PARIS (Reuters) - Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said on Thursday a final scenario with U.S. tariffs was getting clearer and the French-Italian-American automaker would soon take actions based on that, as he started to sketch out the group's new business plan. The company, which has a large manufacturing footprint in the U.S., as well as in Mexico and Canada, is holding a "very productive exchange of ideas" with President Donald Trump's administration, Filosa said in an interview during Kepler Cheuvreux Au ...

Increasing revenues thanks to new models will be a key pillar of Stellantis' future strategy and a way to restore cash generation, new CEO Antonio Filosa said on Thursday as he started to sketch out t... ...

Summary of Stellantis Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Stellantis - **CEO**: Antonio Filosa, appointed less than three months ago, has over 26 years of experience within the company [2][4] Key Priorities - **Business Growth**: Focus on new product launches, particularly in North America, where market share has declined from 12% to around 7% due to phasing out key nameplates [5][6] - **Flawless Industrial Execution**: Emphasis on improving operational efficiency and inventory management [10] - **Increased Profits**: Aim for visible improvement in business indicators on a quarterly basis [4] Product Launches - **New Product Actions**: - Return of the Hemi V8 engine in Ram 1500, with over 40,000 orders received shortly after announcement [6] - Introduction of the Dodge Charger with an internal combustion engine and a new Jeep Cherokee [6][12] - Plans for a Ram midsize pickup truck to fill a gap in the market [8] Inventory Management - **Dealer Inventory**: Significant reduction in aged inventory, with a focus on new and refreshed models for 2024 and 2025 [9][10] Market Expectations - **Jeep Cherokee Sales**: Anticipated to sell between 100,000 to 200,000 units annually, returning to a significant segment of the market [11][12] - **Financial Services**: Development of a financial services unit in North America expected to drive additional demand as interest rates stabilize [15] Regulatory Environment - **Tariffs and U.S. Administration**: Ongoing discussions with the U.S. administration regarding tariffs and incentives for U.S.-built vehicles [17][18] - **European Regulations**: Concerns over CO2 emission targets deemed unattainable, with suggestions for flexibility in regulations to stimulate demand [24][25] Collaboration and Synergies - **Leapmotor Partnership**: Successful collaboration with Leapmotor, which has seen significant growth in sales and aims to expand into new markets [29][30] Regional Performance - **Latin America**: Stellantis holds a 24% market share, nearly double that of the second player, with a strong focus on localization and understanding consumer needs [36][37] - **Middle East and Africa**: Plans for increased localization and product offerings to enhance market presence [37][38] Financial Outlook - **Cash Flow Management**: Aiming for gradual improvement in cash generation and profitability, with a focus on increasing revenue [40][41] - **Dealer Relationships**: Efforts to restore relationships with dealers after previous management issues, with positive reception of new products [44][48] Future Product Development - **Midsize Truck and REV**: Plans to introduce a Ram 1500 REV and a new midsize truck by 2027, with a focus on performance and market competitiveness [53][56] Conclusion - **Overall Strategy**: Stellantis is focused on revitalizing its product lineup, improving operational efficiency, and navigating regulatory challenges while maintaining strong market positions in key regions [4][24][36]

Core Insights - The automotive sector is represented by two contrasting companies: Ferrari, known for high-performance luxury cars, and Stellantis, which focuses on mass-market brands [1][2] Ferrari Overview - Ferrari's financial strength is attributed to its ability to increase profitability per car while maintaining strong demand, with 81% of new cars sold to existing customers in 2024 [3] - The company's pivot to hybrid vehicles has been a key profitability driver, lifting EBITDA margins to 38.3% in Q2 2025, with hybrids making up 58% of shipments [4][9] - Ferrari's brand generates additional revenue streams, with 12% of income coming from sponsorships, licensing, and merchandise, providing stability against market downturns [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 14% year-over-year gain in EPS for Ferrari in 2025, indicating a consistent growth trajectory [14] Stellantis Overview - Stellantis faces significant challenges, particularly in North America and Europe, which account for nearly 70% of total sales, with sales trending lower and margins under pressure [6][8] - The company is revamping its product lineup to improve sales and margins, focusing on models like the Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Charger [7] - Stellantis reported revenues of €74.3 billion in H1 2025, but the adjusted operating income margin fell to 0.7%, down from 10% the previous year, with negative industrial free cash flow of €3 billion [8][9] - Analysts forecast a 54% year-over-year drop in EPS for Stellantis in 2025, with a further 97% decline expected in 2026, highlighting severe operational headwinds [15] Valuation Comparison - Ferrari trades at a premium with a forward P/E ratio of over 41, reflecting its stable, high-margin business model [12] - Stellantis trades at a significant discount with a forward P/E of just 5x, indicating market concerns about its operational challenges [12] Price Performance - Over the past year, Ferrari's stock (RACE) is down 2.6%, demonstrating resilience, while Stellantis (STLA) has seen a significant decline of over 40% [10]

