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Fiat Group ends third quarter with a 15th
consecutive quarterly improvement in
profitability despite weak market
conditions; revenues are over 14 billion
euros (+3.2 pct) and trading profit of 802
million euros (+8 pct). |
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The Board of
Directors of Fiat S.p.A. met at CNH premises in Racine,
Wisconsin (U.S.A.), under the chairmanship of Luca Cordero
di Montezemolo, to approve the Group’s third quarter and
first nine month 2008 results.
• Group revenues
rose 3.2% to €14.3 billion, with CNH providing aparticularly
strong contribution:
− Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA) reported Q3 revenues of €6.6
billion (+1.9% y.o.y.) on 516,700 total units delivered
(-4.8%), with continued strong volumes in Brazil (+10.2%),
more than offset by lower deliveries in Western Europe
(-12%). In face of a 10.1% decline in registrations for
Western Europe (down 9.8% excluding Italy), FGA decreased by
only 4.1% (up 4% excl. Italy), improving its market share to
7.8% from 7.4%. In Brazil, FGA retained a leading position
with 24.8% market share.
− Agricultural and Construction Equipment (CNH) revenues
were up 10.1% (+20.3% in US dollar terms) on the back of
market share gains, continued strong growth in agricultural
equipment and, in particular, stronger demand for combines
in all regions. Construction equipment sales declined, due
to continued weak demand in North America and Western
Europe, partly offset by increases in Latin America and RoW.
− In a core market significantly declining, Trucks and
Commercial Vehicles (Iveco) had revenues of €2.4 billion
(-6.2%), as a result of a 17.9% decline in vehicles
delivered, partly offset by a change in product mix. Iveco
continues to strengthen its presence in Latin America
(+47.6%).
• Trading profit rose nearly 8% to €802 million, reflecting
overall margin improvement despite uneven trading
conditions:
− FGA contributed trading profit of €190 million (2.9% of
revenues), a €5 million gain over Q3 2007.
− CNH reported a €59 million y.o.y. increase to €284 million
(up 37% in US dollar terms). Margins were up 1.1 percentage
points to 9.1%, reflecting buoyant demand for agricultural
equipment, improved product mix in addition to pricing and
operational actions implemented.
− Iveco posted €181 million in trading profit, down €9
million over Q3 2007 due to lower sales volumes. However,
improved price positioning enabled the Sector to maintain
margins (up to 7.5% from 7.4% for Q3 2007).
• Strategic developments include agreements for new
production initiatives in Serbia.
• Working capital absorption (€2.4 billion), due to
weakening trading conditions in Western Europe, seasonality
and strong demand for agricultural products, combined with
capital expenditure (€1.1 billion), primarily targeted at
strengthening the product portfolio, brought net industrial
debt to €3.3 billion. Liquidity at €3.2 billion.
Group Results – Third Quarter
Group revenues
for Q3 2008 totalled €14.3 billion, up 3.2% over the
same period in 2007, and benefited from the significant
contribution of CNH and the growth of the Automobile
businesses. Top-line performance for Iveco, however,
reflected a substantial drop in demand in the European
market. Group trading profit for the third quarter
was €802 million, a €57 million (+7.7%) increase over the
same period in 2007. The trading margin improved to 5.6%
from 5.4%. Net financial
expense of €161 million was
substantially in line with the €163 million figure for the
third quarter of 2007. The figure for Q3 2008 also included
a €22 million charge for the decrease in the mark-to-market
value of two stock-option related equity swaps (compared to
a €19 million charge for Q3 2007).
Profit before taxes
totalled €675 million, a
€53 million increase over the third quarter of 2007,
reflecting the €57 million improvement in operating profit.
Net profit
(before minority interests) was €468
million, compared to €454 million for the third quarter of
2007, after income taxes of €207 million (€168
million for the third quarter of 2007).
For Q3 2008, the
Group had a net industrial cash absorption of
approximately €2.8 billion, with the positive operating
result being more than offset by a €2.4 billion increase in
working capital - reflecting lower activity in the Western
European markets, seasonality and inventory build to satisfy
4th quarter demand for agricultural products - and by
capital expenditures of approximately €1.1 billion (+€0.3
billion over Q3 2007) - primarily targeted at strengthening
the product portfolio. Net industrial debt rose €2.8
billion to €3.3 billion. At 30 September 2008, Group
liquidity was €3.2 billion (typically at its lowest
level in the third quarter).
Group Results – First nine months
Group revenues
totalled €46.3 billion for the first nine months
of 2008, an 8.4% increase over same period in 2007, and all
industrial businesses contributing to the improvement.
Operating profit
for the first nine months was €2,716
million and included €17 million in unusual income primarily
related to the release of provisions for risks which were
deemed unnecessary. The €430 million increase over 2007,
therefore, principally reflects the €413 million increase in
trading profit.
Net financial
expense
for the first nine months totalled
€602 million (€331 million for the same period in 2007) and
includes a negative €164 million effect from the
marking-to-market of two stock option related equity swaps.
