Stellantis stock plunges 25% as auto giant takes $26.5B charge from electric vehicle retreat

Core Viewpoint - Stellantis shares dropped significantly by 25% after announcing a $26.5 billion charge related to a business overhaul, including a retreat from electric vehicle ambitions [1][10] Financial Impact - The stock's decline could mark the largest one-day drop on record, erasing over 5 billion euros from the company's market capitalization [2] - The majority of the $26.5 billion charge includes $17.3 billion (14.7 billion euros) for realigning product plans with customer preferences, particularly a pullback in fully-electric products [5] Strategic Direction - Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa emphasized the company's commitment to operate as a unified group despite speculation about selling off some brands [4] - The company aims to remain at the forefront of electric vehicle developments but will adjust its pace based on demand rather than command [7] Future Projections - Stellantis is forecasting a net loss for 2025, with expectations of a mid-single-digit percentage increase in net revenue and a low-single-digit increase in adjusted operating income margin for 2026 [8] - The company acknowledged the impact of previous poor operational execution on its current situation [8] Industry Context - Other automakers like Ford and General Motors have also reported significant charges related to reduced electric vehicle plans, but Stellantis' charge is notably larger than theirs [6]