The return of an American classic, the Jeep Cherokee. Redesigned and on sale later this year with the base model starting at just under $37,000. It will be built in Mexico, and all models will be hybrids.More importantly, the Cherokee is key to reviving Jeep sales. They've dropped for six straight years as new and refreshed models have been lackluster and slow. Meanwhile, competitors like Toyota's Rav 4 and Ford's Bronco have won over midsize SUV buyers.Now, Jeep wants them back with a fresh approach and ho ...

Product & Strategy - Jeep reintroduced the Cherokee, a midsize SUV, to address the largest segment in the United States and aims to reinvigorate sales [2][3] - Jeep plans to launch four new products in the next four months [4] - Jeep unbundled features like steel bumpers to lower prices and offer customers more choices [7] - Hybrid powertrains are becoming standard for mass market editions, complementing Jeep's existing plug-in hybrids and BEVs [15][16] Pricing & Affordability - Initial pricing for the new Jeep Cherokee will be over $40,000, with a base model in the mid-$30,000 range expected next year [10][11] - Jeep has been re-evaluating its pricing strategy to address customer concerns about affordability and monthly auto loan payments [10][12][13] Manufacturing & Costs - Manufacturing in Mexico is subject to tariffs, impacting costs, but Jeep aims for flexibility due to its global brand and multiple nameplates at the plant [8] - The powertrain is built in Dundee, Michigan, contributing to a value equation that allows for aggressive pricing [9] Market Demand & Legacy - There is customer demand for the return of the Jeep Commander, a boxy, three-row SUV discontinued in 2010 [16][17][18]

Vehicle Market Trends - The Jeep Cherokee is making a comeback as a larger, electrified SUV after a nearly three-year pause [1] - The return aims to reverse a sales decline [1] - The market is facing volatility due to tariffs [1]

