equipment. Moreover, changing alternative energy demands may cause farmers to change the types or quantities of the crops they grow, with corresponding changes in equipment demands. Finally, changes in governmental policies regulating bio-fuel utilization could affect demand for our equipment and result in higher research and development costs related to equipment fuel standards.
International trade policies may impact demand for our products and our competitive position. Government policies on international trade and investment such as sanctions, import quotas, capital controls or tariffs, whether adopted by non-governmental bodies, individual governments or addressed by regional trade blocs, may affect the demand for our products, technology and services, impact the competitive position of our products or prevent us from being able to sell products to certain customers or in certain countries. The implementation of more protectionist trade policies, such as more detailed inspections, higher tariffs, or new barriers to entry, in countries where we sell products and provide services could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial position. For example, a government’s adoption of trade sanctions or “buy national” policies or retaliation by another government against such policies could have a negative impact on our results of operations.
Financial Risks
Difficulty in obtaining financing or refinancing existing debt could impact our financial performance.   Our performance will depend on, among other things, our ability to finance debt repayment obligations and planned investments from operating cash flow, available liquidity, the renewal or refinancing of existing bank loans and/or facilities and access to capital markets or other sources of financing. A decline in revenues could have a negative impact on the cash-generating capacity of our operations. Consequently, we could find ourselves in the position of having to seek additional financing and/or having to refinance existing debt, including in unfavorable market

9


conditions with limited availability of funding and a general increase in funding costs. Instability in global capital markets, including market disruptions, limited liquidity and interest rate and exchange rate volatility, could reduce our access to capital markets or increase the cost of our short and long-term financing. Any difficulty in obtaining financing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.
Our ability to access the capital markets or other forms of financing and related costs are highly dependent on, among other things, the credit ratings of CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries, asset-backed securities (“ABS”) and other debt instruments. Rating agencies may review and revise their ratings from time to time, and any downgrade or other negative action with respect to our credit ratings by one or more rating agencies may increase our cost of capital, potentially limit our access to sources of financing, and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate changes and other market risks. We operate in numerous markets worldwide and are exposed to market risks stemming from fluctuations in currency and interest rates, including as a result of changes in monetary or fiscal policies of governmental authorities from time to time. We are subject to currency exchange risk to the extent that our costs are denominated in currencies other than those in which we earn revenues. In addition, the reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements is the U.S. dollar. Certain of our assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues are denominated in other currencies. Those assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues are translated into the U.S. dollar at the applicable exchange rates to prepare our consolidated financial statements. Therefore, increases or decreases in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and those other currencies affect the value of those items reflected in our consolidated financial statements, even if their value remains unchanged in their original currency. Changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies have had, and will continue to have, an impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
We use various forms of financing to cover the funding requirements of our Industrial Activities and for financing offered to customers and dealers. Financial Services normally implements a matching policy to offset the impact of differences in interest rates on the financed portfolio and related liabilities. Nevertheless, any future changes in interest rates can result in increases or decreases in revenues, finance costs and margins.
Although we seek to manage our currency risk and interest rate risk, including through hedging activities, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so successfully, and our business, results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected. In addition, by utilizing these instruments, we potentially forego the benefits that may result from favorable fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates. For additional information, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” to the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2018.
We also face risks from currency devaluations. Currency devaluations result in a diminished value of funds denominated in the currency of the country instituting the devaluation.
Because Financial Services provides financing for a significant portion of our sales worldwide, our operations and financial results could be impacted materially should negative economic conditions affect the financial industry. Negative economic conditions can have an adverse effect on the financial industry in which Financial Services operates. Financial Services, through wholly-owned financial services companies and joint ventures, provides financing for a significant portion of our sales worldwide. Financial Services may experience credit losses that exceed its expectations and adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations. Financial Services’ inability to access funds at cost-effective rates to support its financing activities could have a material adverse effect on our business. Financial Services’ liquidity and ongoing profitability depend largely on timely access to capital in order to meet future cash flow requirements and to fund operations and costs associated with engaging in diversified funding activities. Additionally, negative market conditions could reduce customer confidence levels, resulting in declines in credit applications and increases in delinquencies and default rates, which could materially impact Financial Services’ write-offs and provision for credit losses. Financial Services may also experience residual value losses that exceed its expectations caused by lower pricing for used equipment and higher than expected equipment returns at lease maturity.
An increase in delinquencies or repossessions could adversely affect the results of Financial Services. Fundamental in the operation of Financial Services is the credit risk associated with its customers/borrowers. The creditworthiness of each customer, rates of delinquency and default, repossessions and net losses on loans to customers are impacted by many factors, including: relevant industry and general economic conditions; the availability of capital; the terms and conditions applicable to extensions of credit; the experience and skills of the customer’s management team; commodity prices; political events; weather; and the value of the collateral securing the extension of credit. An increase in delinquencies or defaults, or a reduction in repossessions could have an adverse impact on the performance of Financial Services and our earnings and cash flows. In addition, although Financial Services evaluates and adjusts its allowance for credit losses related to past due or non-performing receivables on a regular basis, adverse economic conditions or other factors that might cause deterioration of the financial health of customers could change the timing and level of payments received and thus necessitate an increase in Financial Services’ estimated losses, which could have a material adverse effect on Financial Services’ and our results of operations and cash flows.

10


New regulations or changes in financial services regulations could adversely impact us. Financial Services’ operations are highly regulated by governmental authorities in the locations where it operates, which can impose significant additional costs and/or restrictions on its business. In the U.S., for example, the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”), including its implementing regulations, may substantially affect Financial Services’ origination, servicing, and securitization programs. The Dodd-Frank Act also strengthens the regulatory oversight of these securities and related capital market activities by the SEC and increases the regulation of the ABS markets through, among other things, a mandated risk retention requirement for securitizers and a direction to regulate credit rating agencies. Other future regulations may affect Financial Services' ability to engage in funding these capital market activities or increase the effective cost of such transactions, which could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We may be exposed to shortfalls in our pension plans.   At December 31, 2018, the funded status for our defined benefit pension, healthcare and other postemployment benefit plans was a deficit of $1,463 million. This amount included obligations of $1,061 million for plans that we are currently not required to fund. The funded status is subject to many factors, as discussed in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Application of Critical Accounting Estimates—Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits,” as well as “Note 12: Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits” to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.
To the extent that our obligations under a plan are unfunded or underfunded, we will have to use cash flows 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 is subject to changes due to market fluctuations.
We have significant outstanding indebtedness, which may limit our ability to obtain additional funding and may limit our financial and operating flexibility.   As of December 31, 2018, we had an aggregate of $24,445 million (including $20,436 million relating to Financial Services’ activities) of consolidated gross indebtedness, and our equity was $5,068 million, including noncontrolling interests. The extent of our indebtedness could have important consequences on 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;
•
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 invest in the development or introduction of new products or new business opportunities;
•
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; 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.
These risks are exacerbated by the ongoing volatility in the financial markets, in part resulting from perceived strains on the finances and creditworthiness of several governments and financial institutions, particularly in the European Union and Latin America, and from continued concerns about global economic growth, particularly in emerging markets.
Restrictive covenants in our debt agreements could limit our financial and operating flexibility.   The agreements governing our outstanding debt securities and other credit agreements to which we are a party from time to time contain, or may contain, covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things:
•
incur additional indebtedness by certain subsidiaries;
•
make certain investments;
•
enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates;
•
sell or acquire certain assets or merge with or into other companies; and/or
•
use assets as security in other transactions.
Although we do not believe any of these covenants materially restrict our operations currently, a breach of one or more of the covenants could result in adverse consequences that could negatively impact our businesses, results of operations, and financial position. These consequences may include the acceleration of amounts outstanding under certain of our credit facilities, triggering an obligation to redeem certain debt securities, termination of existing unused commitments by our lenders, refusal by our lenders to extend further credit under one or more of the facilities or to enter into new facilities or the lowering or modification of CNH Industrial’s credit ratings or those of

11


one or more of its subsidiaries. For further information, see “Note 10: Debt” to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 for additional information.
Other Risks
CNH Industrial operates and will continue to operate, as a company that is resident in the U.K. for tax purposes; other tax authorities may treat CNH Industrial as being tax resident elsewhere.   CNH Industrial is not incorporated in the U.K.; therefore, in order to be resident in the U.K. for tax purposes, CNH Industrial’s central management and control must be located (in whole or in part) in the U.K. The test of central management and control is largely a question of fact based on all the circumstances. The decisions of the U.K. courts and the published practice of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs, or HMRC, suggest that CNH Industrial should be regarded as being U.K.-resident on this basis. The competent authority ruling referred to below supports this analysis. Although CNH Industrial’s “central management and control” is in the U.K., it would not be treated as U.K.-resident if (a) CNH Industrial were concurrently resident in another jurisdiction (applying the tax residence rules of that jurisdiction) which has a double tax treaty with the U.K.; and (b) that tax treaty allocates exclusive residence to that other jurisdiction.
Although CNH Industrial’s central management and control is in the U.K., CNH Industrial is considered to be resident in the Netherlands for Dutch corporate income tax and Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes because CNH Industrial is incorporated in the Netherlands. The U.K. and Dutch competent authorities have agreed, following a mutual agreement procedure (as contemplated by the Netherlands-U.K. tax treaty), that CNH Industrial will be regarded as solely resident in the U.K. for purposes of the application of the Netherlands-U.K. tax treaty provided that CNH Industrial operates as planned and provides appropriate required evidence to the U.K. and Dutch competent tax authorities. If the facts upon which the competent authorities issued this ruling change over time, this ruling may be withdrawn or cease to apply and in that case the Netherlands may levy corporate income tax on CNH Industrial and impose withholding taxes on dividends distributed by CNH Industrial.
We do not expect Brexit to affect our tax residency in the U.K.; however, we are unable to predict with certainty whether the discussions to implement Brexit will ultimately have any impact on this matter.
CNH Industrial’s residence for Italian tax purposes is also largely a question of fact based on all the circumstances. For Italian tax purposes, a rebuttable presumption of CNH Industrial’s residence in Italy may apply under Italian legislation. However, CNH Industrial has a management and organizational structure such that CNH Industrial should be deemed resident in the U.K. from the date of its incorporation for purposes of the Italy-U.K. tax treaty. Because this analysis is highly factual and may depend on future changes in CNH Industrial’s management and organizational structure, there can be no assurance that CNH Industrial’s determination of its tax residence will be respected by all relevant tax authorities. Should CNH Industrial be treated as an Italian tax resident, CNH Industrial would be subject to corporate income tax in Italy on its worldwide income and may be required to comply with withholding tax on dividends and other distributions and/or reporting obligations under Italian law, which could result in additional costs and expenses.
Tax may be required to be withheld from dividend payments. Although the U.K. and Dutch competent authorities have ruled that we should be treated as solely resident in the U.K. for the purposes of the Netherlands-U.K. double tax treaty, under Dutch domestic law dividend payments made by us to Dutch residents are still subject to Dutch dividend withholding tax and we would have no obligation to pay additional amounts in respect of such payments.
Should withholding taxes be imposed on future dividends or distributions with respect to our common shares, whether such withholding taxes are creditable against a tax liability to which a shareholder is otherwise subject depends on the laws of such shareholder’s jurisdiction and such shareholder’s particular circumstances. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors in respect of the consequences of the potential imposition of withholding taxes.
We may incur additional tax expense or become subject to additional tax exposure. We are subject to income taxes in many jurisdictions around the world. Our tax liabilities are dependent upon the location of earnings among these different jurisdictions. Our future results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in the effective tax rate as a result of a change in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in our overall profitability, changes in tax legislation and rates, changes in generally accepted accounting principles and changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. If our effective tax rates were to increase, or if the ultimate determination of our taxes owed is for an amount in excess of amounts previously accrued or paid, our operating results, cash flows, and financial position could be adversely affected. For further information, see “Item 10. Additional Information -E. Taxation.” to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Our maintenance of two exchange listings may adversely affect liquidity in the market for our common shares and could result in pricing differentials of our common shares between the two exchanges. The dual listing of our common shares on the NYSE and the MTA may split trading between the two markets and adversely affect the liquidity of the shares in one or both markets and the development of an active trading market for our common shares on the NYSE, and may result in price differentials between the exchanges. Differences

