Published

Schaeffler Trims Outlook on Higher Costs for Materials, Research

Bearings supplier Schaeffler Group has lowered its outlook for 2017, citing rising prices for steel and a surge in the cost of doing prototype work related to electrified powertrains.
#economics

Share

Bearings supplier Schaeffler Group has lowered its outlook for 2017, citing rising prices for steel and a surge in the cost of doing prototype work related to electrified powertrains.

CEO Klaus Rosenfeld notes in a conference call with analysts that neither trend can be offset by reducing production costs. He cautioned two months ago about the likely effect on margins, but at the time he didn’t quantify the impact.

Schaeffler now expects a full-year adjusted operating profit margin of 11%-12%, down from a previous forecast of 12%-13%. The company also estimates its free cash flow will be €500 million ($560 million) compared with a previous forecast of €600 million ($672 million).

Reuters notes that the company’s downwardly revised outlook prompted a drop in its stock price and those of rivals Elringklinger, Continental and ZF earlier today. The latter companies say their earnings outlooks haven’t changed.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Mazda, CARB and PSA North America: Car Talk

    The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars, an annual event, was held last week in Traverse City, Michigan.

  • 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.

  • Inside Ford

    On this edition of “Autoline After Hours” Joann Muller, Detroit bureau chief for Forbes, provides insights into what she’s learned about Ford, insights that are amplified on the show by our other panelists, Stephanie Brinley, principal analyst at IHS Markit who specializes in the auto industry, and Todd Lassa, Detroit Bureau Chief for Automobile.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions