Daimler achieves third-quarter EBIT of €2.5 billion in a volatile environment

STUTTGART, Germany, Oct. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

• Slight decrease in unit sales to 794,700 vehicles (-4%)
• Revenue close to prior-year level at €40.2 billion (Q3 2017: €40.7 billion)
• Group EBIT of €2.5 billion (Q3 2017: €3.4 billion)
• Net profit of €1.8 billion (Q3 2017: €2.2 billion)
• Free cash flow of the industrial business in the period of January through September of minus €60 million (Q3 2017: plus €5.8 billion)
• Slight increase in unit sales and revenue and significant decrease in Group EBIT expected for full-year 2018
• Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The automotive industry and thus also Daimler are still in a very challenging environment. The continued high demand from our customers makes us confident for the fourth quarter."
• Bodo Uebber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Finance & Controlling and Daimler Financial Services: "Despite the volatile environment, it is important and right for Daimler to invest in the future. In doing so, we profit from our strong balance sheet and from our global and diverse refinancing possibilities."

Daimler AG (ticker symbol DAI) systematically continued to set the strategic course for the Group's future in the third quarter of 2018. As expected, the Group's financial development was strongly influenced by external factors. From July through September, Daimler sold 794,700 cars and commercial vehicles worldwide, which is 4% fewer than in the third quarter of last year (Q3 2017: 824,100), whereby Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses were both able to increase their unit sales. Group revenue amounted to €40.2 billion in the reporting period (Q3 2017: €40.7 billion). Adjusted for exchange-rate effects, revenue was at the prior-year level.

The Daimler Group achieved third-quarter EBIT of €2,488 million in 2018, which is significantly below its prior-year earnings of €3,409 million. Net profit of €1,761 million was significantly below the prior-year figure of €2,237 million. Net profit attributable to the shareholders of Daimler AG amounted to €1,689 million (Q3 2017: €2,146 million); this led to a decrease in earnings per share to €1.58 (Q3 2017: €2.01).

EBIT at the Mercedes-Benz Cars division was significantly lower than in the third quarter of last year, due in particular to a decrease in sales volume and expenses in connection with governmental proceedings and measures for diesel vehicles. Daimler Trucks achieved significantly higher earnings than in the prior-year period, primarily as a result of increased unit sales in the NAFTA region. Mercedes-Benz Vans did not achieve EBIT of the third quarter of 2017. Daimler Buses' earnings in the third quarter of 2018 were slightly lower than in the prior-year period. The increased level of interest rates was the main reason for a decrease in earnings at Daimler Financial Services. Exchange-rate effects had an overall negative impact on the Group's operating profit.

"The automotive industry and thus also Daimler are still in a very challenging environment. The continued high demand from our customers makes us confident for the fourth quarter," stated Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Free cash flow and liquidity

In the first nine months of 2018, the free cash flow of the industrial business led to a cash outflow of €60 million (Q1-3 2017: cash inflow of €5.8 billion). The substantial decrease was primarily due to the general business performance and the development of working capital, reflecting in particular the stronger increase in inventories because of restrictions in the availability of vehicles caused by the delay of certification processes at Mercedes-Benz Cars. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Vans experienced delivery delays caused by certain measures for diesel vehicles. Furthermore, there was an impact from increased investments in property, plant and equipment. However, lower income-tax payments had a positive impact on the free cash flow of the industrial business.

Compared with December 31, 2017, the net liquidity of the industrial business decreased by €3.1 billion to €13.5 billion. The dividend payment to shareholders of Daimler AG led to a decrease in net liquidity that was only partially offset by positive exchange-rate effects.

"In the past quarter, there were various negative factors that had a significant impact on our earnings. Nonetheless, we achieved EBIT of €2.5 billion," said Bodo Uebber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Finance & Controlling and Daimler Financial Services. "Despite the volatile environment, it is important and right for Daimler to invest in the future. In doing so, we profit from our strong balance sheet and from our global and diverse refinancing possibilities. At the same time, we are repositioning the Group with PROJECT FUTURE to make Daimler even more agile and flexible and to better utilize market opportunities."