12


in the trading schedules, trading volume and investor bases, as well as volatility in the exchange rate between the two trading currencies, among other factors, may result in different trading prices for our common shares on the two exchanges or otherwise adversely affect liquidity and trading prices of our shares.
The loyalty voting structure may affect the liquidity of our common shares and reduce our share price.   CNH Industrial’s loyalty voting structure is intended to reward shareholders for maintaining long-term share ownership by granting initial shareholders and persons holding shares continuously for at least three years at any time following the effectiveness of the Merger the option to elect to receive special voting shares. Special voting shares cannot be traded and, immediately prior to the transfer of our common shares from the CNH Industrial Loyalty Register, any corresponding special voting shares shall be transferred to CNH Industrial for no consideration (om niet). This loyalty voting structure is designed to encourage a stable shareholder base and, conversely, it may deter trading by those shareholders who are interested in gaining or retaining special voting shares. Therefore, the loyalty voting structure may reduce liquidity in our common shares and adversely affect their trading price.
The loyalty voting structure may prevent or frustrate attempts by our shareholders to change our management and hinder efforts to acquire a controlling interest in us, and the market price of our common shares may be lower as a result.  The provisions of our Articles of Association establishing the loyalty voting structure may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or attempt to acquire, control of us, even if a change of control is considered favorably by shareholders holding a majority of our common shares. As a result of the loyalty voting structure, a relatively large proportion of the voting power of our common shares could be concentrated in a relatively small number of shareholders who would have significant influence over us. As of January 31, 2019, EXOR N.V. had a voting interest in CNH Industrial of approximately 42.1%. For further information, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” to the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2018. Such shareholders participating in the loyalty voting structure could effectively prevent change of control transactions that may otherwise benefit our shareholders.
The loyalty voting structure may also prevent or discourage shareholders’ initiatives aimed at changes in our management.
Item 4.
Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company
CNH Industrial is the company formed by the business combination transaction, completed on September 29, 2013, between Fiat Industrial and its subsidiary CNH Global. The Company is incorporated in, and under the laws of, the Netherlands, with its principal office at 25 St. James’s Street, London, England, United Kingdom (telephone number: +44-207-7660-346). CNH Industrial’s agent for U.S. federal securities law purposes is Michael P. Going, c/o CNH Industrial America LLC, 6900 Veterans Boulevard, Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527 (telephone number +1-630-887-3766).
We make capital expenditures in the regions in which we operate principally related to initiatives to introduce new products, enhance manufacturing efficiency and 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 “Item 4. Information on the Company—D. Property, Plant and Equipment” for additional information.
The SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, from which the public may obtain any materials the company files with the SEC.
B. Business Overview
General
We are a leading global capital goods company engaged in the design, production, marketing, sale and financing of agricultural and construction equipment, trucks, commercial vehicles, buses and specialty vehicles for firefighting, defense and other uses, as well as engines, transmissions and axles for those vehicles and engines for marine and power generation applications. We have industrial and financial services companies located in 44 countries and a commercial presence in approximately 180 countries.
CNH Industrial has five operating segments:
Agricultural Equipment designs, manufactures and distributes a full line of farm machinery and implements, including two-wheel and four-wheel drive tractors, crawler tractors (Quadtrac®), 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. Agricultural equipment is sold under the New Holland Agriculture and Case IH Agriculture brands, as well as the STEYR brand in Europe and the Miller brand, primarily in North America and Australia. Following the acquisition of the grass and soil implement business of Kongskilde Industries in February 2017, certain agricultural equipment products have been sold under the Kongskilde, Överum, and JF brands.

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Construction Equipment designs, manufactures and distributes a full line of construction equipment including excavators, crawler dozers, graders, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, and telehandlers. Construction equipment is sold under the CASE Construction and New Holland Construction Equipment brands.
Commercial Vehicles designs, manufactures and distributes a full range of light, medium, and heavy vehicles for the transportation and distribution of goods under the IVECO brand, commuter buses and touring coaches under the IVECO BUS (previously Iveco Irisbus) and Heuliez Bus brands, quarry and mining equipment under the IVECO ASTRA brand, firefighting vehicles under the Magirus brand, and vehicles for civil defense and peace-keeping missions under the Iveco Defence Vehicles brand.
Powertrain designs, manufactures and distributes a range of engines, transmission systems and axles for on- and off-road applications, as well as for marine and power generation under the FPT Industrial brand.
Financial Services offers a range of financial services to dealers and customers. Financial Services provides and administers retail financing to customers for the purchase or lease of new and used industrial equipment or vehicles and other equipment sold by CNH Industrial dealers. In addition, Financial Services provides wholesale financing to CNH Industrial dealers. Wholesale financing consists primarily of floor plan financing and allows the dealers to purchase and maintain a representative inventory of products. Financial Services also provides trade receivables factoring services to CNH Industrial companies.
Net revenues by segment in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in millions)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural Equipment
 
$
11,682

 
$
10,683

 
$
9,690

Construction Equipment
 
3,021

 
2,530

 
2,206

Commercial Vehicles
 
10,939

 
10,562

 
9,628

Powertrain
 
4,565

 
4,369

 
3,707

Eliminations and other
 
(2,376
)
 
(2,375
)
 
(2,015
)
Total Net sales of Industrial Activities
 
27,831

 
25,769

 
23,216

Financial Services
 
1,989

 
2,028

 
1,916

Eliminations and other
 
(114
)
 
(96
)
 
(37
)
Total Revenues
 
$
29,706

 
$
27,701

 
$
25,095

Net revenues by region in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in millions)
 
(%)
 
(in millions)
 
(%)
 
(in millions)
 
(%)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EMEA
 
$
15,809

 
53.2
%
 
$
14,434

 
52.1
%
 
$
13,290

 
53.0
%
North America
 
6,947

 
23.4

 
6,275

 
22.7

 
6,173

 
24.6

LATAM
 
3,004

 
10.1

 
3,132

 
11.3

 
2,542

 
10.1

APAC
 
3,946

 
13.3

 
3,860

 
13.9

 
3,090

 
12.3

Total Revenues
 
$
29,706

 
100.0
%
 
$
27,701

 
100.0
%
 
$
25,095

 
100.0
%
Industry Overview
Agricultural Equipment
The operators of dairy, livestock and row crop producing farms, as well as independent contractors that provide services to such farms, purchase most agricultural equipment. Row crop farmers typically purchase tractors at the mid-to-upper end of the horsepower ("h.p.") range, combines and harvesting equipment and crop production equipment. Dairy and livestock farmers typically utilize tractors in the mid-to-lower h.p. range and crop preparation and crop packaging implements. 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 and related subsidy programs, farm land prices and farm debt levels. 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, government subsidies, tax incentives and trade policies. Farmers tend to postpone the purchase of equipment when the farm economy is declining and to increase their purchases when economic conditions

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improve. The availability, quality, and cost of used equipment for sale also affect the level of new equipment sales. Weather conditions are a major determinant of crop yields and therefore affect equipment-buying decisions. In addition, geographical variations in weather from season to season may affect sales volumes differently in different markets. Government policies may affect the market for 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 planting, seeding, and application equipment typically occurs in March through June in the Northern hemisphere and in September through December in the Southern hemisphere. Dealers order equipment year-round, but harvesting equipment orders in the Northern hemisphere generally increase in the late fall and winter so that the dealers 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. Agricultural Equipment's 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 and Company inventory levels, the need to retool manufacturing facilities to produce new or different models, and the efficient use of labor 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 most advanced technology. In Europe, where farms are generally smaller in size 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 generally prefer simple, robust and durable machines with relatively 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 prefer relatively simple, low-cost agricultural equipment. Our position as a geographically diversified manufacturer of agricultural equipment and our broad geographic network of dealers allows 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 increased demand for higher capacity agricultural equipment. In addition, we believe that the use of technology and other precision farming solutions (including the development of autonomously operated equipment) to enhance productivity and profitability are becoming more important in the buyers’ purchasing decision. Failure to design, develop and implement this technology may affect the prospects of our Company. In Latin America and in other emerging markets, the number of farms is growing and mechanization is replacing manual labor. In APAC, long-term demographic trends, increasing urbanization, and low level of farm mechanization represent the key drivers of demand for agricultural equipment. Government farm programs, including the amount and timing of government payments, are a key income driver for farmers raising certain commodity crops in the United States (the "U.S.") and the European Union. 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 largely 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 the Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social (“BNDES”). These programs have a significant influence on sales.
Agricultural equipment manufacturers are subject to, among other things, continuous changes in engine emission regulations and restrictions. These changes require frequent changes in engine technology, which can involve significant research and development investments. Manufacturers generally attempt to pass these incremental costs to their customers, but these price increases must be balanced with the affordability of the equipment. Each market may have its own unique regulations, which adds a level of complexity required to meet global product needs.
Global demand for renewable fuels increased considerably in recent years driven by consumer preference, government renewable fuel mandates, 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 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 rapeseed oil in the U.S. and Brazil, and from rapeseed and other oil seeds as well as food waste

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by-products in Europe. The use of corn and soybeans for biofuel has been one of the main factors affecting the supply and demand relationships, as well as price for these crops. The economic feasibility of biofuels is significantly impacted by the price of oil. As the price of oil falls, biofuels become a less 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 avoid potential energy resource issues 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.
Although the demand for new agricultural equipment tends to decrease during periods of economic stagnation or recession, the aftersales market is historically less volatile than the new equipment market and, therefore, helps limit the impact of declines in new equipment sales on the operating results of full-line manufacturers, such as Agricultural Equipment.
Construction Equipment
The construction equipment market consists of two principal segments: heavy construction equipment (excluding the mining and the specialized forestry equipment markets in which we do not participate), with equipment generally weighing more than 12 metric tons, and light construction equipment, with equipment generally weighing less than 12 metric tons.
In developed markets, customers tend to prefer more sophisticated machines equipped with the latest technology and features to improve operator productivity. In developing markets, customers tend to prefer equipment that is relatively less costly and has greater perceived durability. In North America and Europe, where the cost of machine operators is higher relative to fuel costs and machine depreciation, customers typically emphasize productivity, performance and reliability. In other markets, where the relative costs for machine operators is lower, customers often continue to use equipment after its performance and efficiency have begun to diminish.
Customer demand for power and operating capacity does not vary significantly from market to market. However, in many countries, restrictions on equipment weight or dimensions, as well as road regulations or job site constraints can limit demand for larger machines.
Although the demand for new construction equipment tends to decrease during periods of economic stagnation or recession, the aftersales market is historically less volatile than the new equipment market and, therefore, helps limit the impact of declines in new equipment sales on the operating results of full-line manufacturers, such as Construction Equipment.
Heavy Construction Equipment
Heavy construction equipment typically includes large wheel loaders and excavators, graders, compactors and dozers. Purchasers of heavy construction equipment include construction companies, municipalities, local governments, rental fleet owners, quarrying and mining companies, waste management companies and forestry-related concerns.
Sales of heavy construction equipment depend on the expected volume of major infrastructure construction and repair projects such as highway, tunnel, dam and harbor projects, which depend on government spending and economic growth. Demand for aggregate mining and quarrying equipment is more closely linked to the general economy and commodity prices, while growing demand for environmental equipment is becoming less sensitive to the economic cycle. In North America, a portion of heavy equipment demand has historically been linked to the development of new housing subdivisions, where the entire infrastructure needs to be created, thus linking demand for both heavy and light construction equipment. The heavy equipment industry generally follows macroeconomic cyclicality, linked to growth in gross domestic product.
Light Construction Equipment
Light construction equipment includes skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, tractor loaders, rough terrain forklifts, backhoe loaders, telehandlers and small 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 is influenced by interest rates and the availability of financing. Other major factors include the construction of light infrastructure, 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 twelve months. In areas where labor is abundant and the cost of labor is inexpensive relative to other inputs, such as in India, Africa and Latin America, the light construction equipment market is generally smaller. These regions represent potential areas of growth for light construction equipment in the medium to long-term as labor costs rise relative to the cost of equipment.
Equipment rental is a significant element of the construction equipment market. Compared to the U.K. and Japan, where there is an established market for long-term equipment rentals as a result of favorable tax treatment, the rental market in North America and Western

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Europe (except for the U.K.) consists mainly of short-term rentals of light construction equipment to individuals or small contractors for which the purchase of equipment is not cost effective or that need specialized equipment for specific jobs. In North America, the main rental product has traditionally been the backhoe loader and, in Western Europe, it has been the mini-excavator. As the market has 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, enabling contractors to complete specific job requirements with greater flexibility and cost control. Large, national rental companies can significantly impact the construction equipment market, with purchase volumes being driven by their decisions to increase or decrease the sizes of their rental fleets based on rental utilization rates.
Seasonal demand for construction equipment fluctuates somewhat less 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, while used excavators from Japan are sold to almost every other market in the world. This flow of used equipment is highly influenced by exchange rates, the weight and dimensions of the equipment and the different local regulations in terms of safety and/or engine emissions.
The construction equipment industry has seen an increase in the use of hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders in earth-moving 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, compact track loaders, mini-crawler excavators and telehandlers.
Commercial Vehicles
Trucks and Commercial Vehicles
The world truck market is generally divided into two segments: Light Commercial Vehicles (“LCV”) market (gross vehicle weight (“GVW”) 3.5-7.49 metric tons), and Medium and Heavy (“M&H”) truck market (GVW above 7.5 metric tons). The M&H segment is characterized by a higher level of engineering specialization due to the technologies and production systems utilized, while the LCV segment has many engineering and design characteristics in common with the automobile industry. In addition, operators of M&H trucks often require vehicles with a higher degree of customization than the more standardized products that serve the LCV market. Customers generally purchase heavy trucks for one of three primary uses: long distance haulage, construction haulage and/or distribution.
The regional variation in demand for commercial vehicles is influenced by differing economic conditions, levels of infrastructure development and geographic region, all of which lead to differing transport requirements.
M&H truck demand tends to be closely aligned with the general economic cycle and the capital investment cycle including the general level of interest rates and, in certain countries, governmental subsidy programs, particularly in more developed markets such as Europe, North America and Japan, as economic growth provides increased demand for haulage services and an incentive for transporters to invest in more efficient, higher capacity vehicles and renew vehicle fleets. The product life cycle for M&H trucks typically covers a seven to ten-year period.
Although economic cycles have a significant influence on demand for M&H in emerging economies, the processes of industrialization and infrastructure development have generally driven long-term growth trends in these countries. As a country’s economy becomes more industrialized and its infrastructure develops, transport needs tend to grow in response to increases in production and consumption. Developing economies, however, tend to display volatility in short-term demand resulting from government intervention, changes in the availability of financial resources and protectionist trade policies. In developing markets, demand for M&H trucks increases when it becomes more cost-effective to transport heavier loads, especially as the infrastructure, primarily roads and bridges, becomes capable of supporting heavier trucks. At the same time, the need to transport tends to increase in these markets, resulting in increased demand for LCV.
Industry forecasts indicate that transportation of goods by road, currently the predominant mode of transport, will remain so for the foreseeable future. Demand for services and service-related products, including parts, is a function of the number of vehicles in use. Although demand for new commercial vehicles tends to decrease during periods of economic stagnation or recession, the aftersales market is historically less volatile than the new vehicle market and, therefore, helps limit the impact of declines in new vehicle sales on the operating results of full-line manufacturers, such as Commercial Vehicles.
Commercial vehicles markets are subject to intense competition based on initial sales price, cost and performance of vehicles over their life cycle (i.e., purchase price, operating and maintenance costs and residual value of the vehicle at the end of its useful life), services and service-related products and the availability of financing options. High reliability and low variable costs contribute to customer profitability over the life of the vehicle, and are usually important factors in an operator’s purchase decision. Additional competitive

17


factors include the manufacturer’s ability to address customer transport requirements, driver safety, comfort, and brand loyalty through vehicle design.
Demand for trucks varies seasonally by region and by product class. In Europe, the peak retail demand occurs in the second and fourth quarters due to key fleet customer demands and customer budgetary cycles. In LATAM, demand is relatively stable throughout the year except for increased demand for heavy trucks in the first and fourth quarters from customers who transport foodstuffs. In APAC, sales tend to be higher in the second and fourth quarters due to local holiday periods.
Although we believe that diesel remains for the foreseeable future the primary fuel source for commercial vehicles and industrial equipment in general, the adoption of new engine technological solutions and a growing public opinion in favor of more environmentally friendly solutions are pushing for a rapidly increased penetration of both alternative and renewable fuels (such as compressed natural gas (“CNG”), liquefied natural gas (“LNG”), methane) and fully electric vehicles.
The car industry is leading autonomous vehicle development, but commercial vehicles are also making advances in platooning and autonomous technologies. We expect this development to intensify. We believe that the growing automation in transportation and infrastructure solutions through the use of self-driving vehicles will also allow the industry to provide greater safety, fuel savings, and transport efficiency.
Buses
The global bus business is organized by mission, from city and intercity transport to tourism purposes, with a capacity ranging from 7 to 150 seated/standing passengers. IVECO BUS (previously Iveco Irisbus) and Heuliez Bus target markets include urban, intercity buses and long-distance touring coaches. Operators in this industry include three types of manufacturers: those specialized in providing chassis to bodybuilders, those that build bodies on chassis produced by third parties, and those, like IVECO BUS, that produce the entire vehicle.
The principal customers of the bus segment are tour and intercity bus service operators, while the principal customers of the city bus segment are the transport authorities in urban areas.
Deregulation and privatization of transport services in many markets has favored concentration towards large private companies operating in one country, in more than one neighboring country or at an international level. Demand has increased for highly standardized, high-use products for large fleets, with financing and maintenance agreements or kilometric pricing. Deregulation and privatization have also increased competition between large transport service companies, raising the level of vehicle use and increasing the choice of brands for operators in the market.
Sales for urban and intercity buses are generally higher in the second half of the year, due to public entities budgeting processes, tender rules and bus production lead-time.
Powertrain
The dynamics of the industrial powertrain business vary across the different market segments in which the various propulsion systems are used. For vehicle and equipment applications, product development is driven by regulatory requirements (i.e., legislation on emissions and, increasingly, CO2 emissions), as well as the need to reduce total operating costs: customers are seeking more efficient propulsion systems that enable lower total cost of ownership and higher productivity.
For on-road applications in developed markets, where economy and infrastructure drive demand for local and haulage transportation, demand for engines is driven by general economic conditions, capital investment, industrialization and infrastructure developments.
In the bus market, engine demand is increasingly influenced by the environmental policies of governments and local authorities (i.e., requirements for natural gas, hybrid and electric solutions).
Demand for off-road applications in the agricultural industry is influenced by many factors, including the price of agricultural commodities and the relative level of new and used inventories, the profitability of agricultural enterprises, net farm income, the demand for food products, agricultural policies, as well as climatic conditions. At the same time, the heavy construction equipment business is driven by general economic factors and the level of public investment in infrastructure, which affects the need for replacement of old equipment and investment in more innovative solutions to boost productivity.
Increasingly stringent emission regulations in Europe, the U.S. and Asia represent an opportunity for Powertrain to gain a competitive advantage through technological solutions developed for engines and after-treatment systems (such as our High Efficiency SCR technology). Alternative fuel engines have become an attractive alternative solution to diesel for transport vehicles, as they are perceived as more environmentally friendly and offer better fuel economy than diesel while performing comparably to diesel engines (e.g. LNG for Buses and Commercial Vehicles). Increasing demand for alternative propulsion systems (such as electrified powertrain or fuel cell) is expected to continue, as related technologies are growing quickly and will offer business opportunities in the industrial sector. The increasing trend among mid-sized original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") to outsource engine development, due to the significant research and development expenditures required to meet the new emission requirements, presents an opportunity for Powertrain to increase sales to third party customers.

18


The Company believes that FPT Industrial provides the Company, as a whole, with strategic independence in a key area where competition is particularly intense and further challenges, driven by increasingly stringent regulations, are expected.
Competition
The industries in which we operate are highly competitive. We believe that we have many competitive strengths that will 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.
We compete with: (i) large global full-line equipment manufacturers with a presence in every market and a broad range of products that cover most customer needs, (ii) manufacturers who are product specialists focused on particular industry segments on either a global or regional basis, (iii) regional full-line manufacturers, some of which are expanding worldwide to build a global presence, and (iv) local, low-cost manufacturers in individual markets, particularly in emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, India and China.
Our competitive strengths include well-recognized brands, a full range of competitive products and features, and a strong global presence and distribution and customer service network. There are multiple factors that influence a buyer’s choice of industrial 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. The ability to meet or exceed applicable engine emissions standards as they take effect is also a key competitive factor, particularly in those markets where such standards are the subject of frequent legislative or regulatory scrutiny and change, such as Europe and North America. 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. 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, logistic and scheduling systems are dependent on forecasts of industry volumes and our anticipated share of industry sales, which is predicated on our ability to compete successfully with others in the marketplace. We compete based on product performance, customer service, quality and price. The environment remains competitive from a pricing standpoint, but actions taken to maintain our competitive position in the current challenging economic environment could result in lower than anticipated price realization.
Our principal competitors in the agricultural equipment market are John Deere, AGCO (including the Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Valtra and Challenger brands), Claas, the Argo Group (including the Landini, McCormick and Valpadana brands), the Same Deutz Fahr Group (including the Same, Lamborghini, Hurlimann and Deutz brands) and Kubota.
Our principal competitors in the construction equipment market are Caterpillar, Komatsu, JCB, Hitachi, Volvo, Liebherr, Doosan, Kubota and John Deere.
Our principal competitors in the commercial vehicles market are Daimler (including the Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Fuso, Freightliner, Western Star, Setra and Bharat-Benz (India) brands); Volkswagen (including the MAN and Scania brands); Paccar (including the DAF, Kenworth, Ken Mex and Peterbilt brands); the Volvo Group (including Volvo, Renault, MACK and UD Trucks brands); Rosenbauer International AG; Rheinmetall; Oshkosh; Nexter; General Dynamics; BAE Systems; Caterpillar; and Navistar.
The principal competitors of Powertrain include Cummins, Daimler, Deutz, Perkins, John Deere, Volvo, and Yanmar.
Products and Markets
Agricultural Equipment
Agricultural Equipment’s product lines are sold primarily under the Case IH and New Holland brands as well as the STEYR brand in Europe and the Miller brand, primarily in North America and Australia. Following our acquisition of the grass and soil implement business of Kongskilde Industries in February 2017, certain agricultural equipment products are sold under the Kongskilde, Överum, and JF brands. To capitalize on customer loyalty to dealers and the segment’s brands, relative distribution strengths and historical brand identities, we sell our agricultural equipment products under 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 newer 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® tractor axle or Twin Rotor combine threshing technology for New Holland, the Case IH tracked four-wheel drive tractor, Quadtrac®, and the front axle mounted hitch for STEYR remain an important part of each brand’s unique identity.

