Navistar International Corporation announced third quarter 2012 net income of $84 million compared to third quarter 2011 net income of $1.4 billion. Current quarter results included an income tax benefit of $196 million that primarily resulted from a third quarter change in the company's estimated annual effective tax rate, as well as the impact of $16 million in costs related to engineering integration and $10 million in non-conformance penalties (NCPs). The third quarter of 2011 included a $1.48 billion benefit from the release of a portion of the company's income tax valuation allowance.

The company reported a pre-tax loss of $100 million in the third quarter 2012 versus a $54 million loss in the third quarter 2011. Revenues in the quarter were $3.3 billion, down 6 percent from the third quarter of 2011. The loss was driven by lower net sales in the company's U.S. and Canada truck and engine segments, primarily due to lower military sales and reduced engine volumes in South America, respectively.

"Clearly we are not pleased with these results," said Lewis B. Campbell, Navistar chairman and chief executive officer. "However, I was satisfied to learn on day one that Troy Clarke and his team were already working on a plan to deal with many of the important issues we face, most importantly restoring our core North American Truck, Engine and Parts businesses to their market leader positions. I believe we have good line of sight and a keen sense of urgency for moving forward."

The company announced that it is completing a voluntary separation program and a reduction in force of its salaried workforce. It anticipates these actions will generate $70 - $80 million in annual savings, which will contribute to Navistar's overall goal to reduce costs by $150 - $175 million year-over-year, starting in fiscal year 2013. Additionally, Navistar is increasing efforts to cut discretionary spending and further reduce its material costs as part of its overall cost reduction program.
 
The company also announced it has launched a review of all of its non-core businesses with the goal of improving its return on invested capital and driving long-term profitability. As a result of this, along with uncertain industry conditions, the company is not providing fourth quarter earnings guidance until industry volumes solidify and these potential actions are defined.

Highlights by Segment

Truck — For the third quarter 2012, the truck segment recorded a loss of $30 million, compared with a year-ago third quarter loss of $75 million. Segment results included charges of $11 million for engineering integration, compared to $129 million in engineering integration and restructuring charges in the third quarter of 2011.

The segment's loss was driven by a combination of segment performance and deteriorating industry volumes, partially offset by manufacturing efficiencies. Year-over-year sales declined 5-percent, primarily due to lower military sales and decreased traditional volumes. Traditional chargeouts were down 7-percent, primarily due to a 22-percent decrease in Navistar's Class 6 and 7 medium trucks, partially offset by a 32-percent increase in school bus volumes.

Financial Services — For the third quarter 2012, the financial services segment recorded profit of $22 million, down from third quarter 2011 profit of $30 million primarily due to lower portfolio balances. 

Read the full Navistar press release