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Sep 30, 2024

Autoliv Q3 2024 Earnings Report

Solid sales outperformance achieved amidst challenging market conditions.

Key Takeaways

Autoliv reported solid sales outperformance in Q3 2024, with a 0.8% organic sales decline, 4pp better than global LVP decline. Profitability remained unchanged despite a slight net sales decrease, driven by cost reductions and commercial recoveries. The company reaffirms its guidance of around 9.5-10.0% adjusted operating margin for 2024.

Sales decreased organically by 0.8%, outperforming global LVP decline by 4pp.

Sales to domestic Chinese OEMs grew by 18%, twice as much as their LVP growth.

Profitability was unchanged due to cost reductions and commercial recoveries, offsetting inflationary pressures.

Operating cash flow was $177 million, on track towards $1.1 billion for 2024.

Total Revenue
$2.56B
Previous year: $2.6B
-1.6%
EPS
$1.84
Previous year: $1.66
+10.8%
Operating margin
8.9%
Previous year: 8.9%
+0.0%
Adjusted operating margin
9.3%
Previous year: 9.4%
-1.1%
Return on capital employed
22.9%
Previous year: 24.2%
-5.4%
Gross Profit
$460M
Previous year: $465M
-1.1%
Cash and Equivalents
$415M
Previous year: $475M
-12.6%
Free Cash Flow
$31M
Previous year: $50M
-38.0%
Total Assets
$8.31B
Previous year: $7.99B
+4.0%

Autoliv

Autoliv

Forward Guidance

Autoliv reaffirms its full year 2024 guidance, expecting to be at the low end of the range of around 9.5-10.0% adjusted operating margin and around 1% organic sales growth. Operating cash flow is on track towards the full year guidance of $1.1 billion.

Positive Outlook

  • Expect further market share gains with domestic Chinese OEMs.
  • Excess inflation compensation negotiations with customers have developed in line with expectations.
  • Seasonally strong fourth quarter remaining of the year.
  • Operating cash flow is on track towards the full year guidance of $1.1 billion.
  • Balance sheet remains strong with a debt leverage of 1.4x.

Challenges Ahead

  • Expect full year 2024 organic growth to be 1% instead of previously expected 2% due to unfavorable market mix development.
  • Light vehicle production was weak in the third quarter, declining by close to 5% globally.
  • Cost pressure from labor and other items had a negative impact on profitability.
  • Low customer demand visibility and changes to customer call-offs with short notice had a negative impact on production efficiency and profitability.
  • Expect continued cost pressure from inflation relating mainly to labor, especially in Europe and the Americas.