19


Agricultural Equipment’s product lines include tractors, combine harvesters, hay and forage equipment, seeding and planting equipment, and self-propelled sprayers. Agricultural Equipment also specializes 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. These brands each offer parts and support services for all of their product lines. Our agricultural equipment is sold with a limited warranty that typically runs from one (1) to three (3) years.
Case IH and New Holland brands enable their customers to share in-depth, real-time machine information with AgDNA, FieldView, and Farmers Edge digital management systems. In the fourth quarter, Agricultural Equipment launched AGXTENDTM brand, focused exclusively on aftermarket precision farming technology solutions. AGXTENDTM will provide our dealers and customers access to exclusive productivity enhancing precision farming technologies.
Construction Equipment
Construction Equipment’s product lines are sold primarily under the Case and New Holland Construction brands. Case provides a wide range of products on a global scale, including crawler excavators that utilize technology from Sumitomo (S.H.I.) Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. and mini-excavators that use technology from Hyundai Construction Equipment, Inc. The New Holland Construction brand family also markets a full product line of construction equipment in Latin America and focusses on light equipment in the other regions.
Construction Equipment's products often share common components to achieve economies of scale in manufacturing, purchasing and development. Construction Equipment differentiates 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.
Heavy construction equipment product lines include crawler and wheeled excavators, wheel loaders, compactors, graders and dozers 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. The brands each offer parts and support services for all of their product lines. Our construction equipment is generally sold with a limited warranty that typically runs from one (1) to two (2) years.
We continue to evaluate our Construction Equipment business with a view toward increasing efficiencies and profitability as well as evaluating its strategic alliances to leverage its position in key markets.
Commercial Vehicles
Trucks and Commercial Vehicles (IVECO AND IVECO ASTRA)
Under the IVECO brand, we produce a range of light, medium, and heavy trucks and commercial vehicles for both on-road and off-road use. Our key products include the Daily, a vehicle that covers the 2.8 – 7 ton vehicle weight range, the Eurocargo, a vehicle that covers the 6 – 16 tons range, the Trakker, a vehicle dedicated to off-road transport, and the Stralis, a vehicle dedicated to the over 16 tons range. The product offering is complemented by a series of aftersales and used vehicle assistance services.
Light vehicles include on-road vans and chassis cabs used for short and medium distance transportation and distribution of goods, and off-road trucks for use in quarries and other work sites. We also offer shuttle vehicles used by public transportation authorities, tourist operators, hotels and sports clubs and campers for holiday travel.
The M&H vehicles product lines include on-road chassis cabs designed for medium and long-distance hauling and distribution. Medium GVW off-road models are typically used for building roads, winter road maintenance, construction, transportation, maintenance of power lines and other installations in off-road areas, civil protection and roadside emergency service. Heavy GVW off-road models are designed to operate in any climate and on any terrain and are typically used to transport construction plant materials, transport and mix concrete, maintain roads in winter and transport exceptionally heavy loads.
We offer ecological diesel and natural gas engines on our entire range of vehicles, and continue to develop engines with specific components and configurations optimized for use with CNG and LNG.
Under the IVECO ASTRA brand, we build vehicles that can enter otherwise inaccessible quarries and mines and move large quantities of material, such as rock or mud, and perform heavy-duty tasks in extreme climatic conditions. Our product range for IVECO ASTRA includes mining and construction vehicles, rigid and articulated dump trucks and other special vehicles.
Buses (IVECO BUS and Heuliez Bus)
Under the IVECO BUS and Heuliez Bus brands, we offer local and inter-city commuter buses, minibuses, school buses and tourism coaches. IVECO BUS is one of the major European manufacturers in the passenger transport sector and is expanding its activities globally. Heuliez Bus produces city buses for public transportation, and is a leader in France for the urban bus market.

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Specialty Vehicles (Magirus and Iveco Defence Vehicles)
Under the Magirus brand, we manufacture vehicles designed to respond to natural disasters and civil emergencies, such as fires, floods, earthquakes and explosions. Iveco Defence Vehicles develops and manufactures specialized vehicles for defense missions and civil protection.
Powertrain
Powertrain is dedicated to the design, development, manufacture and sale of engines, transmissions, and axles under the FPT Industrial brand.
Our product range features engines ranging from 2.2 to 20 liters with an output of 42 to 1,006 h.p. Our product portfolio includes engines for buses and for light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, engines for industrial machinery including construction, agricultural and irrigation equipment, engines for special-purpose vehicles and engines for power generation units and marine applications.
FPT Industrial’s product line-up is completed by versions that use alternative fuels, including engines that run on natural gas and engines compatible with biodiesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil ("HVO"). With more than 20 years of experience in the research, development and production of natural gas engine technologies for industrial applications, FPT Industrial is an industry leader in this field. During 2018, FPT Industrial presented its innovative solutions: the Multi-power, Modular, Multi-application and Mindful Power Source Concept Cursor X, which adapts to provide the most suitable solution for the customer whether based on hybrid natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell electric generation, or on battery-stored technology. Furthermore, during 2018, FPT Industrial presented its new Hydrogen Fuel Cell powertrain concept, designed for heavy-duty applications; a full range of alternative propulsions from mild hybrid to full electric; and the telematics solution kit for remote engine monitoring, proactive maintenance and assistance. 
While meeting the strict emission regulations for both on-road (Euro VI) and off-road vehicles (Stage V and Tier 4B), Powertrain’s technological solutions aim to provide enhanced results in terms of cost, packaging and fuel consumption for each segment of the market.
Additionally, FPT Industrial produces six speed manual transmissions for light commercial vehicles, with input torque up to 500 Nm and completes its product lineup with front and rear axles reaching 32 tons gross axle weight designated to cover Commercial Vehicles’ demand, including specialty vehicles (military and fire-fighting).
Sales and Distribution
Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment
Agricultural Equipment sells and distributes products through approximately 2,300 full-line dealers and distributors with over 5,600 points of sale. Construction Equipment sells and distributes products through approximately 400 full-line dealers and distributors with over 1,200 points of sale. Agricultural Equipment’s and Construction Equipment’s dealers are almost all independently owned and operated. Some Agricultural Equipment dealers also sell construction equipment. In the United States, Canada, Mexico, most of Western Europe, Brazil, India, China, Russia and Australia, products are generally distributed directly through the independent dealer network. In the rest of the world, products are either sold to independent distributors who then resell to dealers, or to importers who have their own branches to sell product to retail customers. In both cases, the importers/distributors can take advantage of their size and knowledge of the market to minimize their marketing costs.
Consistent with our brand promotion program, we generally seek to have dealers sell a full range of our products. Typically, greater market penetration is achieved where each dealer sells the full line of products from only one of the brands. Although appointing dealers to sell more than one brand is not part of our business model, some joint dealers exist, either for historic reasons or in limited markets where it is not feasible to have a separate dealer for each brand. In some cases, dealerships are operated under common ownership but with separate points of sale for each brand. In each region, we seek to optimize our distribution strategy to reduce structural costs, while maximizing sales and customer satisfaction.
In North America and Australia, a trade-in of used equipment typically accompanies the sale of new equipment to end-users. We often provide marketing assistance to our dealers to support the sale of used, trade-in equipment through subsidized financing incentives, inventory carrying cost defrayment, or other methods.
Exclusive, dedicated dealers generally provide a higher level of market penetration. Some dealers may sell complementary products manufactured by other suppliers to complete their product offerings or to satisfy local demand for a particular specialty application or segment.
A strong dealer network with wide geographic coverage is a critical element in the success of Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment. We 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 dealers in building rewarding relationships with their customers, focused customer satisfaction programs have been introduced and they are expected to incorporate customer input into the relevant product development and service delivery processes.

21


As the equipment rental business becomes a more significant factor in both the agricultural and construction equipment markets, Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment are continuing to support their dealer network by facilitating sales of equipment to the local, regional and national rental companies through their dealers as well as by encouraging dealers to develop their own rental activities. A strong dealer service network is required to maintain the rental equipment, and to help 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. Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment have launched several programs to support their dealer service and rental operations, including training, improved dealer standards, financing, and advertising. As the rental market is a capital-intensive sector and sensitive to cyclical variations, we expand such activities 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.
We believe that it is generally more cost-effective to distribute our agricultural and construction equipment products through independent dealers, although Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment maintain a limited number of company-owned dealerships in some markets. As of December 31, 2018, we operated two and six company-owned Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment dealerships, respectively, primarily in North America and Europe. We also operate a selective dealer development program, in territories with growth potential but underdeveloped representation by our agricultural and construction equipment brands, that typically involves a transfer of ownership to a qualified operator through a buy-out or private investment after a few years.
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial Vehicles’ worldwide distribution strategy is based on a network of independent dealers, in addition to its own dealerships and branches. As of December 31, 2018, Commercial Vehicles had approximately 700 dealers globally (of which 22 were directly owned by us and 15 were branches). All of these dealers sell spare parts for the relevant vehicles. Commercial Vehicles bolsters its distribution strategy by offering incentives to its dealers based on target achievements for sales of new vehicles and parts and providing high quality aftersales services.
A key element of Commercial Vehicles’ growth strategy is its distribution network. In Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia, Australia and Latin America, continued consolidation of the distribution network is aimed at improving service to customers (such as the implementation of the Truck Stations network of specialized workshops), increasing profitability and reducing overall distribution costs. In Africa and the Middle East, the distribution network is being expanded to fully exploit growth in these markets.
In the U.K., Commercial Vehicles is one of the few OEMs that sells trucks and other commercial vehicles to companies which offer commercial vehicle rental solutions, such as Ryder, Fraikin and Burntree, among others.
In accordance with European legislation, Commercial Vehicles’ dealers have a specific sales territory. Additionally, European law allows our Commercial Vehicles’ dealers to carry multiple brands.
Powertrain
Powertrain provides propulsion solution products for Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment and Commercial Vehicles. Additionally, Powertrain’s commercial strategy and business model are focused on the development of a portfolio of medium-to-large OEM customers. Powertrain has entered into long-term supply agreements with a growing number of third-party customers.
Powertrain has a network of approximately 73 dealers and 800 service points in 100 countries that cover its entire product range and related market sectors. Large OEMs use their own internal networks to obtain parts and services for purchased equipment, while small OEMs frequently rely on us for delivery of parts and services through Powertrain’s worldwide network.
Pricing and Promotion
The retail price of any particular piece of equipment or vehicle is determined by the individual dealer or distributor and generally depends on market conditions, features, options and, potentially, regulatory requirements. Retail sale prices may differ from the manufacturer-suggested list prices. We sell equipment and vehicles to our dealers and distributors at wholesale prices that reflect a discount from the manufacturer-suggested list price. In the ordinary course of business, we engage in promotional campaigns that may include price incentives or preferential financing terms with respect to the purchase of certain products in certain areas.
We regularly advertise our products to the community of farmers, builders, transporters 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 the target customers for that brand.

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Parts and Services
The quality and timely availability of parts and services are important competitive factors for each of our businesses, as they are significant elements in overall dealer and customer satisfaction and important considerations in a customer’s original equipment purchase decision. We supply parts, many of which are proprietary, to support items in the current product line as well as for products we have sold in the past. In certain markets, we also offer personalized aftersales customer assistance programs that provide a wide range of modular and flexible maintenance and repair contracts, as well as warranty extension services, to meet a variety of customers’ needs and to support the vehicle’s value over time. Many of our products can have economically productive lives of up to 20 years when properly maintained, and each unit has the potential to produce a long-term parts and services revenue stream for us and our dealers.
As of December 31, 2018, we operated and administered 47 parts depots worldwide either directly, through a joint venture, or through arrangements with warehouse service providers. This network includes 10 parts depots in North America, 17 in EMEA, 3 in LATAM, and 17 in APAC. The network includes 34 parts depots that support Agricultural Equipment, 31 that support Construction Equipment, 20 that support Commercial Vehicles and 6 that support Powertrain. These depots supply parts to dealers and distributors, which are responsible for sales to retail customers. Our parts depots and parts delivery systems provide customers with access to substantially all the parts required to support our products.
As of December 31, 2018, Commercial Vehicles had approximately 5,000 Sales and/or Service Network points. In addition to Commercial Vehicles' standard one-year full vehicle warranty and two-year powertrain warranty, Commercial Vehicles offers personalized aftersales customer assistance programs.
Joint Ventures
As part of a strategy to enter and expand in new markets, we are also involved in several commercial and/or manufacturing joint ventures, including the following:
•
in Japan, we own 50.0% of New Holland HFT Japan Inc. (“HFT”), which distributes its products in Japan. HFT imports and sells the full range of New Holland agricultural equipment;
•
in Pakistan, we own 43.2% of Al Ghazi Tractors Ltd., which manufactures and distributes New Holland tractors;
•
in Turkey, we own 37.5% of Turk Traktor ve Ziraat Makineleri A.S., which manufactures and distributes various models of both New Holland and Case IH tractors;
•
in Mexico, we own 50.0% of CNH de Mexico S.A. de C.V., which manufactures New Holland agricultural equipment and distributes our agricultural equipment through one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries;
•
in China, we own 50.0% of Naveco (Nanjing Iveco Motor Co.) Ltd., a company that manufactures light and other commercial vehicles in China;
•
in China, we control 60.0% of SAIC Fiat Powertrain Hongyan Ltd (“SFH”), a manufacturing company located in Chongqing, which produces diesel engines under license from us to be sold in the Chinese market and to be exported to Europe, the U.S. and Latin America; and
•
in South Africa, we own 60.0% of Iveco South Africa Works (Pty) Ltd., which manufactures medium and heavy duty commercial vehicles and buses.
Suppliers
We purchase materials, parts, and components from third party suppliers. We had approximately 4,924 global direct suppliers for Industrial Activities at December 31, 2018. Our focus on quality improvement, cost reduction, product innovation and production flexibility requires us to rely upon suppliers with a focus on quality, reliability and the ability to provide cost reductions. We view our relationships with suppliers as critical to our operational effectiveness, and in recent years, we have established closer ties with a significantly reduced number of suppliers, selecting those that enjoy a leading position in the relevant markets.
Management believes that adequate supplies and alternate sources of our principal raw materials are available and does not believe that the prices of these raw materials are especially volatile at this time.
We rely on numerous suppliers. Certain components and parts used in our products are available from a single supplier and cannot be sourced quickly otherwise. The sudden or unexpected interruption in the availability of certain of our suppliers’ raw materials, parts and components could result in delays in, or increases in the costs of production.
Financial Services
Financial Services offers a range of financial products and services to dealers and customers in the various regions in which it operates. The principal products offered are retail loan and lease financing for the purchase or lease of new and used equipment and vehicles and

