Mercedes-Benz says Q1 industrial free cash flow tops capital market expectations

Mercedes-Benz Group says it achieved "strong financial results in the first quarter 2023, with especially the Industrial Free Cash Flow exceeding capital market expectations." "Mercedes-Benz Cars delivered an adjusted Return on Sales of 14.8%, due to healthy net pricing, higher sales and a good product mix – despite negative effects from higher material costs and increased research and development expenses. The adjusted Return on Sales of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division rose to 15.6% due to substantially improved net pricing and higher unit sales. Mercedes Benz Group EBIT increased to EUR5.5 billion, mainly resulting from the higher EBIT of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division. The strong profitability of the automotive divisions translated into an industrial free cash flow of EUR2.2 billion significantly exceeding market expectations. The following figures for the first quarter 2023 are preliminary and unaudited: . Mercedes-Benz Cars adj. Return on Sales of 14.8% (consensus: 13.4%) . Mercedes-Benz Vans adj. Return on Sales of 15.6% (consensus: 13.1%). Mercedes-Benz Mobility adj. Return on Equity of 15.6% (consensus: 15.8%). Mercedes-Benz Group EBIT: EUR 5.5 billion (consensus: EUR 4.9 billion). Mercedes Benz Group Industrial Free Cash Flow: EUR 2.2 billion (consensus: EUR 1.2 billion) The company also has been able to post solid growth rates for both battery electric and Top-End Vehicles in the first quarter. The full quarterly results and interim report will be published on April 28," the company stated.