Daimler Truck (ETR:DTGGe) has recently unveiled its third-quarter earnings, showcasing a robust performance that surpassed market expectations. The adjusted EBIT, reported at €1.15 billion, presented a remarkably strong 9.3% margin, eclipsing estimates by approximately 5.6%. This indicates prudent management and operational efficiency across various sectors. However, concerns linger regarding profit margins within Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), which may pose challenges to the company’s upcoming quarterly results. The overall industrial revenue settled at €12.31 billion, aligning closely with market predictions, suggesting stability and a well-structured revenue stream that can weather potential storms.
Mercedes-Benz: A Star Performer
One of the standout sectors this quarter was the Mercedes-Benz division. It boasted revenues of €4.4 billion, besting visible analyst consensus by close to 4.7%. The adjusted EBIT for this segment amounted to €283 million, translating to a more than satisfactory 6.4% margin. Achievement of margins exceeding the pivotal 6% benchmark has undoubtedly encouraged investor confidence, especially in light of ongoing concerns regarding profitability in a competitive market. Furthermore, there was a notable surge in research and development capitalization targeted at Mercedes-Benz. This increased from approximately 11% to a staggering 32% in Q3 year-on-year, signaling a significant change in strategy towards enhanced investments that might shape the company’s future trajectory.
While the Mercedes-Benz division thrived, DTNA represented a more nuanced picture. Although revenue figures were in line with expectations, the adjusted EBIT fell short, missing consensus estimates by around 6%. With margins resting at 12.1%, the company did not meet the anticipated 12.7%, primarily due to a product mix shift towards medium-duty and vocational vehicles, which are less profitable compared to heavy-duty models. According to analysts from Stifel, this trend is likely to continue influencing performance as the company progresses into Q4 of 2024. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene on the Carolina operations could also inflict further strain on margins, raising concerns about potential downward revisions in DTNA’s fourth-quarter profitability.
Turning to the operational constraints, Daimler Truck reported total orders of 94,709 units, falling slightly short of the visible analyst consensus of 95,569. This indicates a more cautious market response possibly influenced by overarching supply chain complications. Additionally, the industrial free cash flow dipped to negative €41 million, a stark contrast to the expected positive €118 million. This downturn reflects the ongoing challenges stemming from elevated working capital requirements, specifically due to supply chain constraints associated with Japanese body-builders, alongside high inventory levels. While this cash flow deficit raises alarms, the company has reaffirmed its full-year free cash flow guidance, predicting it will remain comparable to last year. This mixed bag of results suggests that while Daimler Truck is navigating significant headwinds, careful management and strategic investments in innovation could play crucial roles in the company’s future resilience and profitability.