23


wholesale financing to dealers and factoring of trade receivables from CNH Industrial companies. Wholesale financing consists primarily of dealer floor plan financing and gives the dealers the ability to maintain a representative inventory of new products. In addition, Financial Services provides financing to dealers for used equipment and vehicles taken in trade, equipment utilized in dealer-owned rental yards, parts inventory, working capital and other financing needs. As a captive finance business, Financial Services is reliant on the operations of Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment, Commercial Vehicles and Powertrain, their dealers, and customers.
Financial Services supports the growth of Industrial Activities by developing and structuring financial products with the objective of increasing equipment and vehicle sales as well as profitability and customer loyalty. Financial Services’ strategy is to grow a core financing business to support the sale of our equipment and vehicles while at the same time maintaining its portfolio credit quality, service levels, operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction. Financial Services also offers products to finance third party equipment and vehicles sold through our dealer network or within our core businesses. Financed third party equipment and vehicles include used equipment and vehicles taken in trade on our products or equipment used in conjunction with or attached to our products.
In North America, customer and dealer financing activities, which support the sales of Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment, are managed through our wholly-owned financial services companies.
In EMEA, there are two joint ventures that provide customer financing of Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment and Commercial Vehicles, depending on the country of origin. CNH Industrial Capital Europe S.a.S., a joint venture with BNP Paribas Group, is 49.9% owned by CNH Industrial N.V. and accounted for under the equity method. Transolver Finance Establecimiento Financiero de Credito S.A. (“Transolver Finance”), a joint venture with the Santander Group, is 49% owned by CNH Industrial N.V. and accounted for under the equity method. Transolver Finance also provides dealer financing. Additionally, there are vendor programs with banking partners that provide customer financing of Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment, and Commercial Vehicles, depending on the country of origin. Customer and dealer financing activities not included in the joint ventures or vendor programs, such as factoring of trade receivables, are managed through our wholly-owned financial services companies.
For the LATAM region, customer and dealer financing activities in Brazil, which support the sales of Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment and Commercial Vehicles, are managed through our wholly-owned financial services company, Banco CNH Industrial Capital S.A. (“Banco CNH Industrial Capital”). For customer financing, Banco CNH Industrial Capital mainly serves as intermediary for funding provided by BNDES, a federally-owned financial institution linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade. In Argentina, customer and dealer financing activities, which support the sales of Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment and Commercial Vehicles, are managed through a wholly-owned financial services company. Vendor programs with banking partners are also in place in Argentina.
For the APAC region, customer and dealer financing activities in Australia and India, which support the sales of Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment and Commercial Vehicles, are managed through wholly-owned financial services companies. In China and Russia, dealer financing activities are managed through wholly-owned financial services companies.
Customer Financing
Financial Services has certain retail underwriting and portfolio management policies and procedures that are specific to Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment, and Commercial Vehicles. This distinction allows Financial Services to reduce risk by deploying industry-specific expertise in each of these businesses. We provide retail financial products primarily through our dealers, who are trained in the use of the various financial products. Dedicated credit analysis teams perform retail credit underwriting. The terms for financing equipment and vehicle retail sales typically provide for retention of a security interest in the equipment or vehicles financed.
Financial Services’ guidelines for minimum down payments for equipment and vehicles generally range from 5% to 30% of the actual sales price, 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 connection with other sales promotions. For periods during which finance charges are waived or reduced on the retail notes or leases, Financial Services generally receives compensation from the applicable Industrial Activities segment based on Financial Services’ estimated costs and a targeted return on equity. The cost is recognized as a reduction in net sales for the applicable Industrial Activities segment.
Dealer Financing
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, Financial Services generally provides a fixed period of “interest free” financing to the dealers. This practice helps to level fluctuations in factory demand and provides a buffer from the impact of sales seasonality. During the “interest-free” period, the applicable Industrial Activities segment compensates Financial Services based on Financial Services’ estimated costs and a targeted return on equity. After the “interest-free” period, if the equipment or vehicles remain in dealer inventory, the dealer pays interest costs. The cost is recognized as a reduction in net sales for the applicable Industrial Activities segment.

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A wholesale underwriting group reviews dealer financial information and payment performance to establish credit lines for each dealer. In setting these credit lines, Financial Services seeks to meet the reasonable requirements of each dealer while managing its exposure to any one dealer. The credit lines are secured by the equipment or vehicles financed. Dealer credit agreements generally include a requirement to repay the particular financing at the time of the retail sale of the unit. Financial Services’ employees or third-party contractors conduct periodic stock audits at each dealership to confirm that the financed equipment or vehicle is maintained in inventory. These audits are unannounced and their frequency varies by dealer and depends on the dealer’s financial strength, payment history and prior performance.
Factoring
Financial Services also provides intragroup factoring of trade and other receivables. This activity involves the purchase (without recourse) of receivables of CNH Industrial companies, originating from the different Industrial Activities segments, and due from third or related parties.
Sources of Funding
The long-term profitability of Financial Services’ activities largely depends on the cyclical nature of the industries in which we operate, interest rate volatility and the ability to access funding on competitive terms. Financial Services funds its operations and lending activity through a combination of term receivable securitizations, committed secured and unsecured facilities, uncommitted lines of credit, unsecured bonds, unsecured commercial paper, affiliated financing and retained earnings. Financial Services’ current funding strategy is to maintain sufficient liquidity and flexible access to a wide variety of financial instruments and funding options.
Financial Services has periodically accessed the asset-backed securitization (“ABS”) markets in the United States, Canada and Australia, as part of its retail and wholesale financing programs when those markets offer funding opportunities on competitive terms. In the United States, Financial Services has also accessed the unsecured bond market and commercial paper market to add more diversity to its funding sources. Financial Services’ ability to access these markets will depend, in part, upon general economic conditions, legislative changes and Financial Services’ financial condition and portfolio performance. These factors can be negatively affected by cyclical swings in the industries in which we operate.
Competition
The financial services industry is highly competitive. Financial Services competes primarily with banks, equipment finance and leasing 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. Financial Services’ ability to compete successfully depends upon, among other things, the availability and competitiveness of funding resources, the development of competitive financial products and services, and licensing or other governmental regulations.
Legal Proceedings
As a global company with a diverse business portfolio, we are exposed to numerous legal risks, including dealer and supplier litigation, intellectual property right disputes, product warranty and defective product claims, product performance, asbestos, personal injury, emissions and/or fuel economy regulatory and contractual issues and environmental claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. 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, 2018.
The outcome of any current or future proceedings, claims or investigations cannot be predicted with certainty. Adverse decisions in one or more of these proceedings, claims or investigations could require CNH Industrial to pay substantial damages, or undertake service actions, recall campaigns or other costly actions. It is therefore possible that legal judgments could give rise to expenses that are not covered, or not fully covered, by insurers’ compensation payments and could affect our financial position and results of operations.
Although the ultimate outcome of legal matters pending against us and our subsidiaries cannot be predicted, management 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 our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Follow-up on Damages Claims: Iveco, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, and its competitors were subject to an investigation by the European Commission (the “Commission”) into certain business practices in the European Union in relation to M&H trucks. On July 19, 2016, the Commission announced a settlement with Iveco. Following the settlement, the Company has been named as defendant in private litigation commenced in various European jurisdictions and Israel by customers and other third parties, either acting individually or as part of a wider group or class of claimants. These claims remain at an early stage. Further, CNH Industrial expects to face further claims based on the same legal grounds in various other jurisdictions. The extent and outcome of these claims cannot be predicted at this time.

25


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 Chrysler Automobiles N.V. to place a portion of our insurance coverage.
Iran-Related Required Disclosure
Pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syrian Human Rights Act of 2012, which added Section 13(r) to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a foreign private issuer is required to disclose whether it or its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings related to Iran or specially designated nationals pursuant to various Executive Orders. In 2018, CNH Industrial suspended business activities in Iran, other than those activities required to fulfill binding orders. Prior to the suspension of business activities in Iran, CNH Industrial had limited commercial activity in Iran conducted by non-US subsidiaries. In 2018, sales in Iran were significantly less than one percent of CNH Industrial’s revenues. In 2018, one of our non-US subsidiaries generated net revenues of approximately $4.6 million attributable to the sale of on and off-road trucks and spare parts to an entity that is indirectly owned or controlled by the Government of Iran. The Iran-related activity was negligible to our overall revenues and profits. Our activities in Iran comply in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. and other international trade sanctions.
C. Organizational Structure
As of December 31, 2018, CNH Industrial had 167 consolidated subsidiaries. A listing of our subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018, including the country of incorporation or residence, proportion of ownership interest and proportion of voting power held, is set forth in an Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report on Form 20-F.
The following table sets forth a list of the principal subsidiaries that are directly or indirectly controlled by CNH Industrial. For each principal subsidiary, the following information is provided: name, country of incorporation or residence, and the percentage interest held by CNH Industrial and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2018.

Principal Subsidiaries at December 31, 2018:
Name of Subsidiary
 
Country of Incorporation
 
Percentage Interest Held
 
Banco CNH Industrial Capital S.A.
 
Brazil
 
100%
 
Case Credit Holdings Limited
 
United States (Delaware)
 
100%
 
Case New Holland Industrial Inc.
 
United States (Delaware)
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial America LLC
 
United States (Delaware)
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial U.S. Holdings Inc.
 
United States (Delaware)
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial Brasil Ltda.
 
Brazil
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial Capital Limited
 
United Kingdom
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial Capital LLC
 
United States (Delaware)
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial Capital America LLC
 
United States (Delaware)
 
100%
 
CNH Capital Receivables LLC
 
United States (Delaware)
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd.
 
Canada
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial Capital Solutions S.p.A.
 
Italy
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial Finance Europe S.A.
 
Luxembourg
 
100%
 
CNH Industrial Finance S.p.A.
 
Italy
 
100%
 
CNHI International S.A.
 
Switzerland
 
100%
 
FPT Industrial S.p.A.
 
Italy
 
100%
 
Iveco S.p.A.
 
Italy
 
100%
 
Iveco Espana S.L.
 
Spain
 
100%
 
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
As of December 31, 2018, we owned 66 manufacturing facilities. We also own other significant properties including spare parts depots, research laboratories, test tracks, warehouses and office buildings.