The Group reported a €141 million gain on those swaps for
the first nine months of 2007, resulting in a year-over-year
net difference of €305 million. The 2007 figure also
included a €43 million charge for early repayment of a CNH
bond (original maturity in 2011). Excluding these two
effects, net financial expense was substantially unchanged
over the same period for the prior year.
Profit before taxes
was €2,266 million,
compared with €2,071 million for the first nine months of
2007. This €195 million improvement was attributable to
higher operating profit (+€430 million) and investment
income (+€36 million), both of which more than offset the
€271 million increase in net financial expense.
Income taxes
totalled €725 million (€614 million
for the first nine months of 2007), representing an
effective tax rate of 32%, at the high end of the Group’s
expected effective rate for FY 2008.
Net profit
(before minority interests) was
€1,541 million, as compared to €1,457 million for the first
nine months of 2007. During the period, there was a net
industrial cash absorption of approximately €2.9
billion, mainly attributable to seasonal factors and lower
activity in the Western European markets in the third
quarter, in addition to a high level of capital expenditure
(€2.7 billion, up €0.6 billion over the first nine months of
2007). The Group also distributed €545 million in dividends
(including €36 million to minority shareholders of
consolidated entities) and made share buy-backs totalling
€239 million. As a result, net industrial debt rose
€3.6 billion during the period.
Automobiles
Fiat Group Automobiles
Third Quarter
Fiat Group
Automobiles
achieved
revenues
of €6.6 billion, up 1.9% over Q3 2007.
Lower volumes were more than offset by improved product mix,
pricing, as well as favourable currency movements (the
Brazilian real in particular). Fiat Group Automobiles
delivered a total of 516,700 units, down 4.8% over Q3 2007.
In Western Europe, 268,200 vehicles were delivered,
representing a 12% decrease attributable to decidedly weak
markets. Deliveries for the Sector declined in Italy
(-21.8%), whereas strong growth was achieved in France
(+30.9%) and Germany (+16.6%), where results were
significantly higher than or ran counter to the trend in
market demand. In Spain (-40.5%) and Great Britain (-16.8%),
the Sector’s performance was impacted by the marked declines
in market demand.
The Fiat brand
continued its positive performance. In Europe, the Fiat
Panda and the 500 continue to be the most sold A-segment
cars and the Punto remains amongst the models in its segment
experiencing the highest level of demand. The Lancia brand
began to see the benefit of deliveries of the new Delta,
with 12,000 orders having been received at the end of Q3
2008, since its launch in June. The Lancia Musa also enjoyed
success in several major European markets. Alfa Romeo began
sales of the new MiTo (at the end of Q3 2008, 10,000 orders
received since the model went on sale in September).
In Q3 2008, the
Western European passenger vehicle market declined 10.1%
year-over-year driven by sharp declines in demand in Italy
(-11.7%), Spain (-32.5%) and Great Britain (-18.8%), in
addition to a more modest decline in Germany (-3.3%). By
contrast, there was limited growth in France (+0.9%). Demand
remained buoyant in Brazil, which saw 17.7% growth over Q3
2007. Fiat Group Automobiles continued to gain share in the
passenger vehicle market. In Italy, market share was 31.8%,
a 0.9 percentage point increase over Q3 2007. In Western
Europe, market share increased 0.4 percentage points to
7.8%. During the quarter, the Fiat brand continued to win
market share in Western Europe, climbing from 5.7% in 2007
to 6.3% in 2008. In Italy alone, market share rose to 24.4%
(+0.6 percentage points). In Brazil, deliveries for the
quarter were up 10.2% over Q3 2007 and the Sector reaffirmed
its position as market leader with a 24.8% market share
(down 1.8 percentage points from Q3 2007 due to the
particularly high level of competition).
A total of 94,500
light commercial vehicles were delivered in Q3 2008,
representing 6.9% growth year-over-year. In Western Europe,
where the market declined 12.2%, deliveries actually rose
1.3% to 51,300 units. Fiat Professional benefited from the
contribution of the Fiorino, which went on sale at the end
of 2007. Fiat Professional’s market share was 12.1% for
Western Europe (+0.3 percentage points over Q3 2007) and
42.5% for Italy (-0.6 percentage points).
For the third
quarter, Fiat Group Automobiles had trading profit of
€190 million (2.9% of revenues), an improvement over the
€185 million figure (2.8% of revenues) reported for Q3 2007.
The decrease in volumes in Western Europe and higher selling
expenses associated with the launch of new models were
substantially offset by the positive performance in the
Brazilian market and better product mix.
