Stellantis is expecting to see a decline in profitability in the first half of the year, with the margins hovering at the lower end of its sales target. The company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) confirmed the news right after the carmaker’s sales fell in the first quarter. Natalie Knight stated that the company is aiming for a double-digit margin on adjusted income and a positive industrial free cash flow.
That notwithstanding, the estimate of the margin would range between 10% and 11% in the first half of this year, largely due to a sluggish start on revenue, less desirable regional mix, and ongoing currency headwinds. Predictably, the company’s shares which were traded at Milan Stock Exchange, lost 8% at 1315 GMT, assuming the top position in the market of bad performers among the top Italian stocks.
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Stellantis succeeded in 12.8% positive margin in operating income before the statement of comprehensive income in the ending date of 2023. Knight pointed out the current model’s potential for profit enhancement during the 2nd half of the year, aided by the smoothly planned introduction of new models. Since the beginning of 2024, Stellantis has introduced four new models out of a planned total of 25 for the year, including 18 electric vehicles (EVs).
Knight noted the range of vehicles that are now available or soon to be launched, that is, the RAM1500 truck (currently available), and forthcoming cars like the budget Citroen eC3 EV , Peugeot E3008 EV SUV and the Jeep’s USA Winger S. But, the founder stated that the expenditures of the new products will most likely erode the cash flow.
The CFO also projected a visible decline in industrial free cash flow in the first half, citing the January-March period where Stellas’ net revenue dropped by 12% to 41.7 billion euros (USD 44.6 billion), falling short of analyst expectations. “We are streamlining inventories to bolster our robust pricing position ahead of our upcoming product launches or mid-cycle refreshes this year in key markets,” stated Knight.