Refinancing

The Daimler Group once again utilized attractive conditions in the international money and capital markets for refinancing in the third quarter of 2018. In the third quarter of this year, the Group had a cash inflow of €5.8 billion from the issuance of bonds (Q3 2017: €6.1 billion). The redemption of bonds resulted in a cash outflow of €3.5 billion (Q3 2017: €3.2 billion). A large proportion of the issuance volume was carried out in the form of so-called benchmark bonds (bonds with high nominal values). Furthermore, five asset-backed securities (ABS) transactions were conducted. In the United States, a total volume of $3.5 billion was generated with two transactions. In China, bonds in a volume of RMB 8.0 billion were successfully placed on the market. Further transactions were carried out in Germany (€0.75 billion) and the United Kingdom (GBP 0.4 billion).

In July 2018, Daimler successfully concluded negotiations with a consortium of international banks for a new credit line with a volume of €11 billion. With a term of five years, it grants Daimler additional financial flexibility until 2023. If the agreed extension options are exercised and confirmed by the banks, the term would be extended into the year 2025. Daimler does not intend to utilize the credit line.

Workforce

At the end of the reporting period, the Daimler Group had 300,367 employees worldwide (end of 2017: 289,321; end of Q3 2017: 292,121). Of that total, 176,287 were employed in Germany (end of 2017: 172,089) and 26,079 in the United States (end of 2017: 23,513). At the consolidated subsidiaries in China, 4,410 people were employed at the end of September (end of 2017: 4,099).

Details of the divisions

Unit sales of 559,500 vehicles by Mercedes-Benz Cars in the third quarter of 2018 were significantly below the high level of the prior-year period. In Europe, 223,600 vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands were sold in the months of July through September (-12%), of which 72,100 were sold in Germany (-13%). In China, the division's biggest market, a new record was set of more than 170,400 units sold, surpassing the previous record in the third quarter of last year by 11%. Sales in the United States decreased to 76,000 units (-8%).

Revenue decreased by 7% to €21.7 billion. The division's EBIT of €1,372 million was significantly lower than the prior-year figure of €2,105 million and its return on sales was 6.3% (Q3 2017: 9.0%). In the third quarter of the year 2018, the decline in sales volume due to restricted vehicle availability caused by delays in certification and temporarily weaker pricing had a negative impact on EBIT. Furthermore, expenses in connection with ongoing governmental proceedings and measures taken for diesel vehicles affected EBIT negatively. In addition, advance expenditure for new technologies and future products as well as unfavorable exchange-rate effects affected earnings negatively. Expenses in connection with the possible need to take action on certain vehicles still operating with the previously used refrigerant R134a also reduced earnings. A gain of €185 million from the remeasurement of the investment in Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc had a positive effect on EBIT. In the prior-year period, earnings were negatively affected by expenses for a specific vehicle recall (€230 million) and expenses for voluntary service activities in connection with a comprehensive plan for diesel engines (€223 million).

Daimler Trucks achieved unit sales of 136,100 vehicles in the third quarter of 2018, surpassing the prior-year number by 8%. In the NAFTA region, truck sales increased significantly to 52,700 units (Q3 2017: 45,300). In Latin America, sales of 9,800 units surpassed the prior-year level (Q3 2017: 8,000). 6,000 vehicles were sold in the Brazilian market (+63%). Sales in the EU30 region (European Union, Switzerland and Norway) increased to 21,900 units (Q3 2017: 20,900). Unit sales in Germany rose to 8,700 trucks (Q3 2017: 8,100). The weakening of the Turkish market was clearly reflected by third-quarter sales, which were substantially lower than in the prior-year quarter at 900 trucks (Q3 2017: 3,400). Deliveries of trucks in Asia increased to 42,300 units (Q3 2017: 40,000). Sales of 17,800 units in Indonesia were about 50% above the prior-year level. Also in India, sales of 5,300 trucks were significantly higher than in the third quarter of last year (Q3 2017: 4,900). Sales in Japan decreased to 10.700 units due to the general market development there (Q3 2017: 11,900). Sales of Auman Trucks by the joint venture in China decreased to 23,000 units (Q3 2017: 30,000).

