Published

BMW’s Net Profit Falls 17%

BMW AG says its net profit in 2018 slid 17% to €7.2 billion because of financial challenges that will continue in 2019.
#economics

Share

BMW AG says its net profit in 2018 slid 17% to €7.2 billion because of financial challenges that will continue in 2019.

Profits for last year also compared with an abnormally high result in 2017 that was buoyed by changes in U.S. tax rules. Still, group earnings before interest and taxes dropped 8% to €9.1 billion ($10.3 billion). The automotive group’s EBIT margin skidded 2 points to 7.2%.

BMW’s sales of passenger vehicles in 2018 advanced 1% to a record 2.49 million units. But revenue from automotive operations was flat at €85.8 billion ($97.2 billion). Companywide revenue slipped 1% to €97.5 billion ($110.5 billion).

The company cautions that “strong headwinds” will continue to buffet automotive operations this year. The major factors are political uncertainty, the cooling global economy exacerbated by trade conflict, costlier regulatory standards, exchange rates and rising raw material costs.

BMW vows greater cost-cutting measures this year, including further reductions in the number of model variants it offers.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Tariffs on Autos: “No One Wins”

    While talk of tariffs may make the president sound tough and which gives the talking heads on cable something to talk about, the impact of the potential 25 percent tariffs on vehicles imported to the U.S. could have some fairly significant consequences.

  • Ford’s $42 Billion Cash Cow

    F-Series pickups generate about 30% of the carmaker’s revenue. The tally is about twice as much as what McDonald’s pulls in.

  • On The German Auto Industry

    A look at several things that are going on in the German auto industry—from new vehicles to stamping to building electric vehicles.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions