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03.05.2019 10:00:47
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DGAP-News: Audi Group: First Quarter Report 2019
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DGAP-News: AUDI AG / Key word(s): Quarterly / Interim Statement/Interim Report AUDI GROUP FROM JANUARY TO MARCH 2019 - CORE MESSAGES Fuel/power consumption and CO2 emission figures as well as the efficiency classes can be found at the end of the document. -Start of the challenging 2019 fiscal year still dominated by negative factors: - Impact of the WLTP changeover still visible in Q1 2019 - - Continuation of the model initiative and high investment in the future adversely impacted financial performance in the first three months - Audi e-tron launched successfully; further electric and electrified models to follow during the year - Revenue and related key performance indicators significantly influenced by the deconsolidation of multi-brand sales companies - Positive mix effects thanks to new models (including the Audi e-tron, Q8, - Deliveries to customers fell by -3.6 percent to 447,247 (463,750) vehicles; declines in Europe and United States, renewed growth in China - Revenue lower than in the prior-year period at EUR 13.8 (15.3) billion, mainly due to changes to the group of consolidated companies - Operating profit declined to EUR 1.1 (1.3) billion due to decline in volume as a result of WLTP and high upfront expenditures; operating return on sales at 8.0 (8.5) percent, boosted by changes to the group of consolidated companies - Net cash flow dropped to EUR 1.2 (1.9) billion - Outlook for full year 2019 unchanged: - Deliveries of the Audi brand moderately higher than in the previous year - Slight increase in revenue after adjustment for changes to the group of consolidated companies - Operating return on sales expected to be between 7.0 - 8.5 percent - Net cash flow between EUR 2.5 and 3.0 billion despite fluctuations during the year - Challenges due to second phase of the WLTP changeover - Further strongly positive effects from the Audi Transformation Plan planned for 2019 by improving cost structures and optimizing revenue
ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT The global economy grew robustly in the first three months of 2019 - although momentum dropped. In both advanced and emerging economies, average growth in gross domestic product (GDP) was lower than in the prior-year period. Increasing trade disputes worldwide led to a considerable rise in market uncertainty. In Western Europe, GDP continued to rise moderately between January and March 2019, but growth momentum declined year-on-year. Factors affecting this development included increased global tension and a weakening of worldwide demand. The Central and Eastern Europe region as a whole posted solid economic growth in the reporting period. Growth in the U.S. economy was stable compared with the prior-year quarter as a result of the good development of consumer demand. Brazilian GDP also increased further, albeit from a low base. On an international comparison, the People's Republic of China again reported very high GDP growth, partly due to measures taken by the Chinese government and the central bank to support the economy. Global demand for cars declined by -5.6 percent to 19.9 (21.1) million vehicles between January and March 2019. While Western Europe, North America, South America and the Asia-Pacific region saw a drop in new registrations, unit sales in Central and Eastern Europe increased slightly. In the Western European car market, new registrations were down by -3.6 percent overall. Factors here included increased economic uncertainty and the effect of the changeover to the WLTP test cycle in some large markets. The car markets in Germany and France remained around the same level as in the previous year, with rates of change of 0.2 percent and -0.6 percent respectively. Unit sales of passenger cars in the United Kingdom were once again lower than in the prior-year period, with a drop of -2.4 percent. Demand was affected, among other things, by the uncertain outcome of the exit negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU). Furthermore, the Spanish and Italian passenger car markets shrank by -6.9 percent and -6.8 percent respectively. New registrations increased in Central and Eastern Europe. Despite an increase in value-added tax on January 1, 2019, the Russian car market registered marginal growth of 0.3 percent in new registrations. The U.S. market for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles contracted by -2.5 percent. In this market, the trend in demand for SUVs and pick-up models continued, accompanied by a decline in demand in the classic passenger car segments. Contrary to the general market trend in South America, the Brazilian market for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles continued to recover and new registrations rose by 10.1 percent. In China, the car market contracted by -9.8 percent. Alongside the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States, the value-added tax reduction announced for April 2019, which has now taken effect, held back purchases by Chinese customers in the first three months of the year. In the first quarter of 2019, the established motorcycle markets recorded a rise in demand of 5.8 percent in the displacement segment above 500 cc. In fact, the Western European markets, especially Italy, reported considerable increases in new registrations.