Revenue of €10.0 billion was significantly higher than in the same period of last year
(Q3 2017: €9.2 billion). The division's EBIT of €850 million was significantly above the prior-year level (Q3 2017: €614 million). Its return on sales was 8.5% (Q3 2017: 6.7%). In the third quarter of the year 2018, growth in unit sales especially in the NAFTA region as well as further efficiency enhancements had a positive effect on earnings. In the prior-year period, expenses for fixed-cost optimization (€70 million) affected EBIT negatively. Earnings were reduced by higher expenses for raw materials and other additional costs, mainly resulting from supply-chain constraints.

Unit sales by Mercedes-Benz Vans of 91,400 vehicles in the third quarter of 2018 were 2% lower than in the same period of last year. This was due, among other things, to delays in the delivery of Vito, V-Class and Sprinter models. In the EU30 region, Mercedes-Benz Vans' unit sales decreased by 3% to 57,000 vehicles. Sales of 22,400 units in Germany were 5% below the prior-year level. The development was positive in the NAFTA region, where sales reached the new record of 13,000 units in the third quarter (Q3 2017: 12,600). Unit sales in the United States rose by 1% to 9,600 vehicles. In Latin America, sales increased by a significant 13% to 4,700 units, primarily driven by the significant market recovery in Brazil. In China, Mercedes-Benz Vans further improved its position and posted its strongest-selling third quarter so far, with sales of 7,400 units (+9%). This was mainly due to the great success of the V-Class and Vito models.

Revenue decreased by 2% to €3.0 billion. The division's EBIT amounted to minus €93 million and was thus significantly below its prior-year result (Q3 2017: EBIT of €214 million). The division's return on sales decreased to -3.1% (Q3 2017: 6.9%). Earnings were impacted by advance expenditure for new technologies and future products and by expenses for the Sprinter model change. EBIT was also reduced by expenses in connection with ongoing governmental proceedings and measures taken for diesel vehicles as well as lower unit sales caused by delivery delays.

Unit sales by Daimler Buses in the third quarter of 2018 increased by 7% to 7,700 buses and bus chassis. In the EU30 region, Daimler Buses' sales of complete buses and bus chassis of the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands increased significantly to 2,100 units (+15%). In Latin America (excluding Mexico), sales of 3,400 units were below the prior-year level (Q3 2017: 3,600), despite stronger demand in Brazil. In Mexico, 900 units were sold (+4%). In India, the bus division achieved significant sales growth to 420 units (Q3 2017: 280).

Revenue of €1.1 billion was slightly higher than in the prior-year period (Q3 2017: €1.0 billion). The division's EBIT of €30 million was slightly below its prior-year earnings of €32 million; its return on sales was 2.8% (Q3 2017: 3.1%). Further efficiency enhancements only partially offset the decrease in earnings caused by a changed product mix and higher inflation-related cost increases.

Daimler Financial Services' new business decreased slightly in the third quarter of 2018 against the backdrop of lower unit sales by the automotive divisions. Worldwide, 458,000 new leasing and financing contracts worth €16.6 billion were concluded, which is 5% less than in the prior-year period. Contract volume at the end of September amounted to €148.8 billion and was thus significantly above the level at the end of 2017 (+6%). In the insurance business, Daimler Financial Services brokered 566,000 contracts in the third quarter of this year (+3%). At September 30, 2018, Daimler had approximately 26 million customers for mobility services. This means that the number of users of car2go, moovel and the ride-hailing group including mytaxi, Beat, Clever Taxi and Chauffeur Privé increased by 64% compared with the previous year. More than 46 million transactions were conducted in 130 cities worldwide in the third quarter.