In September, Fiat
Group Automobiles models received two important expressions
of recognition. The Lancia Delta was awarded the coveted
EuroNCAP five stars, considered the highest recognition for
safety internationally, while the Fiat Fiorino was named
“International Van of the Year 2009” by a panel of
automotive journalists from 20 countries. This brings the
number of times Fiat Professional has won this prestigious
award to four. Then, in October, the Alfa MiTo topped new
models from all other makers presented in 2008 to win the
“Auto Europa 2009” award, finishing ahead of the Lancia
Delta which took second place. New products unveiled during
the third quarter include the Fiat Qubo, an innovative car
which, given its flexibility and ability to satisfy a
variety of mobility needs, has been described as a ‘free
space’ vehicle. In early October, the Paris Motor Show saw
the premiere of the PUR-O2 label, intended for vehicles with
minimum environmental impact (a 500, Croma and Bravo model
were exhibited) equipped with systems to reduce consumption
and emissions. Also presented by Fiat, was the special “500
by Diesel” series: a marriage between the new icon of ‘Made
in Italy’ and the renowned fashion house. Lancia presented
the prototype Ypsilon Versus at the Paris show. Designed in
collaboration with Versace, this car provided a sneak
preview of a special series which will be available in March
2009. Alfa Romeo presented the Alfa Brera TI (the historic
initials standing for “Turismo Internazionale”), a sports
car bred for daily street driving. Finally, Abarth presented
its “esseesse” kit, which transforms a standard production
Fiat 500 into a high-spirited car sporting the Scorpion
badge, and the racing version of the 500, the Abarth Assetto
Corse. A single-make trophy will be launched in 2009 for the
500 Abarth Assetto Corse which is to be sold to drivers
“competition ready”. The Eco Drive was also presented to the
public at the Paris Motor Show. Eco Drive is a sophisticated
application developed with Microsoft which promotes
eco-friendly driving. Already available on the 500 and
Grande Punto, the application will also be offered on all
Fiat models equipped with Blue&Me beginning in 2009. There
were two new offerings from Fiat Professional at the
Hannover Motor Show, where it debuted the Natural Power
versions of the Ducato and Fiorino (i.e., dual-powered by
natural gas and gasoline). Finally, in October Fiat
presented the Grande Punto Natural Power. This vehicle has
minimum emissions, very low running costs and can be driven
in restricted traffic zones.
First nine months
Fiat Group
Automobiles
reported €21.2 billion in revenues,
up 8.4% year-over-year driven by higher volumes and improved
pricing and mix. Fiat Group Automobiles delivered a total of
1,725,000 units (+3.8%) in the first nine months of 2008, of
which 986,700 units in Western Europe, where there was a
drop in volumes (-3.4%) due to a generally weak passenger
vehicle market. Fiat Group Automobiles reported significant
gains in France (+41.1%) and Germany (+20.9%), but
experienced declines in Italy (-11.1%), Spain (-30.3%) and
Great Britain (-4.6%). The Western European market
contracted 5% during the first nine months. There were
marked declines in demand in Italy (-11.3%) and Spain
(-22.0%), as well as a drop in Great Britain (-7.5%). The
passenger vehicle market expanded, however, in both France
(+3.4%) and Germany (+1.3%).
Fiat Group
Automobiles’ share of the Italian market stood at 31.9%
(+0.5 percentage points over the first nine months of 2007),
continuing a positive trend. For Western Europe, market
share saw a slight increase to 8.2% (+0.1 percentage
points). There was a significant increase in deliveries in
Brazil (+22.8%), where Fiat Group Automobiles closed the
first nine months with a 25.3% share (down 0.6 percentage
points), maintaining the lead position in a market which is
continuing to experience double-digit growth (+23.3%).
A total of 323,100
light commercial vehicles were delivered during the first
nine months, a 13.5% increase over the same period for the
prior year. In Western Europe, a total of 193,700 units were
delivered, resulting in a 10% increase notwithstanding the
5.3% decline in the market. Market share for Fiat
Professional increased to 43.2% in Italy (+0.7 percentage
points) and 12.3% in Western Europe (+0.6 percentage
points). Fiat Group Automobiles reported trading profit
of €626 million for the first nine months (2.9% of
revenues). The 9.8% improvement over the €570 million figure
(2.9% of revenues) for the same period in 2007 was driven by
higher volumes, a more favourable product mix and, in
particular, positive performance in the Brazilian market,
the effects of which were partially offset by non-recurring
costs related to the temporary closure of the Giambattista
Vico plant.
Maserati
For Q3 2008,
Maserati reported €198 million in revenues, an
increase of 40.4% over the same period in 2007. This
improvement is primarily attributable to the excellent
performance of the GranTurismo. Deliveries to the network
climbed to 1,971 units for the quarter, up 34% over the same
period in 2007. For Q3 2008, trading profit was €9
million (4.5% of revenues) – a significant increase over the
€6 million figure (4.3% of revenues) for Q3 2007 despite
substantial adverse currency movements – driven by strong
sales performance and significant efficiency gains.
Boasting a
successful sales record with over 15 thousand units sold to
date and 47 international awards received, the Quattroporte
has provided an upgrade to the entire range which now also
includes a Sport version. In July, the Quattroporte S,
equipped with a new 4.7-litre engine (430 hp), was presented
and road tested by over 200 journalists from leading
international publications, and it received favourable
reviews. The entire new Maserati Quattroporte range recently
made its debut appearance to the general public at the Paris
Motor Show.
