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Investing.com -- Shares of BMW (ETR:BMWG) (ETR:BMW) climbed 1% after the company provided an updated financial outlook. Despite a challenging fiscal year with a lower auto margin in the 6-7% range post third quarter, the luxury carmaker indicated a slight improvement in the fourth quarter.
The forecasted auto EBIT margin for the fourth quarter is set at 5.8%, a modest increase from 5.5% in the third quarter, after adjustments for a significant provision related to a brake recall.
The company’s management confirmed that free cash flow (FCF) is expected to exceed €4 billion, an upward revision of 6% to €4.2 billion. However, the minority dividend is anticipated to be lower than the previous year’s €1.48 billion. The expected dividend per share (DPS) is projected at €3.97, yielding about 5%.
Looking ahead to 2025, the outlook appears more optimistic. BMW is forecasting improvements supported by a strong order book extending into the second quarter, the non-recurrence of the Integrated Brake System (IBS) issue, and its impact on production and repairs.
As a result, the company raised its auto EBIT forecast by 4% to €10.7 billion, reflecting a 7.3% margin, an increase of 30 basis points. Adjusted for purchase price allocation (PPA), the margin is expected to be 8.3%.
Analysts at Jefferies commented on BMW’s financial revisions, stating, "We cut 2024 Auto EBIT 3% and raise 2025 6%. ’Known unknowns’, from CO2 to IRA incentives and Tariffs, remain overhangs for 2025, but we value how BMW has strategically navigated the industry transition so far, with Neue Klasse placing BMW in pole position to close Legacy gaps on software and powertrain."
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