Fuel/power consumption and CO2 emission figures as well as the efficiency classes can be found at the end of the document. In the first quarter of 2019, the Audi Group produced a total of 442,831 (484,111) cars, which was a reduction of -8.5 percent compared with the high prior-year level. The production program in the first three months of 2019 was geared partly to reducing inventories. In addition, production volume was affected by the strike at our plant in Győr (Hungary). At the Group headquarters in Ingolstadt, a total of 105,628 (139,942) cars of the Audi brand left the production lines in the first three months of 2019. The decline is principally attributable to planned optimization of inventories and the temporary supply bottleneck caused by the strike at the Győr plant. In the same period, we produced 47,125 (48,197) Audi vehicles at our Neckarsulm plant.
Car production by model 1)
Car engine production
Motorcycle production
In the light of a planned optimization of inventories, the Ducati brand produced 16,183 (17,972) motorcycles worldwide in the first quarter of 2019. 14,067 (15,427) units were produced at the company's headquarters in Bologna (Italy). Over the same period, 2,006 (2,260) bikes left the production line at the Amphur Pluakdaeng plant in Thailand. Another 110 (285) units were built in Manaus (Brazil) on a contract manufacturing basis.
DELIVERIES AND DISTRIBUTION 1) Fuel/power consumption and CO2 emission figures as well as the efficiency classes can be found at the end of the document. 1) The figures for the prior-year period have been marginally adjusted.
In Western Europe, our deliveries to customers dropped to 192,831 (203,482) Audi vehicles. The still restricted availability of model variants resulting from the changeover to the WLTP test cycle had a negative effect on our sales figures at the start of the year. However, re-homologation of nearly all engine/transmission versions had been completed by the end of the first quarter. 76,763 (77,218) Audi models were delivered to customers in our home market Germany, which was almost as many as in the prior-year period. In the United Kingdom, our biggest European export market, demand declined to 41,884 (47,934) Audi vehicles as a result of the continued uncertainty about Brexit. The number of vehicles delivered in Italy declined by -2.6 percent to 16,025 (16,454). While deliveries in France were at the previous year's level, demand for cars with the Four Rings fell by -9.3 percent in Spain. In the Central and Eastern Europe region, we delivered a total of 11,345 (12,473) Audi vehicles to customers in the first three months of 2019. Consequently, the volume of our vehicles declined in several Central European countries. However, demand for our models developed positively in Russia. In the North America region, deliveries of cars of the brand with the Four Rings showed a downward trend to 57,433 (61,403) vehicles. Alongside the weak market environment, this was due to a model change for our popular Audi Q3 SUV. 48,115 (50,052) Audi vehicles were delivered in the United States, a decline of -3.9 percent. In Canada, we registered a sharper decline in deliveries of -19.3 percent. In the South America region, our volume dropped to 3,355 (4,654) cars - partly as a result of the downward trend in deliveries in Brazil. In the Asia-Pacific region, we registered further volume growth between January and March 2019. Here, 174,094 (172,113) Audi brand vehicles were delivered to customers. China, which is our biggest individual market, posted a new record for the first three months with a 3.3 percent increase to 159,334 (154,270) cars of the brand with the Four Rings.
2) The figures for the prior-year period have been marginally adjusted. Motorcycle deliveries to customers 1)
Overall, the Ducati brand delivered 12,541 (11,948) motorcycles to customers between January and March 2019, a rise of 5.0 percent compared with the prior-year period. In addition to rising sales figures on the U.S. motorcycle market, Ducati registered growth on the major European markets.
