Fiat Group revenues
during the third quarter were 13.5 billion (+11.9%;
+5.2% at constant exchange rates) reflecting continued
year-over-year volume recoveries for most businesses:
- Fiat Group Automobiles
(FGA) reported revenues of 6.6 billion, in line with Q3
2009, on a total of 481,300 deliveries of passenger cars
and light commercial vehicles (down 10.7%). Higher LCV
deliveries (+20.6% y.o.y) and favorable currency impacts
offset the decline in passenger car revenues. FGA
recorded a 29.2% share in Italy (-3.5 p.p.) and a 7.0%
share for Europe overall (-1.2 p.p.), with demand for
both smaller and CNG/LPG vehicles, where FGA is market
leader, down against the exceptionally strong levels
experienced in 2009. In Brazil, Fiat maintained
leadership with an overall share of 23.7%.
- Agricultural and Construction Equipment (CNH) revenues
were 3.0 billion, up 31.9% (+17.6% in USD), with solid
performances in the Americas and Rest-of-World markets
helped by a stabilization of trading conditions in
Europe. Construction equipment demand recovered
considerably across all regions.
- Trucks and Commercial Vehicles (Iveco) reported a
15.3% increase in revenues to 2.0 billion. Demand
increased in all regions and segments, but remains below
pre-crisis levels. Total deliveries were up 17.7% to
30,453 units.
- Components and Production Systems continued to record
significant top-line growth (3.2 bn; +22.8% vs. Q3
2009) on the back of increased demand from both Fiat
Group and external customers.
Group trading profit
nearly doubled to 586 million, up 278 million, with a
substantial year-on-year improvement in trading margin
to 4.3% (Q3 2009: 2.6%) primarily attributable to volume
recoveries and continued attention to costs.
- FGA reported a trading profit of 130 million (155
million for Q3 2009). Positive performance for Brazil
and the LCV segment, increased purchasing and
manufacturing efficiencies, in addition to favorable
currency impacts largely compensated for the impact of
volume declines, with trading margin holding at 2.0% (Q3
2009: 2.4%).
- CNH posted a trading profit of 215 million (66
million in Q3 2009). Strong margin improvement continued
(7.2% vs 2.9% in Q3 2009) on the back of higher volumes,
reduced industrial costs and a more favorable product
mix.
- Iveco achieved 80 million in trading profit (22
million in Q3 2009), with leverage from increased
volumes further supported by production efficiencies
improving trading margin to 4.0% (Q3 2009: 1.3%).
- Components and Production Systems continued to achieve
volume growth, in addition to purchasing and
manufacturing efficiencies, delivering a trading profit
of 102 million (37 million for Q3 2009).
Net industrial debt trended up slightly at 4.0
billion (3.7 billion at end Q2) on the back of seasonal
working capital reversals largely compensated by strong
operating performance.
Liquidity remained strong at 12.9 billion (13.5
billion at end Q2) after prepayment of USD 0.5 billion
CNH bond.
Activities relating to the demerger, approved by
shareholders on September 16th, are proceeding as
planned, with an effective date of
Group Results - Third Quarter
Group
revenues
for the third
quarter totaled 13.5 billion, an 11.9% increase (+5.2%
at constant exchange rates) over the same period in
2009, when overall trading conditions were weak. The
increase was driven by particularly positive performance
for CNH, Iveco and the Components and Production Systems
business. The Automobiles business achieved a slight
increase despite the fall in passenger car volumes for
Fiat Group Automobiles, reflecting the phase-out of
eco-incentives in the major European markets, which was
compensated for by increased volumes for light
commercial vehicles, Maserati and Ferrari, in addition
to positive currency effects.
The Group reported
trading profit
of 586 million for the
quarter (trading margin: 4.3%), compared with 308
million (trading margin: 2.6%) for the same period in
2009. The improvement in trading performance was driven
by higher volumes and continued focus on costs and
industrial efficiencies. The third quarter closed with
an
operating profit
of 586 million (267
million for the third quarter of 2009). The 319 million
increase reflects the significant improvement in trading
profit (+278 million) and a reduction in net unusual
expense (zero for Q3 2010 compared with a 41 million
charge for Q3 2009, consisting primarily of
restructuring costs).
Net financial expense
totaled 181
million for the quarter (164 million for Q3 2009) and
included a 58 million gain on the marking-to-market of
two stock option-related equity swaps (34 million gain
for Q3 2009). Net of this item, financial expense
increased 41 million over the prior year, reflecting
the cost associated with maintaining high liquidity
levels in excess of 12 billion.
Profit before taxes
was 435
million (128 million in Q3 2009), with the increase due
to a significant improvement in operating result (+319
million) slightly reduced by a 17 million increase in
net financial expense.