26


A number of our manufacturing facilities (land and industrial buildings) are subject to mortgages and other security interests granted to secure indebtedness to certain financial institutions. The carrying amount of these assets was approximately $61 million and $105 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
We make capital expenditures in the regions in which we operate principally related to initiatives to introduce new products, enhance manufacturing efficiency and improve capacity, and for maintenance and engineering. In 2018, our total capital expenditures in long-lived assets, excluding assets sold with buy-back commitments and equipment on operating leases, were $558 million of which 19% was spent in North America, 7% in LATAM, 68% in EMEA and 6% in APAC. These capital expenditures were funded through a combination of cash generated from operating activities and borrowings under short-term facilities. In 2017, our total capital expenditures were $492 million. The increase in capital expenditures in 2018 from 2017 is primarily related to the investment cycles of our products, including capital for engine and product regulatory related enhancements, and reduction in discretionary spending, including capital related to long-term and capacity expansion investment as we completed our footprint expansion in the agricultural business with plant openings in China and India.
The following table provides information about our significant manufacturing and engineering facilities as of December 31, 2018:
Location
 
Primary Functions
 
Approximate
Covered
Area (Sqm/
000)
Italy
 
 
 
 
S. Mauro
 
Excavators; R&D center
 
57
Modena
 
Components (Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment)
 
102
S. Matteo
 
R&D center (Agricultural Equipment)
 
51
Jesi
 
Tractors
 
77
Lecce
 
Wheel loaders, compact track loaders, telehandlers, graders; R&D center
 
130
Piacenza
 
Quarry and construction vehicles; R&D center
 
64
Brescia
 
Medium vehicles, cabs, chassis; R&D center
 
276
Suzzara
 
Light vehicles; R&D center
 
170
Brescia
 
Firefighting vehicles; R&D center
 
28
Bolzano
 
Defense vehicles; R&D center
 
83
Pregnana Milanese
 
Engines
 
31
Torino
 
R&D center (Commercial Vehicles)
 
100
Torino
 
R&D center (Powertrain)
 
28
Torino
 
Engines
 
142
Torino
 
Transmissions and axles
 
239
Foggia
 
Engines; drive shafts
 
151
United States
 
 
 
 
New Holland
 
Hay & Forage; R&D center
 
104
Grand Island
 
Tractors and combines
 
128
Benson
 
Sprayers, cotton pickers; R&D center
 
41
Burlington
 
Backhoe loaders, forklift trucks; R&D center
 
91
Fargo
 
Tractors, wheeled loaders; R&D center
 
88
Goodfield
 
Soil management equipment; R&D center
 
39
Racine
 
Tractors, transmissions
 
105
Mt. Joy
 
R&D center (Agricultural Equipment)
 
11
Wichita
 
Skid steer loaders; R&D center
 
46
Burr Ridge
 
R&D center (Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment and Diesel engines)
 
44
St. Nazianz
 
Self-propelled sprayers
 
24
France
 
 
 
 
Coex
 
Grape Harvesters; R&D center
 
26
Croix
 
Cabins (Agricultural Equipment)
 
12

27


Tracy-Le-Mont
 
Hydraulic cylinders (Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment)
 
16
Annonay
 
Buses (coaches & City); R&D center
 
116
Venissieux
 
R&D center (Commercial Vehicles)
 
18
Rorthais
 
Buses (city); R&D center
 
29
Fourchambault
 
Engines (remanufacturing)
 
29
Bourbon Lancy
 
Engines; R&D center
 
107
Fecamp
 
Engines (power generation units)
 
25
Brazil
 
 
 
 
Belo Horizonte
 
Crawler excavators, crawler dozers, wheel loaders, graders, backhoe loaders; R&D center
 
70
Curitiba
 
Combines and tractors; R&D center
 
103
Piracicaba
 
Sugar cane harvesters, coffee harvesters and sprayers; R&D center
 
12
Sorocaba
 
Crawler loaders, backhoe loaders, excavators, combines and other Agricultural Equipment; R&D center
 
160
Sete Lagoas
 
Heavy, medium and light vehicles; R&D center
 
100
Sete Lagoas
 
Defense vehicles
 
19
Sete Lagoas
 
Engines; R&D center
 
14
Germany
 
 
 
 
Ulm
 
Firefighting vehicles; R&D center
 
35
Ulm
 
R&D center (Commercial Vehicles)
 
144
China
 
 
 
 
Harbin
 
Combines, tractors, balers; R&D center
 
121
Chongqing
 
Engine; R&D centers
 
76
Foshan
 
Sugar cane harvesters
 
9
Urumqi
 
Cotton pickers
 
10
Argentina
 
 
 
 
Cordoba
 
Engines
 
20
Cordoba
 
(Medium/Heavy) Trucks and buses; R&D center
 
94
Cordoba
 
Tractors and combines
 
30
Belgium
 
 
 
 
Antwerp
 
Components (Agricultural Equipment)
 
77
Zedelgem
 
Combines, forage harvesters and balers; R&D center
 
154
Spain
 
 
 
 
Madrid
 
Heavy vehicles; R&D center
 
134
Valladolid
 
Light vehicles, heavy cab components
 
81
India
 
 
 
 
Pithampur
 
Backhoe loaders, earth compactors
 
29
Pune
 
Sugar cane harvesters and combines; R&D center
 
77
Noida
 
Tractors; R&D center
 
82
Poland
 
 
 
 
Plock
 
Combines, balers, and headers; R&D center
 
109
Kutno
 
Row crop, cultivators, harvesters; R&D center
 
33
Others
 
 
 
 
Basildon (U.K.)
 
Tractors; R&D center
 
129
Overum (Sweden)
 
Ploughs; R&D center
 
49
Saskatoon (Canada)
 
Sprayers, seeders; R&D center
 
61
Dandenong (Australia)
 
Trucks (heavy); R&D center
 
42
St. Valentin (Austria)
 
Tractors; R&D center
 
56
Vysoke Myto (Czech Republic)
 
Buses; R&D center
 
124

28


Queretaro (Mexico)
 
Components (Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment)
 
15
Naberezhnye Chelny (Russia)
 
Tractors and combines
 
50
Rosslyn (South Africa)
 
Trucks and buses (intercity); R&D center
 
55
Arbon (Switzerland)
 
R&D center (Powertrain)
 
6
Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters
We engineer, manufacture and sell our products and offer our services around the world, subject to requirements applicable to our products that relate to vehicle emissions, product safety and fuel efficiency as well as those applicable to our manufacturing facilities that relate to stack emissions, treatment of waste, water and hazardous materials, prohibitions on soil contamination and worker health and safety. These extensive regional, national and local laws and regulations often impact the development of our products, including, but not limited to, required compliance with air emissions standards applicable to engines. We have made, and expect that we may make additional, significant capital and research and development expenditures to comply with these standards now and in the future.
We are conducting environmental investigatory or remedial activities at certain properties that are currently or were formerly, owned and/or operated by us, 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.
Our operations and the activities of our employees, contractors and agents around the world are also subject to the laws and regulations of numerous countries, including the United States. These laws and regulations include data privacy requirements, labor relations laws, tax laws, anti‑competition regulations, prohibitions on payments to governmental officials, federal and state environmental regulations, import and trade restrictions and export requirements. Any such violations could also result in prohibitions on our ability to offer our products and services in one or more countries and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations (particularly in those countries with developing economies) are also subject to risks of violations of laws prohibiting improper payments and bribery, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act as well as a range of national anti-corruption and antitrust or competition laws that apply to conduct in a particular jurisdiction. We have implemented a program to promote compliance with these laws and to reduce the likelihood of potential violations. Our compliance program, however, may not in every instance protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, contractors, or collaborators that may violate the applicable laws or regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Such improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations and monetary, injunctive and other penalties as well as damage claims.
For further information, see “Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 as well as “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations—Costs of ongoing compliance with, or failure to comply with, increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety laws could have an adverse effect on our results of operations”; “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations—We are subject to extensive anti-corruption and antitrust laws and regulations”; “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations—Changes in privacy laws could disrupt our business”; “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations—We face risk associated with employment relationships” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations—International trade policies may impact demand for our products and our competitive position”.
Item 4A.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The discussion in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
The results presented in this annual report are prepared with the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency and in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
2017 and 2016 figures included in the following section have been recast following the retrospective adoption, on January 1, 2018, of the updated accounting standard for revenue recognition (ASC 606), retirement benefit accounting (ASU 2017-07) and statement of cash flows - restricted cash (ASU 2016-18).
This discussion includes forward-looking statements, which, although based on assumptions that we consider reasonable, are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or conditions to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See “Item 5.G Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” for a discussion of risks and uncertainties facing us.

29


Overview
We are a leading global capital goods company engaged in the design, production, marketing, sale and financing of agricultural equipment, construction equipment, trucks, commercial vehicles, buses and specialty vehicles for firefighting, defense and civil protection, as well as engines, transmissions and axles for those equipment and vehicles and engines for marine and power generation applications.
The Company’s segments consist of: (i) Agricultural Equipment, (ii) Construction Equipment, (iii) Commercial Vehicles, (iv) Powertrain, and (v) Financial Services. Our Industrial Activities include Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment, Commercial Vehicles, and Powertrain, as well as corporate functions.
We generate revenues and cash flows principally from the sale of equipment and vehicles to dealers and distributors. Financial Services provides a range of financial products focused on financing the sale and lease of equipment and vehicles by our dealers and their customers.
Revenues of Industrial Activities are presented net of discounts, allowances, settlement discounts and rebates, as well as costs for sales incentive programs, determined on the basis of historical costs, country by country, and charged against profit for the period in which the corresponding sales are recognized. Our sales incentive programs include the granting of retail financing at discounts to market interest rates. The corresponding cost to Industrial Activities is recognized at the time of the initial sale and the revenues of Financial Services are recognized on a pro rata basis in order to match the cost of funding.
Principal Factors Affecting Results
Our operating performance is highly correlated to sales volumes, which are influenced by several different factors that vary across our segments.
For Agricultural Equipment, the key factors influencing sales are the level of net farm income which is influenced by commodity prices, and, to a lesser extent, general economic conditions, interest rates and the availability of financing and related subsidy programs. Variations by region and product are also attributable to differences in typical climate and farming calendars, as well as extraordinary weather conditions. For additional discussion regarding the principal factors affecting results for Agricultural Equipment, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Industry Overview—Agricultural Equipment.”
For Construction Equipment, segmentation varies by regional market: in developed markets, demand is oriented toward more sophisticated machines that increase operator productivity, while in developing markets, demand is oriented toward more utilitarian models with greater perceived durability. Sales levels for heavy construction equipment are particularly dependent on the expected level of major infrastructure construction and repair projects, which is a function of expected economic growth and government spending. For light construction equipment, the principal factor influencing demand is the level of residential and commercial construction, remodeling and renovation, which is influenced in turn by interest rates and availability of financing, as well as, in the residential sector, levels of disposable income and, in the commercial sector, the broader economic cycle. For additional discussion regarding the principal factors affecting results for Construction Equipment, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Industry Overview—Construction Equipment.”
Regional variations in demand for commercial vehicles are influenced by differences in economic conditions, levels of infrastructure development and physical geography, all of which lead to differing transport requirements. Demand for medium and heavy trucks tends to be closely aligned with the economic and capital investment cycle including the general level of interest rates and, in certain countries, governmental subsidy programs, particularly in more developed markets. In developing countries, the processes of industrialization and infrastructure development generally drive long-term growth trends. In the short term, however, demand for light vehicles is closely correlated to the level of economic activity which drives levels of vehicle utilization and, accordingly, the need for new vehicles. For additional discussion regarding the principal factors affecting results for Commercial Vehicles, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Industry Overview—Commercial Vehicles.”
Powertrain is highly dependent on the market segments in which its propulsion systems are used, with developments in engine emissions regulations playing a significant role. For vehicle applications, product development is driven by regulatory considerations, as well as the need of customers to reduce operating costs. For additional discussion regarding the principal factors affecting results for Powertrain, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Industry Overview—Powertrain.”
Demand for services and service-related products, including parts, is a function of the nature and extent of the use of the related agricultural and construction equipment or commercial vehicles. The after-sales market is historically less volatile than the new market and, therefore, helps reduce the impact on operating results of fluctuations in new sales.
Our segments (or our principal businesses) have a different geographic mix. As a result, the performance of Agricultural Equipment and Construction Equipment correlates more closely to the U.S. economic cycle, while the performance of Commercial Vehicles is more directly tied to the European economic cycle.
Our cost base principally comprises the cost of raw materials and personnel costs.