Maserati booked
€596 million in revenues in the first nine months,
up 22.9% over the same period for the prior year. Deliveries
to the network rose 25% to 6,466 units compared to the first
nine months of 2007: a result that is all the more
significant given the overall decline of approximately 15%
in Maserati’s market segments. At the end of September, the
order book stood at 1,784 units. Maserati reported
trading profit of €31 million (5.2% of revenues) for the
first nine months of 2008, representing a substantial
increase over the €6 million figure (1.2% of revenues) for
the same period in 2007.
Ferrari
Ferrari
recorded €450 million in revenues
for Q3 2008, up 22.3% year-over-year, driven
primarily by sales of the 430 Scuderia and 599 GTB Fiorano,
improved pricing and higher revenues from the racing
division. During the same period, 1,399 cars were delivered
to the sales network and sales to the end customer reached
1,520 units, substantially in line with the third quarter of
the previous year. Ferrari closed the quarter with
trading profit of €79 million (17.6% of revenues), up
41.1% from the €56 million figure (15.2% of revenues) for Q3
2007. This positive performance is primarily attributable to
higher revenues and cost efficiency gains, which include a
decrease in the net cost of Formula 1 racing.
After simultaneous
previews at Maranello and in Los Angeles, Ferrari officially
presented the new California at the Paris Motor Show. This
new model offers several innovative features: from the
central front-mounted V8 engine to the 7-speed transmission
coupled with double-friction clutch and Formula 1-style
controls. Other original features include the cabriolet with
folding hard-top.
Ferrari’s
revenues for the first nine months were €1,419
million, up 21.1% year-over-year. A total of 4,822
vehicles(+3.1%) were delivered to dealers and sales to end
customers totalled 5,026 units (+2.6%). Ferrari’s trading
profit was €243 million (17.1% of revenues) in the first
nine months of 2008, up 54.8% from the €157 million figure
(13.4% of revenues) reported for the same period of 2007 due
to higher volumes, improved pricing and cost efficiency
gains.
Agricultural and Construction
Equipment
Third Quarter
CNH – Case New
Holland revenues
for Q3
2008 totalled €3.1 billion, an increase of 10.1% over Q3
2007. In US dollar terms revenues rose by 20.3%, mainly
driven by continuing strong sales growth in the agricultural
equipment business combined with a favourable mix of higher
horsepower tractors and combines sales. Construction
equipment sales declined as strength in Latin America and
Rest of World markets and pricing did not offset soft
markets in North America and Western Europe. Worldwide, the
agricultural equipment industry experienced a decline in
retail unit volumes for tractors of 1% and growth in combine
harvesters of 54% compared to Q3 2007. In the regions:
demand for tractors was strong in Latin America, up slightly
in Western Europe, declining in North America (for under 100
hp models, offset by increases in the over 100 hp market)
and in the Rest of World. Demand for combine harvesters was
stronger in every region, with very significant increases in
Latin America, Western Europe and Rest of World.
CNH’s brands were
well placed to benefit from the agricultural equipment
industry’s strong growth. Worldwide tractor market share was
up with gains achieved in Rest of World and North America
(particularly in high-hp models); in Latin America and
Western Europe market shares were unchanged. Overall combine
market share was up, achieving significant gains in North
America and Rest of World; Latin America and Western Europe
declined, due to supply constraints. Retail unit sales for
the construction equipment industry worldwide declined by
12%. Latin America and Rest of World markets continued to
grow, while Western Europe and North America sharply
declined. Industry sales of heavy construction equipment
were up by 3%, with strong performance in Latin America and
Rest of World and a drop in Western Europe and North
America. Retail sales in the light construction equipment
industry declined by 22%, driven by drops in North America
and Western Europe, a decline in Rest of World, partially
offset by a significant growth in Latin America.
CNH continued to
benefit from its global construction equipment presence,
with a stable worldwide market share. In the strong Latin
American markets, share gains were achieved in light
equipment; in Rest of World and North America, market share
was substantially stable, while declining in Western Europe.
CNH closed the third quarter of 2008 with trading profit
of €284 million (9.1% of revenues), an increase of €59
million over the €225 million level (8.0% of revenues) for
Q3 2007 (up 37% in US dollar terms). Agricultural
Equipment’s sales growth, mix improvements, pricing and
operational actions more than offset rising material cost
pressures and production capacity constraints as well as
weakness in Construction Equipment.
During the quarter,
all CNH brands continued to launch new, re-powered and
up-graded products, further widening their product offering.
Case IH Agriculture
publicly debuted its new Mid-Range
Magnum row crop tractors, and an expanded line-up of high
efficiency, Axial-Flow Combines. Case IH also introduced
upgraded models of small square balers, a new pull-type
rotary cutter and continued its worldwide distribution of
the new JXU Utility tractors, Axial Flow combines and Module
Express Cotton Pickers into the Australian market.
New Holland Agriculture’s
new 591 hp CR9090 Class IX Combine set a new Guinness world
record in the UK on 26 September, by harvesting 551 tons of
wheat in 8 hours, beating the previous record by 19.5 tons,
while consuming only 13.3 litres of fuel per hectare –
highlighting the machine’s efficiency. In addition, New
Holland upgraded its VN2080 Grape Harvesters for worldwide
markets and introduced new T7000 and upgraded T6000 higher
horsepower tractors for the Latin American market.
Case Construction
added new models to its
B-Series crawler excavators with reduced noise levels and
increased fuel efficiency for worldwide distribution, new
compact track loaders in Europe, new compaction equipment in
the Americas and new crawler dozers, backhoe loaders, and
skid steer and compact track loaders in Rest-of-World
markets. New Holland
Construction presented its
newest models of crawler excavators, expanding the breadth
of its product line, complete with improved hydraulics and
cab ergonomics and an integrated noise and dust reduction
system, destined for the North American and Western European
markets. It introduced new models of graders, telehandlers
and skid steer loaders in the Latin American market and new
crawler excavators and graders in Rest-of-World markets.
First nine months
CNH had revenues
of €9.7 billion for the first nine months of 2008, up
10.3% over the same period in 2007. In U.S. dollar terms,
revenues grew by 24.8%. Increased sales of higher-value high
horsepower tractors and combines, better mix and pricing
actions drove the improvement.
Trading profit
was €881 million (9.1% of revenues) up
€119 million over the first nine months of 2007 (€762
million and 8.7% trading margin). The increase was 30.9% in
U.S. dollar terms. Agricultural Equipment’s sales growth,
improved mix, and pricing actions more than offset higher
procurement, manufacturing and expediting costs driven by
rapidly increasing volumes as well as weakness in
Construction equipment.
Trucks and Commercial Vehicles
Third Quarter
For Q3 2008,
Iveco had revenues of €2.4 billion, representing
a 6.2% decrease year-over-year principally attributable to
lower sales volumes in Europe, where the market contracted
significantly. Iveco delivered a total of 39,953 vehicles
during the quarter, a 17.9% drop over the same period in
2007. In Western Europe, a total of 23,960 vehicles were
delivered, down 25.9% year-over-year. Declines were
experienced in all principal European markets, except for
Great Britain, where a 2.7% increase was reported. Outside
Western Europe deliveries contracted 19.1% in Eastern
Europe, while performance in Latin America remained very
strong (+47.6%). In Western Europe, the number of new
vehicle registrations in the ≥ 2.8 ton category declined
considerably (-9.1%) compared to Q3 2007, with a drop in
registrations in all three segments. There were decreases in
France (-6.7%), Great Britain (-8.6%), Italy (-4.1%) and a
very significant drop in Spain (-46.6%). By contrast,
Germany experienced a continued increase in demand (+4.2%).
Iveco’s market
share in Western Europe stood at 9.8%, slightly below Q3
2007 (-0.6 percentage points). Market share in the light
vehicle segment fell 0.4 percentage points mostly due to
increased demand in the van segment being predominantly met
by car-based models and the commercial strategy of defending
margins. Market share in the medium segment fell 1
percentage point, principally due to the effect of
low-priced competition from Japanese producers and defensive
price positioning for the new Eurocargo. In the heavy
vehicle segment, there was a 1.4 percentage point decrease
which was predominantly attributable to a less favourable
market mix compared to 2007 and protection of margins
through price monitoring. Iveco had trading profit of
€181 million, down €9 million over Q3 2007 principally due
to lower sales volumes. Notwithstanding top-line
performance, the trading margin stood at 7.5% (7.4% for Q3
2007) due to improved price positioning.
In July, Iveco
launched a field test of a hybrid version of the Daily
(dual-powered diesel/electric) with the delivery of 10 of
these vehicles to one of the leading global courier
companies. This version of the Daily will go into production
in 2009. In September, the Campagnola was launched,
representing a return of the historic offroad vehicle
produced by Fiat for more than 35 years. This model has been
designed as a people transporter having the look and
performance of an authentic off-road vehicle. Also in
September, Iveco presented the new Eurocargo 4x4 to the
media and the public at the Hannover Motor Show, in addition
to other models powered by alternative fuels which are
already or soon to be in production. In Turin, Iveco
participated at the world fair for natural gas and hydrogen
powered vehicles, exhibiting part of its range of CNG
powered commercial vehicles and buses.
First nine months
Iveco
posted revenues of €8.4 billion
for the first nine months of 2008, up 6.4% over the same
period for the prior year, largely attributable to higher
sales volumes and improved pricing in the first six months
of the year. A total of 157,050 vehicles were delivered in
the first nine months of 2008, up 2.6% over the same period
in 2007. Deliveries in Western Europe totalled 101,937
units, down 6.6%, with decreases in almost all markets
except for France (+4.1%) and Great Britain (+15%).
Deliveries in Eastern Europe were up 18.7%, while
particularly positive performance remained strong in Latin
America (+42%). In Western Europe, where the market posted
an overall contraction for the period (-1.8%) as compared to
the first nine months of 2007, Iveco had an overall share of
9.9%, down slightly (-0.5 percentage points) year-over-year
reflecting decreases in the same segments as indicated for
the quarter. In Eastern Europe, Iveco remained one of the
most important players, with an overall share of
approximately 12% in a market which – despite the
contraction of the past few months – increased in the
aggregate for the first nine months of 2008 as compared to
the same period for 2007 (+6.2%). Iveco reported €651
million in trading profit (7.7% of revenues), an €87
million improvement (+15.4%) over the €564 million figure
(7.1% of revenues) for the first nine months of 2007,
principally driven by higher sales volumes and improved
pricing.