Income taxes
totaled 245 million
(103 million for the third quarter of 2009) and mainly
related to taxable income of companies operating outside
Italy and employment-related taxes in Italy (28
million). Net
profit for the
quarter was 190 million, up 165 million over the 25
million figure for the same period in 2009. During the
quarter, consolidated
net
industrial debt
increased by 0.3
billion. Strong operating performance for the quarter
largely offset the seasonal increase in working capital.
At September 30th, Group
liquidity
was 12.9
billion, down 0.6 billion over 30 June 2010,
principally due to the early repayment of a USD 0.5
billion CNH bond (originally scheduled for 2014). The
Group reported
trading
profit of
1,589 million (trading margin: 3.9%), up from 570
million for the first nine months of 2009 (trading
margin: 1.6%). The improvement in trading performance
was mainly driven by higher volumes and continued focus
on costs and industrial efficiencies.
Net financial expense
totaled 732
million (535 million for the first nine months of 2009)
and included a 26 million gain on the mark-to-market
value of two stock option related equity swaps (87
million for the first nine months of 2009). Net of this
item, financial expense for the first nine months was up
136 million, primarily due to the cost of maintaining
higher levels of liquidity.
Profit before taxes
was 966
million for the first nine months (248 million loss for
the first nine months of 2009), reflecting a significant
improvement in operating result (+1,270 million) and an
increase in investment income (+141 million), partially
offset by a 197 million increase in net financial
expense. Income
taxes totaled
684 million (317 million for the first nine months of
2009) and related to taxable income of companies
operating outside Italy and employment-related taxes (IRAP)
in Italy (72 million).
Net profit
was 282 million for the
first nine months, compared to a 565 million loss for
the same period in 2009.
Net industrial debt
for the Group
decreased 0.4 billion over the period, reflecting
positive operating performance for all businesses.
Fiat Group Automobiles
Third Quarter
Fiat Group Automobiles
closed the
quarter with
revenues
of 6.6
billion, in line with Q3 2009. The contraction in
passenger car volumes mainly in Europe was offset by
strong performance for light commercial vehicles and
favorable currency effects. At constant exchange rates,
revenues were down 6.3%. Fiat Group Automobiles
delivered a total of 481,300 passenger cars and light
commercial vehicles during the quarter, down 10.7% over
the same period in 2009. For passenger cars, Fiat Group
Automobiles delivered a total of 391,400 vehicles during
the third quarter, a 15.7% decrease over Q3 2009. In
Europe (EU 27 + EFTA), deliveries were down 25.4% to
197,800 vehicles. Volume declines in Italy (-33.6%) and
Germany (-38.2%) were due to the disproportionate
reduction for both smaller and LPG/CNG vehicles, where
FGA is market leader, following the phase-out of
eco-incentives. Deliveries also fell in the UK (-32.5%)
and Spain (-14.7%), but were stable in France. The
European passenger vehicle market experienced an overall
decrease of 13.0% year-on-year, with significant
declines in all major countries. In the third quarter,
there was a reversal in trend in the UK (-11.0%) and
Spain which, as widely anticipated, was down sharply
(-25.1%) following the introduction of VAT increases in
July. France was also down 9.9%, as the positive effect
of government incentives tailed off. And in both Italy
and Germany, the dramatic fall off in demand continued,
with registrations down 21.7% and 25.0%, respectively.
In Brazil, the years record growth continued with
demand up 2.3%. In Italy, Fiat Group Automobiles
recorded a 29.2% share, down 3.5 percentage points over
the corresponding period in 2009, due to the steep
decline (-66%) in demand for CNG and LPG vehicles. By
contrast, share for conventionally-powered vehicles was
up 1.4 percentage points. Market share was 7.0% for
Europe overall (-1.2 percentage points). FGA achieved
gains in Spain (+0.5 percentage points to 2.9%) and
France (+0.2 percentage points to 4.2%), while share was
down in the UK (-0.8 percentage points to 3.1%) and
Germany (-1.2 percentage points to 3.1%). The Fiat Panda
retained the top position in its segment in Europe,
followed by the Fiat 500, for which the number of
registrations remained at 2009 levels despite a
significant decline for the segment overall (-24%).
For light commercial
vehicles, a total of 89,900 units were delivered during
the quarter, a 20.6% increase over the same period in
2009. For Europe, deliveries were up 9.1% to 41,200
units. With the European market experiencing overall
growth of 8.8%, Fiat Professional achieved an 11.6%
share (-0.6 percentage points). In Italy, market share
increased to 41.4% (+0.3 percentage points) driven by
the performance of the Ducato. In Brazil, passenger car
and light commercial vehicle deliveries decreased 2.9%
compared with the third quarter of 2009. Share was
23.7%, down 0.8 percentage points year-over-year, but
with quarter-by-quarter gains during 2010 (+0.4
percentage points vs Q2, +1.4 percentage points vs Q1).
