Stellantis H1 2024 Profits Decline Sharply Amid Falling Sales

Stellantis, the French-Italian-American automotive conglomerate, reported a significant drop in its first-half 2024 earnings. Net profit plunged to €5.6 billion, down 48% from the first half of 2023, and net revenue also fell 14% to €85.0 billion.

Despite these financial setbacks, Stellantis management reassured investors that they are addressing operational challenges, particularly inventory performance and North American market share fluctuations. Total inventory dropped by 3% to 1,408,000 units in H1 2024. Additionally, Stellantis returned €6.7 billion in capital in the first half of the year, largely driven by the acceleration of its €3.0 billion share buyback program.

The disappointing financial results were primarily attributed to declining volumes, product mix adjustments, and efforts to reduce inventory. Production disruptions linked to a generational portfolio change and ongoing struggles in the North American market also played a role.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares acknowledged the challenging industry context and operational issues impacting performance but highlighted an aggressive product rollout strategy with 20 new vehicles planned for 2024, 10 of which are already in production. Notable launches include the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 with the new Panoramic i-Cockpit and integrated ChatGPT software, the premium Lancia Ypsilon hatchback, the Maserati Grecale Folgore, and the Ram 1500, Citroen Basalt, and Stellantis Pro One Vans.

Looking forward, Stellantis reiterated its financial guidance, expecting a positive industrial free cash flow and maintaining a double-digit adjusted operating income margin despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties.