BMW Group has unleashed a new full-year outlook for 2023 that’s creating quite the stir in the automotive industry. With the company’s robust operational performance in the first half of 2023, BMW is revving up for an even more exciting second half than it originally thought. The operational performance of BMW Group is creating a strong foundation for further growth. The increase in the order bank and improving availability of premium vehicles set the stage for positive business trends in the latter half of the year.
BMW is now forecasting solid growth over the previous year’s level. Earlier predictions suggested slight growth, but the updated outlook has shifted to a more bullish stance. The EBIT margin for the full year is expected to fall between 9% to 10.5% for 2023, an increase from the prior 8% to 10% prediction. The Return on Capital Employed (RoCE) is also anticipated to be between 18% and 22%, up from the previous prediction of 15% to 20%. Deliveries to customers are set for solid growth, furthering BMW’s market presence. Additionally, the free cash flow in the Automotive segment is projected to be above $6.5 billion, focusing on investments in electromobility and maintaining necessary vehicle supply.
During the first half of the year, BMW Group performed well. The Group EBT margin was at 12.6%, and Q2 2023 saw a margin of 11.3%. Sales in the automotive segment reached 1.2m units, representing a growth of 4.7% over the same period in 2022. The EBIT margin was at 10.6% in the first half of the year, with 9.2% achieved in Q2 2023. The free cash flow in the automotive segment reached roughly $3.4 billion, with the second quarter contributing $1.3 billion.
Despite the bright outlook, BMW Group expects higher expenses for suppliers due to inflation and the supply chain to continue to be headwinds in the second half of the year. These challenges, though anticipated, may still put pressure on the overall performance.
BMW Group’s raised guidance paints a promising picture for 2023. The combined forces of solid growth in both the automotive and financial segments, alongside strategic investments in electric mobility, showcase BMW’s commitment to innovation and market leadership. While some challenges lie ahead, the company’s focus on the premium vehicle market and the steps taken toward future mobility sets them on a clear path to success. Investors, enthusiasts, and consumers will be keeping a close eye on BMW as it navigates the dynamic landscape of the automotive industry in 2023.
Sources: BMW Group