Since launch, 63,400 units of the new Fiat Uno have been
delivered. FGA maintained its leadership in the
Brazilian market in both segments.
Fiat Group Automobiles
closed Q3 2010 with a
trading
profit of 130
million, compared to 155 million for Q3 2009. Positive
performance for Brazil and the LCV segment, increased
purchasing and manufacturing efficiencies, in addition
to favorable currency impacts largely compensated for
the impact of volume declines. Expansion of sales and
service activities in Europe for Chrysler, Dodge and
Jeep branded products proceeded with the inclusion of
the UK, Spain, Switzerland and Poland during the
quarter.
In July, Fiat launched
the 2011 model year Fiat Panda with a choice of two
Euro 5 engines: the 75 hp 1.3 diesel 16v MultiJet, with
DPF as standard, and the 69 hp gasoline 1.2 8v. Also in
July, the 2011 model year Fiat Qubo, which features a
number of enhancements, was presented along with the
special edition Blackjack version of the 500. The Paris
Motor Show saw the appearance of the original "500
thousandth", the show car created to celebrate the
500,000 units of this model produced in just 31 months,
and the LPG Panda equipped with a 69 hp 1.2 bifuel
engine (LPG/gasoline). Lancia presented the limited
edition bifuel (LPG/gasoline) Ypsilon "ELLE" at the
Paris Motor Show. Alongside this was the Musa "5th
Avenue", notable for its elegant trim and interior
styling. Alfa Romeo was present with two versions of the
Giulietta: one powered by the 140 hp 2.0 JTDM
turbo-diesel, which offers particularly low fuel
consumption and emissions levels, and the other with 170
hp 1.4 MultiAir combined with the innovative Alfa TCT
(Twin Clutch Transmission), available from the beginning
of 2011. Since its launch in May, 36,000 orders have
been received for the Giulietta. In July, Abarth
launched the numbered, limited edition Abarth 695
Tributo Ferrari, the fastest ever on-road version of the
500. Two other Abarth products made their appearance at
the Paris Motor Show: the "esseesse" kits for the Abarth
500C and the Abarth Punto Evo. Fiat was again named as
the most eco-performing brand in Europe for the first
six months of the year. Of the top 10 selling brands,
Fiat cars sold during the period had the lowest average
CO2 emissions: 123.5 g/km. This recognition was received
from JATO, the world's leading provider of automotive
research. Added to this achievement were two other
records for the Group and its models: the Fiat 500, with
CO2 emissions of 116.0 g/km, was ranked best among the
top 20 selling cars and Fiat Group Automobiles retained
its position as the leading group. In September, the new
Fiat Doblς Cargo was named International Van of the
Year 2011 at the Hannover International Motor Show by a
panel of automotive sector journalists from 24
countries. The jury was particularly impressed with the
wide range of engines, which include a turbo-charged CNG
engine and a prototype electric version. The driving
qualities and the high level of comfort offered by the
various versions were also particularly appreciated.
First nine months
Fiat Group Automobiles
closed the first nine months with
revenues
of 20.7
billion, up 8.9% over the first nine months of 2009,
driven by an improved sales mix and favorable currency
effects (+2.8% at constant exchange rates). A total of
1,568,100 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles
were delivered during the period, a 1.7% decrease over
the same period in 2009 (-6.8% for passenger cars only).
In Europe, deliveries were down 7.7% to 894,800 units
(-12.3% for passenger cars only). Fiat Group Automobiles
achieved significant gains in France (+9.8%) and Spain
(where volumes almost doubled). In the UK, sales were
substantially flat (-1.1%). The significant reductions
experienced in Germany (-45.3%) and Italy (-9.3%) were
in line with performance for the market overall and
FGA's core segments in particular. Year-to-date, the
European passenger car market contracted 3.7% over the
first nine months of 2009, with data for the third
quarter evidencing a downward trend. Demand fell
considerably in Germany (-27.5%), but was partially
offset by increases in other key markets including the
UK (+7.8%) and Spain (+16.2%). The French market
recorded a flat year-over-year performance, while Italy
was down 4.4%. In Europe, Fiat Group Automobiles
recorded a 7.7% market share, down 1 percentage point
over the first nine months of 2009, primarily due to
performance in Germany and Italy, where share was 3.2%
(-1.9 percentage points over 2009) and 30.5% (-2.7
percentage points), respectively. A total of 283,800
light commercial vehicles were delivered in the first
nine months, an increase of 30.9% over the same period
in 2009. In Europe, where overall market demand
increased 8.8%, deliveries were up 25.8% to 147,400
vehicles. Fiat Professional grew market share to 44.6%
in Italy (+3.3 percentage points) and 13.1% for Europe
overall (+0.1 percentage points). In Brazil, deliveries
for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles
increased 0.8%. Fiat Group Automobiles maintained its
market leadership, achieving a share of 23.1% with the
market increasing 7.1% overall.