Audi models presented or introduced in the period under review
Electric and electrified models presented or introduced in the period under review
Lamborghini models presented or introduced in the period under review
Ducati models presented or introduced in the period under review In 2019, the focus of the Ducati brand is on a large number of new and revised models. One example is the market launch of the Panigale V4 R, the most powerful series-production motorcycle ever built by Ducati, which was unveiled at the end of 2018. In addition, the Ducati V4 S Corse model variant comes with exclusive MotoGP paint finish. Complementing the new Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, the versatile Multistrada 950 and 950 S - the latest additions to the Multistrada range - feature state-of-the-art technology to improve safety and enhance ride comfort. Other new launches in the 2019 model year are the second generation of the Diavel 1260 and 1260 S as well as the Ducati Hypermotard 950 and 950 SP, which have been completely revised, including improvements to the suspension and a highly modern electronics package. The Ducati Monster range includes the revised versions of the 797 and 797+, along with a new model variant, the Monster 821 Stealth. What is more, 2019 will see the most extensive revision of the Scrambler models Icon, Café Racer, Full-Throttle and Desert Sled since the launch of this model range.
FIRST-TIME ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Since January 1, 2019, the Audi Group has recognized leases in accordance with IFRS 16. Due to the first-time recognition of rights of use and the corresponding lease liabilities, the balance sheet total increased slightly. In addition, this had a moderate impact on individual income statement items and on our financial key figures.
CHANGES TO THE GROUP OF CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES Effective January 1, 2019, management responsibility for the multi-brand sales companies Volkswagen Group Italia S.p.A., Verona (Italy), Audi Volkswagen Korea Ltd., Seoul (South Korea), Audi Volkswagen Middle East FZE, Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and Audi Volkswagen Taiwan Co., Taipei, was transferred to Volkswagen AG under a control agreement and as a result the companies concerned were deconsolidated. Since the start of the 2019 fiscal year, these companies have therefore been recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Audi Group using the equity method - the legal ownership structures remain unchanged. There were no further material changes to the group of consolidated companies in the first quarter of 2019. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE The Audi Group generated revenue of EUR 13,812 (15,320) million in the period from January through March 2019. The decline is mainly attributable to the drop of EUR 1.2 billion in revenue from other Volkswagen Group brands. There was a corresponding reduction in the cost of goods sold. In the Automotive segment, revenue declined to EUR 13,631 (15,136) million. Revenue from other automotive business - mainly the delivery of parts sets for local production in China, our genuine parts business and the engine business - decreased in the first quarter. At the same time, revenue performance was held back at the start of the year because the sales range was still limited as a consequence of the new WLTP test cycle. Positive effects resulted, in particular, from an improved model mix in the Audi brand car business, including the Audi Q8 and the market introduction of our new Audi e-tron. As a result, revenue from the sale of Audi brand vehicles increased to EUR 9,915 (9,798) million. Moreover, following introduction of the new Urus model range, revenue from the Lamborghini brand's car business virtually doubled year-on-year to EUR 491 (281) million. In the Motorcycles segment, revenue generated in connection with the Ducati motorcycle brand amounted to EUR 181 (183) million. Key operating performance figures, Audi Group
The operating activities of the Audi Group are reflected in the operating profit of EUR 1,100 (1,300) million. This represents an operating return on sales of 8.0 (8.5) percent. The revenue reduction resulting from the deconsolidation of the multi-brand sales companies had a positive effect on the return ratio and dampened its decline. In the Automotive segment we generated an operating profit of EUR 1,090 (1,293) million and an operating return on sales of 8.0 (8.5) percent. Continuation of our product initiative and the associated discontinuations and launches in many model ranges initially held back the development of the operating profit. We also provided higher upfront financing for future mobility solutions and new technologies. Furthermore, in the first quarter our operating profit was affected by fluctuations in our offering because of the introduction of the WLTP test cycle. By contrast, exchange rate effects were positive. The operating profit in the Motorcycles segment increased to EUR 10 (7) million in the first three months of 2019, mainly as a result of an improved product mix. This represents an operating return on sales of 5.4 (3.6) percent. After elimination of the effects of purchase price allocation, we achieved an operating profit of EUR 16 (12) million and an operating return on sales of 8.6 (6.8) percent. Financial result, Audi Group