Components and Production
Systems
FPT Powertrain Technologies
FPT Powertrain
Technologies
reported €1.6 billion in revenues
for Q3 2008, representing a 1% year-over-year
decrease. Sales to external customers and joint ventures
accounted for 20% of the total (22% for Q3 2007). Revenues
for the Passenger & Commercial Vehicles (P&CV) product line
totalled €0.9 billion (3.5% down on Q3 2007), of which 86%
was from sales to other Group companies. A total of 552,900
engines were sold during the quarter, representing a 10%
decrease heavily influenced by reduced volumes for diesel
engines which experienced particularly weak demand during
the period. A total of 496,300 transmissions were delivered,
in line with activity levels for 2007.
Revenues for the
Industrial & Marine (I&M) product line totalled €0.7
billion. The 2.5% increase over Q3 2007 was driven by an
increase in volumes to CNH and Sevel (the JV for the
production of light commercial vehicles). A total of 122,600
engines were sold (+8.7%) - primarily to Iveco (36%), CNH
(25%) and Sevel (25%) - in addition to 21,100 transmissions
(-22.3%) and 52,600 axles (-20.8%). FPT reported trading
profit of €21 million (1.3% of revenues) for the third
quarter, a €42 million decrease over the €63 million figure
(3.9% of revenues) for the same period in 2007. This
decrease principally resulted from a contraction in volumes,
worsening of the sales mix and increases in raw materials
prices, in addition to start-up costs for new ventures in
China and Brazil.
On the product
front - for gasoline engines: development was completed on
the Euro 5-compliant Fire family of engines for the 500,
equipped with Start & Stop system, and the “esseesse” kit
was launched for the 500 Abarth. The Fire family has also
been enlarged with a new 1,172 cc version being developed
expressly for the Indian market. For diesel engines: the 190
hp, 1.9-litre Twin Turbo Multijet is now available on the
Lancia Delta. Yet another FPT engine, the F1C offered on the
Iveco Campagnola, was unveiled in September. The F1C is a
4-cylinder, 3-litre Common Rail turbo diesel with 16 valves
and exhaust gas recycling (EGR). Also of note was the launch
of the 480 hp Cursor 13 engine on the Iveco Stralis. For
transmissions: the new M38 manual transmission for light
commercial vehicles, available in both 5-speed and 6-speed
versions, was launched in September.
Revenues
for FPT Powertrain Technologies in
the first nine months of 2008 totalled €5.7 billion
(€3 billion from the P&CV product line and €2.7 billion from
I&M), a 10.1% increase over the first nine months of 2007.
Sales to external customers and joint ventures accounted for
22% of revenues (24% for the first nine months of 2007).
During the first nine months, Passenger & Commercial
Vehicles sold 1,959,800 engines (+1.8%) and 1,662,000
transmissions (+7.9%). Industrial & Marine delivered a total
of 440,100 engines (+18.2%). FPT’s trading profit for
the first nine months was €155 million (2.7% of revenues),
down €29 million over the €184 million figure (3.6% of
revenues) for the same period in 2007. The favourable effect
of higher volumes (concentrated in the first six months) and
increased efficiencies were more than offset by increased
raw materials prices and startup costs for several
international ventures, as well as costs recognised in the
first quarter for production problems with the 1.3 Multijet
engine related to defective components received from an
external supplier.
Magneti Marelli
Magneti Marelli
reported €1.4 billion in revenues
for Q3 2008 (+14.4% over Q3 2007), including €143
million in revenues from the new Plastic Components and
Modules business line which has been part of the Sector
since Q2 2008. Assuming a constant scope of operations,
revenues were up 3% over the same period in 2007, due to
higher volumes from increased market demand in Brazil and
the positive performance in components for the Fiat 500. For
the Lighting business, the increase in volumes sold to Fiat
in Brazil and external customers in China as well as higher
sales in Turkey were more than offset by the impact of the
crisis in the auto market in the NAFTA-area and a general
slowdown in Europe. The Engine Control business line
recorded increased sales in Brazil to both Fiat and external
customers, more than offset by a decline in Poland. Revenues
for the Suspension Systems business increased slightly:
positive sales performance in Brazil, an increase in
components for the Fiat 500 and higher volumes for light
commercial vehicles at Sevel more than offset the drop in
revenues attributable the sale of a business unit to Fiat
Group Automobiles and lower passenger vehicle volumes in
Europe. The Exhaust Systems and Shock Absorbers business
lines achieved increases linked to the strong demand in
Brazil and growth in sales to Fiat in Poland, in particular
for the Fiat 500. Increased sales of instrument panels to
external customers and telematics to Fiat Group Automobiles
and external customers drove revenue growth for the
Electronic Systems business line.