Fiat Group Automobiles
posted a 468 million
trading
profit for the
first nine months. The increase over the 280 million
figure for the first nine months of 2009 was
attributable to an improved product mix, on the back of
higher demand for light commercial vehicles, purchasing
and manufacturing efficiencies, in addition to favorable
currency effects, which were partially offset by higher
advertising spending linked to new product launches.
Maserati
For Q3 2010,
Maserati reported 134 million in revenues,
an increase of 44.1% over the same period in 2009
attributable to sales performance for the new
GranCabrio. A total of 1,368 cars were delivered to the
network during the quarter, a 48.7% increase over the
same period in 2009. With strong sales performance and
continued cost optimization, Q3
trading
profit came in
at 4 million, compared to 1 million for Q3 2009. At
the Paris Motor Show, Maserati presented the GranTurismo
MC Stradale the fastest (300 km/h), lightest and most
powerful vehicle in the range and the automakers
experience on the racetrack is reflected in the handling
and aerodynamics of this top-of-the- range coupι.
Maserati reported 435
million in revenues for the first nine months
of 2010, up 36.4% over the same period for the prior
year. Deliveries to the network totaled 4,270 units for
the period, increasing 31.5% over the first nine months
of 2009, primarily due to the significant contribution
from the GranCabrio. Maserati increased volumes in
almost all markets, with particularly notable
performances in the UK (+90%) and China (+200%). In the
United States, Maserati's principal market, a 48%
increase was recorded. For the first nine months
of 2010, Maserati reported trading profit of 16
million, more than double the 6 million in trading
profit for the corresponding period in 2009.
Ferrari
For Q3 2010,
Ferrari reported 446 million in revenues, up
12.6% over the corresponding period in 2009, reflecting
the positive contribution of the new 458 Italia and 599
GTO, as well as the customization program. A total of
1,398 cars were delivered to the network during the
quarter, representing a 3.9% increase over Q3 2009.
Ferrari closed the third quarter with a
trading
profit of 76
million (trading margin: 17%) compared with 52 million
(trading margin: 13.1%) for Q3 2009. This improvement
was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes,
strong performance of the customization program and
industrial efficiencies. At the Paris Motor Show,
Ferrari presented the Ferrari SA Aperta: a limited
edition of 80 vehicles which have already been sold. The
SA Aperta is a true roadster with a front mounted V12
engine. Boasting 670 hp, the SA Aperta embodies the
sporting spirit of the 599 and the very latest in
Ferrari technology.
For the first nine
months of 2010, Ferrari recorded revenues of
1,349 million, up 4.8% over the same period for the
prior year. Deliveries to the network were up 2.4% to
4,598 units. Sales performance was particularly positive
for 8-cylinder models with the California enjoying
continued success and the 458 Italia making an excellent
contribution since commercial launch earlier in the
year. Trading
profit totaled
192 million for the first nine months of 2010, compared
with 176 million for the same period in 2009. The
increase was attributable to higher sales volumes,
excellent results from the customization program and
efficiency gains.
Fiat Group 2010 Outlook
The Groups performance
expectations have gradually improved throughout the
first 9 months of the year, and it is now in a position
to substantially upgrade guidance. All Sectors are
expected to significantly improve performance over the
prior year, with the exception of the Automobiles
business, the performance of which, although improving
over 2009, will continue to be impacted by the reduction
and/or elimination of eco-incentive programs which
underpinned demand for A and B segment cars in Western
Europe in 2009. The capital expenditures programs are
expected to increase marginally over the abnormally low
levels of 2009, with the resumption of a normalized
level of capital commitments across all Sectors
beginning in 2011.
For the year, the Group now
sets the following targets (all of which are above
previously announced guidance): Revenues in excess of
55 billion (up from >50 billion); Trading profit at
minimum of 2 billion (up from 1.1 to 1.2 billion);
Net profit of approximately 0.4 billion (up from
breakeven); Net industrial debt slightly below 4
billion (down from >5 billion). While working on the
achievement of its objectives, Fiat Group will continue
to implement its strategy of targeted alliances in order
to optimize capital commitments and reduce risks.