2) Financial brand settlement agreed between AUDI AG and Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg, and performance-related income for China business in connection with associated companies 3) Includes the items FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Company, Ltd., Volkswagen Automatic Transmission (Tianjin) Company Limited, SAIC Volkswagen Automotive Company Ltd., brand settlement/performance-related income for China business
In the first quarter of the 2019 fiscal year, the Audi Group generated a profit before tax of EUR 1,196 (1,426) million, representing a return on sales before tax of 8.7 (9.3) percent. Profit after tax came to EUR 929 (1,060) million. NET WORTH As of March 31, 2019, the balance sheet total of the Audi Group increased to EUR 66,585 (65,598) million, compared with the position as of December 31, 2018. This was affected by the first-time adoption of IFRS 16. Compared with December 31, 2018, non-current assets rose to EUR 33,602 (32,393) million. Current assets declined to EUR 32,983 million, compared with EUR 33,205 million at the end of 2018. As of March 31, 2019, the equity of the Audi Group showed a decrease to EUR 28,965 million in comparison with EUR 29,698 million as of December 31, 2018. The equity ratio of 43.5 (45.3) percent was affected by measurement effects relating to provisions for pensions and hedging. As of the reporting date, non-current liabilities increased to EUR 16,039 (14,549) million. As of the same date, current liabilities rose to EUR 21,581 million compared with EUR 21,351 million as of December 31, 2018. FINANCIAL POSITION In the first three months of 2019, the Audi Group generated a cash flow from operating activities of EUR 2,113 (2,449) million. The decline was partly due to lower profit after deduction of income tax payments.
WORKFORCE We want to future-proof Audi in the areas where the transformation is taking place. That requires flexibility in order to remain economically viable. Therefore, we are currently examining our processes and structures and are developing new forms of work and new models for collaboration at the same time. In order to shape the transformation efficiently together with our workforce, we are discussing the joint "Audi.Zukunft" pact with employee representatives. The focus includes training our employees to prepare them specifically for future tasks. The Volkswagen Group Essentials form the basis of our collaboration. We strive for a corporate culture that is in keeping with these principles and with our Code of Cooperation.
There were no personnel changes on the Supervisory Board or Board of Management of AUDI AG in the reporting period.
REPORT ON EXPECTED DEVELOPMENTS For 2019 as a whole, the Audi Group still anticipates a slightly weaker pace of economic growth in the world economy than in the previous year. We expect weaker economic momentum than in 2018, both in advanced economies and in the emerging markets. The Audi Group assumes that the Asia-Pacific region will continue to generate the highest GDP growth rates. However, political uncertainties, a sharper than expected rise in Inflation and an early exit from the overall expansionary monetary policy could put additionally dampen global growth prospects. In addition, geopolitical tensions and conflicts, structural weaknesses in individual countries as well as financial market turbulence and protectionist tendencies continue to represent potential disruptive factors. The Audi Group expects demand for cars to develop at different rates in different regions in 2019. Overall, worldwide demand for new vehicles is likely to remain at the 2018 level. We anticipate that new registrations in Western Europe will be on a par with the 2018 reporting year. In the Central and Eastern Europe region, we expect a rise in new registrations. Sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in North America will probably be below the previous year's level. By contrast, the market for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in South America should continue to develop positively. We also expect the Asia-Pacific market to recover during the year, with a slight overall rise in new registrations in 2019. In the motorcycle markets that are relevant for the Ducati brand in the displacement segment above 500 cc we now anticipate that new registrations will be around the same level as in 2018 as a whole. The forecasts for the key performance indicators for 2019 as a whole, which are explained in detail in the 2018 Annual Report on pages 137 f., remain valid - assuming successful implementation of the next phase of the Audi Transformation Plan. The impact of the deconsolidation of multi-brand sales companies has already been factored in. In addition, we expect the second phase of the WLTP changeover to cause fluctuations in the net cash flow during the year, although these should normalize towards the end of the year. REPORT ON RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES
The central task of risk and opportunity management is to systematically render risks transparent and improve their controllability, while also providing the impetus to generate or exploit opportunities. The priority is to increase the value of the Company. The products of AUDI AG are subject to a permanent monitoring process. Both products in series production as well as new and revised software and hardware are permanently monitored for legal and technical conformity. There is a potential risk that the products may not fully comply with statutory or technical requirements. If any non-conformity is identified, internal reporting processes, for example via the Committee for Product Safety, are immediately triggered, the issues are analyzed in collaboration with the responsible departments and any necessary solutions are developed. In addition, the appropriate authorities are informed directly where relevant. With respect to the consumer protection claims asserted by the New Mexico Attorney General, in March 2019 a New Mexico state court denied Volkswagen's motion to dismiss those claims against Volkswagen AG and certain affiliates, including AUDI AG, and in April 2019 the court declined to grant Volkswagen and Audi permission to appeal that decision. At the start of the year, there was also an increase in the supply risk relating to batteries for our fully electric Audi e-tron in its start-up year. This could result in volume risks compared with the planning underlying our forecast. The impact of this risk is being managed to the best possible extent via continuous monitoring and by building up capacity at a further supplier. Compared with the information provided in the "Report on risks and opportunities" in the Combined Management Report in the 2018 Annual Report - including the paragraphs in the "Diesel issue" section - there were no other material changes in the reporting period.
Apart from the statement of objections issued by the European Commission with regard to antitrust investigations, there were no reportable events of material significance after March 31, 2019.
FUEL/POWER CONSUMPTION AND EMISSION FIGURES AS WELL AS EFFICIENCY CLASSES The fuel/power consumption and emission figures as well as the efficiency classes for the passenger cars mentioned in the document are given below. Fuel/power consumption, CO2 emission figures and efficiency classes given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used. The specified fuel/power consumption and emission data have been determined according to the measurement procedures prescribed by law. Since September 1, 2017, certain new vehicles are already being type-approved according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), a more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Starting on September 1, 2018, the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) will be replaced by the WLTP in stages. Owing to the more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions measured according to the WLTP will, in many cases, be higher than those measured according to the NEDC. For further information on the differences between the WLTP and NEDC, please visit www.audi.de/wltp. We are currently still required by law to state the NEDC figures. In the case of new vehicles which have been type-approved according to the WLTP, the NEDC figures are derived from the WLTP data. It is possible to specify the WLTP figures voluntarily in addition until such time as this is required by law. In cases where the NEDC figures are specified as value ranges, these do not refer to a particular individual vehicle and do not constitute part of the sales offering. They are intended exclusively as a means of comparison between different vehicle types. Additional equipment and accessories (e.g. add-on parts, different tire formats, etc.) may change the relevant vehicle parameters, such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, and, in conjunction with weather and traffic conditions and individual driving style, may affect fuel consumption, electrical power consumption, CO₂ emissions and the performance figures for the vehicle. Further information on official fuel consumption figures and the official specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the "Guide on the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and power consumption of all new passenger car models," which is available free of charge at all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, Germany (www.dat.de).
This First Quarter Report contains forward-looking statements relating to anticipated future developments. These statements are based upon current assessments and are by their very nature subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ from those predicted in these statements. The figures in brackets represent those for the corresponding prior-year period. All figures are rounded off, which may lead to minor deviations when added up. Contact: anton.poll@audi.de
03.05.2019 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. |
| Language: | English |
| Company: | AUDI AG |
| Auto-Union-Straße 1 | |
| 85045 Ingolstadt | |
| Germany | |
| Phone: | +49 (0)841 89-0 |
| Fax: | +49 (0)841 89-32524 |
| E-mail: | anton.poll@audi.de |
| Internet: | www.audi.de |
| ISIN: | DE0006757008 |
| WKN: | 675700 |
| Listed: | Regulated Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (General Standard), Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart; Regulated Unofficial Market in Tradegate Exchange |
| EQS News ID: | 806627 |
| End of News | DGAP News Service |
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806627 03.05.2019
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