30


Raw material costs are closely linked to commodities markets and largely outside of our control, although we are making a targeted effort to increase production efficiencies. Historically, we have been able to pass on to our customers most of the increase in the cost of raw materials through increases in product pricing. Nevertheless, even when we are able to do so, there is usually a time lag between an increase in materials cost and a realized increase in product prices and, accordingly, our results are typically adversely affected at least in the short term until price increases are accepted in the market.
Personnel costs change over time and are impacted by the terms of collective bargaining agreements, inflation and average number of employees. A significant proportion of our employees are based in countries where labor laws impose significant restrictions on employers’ rights and, accordingly, we have limited ability to downsize our personnel in response to a decrease in production during periods of market downturn.
Our results are also affected by changes in foreign exchange rates from period to period, mainly due to the difference in geographic distribution between our manufacturing activities and our commercial activities, resulting in cash flows from exports denominated in currencies that differ from those associated with production costs. In addition, our consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars and are therefore subject to movements in exchange rates upon translation of the financial statements of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. Generally, a strengthening of the euro against the U.S. dollar has a positive translation impact on the consolidated revenues of CNH Industrial because a significant portion arise from European operations, particularly the operations of Agricultural Equipment, Commercial Vehicles and Powertrain. However, the positive translation impact on revenue is significantly offset by the negative exchange transaction impact on costs since purchases are predominantly denominated in Euro for our worldwide operations. The reverse impact to revenues and cost occurs with a weakening of the euro against the U.S. dollar. For additional information regarding the effect on us of changes in interest rates and exchange rates, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations—We are subject to exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate changes and other market risks.”
Finally, our results may be materially affected, directly or indirectly, by governmental policies, including monetary and fiscal policies and policies on international trade and investment. For additional information regarding the effect on us of governmental policies, see “Item 3. Key Information-D. Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations-Changes in government monetary or fiscal policies may negatively impact our results.” and “Item 3. Key Information-D. Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations-International trade policies may impact demand for our products and our competitive position.”
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We monitor our operations through the use of several non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful and relevant information regarding our operating results and enhance the reader’s ability to assess our financial performance and financial position. These measures facilitate management’s ability to identify operational trends, as well as make decisions regarding future spending, resource allocations and other operational decisions as they provide additional transparency with respect to our core operations. These financial measures have no standardized meaning under U.S. GAAP, and are unlikely to be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies, and are not intended to be substitutes for measures of financial performance and financial position as prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
As of December 31, 2018, our primary non-GAAP financial measures are defined as follows:
Adjusted EBIT
Adjusted EBIT is defined as net income (loss) before income taxes, interest expenses of Industrial Activities, net, restructuring charges, the finance and non-service component of pension and other post-employment costs, foreign exchange gains/(losses) and certain non-recurring items. In particular, non-recurring items are specifically disclosed items that management considers to be rare or discrete events that are infrequent in nature and not reflective of on-going operational activities. We provide a reconciliation of Net Income (Loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure included in our consolidated statements of operations, to Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Adjusted EBIT plus depreciation and amortization including on assets sold under operating leases and assets sold under buy-back commitments. We provide a reconciliation of Net Income (Loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure included in our consolidated statements of operations, to Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA.
Net Debt and Net Debt of Industrial Activities (or Net Industrial Debt)
Net Debt is defined as total debt less intersegment notes receivable, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and derivative hedging debt. We provide a reconciliation of Net Debt to Total Debt, which is the most directly comparable measure included in our consolidated balance sheets. Due to different sources of cash flows used for the repayment of the debt between Industrial Activities and Financial

31


Services (by cash from operations for Industrial Activities and by collection of financing receivables for Financial Services), management separately evaluates the cash flow performance of Industrial Activities using the Net Debt of Industrial Activities.
Revenues on a Constant Currency Basis
We discuss the fluctuations in revenues on a constant currency basis by applying the prior-year average exchange rates to current year’s revenue expressed in local currency in order to eliminate the impact of foreign exchange (“FX”) rate fluctuations.
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. For further information, see “Note 22: Supplemental Information” to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, where we present supplemental consolidating data split by Industrial Activities and Financial Services. Industrial Activities include the Financial Services business on the equity basis of accounting. Transactions between Industrial Activities and Financial Services have been eliminated to arrive at the consolidated data.
2018 Compared to 2017
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in millions)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
27,831

 
$
25,769

Finance and interest income
 
1,875

 
1,932

Total Revenues
 
29,706

 
27,701

Costs and Expenses:
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
 
22,958

 
21,572

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
2,351

 
2,315

Research and development expenses
 
1,061

 
957

Restructuring expenses
 
61

 
93

Interest expense
 
812

 
940

Other, net
 
997

 
1,165

Total Costs and Expenses
 
28,240

 
27,042

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income of
   unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates
 
1,466

 
659

Income taxes
 
(417
)
 
(457
)
Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and
   affiliates
 
50

 
88

Net income (loss)
 
1,099

 
290

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
31

 
18

Net income (loss) attributable to CNH Industrial N.V.
 
$
1,068

 
$
272

Revenues
We recorded revenues of $29,706 million in 2018, an increase of 7.2% (up 6.7% on a constant currency basis) compared to 2017. This increase is primarily due to an increase in net sales in each segment of Industrial Activities which were $27,831 million in 2018, an increase of 8.0% (an increase of 7.3% on a constant currency basis) compared to the prior year.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold were $22,958 million in 2018 compared with $21,572 million in 2017, an increase year over year due to the increase in revenues. As a percentage of net sales of Industrial Activities, cost of goods sold was 82.5% in 2018 compared with 83.7% in 2017.

32


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
SG&A expenses amounted to $2,351 million in 2018 (7.9% of revenues) compared to $2,315 million in 2017 (8.4% of revenues).
Research and Development Expenses
In 2018, R&D expenses were $1,061 million compared to $957 million in 2017. The expense in both years was primarily attributable to spending on engine development costs associated with emission requirements and continued investment in new products.
Restructuring Expenses
The Company incurred restructuring costs of $61 million and $93 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These costs were as follows:
•
In 2018, Commercial Vehicles and Agricultural Equipment recorded $30 million and $26 million respectively, which were primarily attributable to actions as part of the Company's Efficiency Program launched in 2014.
•
In 2017, Commercial Vehicles recorded $69 million mainly due to additional capacity realignment in the firefighting business and actions to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses as part of the Efficiency Program. Agricultural Equipment recorded $14 million, mainly as a result of footprint rationalization actions included in the Efficiency Program.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $812 million in 2018 compared to $940 million in 2017. The interest expense attributable to Industrial Activities, net of interest income and eliminations, was $368 million in 2018 compared to $482 million in 2017, a decrease of $114 million over 2017. In 2018, interest expense includes a charge of $22 million related to the repurchase of a portion of the CNH Industrial Finance Europe S.A. 2.875% Notes due 2021. In 2017, interest expense included a charge of $56 million related to the repurchase/early redemption of notes. Excluding these changes, the decrease in 2018 was primarily attributable to refinancing and early retirement of certain high yield debt as well as lower average indebtedness.
Other, net
Other, net expenses were $997 million and includes a pre-tax gain of $80 million as a result of the amortization over approximately 4.5 years of the $527 million positive impact from a healthcare plan modification following a judgement in favor of the Company issued by the United States Supreme Court in April 2018. In 2017, Other, net expenses were $1,165 million which included a non-cash pre- and after-tax charge of $92 million due to the deconsolidation of our Venezuelan operations. Excluding the impacts of these charges in both years, Other, net expenses were flat. For more information on the deconsolidation of our Venezuelan operations, see “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Venezuela Currency Regulations, Re-measurement and Deconsolidation”.
Income Taxes
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in millions, except percentages)
Income before income taxes and equity in income of
   unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates
 
$
1,466

 
$
659

Income taxes
 
$
417

 
$
457

Effective tax rate
 
28.4
%
 
69.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes totaled $417 million in 2018, including a tax benefit of $8 million due to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “U.S. Tax Act”) as well as the tax on restructuring costs of $61 million ($52 million after tax). The effective tax rate was also affected by charges for the repurchase and early redemption of notes of $22 million ($22 million after tax). Excluding the impact of these items and the $12 million impact of placing a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions during the year, the effective tax rate for 2018 would have been 27%. The effective tax rate reduction in 2018 was primarily caused by the difference in tax accruals attributable to the U.S. Tax Act and other tax law changes, a reduced negative impact of recording valuation allowances against certain of our deferred tax assets, a more favorable geographic mix of pre-tax earnings, and a reduced U.S. tax rate pursuant to the U.S. Tax Act.
In 2017, income taxes totaled $457 million, including a tax charge of $128 million due to the U.S. Tax Act and tax legislation changes in the U.K. and certain other countries enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017 as well as the tax on restructuring costs of $93 million ($86 million after tax), charges for the repurchase and early redemption of notes of $64 million ($55 million after tax). The effective tax rate

33


was also affected by the deconsolidation of our Venezuelan operations of $92 million ($92 million after tax). Excluding the impact of these items, the effective tax rate for 2017 would have been 38%.
Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries and Affiliates
Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates was $50 million in 2018, compared to $88 million in 2017. The decrease in equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates was mainly due to lower results of the joint ventures in APAC.

Industrial Activities and Business Segments
The following tables show revenues, Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA by segment. We have also included a discussion of our results by Industrial Activities and each of our segments.
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
% Change excl. FX
 
 
(in millions, except percentages)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural Equipment
 
$
11,682

 
$
10,683

 
9.4
 %
 
10.4
 %
Construction Equipment
 
3,021

 
2,530

 
19.4
 %
 
20.2
 %
Commercial Vehicles
 
10,939

 
10,562

 
3.6
 %
 
1.3
 %
Powertrain
 
4,565

 
4,369

 
4.5
 %
 
1.4
 %
Eliminations and other
 
(2,376
)
 
(2,375
)
 
 
 
 
Total Net sales of Industrial Activities
 
27,831

 
25,769

 
8.0
 %
 
7.3
 %
Financial Services
 
1,989

 
2,028

 
(1.9
)%
 
(0.5
)%
Eliminations and other
 
(114
)
 
(96
)
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
 
$
29,706

 
$
27,701

 
7.2
 %
 
6.7
 %

 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$ Change
 
2018 Adj EBIT Margin
 
2017 Adj EBIT Margin
 
 
(in millions, except percentages)
Adjusted EBIT by segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural Equipment
 
$
1,036

 
$
791

 
$
245

 
8.9
%
 
7.4
 %
Construction Equipment
 
91

 
(16
)
 
107

 
3.0
%
 
(0.6
)%
Commercial Vehicles
 
299

 
195

 
104

 
2.7
%
 
1.8
 %
Powertrain
 
406

 
360

 
46

 
8.9
%
 
8.2
 %
Eliminations and other
 
(247
)
 
(187
)
 
(60
)
 
 
 
 
Total Industrial Activities
 
$
1,585

 
$
1,143

 
$
442

 
5.7
%
 
4.4
 %
Financial Services
 
516

 
497

 
19

 
25.9
%
 
24.5
 %
Total Adjusted EBIT
 
$
2,101

 
$
1,640

 
$
461

 
7.1
%
 
5.9
 %



34


 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$ Change
 
2018 Adj EBITDA Margin
 
2017 Adj EBITDA Margin
 
 
(in millions, except percentages)
Adjusted EBITDA by segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural Equipment
 
$
1,339

 
$
1,106

 
$
233

 
11.5
%
 
10.4
%
Construction Equipment
 
152

 
49

 
103

 
5.0
%
 
1.9
%
Commercial Vehicles
 
890

 
735

 
155

 
8.1
%
 
7.0
%
Powertrain
 
536

 
488

 
48

 
11.7
%
 
11.2
%
Eliminations and other
 
(246
)
 
(187
)
 
(59
)
 
 
 
 
Total Industrial Activities
 
$
2,671

 
$
2,191

 
$
480

 
9.6
%
 
8.5
%
Financial Services
 
767

 
799

 
(32
)
 
38.6
%
 
39.4
%
Total Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
3,438

 
$
2,990

 
$
448

 
11.6
%
 
10.8
%
Net sales of Industrial Activities were $27,831 million in 2018, an 8.0% increase (up 7.3% on a constant currency basis) as compared to the prior year driven by increased revenues in each Industrial Activities segment.
Adjusted EBIT of Industrial Activities was up 39% to $1,585 million in 2018, compared to $1,143 million in 2017, with an Adjusted EBIT margin of 5.7%, up 1.3 percentage points (“p.p.”) compared to 2017.
Adjusted EBITDA of Industrial Activities was $2,671 million in 2018, an increase of $480 million (or up 22%) compared to 2017, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.6%, up 1.1 p.p. compared to 2017.
Business Segment Performance
Agricultural Equipment
Net Sales
The following table shows Agricultural Equipment net sales by geographic region in 2018 compared to 2017:
Agricultural Equipment Sales – by geographic region:
($ million)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
North America
 
$
4,037

 
$
3,568

 
13.1
 %
EMEA
 
4,321

 
3,847

 
12.3
 %
LATAM
 
1,625

 
1,657

 
(1.9
)%
APAC
 
1,699

 
1,611

 
5.5
 %
Total
 
$
11,682

 
$
10,683

 
9.4
 %
Net sales for Agricultural Equipment were $11,682 million  in 2018, a 9.4% increase (up 10.4% on a constant currency basis) compared to 2017. The increase was driven by a sustained price realization performance, coupled with a stabilization of end-user demand in most of our markets, including emerging evidence of a replacement cycle in the row crop sector in North America.
For 2018, worldwide agricultural equipment industry unit sales increased 3%. In North America, industry volumes in the over 140 h.p. tractor market sector were up 5% and combines were up 10%. Industry volumes for under 140 h.p. segment were up 6%. EMEA markets were down 8% for tractors and up 4% for combines. LATAM tractor industry volumes decreased 1% and combine industry volumes increased 10%. APAC markets increased 3% for tractors and 2% for combines.
Adjusted EBIT
Adjusted EBIT was $1,036 million in 2018 ($791 million in 2017). The increase was mainly due to positive net price realization and favorable volume in most of our regions, partially offset by the sustained investment in product development, related primarily to precision farming and compliance with Stage V emission regulations. Adjusted EBIT margin increased 1.5 p.p. to 8.9%.