The division's EBIT of €392 million was significantly lower than its earnings in the prior-year quarter of €508 million. The determining factors were the increasing interest-rate level and the cost-of-risk situation in Turkey. Increasing contract volume only partially offset these effects.

The reconciliation of the divisions' operating profit to Group EBIT comprises gains at the corporate level and the effects on earnings of eliminating intra-group transactions between the divisions. Items at the corporate level resulted in expenses of €62 million in the third quarter of 2018 (Q3 2017: €72 million). The elimination of intra-group transactions resulted in expenses of €1 million in the third quarter of this year (Q3 2017: income of €8 million).

Investment in the future

The Daimler Group invested €2.1 billion in property, plant and equipment in the third quarter (Q3 2017: €1.5 billion). Most of that investment, €1.6 billion, was at the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Q3 2017: €1.0 billion). The Group's research and development expenditure in the third quarter amounted to €2.4 billion (Q3 2017: €2.3 billion). Approximately three quarters, €1.8 billion, of the research and development spending was at the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Q3 2017: €1.7 billion).

Outlook for the divisions

On the basis of the assumptions on the development of the markets important for the Group and of the divisions' current assessments, Daimler expects to slightly increase its total unit sales in the year 2018.

In full-year 2018, Mercedes-Benz Cars plans to achieve unit sales in the magnitude of the previous year. The development of unit sales is influenced to a certain extent by the lifecycle effects of certain model series. They include the ramp-up of the new A-Class, the model upgrade of the C-Class and the upcoming replacement of the B-Class, which has been on the market since 2011, with its next generation. Additional factors are increased import duties for US vehicles in the Chinese market and the previously announced suspension of deliveries of individual diesel models. Vehicle certification is in some cases taking longer than usual and is also impacting availability.

The car division continues to expect sales impetus from the SUVs. In Europe, the new A-Class has been available since May as a precursor of the next generation of compact cars. The four-door sedan model of the A-Class will provide new stimulus towards the end of the year. Further sales drivers include the families of the E- and of the S-Class. Sales growth of the S-Class family will continue, due among other things to the particularly strong increase in unit sales of the Mercedes-Maybach luxury brand. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz Cars is continually launching new models worldwide. For example, the Mercedes-AMG performance brand now offers the new "53" models of the CLS and the E-Class family. And with the launch of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door, another model has been added to the AMG sports car family.

Daimler Trucks continues to assume that its total unit sales in the year 2018 will be significantly higher than in the previous year. In the NAFTA region, the truck division expects a significant sales increase compared with 2017 as a result of the market recovery there. In the EU30 region, a slight increase in unit sales is now anticipated. In Brazil, unit sales in 2018 are expected to be significantly higher than the low level of 2017. Daimler Trucks anticipates significant sales growth also in India and Indonesia. In Japan, unit sales are expected to be at about the prior-year level.

Mercedes-Benz Vans plans to increase its unit sales significantly in the year 2018. Growth is expected to be particularly strong in China and the United States. In the EU30 region, the division now anticipates unit sales at the prior-year level. As part of the »Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global« business strategy, the product portfolio has been expanded with the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, a premium pickup for markets in Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Market launch is planned also for Brazil and Argentina in the year 2019.

Daimler Buses continues to expect total unit sales in 2018 to be significantly above the prior-year level. The bus division assumes that unit sales in the EU30 region will increase perceptibly. After the significant growth in unit sales in Latin America last year, a further increase in that region is anticipated in 2018, although with significantly less dynamism. A positive development of unit sales is expected also in India.

Daimler Financial Services anticipates further growth in contract volume in the year 2018. New business is expected to be in the magnitude of the previous year. The division will utilize new market potential through new and digital possibilities for customer contacts – in particular by systematically further developing its online sales channels.