Magneti Marelli
reported trading profit of €48 million for the third
quarter, up from the €44 million figure for Q3 2007. This
increase was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes
in Brazil and Poland, which offset the slowdown in the other
markets and a less favourable product mix overall. Actions
taken to improve production costs also contributed to the
result. Trading margin for the period was 3.5% (3.7% for Q3
2007). On a comparable scope of operations, the trading
margin would be higher at 4%. Among the principal products
launched during the quarter were: headlights and rear lights
for the Maserati Quattroporte; a complete exhaust system for
the dual-power gasoline/natural gas Fiat Grande Punto
Natural Power; a manifold for the 165 hp, 2.0-litre JTD
engine and shock absorbers for the Fiat Linea. In addition
to these products, Magneti Marelli also introduced
other important components for new models of some of the
major German, French, American and Chinese automakers.
Magneti Marelli
reported €4.3 billion in revenues for the first
nine months of 2008, up 16.7% over the same period in
2007. On a comparable scope of operations, revenues were up
by 6.7% on the back of excellent performance in several
markets - primarily Brazil, Poland and Germany - in relation
to business with both Fiat and external customers. Magneti
Marelli reported trading profit of €165 million (3.8%
of revenues; 4.2% on a like-for-like basis), compared to
€145 million (3.9% of revenues) for the first nine months of
2007.
Teksid
Teksid
reported revenues of €220
million for Q3 2008, up 34.1% year-over-year, partly
attributable to the contribution from the Aluminium business
unit, which was consolidated as of September 2007. On a
comparable scope of operations, the increase in revenues
would be 17.1%. This increase was due in part to higher
sales in the NAFTA area, following a turnaround in the
commercial vehicles market, as well as in Brazil. By
contrast, there was a drop in European sales. The remaining
increase was attributable to price increases implemented to
offset higher raw material costs. Teksid reported trading
profit of €10 million (€13 million for Q3 2007) which
includes a €5 million trading loss for the Aluminium
business unit. Teksid reported €682 million in revenues
for the first nine months of 2008, up 22.9% over
the first nine months of the prior year. Excluding the
effects of disposal of the Magnesium business unit in early
March 2007 and consolidation of the Aluminium business unit,
the increase would amount to 12.4%. Teksid closed the first
nine months of 2008 with trading profit of €38
million, compared to the €45 million figure for the same
period in 2007. On a comparable scope of operations, trading
profit would have increased by €13 million.
Comau
Comau
had revenues of €309 million in
the third quarter of 2008, up 20.7% compared with the
third quarter of 2007. The increase in revenues was
attributable to the Body Welding business in Europe, Service
operations in Latin America and activities in China partly
offset by the adverse effect of currency movements. Order
intake was €187 million for the period, down 15% over the
third quarter of 2007. Comau reported a trading profit
of €10 million in Q3 2008, compared with €1 million for
the same period in 2007. For the first nine months of
2008, Comau had revenues of €820 million, a 3.5%
increase over the same period in 2007 principally due to the
Body Welding business in Europe and the Service business in
Latin America. Order intake for the first nine months of
2008, totalling €879 million, was slightly down with respect
to the same period for 2007. The order backlog totalled €640
million at the end of September, up 10% over year-end 2007.
Comau reported trading profit of €12 million for the
first nine months of 2008, compared to a €24 million loss
for the same period in 2007 due to the positive
repositioning of the business.
Other Businesses
Itedi ’s
third-quarter revenues of €69 million represented a
12.7% decline over Q3 2007. This decrease was principally
due to lower advertising revenues for Publikompass,
reflecting a significant contraction in its core market.
Itedi, which typically experiences a drop in business in the
third quarter, reported a
trading loss of €7 million
compared to a €2 million loss in Q3 2007. The deterioration
was caused by the slowdown in revenues mentioned above,
which was partly mitigated by the cost containment measures
implemented. Itedi had revenues of €245 million in
the first nine months
of 2008, down 13.7% over the same
period in 2007 (for the reasons stated in the comments for
Q3). Trading loss
for the first nine months was €4
million (profit of €4 million for the first nine months of
2007). In Q3 2008, the trading loss for the
remaining businesses, including
Holding companies
and the impact of eliminations and
consolidation adjustments, decreased by €13 million. For the
first nine months, there was a €28 million decrease
in trading loss primarily due to the reduction of stock
option related costs.
Significant events occurring
in the third quarter of 2008 and subsequent to 30 September
2008
At the beginning of
July, Fiat Group Automobiles and BMW signed a Memorandum of
Understanding which should lead to collaboration in the area
of components and platforms for both Mini and Alfa Romeo
vehicles. In September Fiat Group Automobiles and the
Republic of Serbia reached a definitive joint venture
agreement based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in
April. A new company, held 67 percent by FGA and 33 percent
by the Serbian Government, will acquire the assets of the
Zastava plant in Kragujevac. The plant, located 140
kilometres south-east of Belgrade, will reach a production
capacity of approximately 200,000 cars per year in 2010 with
potential for a further 100,000 units per year. Initial
investment in the project will be approximately €700
million, including more than €200 million in contributions
from the Serbian government consisting of €100 million in
cash, a €50 million loan and other contributions in the form
of tax exemptions, training programmes, etc. The project
will also receive support from the City of Kragujevac in
relation to provision of the necessary infrastructure and
supply of utilities. Serbia’s Ministry for the Economy and
Regional Development also signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with Iveco and Magneti Marelli as the basis of
potential cooperation in the production of buses, special
purpose vehicles and automotive components. Two joint
working groups have been established to examine various
aspects of the initiatives in greater detail. The objective
is to establish two companies, in each case held 70 percent
by Iveco or Magneti Marelli and 30 percent by the Serbian
Government. It is expected that by year-end 2012 Iveco will
produce approximately 2,200 buses per year and Magneti
Marelli will produce original components and spare parts in
plastic, suspensions, exhaust systems and automotive
lighting for both the domestic and international markets.
