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Mar 31, 2021

Autoliv Q1 2021 Earnings Report

Autoliv's sales, profits, and balance sheet showed good progress.

Key Takeaways

Autoliv reported strong Q1 2021 results with net sales of $2,242 million, a 17.9% organic sales growth, and an EPS of $1.79, which is a 108% increase. The company's operating margin was 10.6%, and adjusted operating margin was also 10.6%. Autoliv's strong cash flow and strengthened balance sheet led to a leverage ratio of 1.4x, within the target range.

Strong organic sales growth, fueled by good performance in all regions.

Strong improvement in operating income, driven by strong sales growth and continued cost control.

Strong cash flow and strengthened balance sheet.

The company reiterates full year guidance of around 20% organic sales growth and an adjusted operating margin of around 10%.

Total Revenue
$2.24B
Previous year: $1.85B
+21.5%
EPS
$1.79
Previous year: $0.88
+103.4%
Operating margin
10.6%
Previous year: 7.3%
+45.2%
Adjusted operating margin
10.6%
Previous year: 7.4%
+43.2%
Operating cash flow
$186M
Previous year: $156M
+19.2%
Gross Profit
$458M
Previous year: $331M
+38.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.25B
Previous year: $907M
+38.2%
Free Cash Flow
$93M
Previous year: $67.6M
+37.6%
Total Assets
$8.21B
Previous year: $6.97B
+17.7%

Autoliv

Autoliv

Forward Guidance

Autoliv anticipates continuing uncertainty in the automotive markets for the remainder of 2021. Despite increased industry wide supply chain challenges, the company is pleased to be able to reiterate its full year guidance of around 20% organic sales growth and an adjusted operating margin of around 10% as we expect effects of the supply chain challenges to be balanced with positive sales mix and cost reduction actions. We can see that our strategic initiatives gradually are yielding good results, and we expect 2021 to be a solid stepping stone towards our 2022-24 targets which include a significant growth above light vehicle production as well as a solid adjusted operating margin increase

Positive Outlook

  • Net sales growth around 23%
  • Organic sales growth around 20%
  • Adjusted operating margin around 10%
  • Operating cash flow similar level as 2020
  • Capex, net % of sales below 6%

Challenges Ahead

  • COVID-19 pandemic impacting business through limited light vehicle production.
  • Semiconductor and other industry supply chain disruptions, especially in North America and Europe.
  • Current industry-wide semiconductor shortage is likely to continue to negatively impact LVP.
  • Stabilization of supply may not emerge until the fourth quarter.
  • Adverse cost development from rising raw material prices throughout 2021.