35


Construction Equipment
Net Sales
The following table shows Construction Equipment net sales by geographic region in 2018 compared to 2017:
Construction Equipment Sales – by geographic region:
($ million)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
North America
 
$
1,525

 
$
1,307

 
16.7
%
EMEA
 
594

 
511

 
16.2
%
LATAM
 
345

 
300

 
15.0
%
APAC
 
557

 
412

 
35.2
%
Total
 
$
3,021

 
$
2,530

 
19.4
%
Net sales for Construction Equipment were $3,021 million in 2018, a 19.4% increase (up 20.2% on a constant currency basis) compared to 2017, primarily due to increased end-user demand in all regions and favorable net price realization.
In 2018, Construction Equipment’s worldwide heavy industry volumes were up 20% and light industry volumes were up 17% compared to 2017. Overall industry volumes increased in all regions.
Adjusted EBIT
Adjusted EBIT was $91 million in 2018 (up $107 million compared to 2017). Adjusted EBIT margin increased 3.6 p.p. to 3.0%. The increase was due to higher sales volume, favorable mix, and positive net price realization, more than offsetting raw material cost increases, mainly in North America.
Commercial Vehicles
Net Sales
The following table shows Commercial Vehicles net sales by geographic region in 2018 compared to 2017:
Commercial Vehicles Sales – by geographic region:
($ million)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
North America
 
$
25

 
$
20

 
n.m.

EMEA
 
9,402

 
8,705

 
8.0
 %
LATAM
 
710

 
837

 
(15.2
)%
APAC
 
802

 
1,000

 
(19.8
)%
Total
 
$
10,939

 
$
10,562

 
3.6
 %
        n.m. – not meaningful


 
 
 
 
 
 

Commercial Vehicles net sales were $10,939 million in 2018, an increase of 3.6% from 2017 (up 1.3% on a constant currency basis), as a result of positive pricing and a favorable product mix.
In 2018, the European truck market (GVW ≥3.5 tons), excluding U.K. and Ireland, grew by 8% compared to 2017. The light vehicles market (“LCV”) (GVW 3.5-7.49 tons) increased 11%, while the Medium and Heavy (“M&H”) Truck market (GVW ≥7.5 tons) increased 5%. In LATAM, new truck registrations (GVW ≥3.5 tons) increased 24% compared to 2017, with an increase of 46% in Brazil, partially offset by a decrease of 17% in Argentina. In APAC, new truck registrations slightly increased (up 1%) compared with 2017.
The Company’s estimated market share in the European truck market (GVW ≥3.5 tons), excluding U.K. and Ireland, was 11.6%, down 1.2 p.p. compared with 2017. In LATAM in 2018, the Company’s market share decreased 2.3 p.p. to 9.6%.
During 2018, Commercial Vehicles delivered approximately 144,900 vehicles (including buses and specialty vehicles), representing a 5% decrease from 2017. Volumes increased 2% in LCV and decreased 20% in M&H truck segments. Commercial Vehicles’ deliveries decreased 4% in EMEA, 7% in LATAM and 17% in APAC.

36


In 2018, Commercial Vehicles' ratio of orders received to units shipped and billed, or book-to-bill ratio, for the European truck market was 0.98, a decrease of 5% compared to 2017. In 2018, truck order intake in Europe decreased 7% compared to previous year.
The following tables show our unit deliveries by geographic area and by product in 2018 compared to 2017:
Commercial Vehicles Deliveries – by geographic area:
(units in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
France
 
24.9

 
22.9

 
8.7
 %
Germany & Switzerland
 
19.5

 
20.7

 
(5.8
)%
U.K.
 
6.5

 
7.2

 
(9.7
)%
Italy
 
24.0

 
23.9

 
0.4
 %
Iberia (Spain & Portugal)
 
11.4

 
14.2

 
(19.7
)%
Rest of EMEA
 
36.1

 
38.2

 
(5.5
)%
EMEA
 
122.4

 
127.1

 
(3.7
)%
LATAM
 
12.9

 
13.8

 
(6.5
)%
APAC
 
9.6

 
11.5

 
(16.5
)%
Total Sales
 
144.9

 
152.4

 
(4.9
)%
Naveco*
 
31.0

 
31.3

 
(1.0
)%
Total
 
175.9

 
183.7

 
(4.2
)%
(*)      Joint ventures accounted for under the equity method
Commercial Vehicles Deliveries– by product:
(units in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Medium & Heavy
 
38.7
 
48.4
 
(20.0
)%
Light
 
93.1
 
91.0
 
2.3
 %
Buses
 
10.3
 
10.3
 
0.0
 %
Specialty vehicles**
 
2.8
 
2.7
 
3.7
 %
Total
 
144.9
 
152.4
 
(4.9
)%
(**) Defense and firefighting vehicles
Adjusted EBIT
Adjusted EBIT was $299 million in 2018 ($195 million in 2017), mainly due to a favorable product mix in light duty trucks and buses, and to the focus on sales of alternative propulsion solutions in heavy duty trucks. Positive price realization in trucks and manufacturing efficiencies also contributed to the improved results. Adjusted EBIT margin increased 0.9 p.p. to 2.7%.
Powertrain
Net Sales
Powertrain net sales were $4,565 million in 2018, an increase of 4.5% (up 1.4% on a constant currency basis) compared to 2017, due to higher sales volume in engine applications. Sales to external customers accounted for 50% of total net sales in 2018, up from 48% in 2017.
During 2018, Powertrain sold approximately 613,000 engines, an increase of 1% compared to 2017. By major customer, 25% of engines were supplied to Commercial Vehicles, 16% to Agricultural Equipment, 4% to Construction Equipment and the remaining 55% to external customers (units sold to third parties were up 5% compared to 2017). Additionally, Powertrain delivered approximately 72,200 transmissions, an increase of 2% compared to 2017, and 175,700 axles, a decrease of 9% over 2017.

37


Adjusted EBIT
Adjusted EBIT was $406 million in 2018 ($360 million in 2017). The improvement was mainly due to a favorable product mix and manufacturing efficiencies, partially offset by higher product development spending. Adjusted EBIT margin increased to 8.9%.
Financial Services Performance
Finance and Interest Income
Financial Services reported revenues of $1,989 million in 2018, down 1.9% (down 0.5% on a constant currency basis) compared to 2017, primarily due to a lower average portfolio balance in North America.
Net Income
For the year ended December 31, 2018, net income was $385 million, a $67 million decrease compared to 2017, primarily attributable to the one-time tax benefit of $118 million recorded in 2017 as a result of the write-down of deferred tax liabilities in connection with the enactment of the 2017 U.S. Tax Cut & Jobs Act (the "U.S. Tax Act").
In 2018, retail loan originations (including unconsolidated joint ventures) were $10.0 billion, up $0.9 billion compared to 2017. The managed portfolio (including unconsolidated joint ventures) was $26.3 billion (of which retail was 62% and wholesale 38%), down $0.5 billion compared to December 31, 2017. Excluding the impact of currency translation, the managed portfolio increased $0.7 billion compared to 2017.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA
The following table includes the reconciliation of Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP financial measures, to net income, the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$ Change
 
 
(in millions)
Net income
 
$
1,099

 
$
290

 
$
809

Income tax (expense)
 
417

 
457

 
(40
)
Interest expenses of Industrial Activities, net of
interest income and eliminations
 
368

 
482

 
(114
)
Foreign exchange (gains) losses, net
 
171

 
124

 
47

Finance and non-service component of Pension and other post-employment benefit costs (1)
 
(15
)
 
102

 
(117
)
Restructuring expenses
 
61

 
93

 
(32
)
Venezuelan re-measurement and impairment of assets, and 2017 year-end deconsolidation of Venezuelan operations
 
—

 
92

 
(92
)
Adjusted EBIT
 
$
2,101

 
$
1,640

 
$
461

Depreciation and Amortization
 
703

 
725

 
(22
)
Depreciation of assets under operating leases and assets sold with buy-back commitments
 
634

 
625

 
9

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
3,438

 
$
2,990

 
$
448

(1) This item contains a pre-tax gain of $80 million as a result of the amortization over approximately 4.5
years of the $527 million passive income impact from the modification of a healthcare plan in the U.S.


38


2017 Compared to 2016
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
(in millions)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
25,769

 
$
23,216

Finance and interest income
 
1,932

 
1,879

Total Revenues
 
27,701

 
25,095

Costs and Expenses:
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
 
21,572

 
19,420

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
2,315

 
2,246

Research and development expenses
 
957

 
860

Restructuring expenses
 
93

 
44

Interest expense
 
940

 
1,026

Other, net
 
1,165

 
1,521

Total Costs and Expenses
 
27,042

 
25,117

Income before income taxes and equity in income
   of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates
 
659

 
(22
)
Income taxes
 
(457
)
 
(297
)
Equity in income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and
   affiliates
 
88

 
58

Net income
 
290

 
(261
)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
18

 
3

Net income attributable to CNH Industrial N.V.
 
$
272

 
$
(264
)
Revenues
We recorded revenues of $27,701 million in 2017, an increase of 10.4% (up 8.1% on a constant currency basis) compared to 2016. The increase was primarily due to an increase in net sales of Industrial Activities, which were $25,769 million in 2017, an increase of 11.0% (increase of 8.6% on a constant currency basis) compared to the prior year.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold were $21,572 million in 2017 compared with $19,420 million in 2016, an increase year over year due to the increase in net sales. As a percentage of net sales of Industrial Activities, cost of goods sold was 83.7% and 83.6% in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
SG&A expenses amounted to $2,315 million in 2017 (8.4% of revenues), a 3.1% increase compared with the $2,246 million recorded in 2016 (8.9% of revenues).
Research and Development Expenses
In 2017, R&D expenses were $957 million compared to $860 million in 2016. The expense in both years was primarily attributable to continued investment in new products.

39


Restructuring Expenses
Restructuring expenses were $93 million in 2017 compared to $44 million in 2016. The expenses in both periods was primarily due to actions in Commercial Vehicles and Agricultural Equipment as part of the Company’s Efficiency Program launched in 2014.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $940 million in 2017 compared to $1,026 million in 2016. The interest expense attributable to Industrial Activities, net of interest income and eliminations, was $482 million in 2017 compared to $541 million in 2016. The decrease of $59 million over 2016 was primarily due to improved cost of funding and a lower average debt balance, as well as by a lesser impact from one-off items in 2017 ($56 million) compared to 2016 ($60 million) in connection with our accelerated debt redemption strategy.
Other, net
Other, net expenses were $1,165 million which includes a non-cash pre- and after-tax charge of $92 million due to the deconsolidation of our Venezuela operations. In 2016, Other, net expenses were $1,521 million which included a non-recurring non-tax deductible charge of €495 million ($551 million) as a result of the European Commission settlement as well as a $34 million charge related to the re-measurement and impairment of certain assets of our Venezuelan subsidiary. Excluding the impacts of these charges in both years, Other, net expenses increased $137 million mainly due to higher provisions. For more information on this re-measurement, see “Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Foreign Currency”.
Income Taxes