Cars and Drivers
Volkswagen Profit Drops 48% on Dieselgate Charges
Published:
Last Updated:
VW made a larger-than-expected third-quarter contribution to a fund related to the buyback/retrofit programs for its diesel-engined cars sold in North America. The company said the programs were “more complex … more comprehensive, and technically more challenging expected.” VW took a charge of €2.6 billion to cover the added cost.
For the year to date through September, VW passenger car sales are up 2.4% worldwide to 7.29 million units and commercial vehicle sales are up 5.9% to 512,229 units. Sales for the first three-quarters of 2017 are down 2.2% in Germany but up 4.5% in North America and up 3.1% in China. VW has delivered more passenger cars in China for the year to date than it has in all of Western Europe: 2.89 million to 2.42 million.
Sales of VW-branded cars rose 2.7% in the first nine months of the year, while sales of Audi cars fell 2%. Porsche sales rose 4.3% year over year, while sales of the high-end Lamborghini and Bentley brands rose 2.2% and 11.5%, respectively.
Operating profit dropped 48% in the third quarter but is up 23% year over year for the first nine months of 2017. Pretax profit in the quarter was down 52.5% and up 29.3% for the year through September.
Cash flow from operations dropped 38.8% in the quarter while year-to-date cash flow is down 96.7%. That includes the €2.6 billion charge.
For the 2017 fiscal year, VW now expects deliveries to “moderately exceed” last year’s total. Sales revenues are forecast up 4%, up 6% to 7% excluding special items.
VW stock traded up nearly 3% on the XETRA late Friday, at €154.30 in a 52-week range of €123.25 to €157.40. The consensus price target on the shares is €159.17.
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.