Magneti Marelli also signed an agreement with Unitech
Machines Limited to establish a joint venture in India for
the production of automotive electronic systems, such as
instrument panels, body electronics (i.e., control systems
for principal vehicle functions) and telematics. In
September, Fiat also signed a master agreement with the
Region of Basilicata to establish a centre of excellence for
research, training and the development of innovative
manufacturing processes in Melfi. This “Campus for
Innovation in Manufacturing”, which will require a total
investment of €18.5 million, will be attached to the Fiat
plant in Melfi. Its activities will be managed by the Centro
Ricerche Fiat.
Q3 2008
In July,
the Board of Directors of Fiat S.p.A. approved the granting
of 1,418,500 stock options under the Incentive Plan
established to attract and retain key executives which was
approved by Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 31
March 2008. Members of the Board of Directors are excluded
from the Plan. Stock options were granted at a strike price
of €10.24. On 20 October, Fiat's Board of Directors
completed the approval process for a corporate
reorganisation. The transaction involves the transfer of the
principal controlling shareholdings of Fiat Partecipazioni
S.p.A. (Fiat Group Automobiles, Fiat Powertrain
Technologies, Magneti Marelli, Teksid, Teksid Aluminum,
Maserati), approximate 40% holdings in Iveco and FNH (which
holds a controlling interest in CNH) and an approximate
10.5% holding in RCS to Fiat S.p.A., which already holds
100% of Comau, the remaining 60% of Iveco and FNH, and 85%
of Ferrari S.p.A. directly. Following the transaction, which
is planned to be completed by year end, Fiat S.p.A. will
hold the controlling interest in all of its industrial
sectors directly. The result of the transaction will be a
simplification of the Group’s structure, in line with latest
market best practice, in addition to improved operating
efficiency, financial optimization and streamlined dividend
flows. The transaction will take place at book value and,
therefore, from an accounting perspective, will be neutral
for both Fiat S.p.A. and the Group.
2008 Outlook
Given continuing
weak trading conditions, we expect the remainder of the year
to close with reduced volumes against original expectations
in all of our sectors, with the exception of the
agricultural portion of CNH. Nonetheless, we are confirming
our trading profit for the year at the low end of our
indicated range of €3.4 to €3.6 billion. Net industrial debt
is expected to range between €1.5 to € 2 billion, totally
attributable to working capital reversals associated with
lower production volumes.
2009 Outlook
The events we have
witnessed in this quarter have significantly changed the
quality of the trading conditions which our sectors will
face in the last quarter of this year and, in our view, for
a major portion of 2009. With conditions and positioning of
our businesses and financial markets changing as widely and
frequently as we have seen in the last few weeks, it is
quite difficult to peg a particular point as being a
reliable guidance for the performance of Fiat Group in 2009.
We believe that we will continue to experience erratic
fluctuations in market sentiments throughout at the least
the first semester. These deviations from “normal” trading
conditions expected in 2009 are viewed by us as temporary
and as such do not impact on the overall substance of the
commitment made by the Group back in 2006 regarding the
2007-10 objectives. It is for these reasons that we have
chosen a strategy of updating the financial markets on a
quarterly basis on expected 2009 performance, as evidence
materialises about the ultimate shape and quality of the
various product demand curves we face.
Notwithstanding this,
we have modelled a number of potential scenarios and formed
clear operational response plans to various degrees of
possible market declines. Based on this analysis, we can
summarize our worst case 2009 market scenario as follows:
• Global demand for
our products could decline between 10% to 20% compared to
2008.
• The range of trading profit associated with such declines
will be between €2.3 and €1.5 billion.
• The net result for the Group will range between €1,200 and
€400 million.
• Net industrial indebtedness levels will be between €3 and
€4 billion, purely as a result of working capital reversals.
While the Group is
implementing a variety of measures to contain the impact of
the expected market decline in 2009, the benefit of which is
reflected in the aforementioned guidance, nothing is being
implemented or actioned which would hinder the structural
capacity of the Group to return to normal trading conditions
after the current crisis is over. Therefore, to the extent
that normal trading conditions were to restore by the end of
2009, the Group reaffirms its 2010 objectives. While working
on the achievement of our objectives, the Fiat Group will
continue to implement its strategy of targeted alliances, in
order to optimise capital commitments and reduce risks.
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