Outlook for the Daimler Group

Based on the generally positive development of unit sales, Daimler assumes that Group revenue will increase slightly in the year 2018. Significant revenue growth is anticipated for the Daimler Trucks and Daimler Financial Services divisions, while only a slight increase is now expected at Mercedes-Benz Vans. At Mercedes-Benz Cars, the expected exchange-rate developments and lifecycle effects of some models will dampen the development of revenue, so the division is expected to post full-year revenue at the high level of 2017. Daimler now anticipates revenue in the magnitude of the previous year also for the Daimler Buses division.

In late March 2018, Daimler and the BMW Group announced their intention, subject to review and approval by the relevant competition authorities, to combine and strategically expand their existing services for on-demand mobility in the areas of car sharing, ride hailing, parking, charging and multimodality. To those ends, the two companies signed an agreement on the merger of their business units for mobility services. Each company will hold 50% of the shares in the planned joint ventures for the mobility services of both companies. Subject to the approval of the competition authorities, the establishment of the joint ventures would lead to significant positive changes to net assets and earnings at Daimler Financial Services, which are taken into consideration in the following EBIT outlook.

Due to several factors, some temporary restrictions occurred in the availability of Mercedes-Benz Cars vehicles in the third quarter and will also partially affect the fourth quarter. These factors include, among others, the previously announced suspension of delivery for some diesel models. Furthermore, the certification of vehicles in Europe and some international markets currently requires longer than usual. For a longer time period, Daimler has been working intensively on software updates, the changeover to the new European test standard WLTP, as well as the technical and legal clarification of open questions.

Inventories have increased temporarily. Based on high demand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, Daimler continues to expect, however, that the situation will return to normal in the fourth quarter and that inventories can be reduced again by the end of this year.

The described factors apply in the same way to Mercedes-Benz Vans and thus also affect the business development of the van division.

On October 19, 2018, as a result of current developments, Daimler reassessed its earnings outlook for the year 2018 for the Mercedes-Benz Cars and Daimler Buses divisions and for the Daimler Group. The main factor is an increase in expected expenses in connection with ongoing governmental proceedings and measures taken in various regions with regard to Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Vans is posting lower unit sales due to delays in vehicle deliveries. Furthermore, against the backdrop of a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice, provisions have been recognized for the possible need to take action on certain vehicles still operating with the previously used refrigerant R134a. Additionally, Daimler Buses is facing decreasing demand in some markets.

On the basis of these effects as well as expected market developments and the current assessments of the divisions, Daimler now assumes that Group EBIT in 2018 will be significantly lower than in the previous year.

The individual divisions have the following expectations for EBIT in the year 2018:

• Mercedes-Benz Cars: significantly below the prior-year level,
• Daimler Trucks: significantly above the prior-year level,
• Mercedes-Benz Vans: significantly below the prior-year level,
• Daimler Buses: significantly below the prior-year level and
• Daimler Financial Services: in the magnitude of the prior year.

Despite a further increase in advance expenditure for new products and technologies, the free cash flow of the industrial business should be significantly higher than in 2017 and also higher than the dividend distribution in 2018. It must be taken into consideration, however, that the free cash flow of the industrial business in 2017 was reduced by an extraordinary contribution of €3 billion to the German pension plan assets of Daimler AG.

In order to achieve its ambitious growth targets, the Group will slightly increase its already very high investment in property, plant and equipment in the year 2018 (2017: €6.7 billion). Capital expenditure in 2018 at both Mercedes-Benz Cars and Daimler Trucks will be primarily for successor generations for existing products, new products, global component projects, the expansion of production capacities and the optimization of the international production network. Another focus at Mercedes-Benz Cars will be on the expansion of the worldwide production network for electric mobility.