Core Insights - Jeep is launching a redesigned Cherokee model after experiencing six consecutive years of declining sales [1] - The new Cherokee represents Stellantis' first hybrid system for Jeep and the first hybrid for Stellantis in North America [1] Group 1: Product Features - The 2026 Jeep Cherokee features a new 1.6-liter turbo-four hybrid powertrain, offering over 500 miles per tank [3] - The redesigned model is longer, taller, and wider than its predecessor, providing 30% more cargo capacity [3] - The interior includes advanced technology, highlighted by Stellantis' new Connect One services package [3] Group 2: Market Positioning - Jeep aims to reclaim its position in North America's largest vehicle segment with the new Cherokee, described as a capable and competitive midsize SUV [4] - The entry-level price for the 2026 Cherokee starts at $36,995, which includes a destination charge of $1,995 [4] - Production of the new model will take place at Stellantis' plant in Mexico, with vehicles expected to arrive at dealerships by the end of this year and early next year [4] Group 3: Historical Context - The Cherokee model was previously discontinued in 2023 as part of cost-cutting measures under former CEO Carlos Tavares [2] - The redesign aims to evoke the iconic legacy of the Cherokee brand, which has been a significant part of the company's history [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated shipments decreased by 7% to 2,700,000 units, with declines in North America and large Europe, partially offset by growth in South America and the Middle East and Africa [10] - Net revenue fell by 13% to €74 billion, impacted by adverse regional mix and lower pricing [10] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share and industrial free cash flow showed improvement compared to 2024, despite an outflow of €3 billion in the first half [11][12] - AOI margin was compressed to 70 basis points, reflecting a significant increase in industrial costs [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Europe are in turnaround phases, while South America and Middle East and Africa are delivering consistent results [15] - In North America, performance was affected by tariffs and lower fleet performance, while Europe saw a 13% decline in LCV volumes [16] - South America maintained market share leadership, with industry growth in Brazil and Argentina [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Europe are experiencing a recovery, with North America showing a 90% year-over-year improvement in order books [34] - European market share increased to 17%, up 1.3 percentage points from H2 2024, with significant growth in BEV and hybrid vehicle sales [35][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on growth, execution, and profitability, with a lineup of new vehicles and powertrains [24] - Key actions include launching new products, improving inventory discipline, and reestablishing financial guidance for the second half of 2025 [19][20] - The leadership team is committed to making tough decisions to accelerate business recovery [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The first half of 2025 was challenging, but there are signs of improvement, with expectations for gradual sequential acceleration in the second half [19][40] - The company is addressing past mistakes by reintroducing successful nameplates and adjusting product strategies to meet customer demand [73] Other Important Information - Industrial liquidity at the end of H1 was €47 billion, with €31 billion in cash and liquid securities [17] - The expected net tariff expense for the year is projected to be around €1.5 billion due to increased production levels [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Focus on U.S. Market and Profitability Improvement - Management emphasized growth in North America through new product launches and optimizing the mix between ICE and electrified models [45] Question: Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Strength - Management acknowledged high cash burn but noted a significant reduction and expected further improvement in the second half [54] Question: Brand Portfolio Strategy - Management recognized the strength of their iconic brand portfolio and is working on better management and efficiency [60] Question: Pricing Pressure in Europe - Management indicated that market share is improving, and they expect better profit generation in H2 despite industry challenges [66] Question: Relationship with U.S. Dealers - Management reported improved dialogue with dealers, resulting in a 90% year-over-year increase in order inflow [85] Question: Guidance on Free Cash Flow - Management expressed commitment to gradual improvement in cash flow, with expectations for increased volumes and better pricing in the second half [92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated shipments decreased by 7% to 2,700,000 units, with declines in North America and large Europe, partially offset by growth in South America and the Middle East and Africa [9] - Net revenue fell by 13% to €74 billion, impacted by adverse regional mix and lower pricing [9][10] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share and industrial free cash flow showed improvement compared to 2024, despite an outflow of €3 billion in the first half [11][12] - AOI margin was compressed to 70 basis points, reflecting a significant increase in industrial costs [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Europe are in turnaround phases, while South America and Middle East and Africa are delivering consistent results [16] - In North America, performance was affected by tariffs and lower fleet performance, while Europe faced a 13% decline in LCV volumes [17] - South America maintained market share leadership, with industry growth in Brazil and Argentina [17] - Middle East and Africa experienced FX headwinds but continued to show business momentum [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw a significant impact from tariffs, with expectations of €1.5 billion in net tariff expenses for the year [20] - European market share increased to 17%, up 1.3 percentage points from H2 2024, driven by new product launches [39] - The company is now the second in European BEV volumes and first in hybrids [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth, execution, and profitability, with a lineup of new vehicles and powertrains [27] - Key actions include ending unprofitable initiatives and launching products that align with customer needs [24][25] - The leadership team is committed to making tough decisions to accelerate business recovery [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The first half of 2025 was challenging, but there are signs of improvement and a commitment to sequential growth in the second half [7][21] - The company aims to improve AOI margins and free cash flow in the second half, with expectations of increased net revenues [21] - Management acknowledges the need for ongoing adjustments to address market challenges and improve profitability [42] Other Important Information - Industrial liquidity at the end of H1 was €47 billion, with €31 billion in cash and liquid securities [19] - The company is updating its long-term strategic plan, to be presented at the Capital Markets Day in early 2026 [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Focus on U.S. Market and Profitability Improvement - Management emphasized growth in North America through new product launches and optimizing the mix between ICE and electrified models [50][51] Question: Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Strength - Management acknowledged high cash burn but noted a reduction in the cash burn rate and a focus on achieving positive cash flow [60][61] Question: Brand Portfolio Strategy - Management highlighted the importance of managing a diverse brand portfolio effectively and indicated that updates would be provided at the Capital Markets Day [64][66] Question: Pricing Pressure in Europe - Management noted that while pricing pressure exists, market share is improving, and new products are expected to enhance profitability [70][72] Question: Diagnosis of Profitability Decline - Management identified the phase-out of successful nameplates as a key issue and is working to restore these products to improve market share [78][79] Question: Relationship with U.S. Dealers - Management reported improved dialogue with dealers, resulting in a significant increase in order inflow [90] Question: Guidance on Free Cash Flow - Management expressed commitment to improving free cash flow in H2, despite external headwinds and tariff impacts [95][96]