David S. Graziosi - Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
Management
Thank you, Ray. Good morning, and thank you for joining us. We are pleased to report that third quarter 2018 net sales growth exceeded our expectations and the guidance ranges provided to the market on July 30, and 2018 is on track to be a record year. Third quarter year-over-year net sales growth of 16% was surpassed once again by even stronger growth in net income, up 50%, diluted EPS up 69%, and adjusted EBITDA up 22%. Additionally, our established and well-defined approach to capital structure and allocation remained intact. During the quarter, Allison settled $86 million of share repurchases and paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. Please turn to slide 5 of the presentation for the Q3 2018 performance summary. As I just mentioned, net sales increased 16% from the same period in 2017, principally driven by higher demand in the Global On-Highway, Outside North America Off-Highway, and Service Parts, Support Equipment and Other end markets, as well as price increases on certain products and the continued execution of our growth initiatives. Gross margin for the quarter was 53.2%, an increase of 240 basis points as compared with 50.8% for the same period in 2017, principally driven by increased net sales, price increases on certain products, and favorable material cost. Favorable material costs were principally driven by several multi-year cost reduction initiatives, partially offset by unfavorable raw material cost. Please turn to slide 6 of the presentation for the Q3 2018 sales performance summary. North America On-Highway end market net sales were up 10% from the same period in 2017, principally driven by higher demand for Rugged Duty Series models. North America Off-Highway end market sales were down $5 million from the same period in 2017, principally driven by lower demand from hydraulic fracturing applications. Defense end market sales were up 20% from the same period in 2017, principally driven by higher Tracked and Wheeled demand. Outside North America On-Highway end market net sales were up 8% from the same period in 2017, principally driven by higher demand in Asia. Outside North America Off-Highway end market sales were up $32 million from the same period in 2017, principally driven by improved demand in the energy, mining and construction sectors. Service Parts, Support Equipment & Other end market net sales were up 18% from the same period in 2017, principally driven by higher demand for North America service parts and global support equipment. Now, I'll turn the call over to Fred.