With research and development activities, a total volume is anticipated slightly above last year's spending of €8.7 billion. Key projects at Mercedes-Benz Cars include successor models for the current S-Class and C-Class. In addition, the division is investing in new, more efficient engines, alternative drive systems and vehicles, autonomous driving and connectivity. At Daimler Trucks, the main areas of investment are for improved fuel efficiency and emission reductions, as well as for tailored products and technologies for important growth markets. In addition, the future technologies of electric mobility, connectivity and automated driving continue to gain importance.

Against the backdrop of further efficiency improvements in the context of the medium- and long-term programs for the structural improvement of business processes, Daimler assumes that its ambitious growth targets can be achieved with only a slight increase in the size of the workforce.

This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about future events. The words "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "can," "could," "plan," "project," "should" and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including an adverse development of global economic conditions, in particular a decline of demand in our most important markets; a deterioration of our refinancing possibilities on the credit and financial markets; events of force majeure including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, political unrest, armed conflicts, industrial accidents and their effects on our sales, purchasing, production or financial services activities; changes in currency exchange rates and tariff regulations; a shift in consumer preferences towards smaller, lower-margin vehicles; a possible lack of acceptance of our products or services which limits our ability to achieve prices and adequately utilize our production capacities; price increases for fuel or raw materials; disruption of production due to shortages of materials, labor strikes or supplier insolvencies; a decline in resale prices of used vehicles; the effective implementation of cost-reduction and efficiency-optimization measures; the business outlook for companies in which we hold a significant equity interest; the successful implementation of strategic cooperations and joint ventures; changes in laws, regulations and government policies, particularly those relating to vehicle emissions, fuel economy and safety; the resolution of pending government investigations or of investigations requested by governments and the conclusion of pending or threatened future legal proceedings; and other risks and uncertainties, some of which we describe under the heading "Risk and Opportunity Report" in the current Annual Report. If any of these risks and uncertainties materializes or if the assumptions underlying any of our forward-looking statements prove to be incorrect, the actual results may be materially different from those we express or imply by such statements. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements since they are based solely on the circumstances at the date of publication.

Daimler at a Glance
Daimler AG is one of the world's most successful automotive companies. With its divisions Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses and Daimler Financial Services, the Daimler Group is one of the biggest producers of premium cars and the world's biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles with a global reach. Daimler Financial Services provides financing, leasing, fleet management, insurance, financial investments, credit cards, and innovative mobility services. The company's founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, made history with the invention of the automobile in the year 1886. As a pioneer of automotive engineering, it is a motivation and commitment of Daimler to shape safely and sustainably the future of mobility: The Group's focus is on innovative and green technologies as well as on safe and superior automobiles that appeal and fascinate. Daimler consequently invests in the development of efficient drive trains with the long-term goal of locally emission-free driving: from hightech combustion engines about hybrid vehicles to electric drive trains powered by battery or fuel cell. Furthermore, the company follows a consistent path towards intelligent connectivity of its vehicles, autonomous driving and new mobility concepts. This is just one example of how Daimler willingly accepts the challenge of meeting its responsibility towards society and the environment. Daimler sells its vehicles and services in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Its current brand portfolio includes, in addition to the world's most valuable premium automotive brand, Mercedes-Benz (Source: Interbrand-Study „The Anatomy of Growth", 10/5/2016), as well as Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes me, the brands smart, EQ, Freightliner, Western Star, BharatBenz, FUSO, Setra and Thomas Built Buses, and Daimler Financial Services' brands: Mercedes-Benz Bank, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Daimler Truck Financial, moovel, car2go and mytaxi. The company is listed on the stock exchanges of Frankfurt and Stuttgart (stock exchange symbol DAI). In 2017, the Group sold around 3.3 million vehicles and employed a workforce of more than 289,300 people. With application of IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 in financial year 2017, Group revenue would have amounted to €164.2 billion and Group EBIT would have amounted to €14.3 billion. Before application of IFRS 15 and 9, Group revenue in 2017 amounted to €164.3 billion and Group EBIT amounted to €14.7 billion, as previously reported. 

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