Aston Martin's revenue rose 27% to £295.9m in the first quarter. This reflected a 9% increase in volumes, driven by SUV models. This offset a 20% drop in GT/Sport models, and a 5% dip in higher-margin personalised Specials. Average selling prices (ASP) was up 19% from the same time last year, at £180,000.
Operating losses widened by around £3m, partly reflecting an increase in depreciation for physical and non-physical assets.
Overall performance for the quarter was in-line with expectations and guidance for the full year is unchanged. This includes delivering "significant growth in profitability compared to 2022".
Aston Martin shares rose 1.8% following the announcement.
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Our view
The market has been pleased with recent progress at Aston Martin. Supply and logistics pressures are easing and volumes are on the up. All together that means the group thinks free cash flow is around the corner.
While things are certainly moving in the right direction, we're keeping a close eye on things. Something that affects free cash flow is capital expenditure, and this is expected to rise because of rising prices. It's still unclear exactly when inflation is going to come down meaningfully. This isn't enough to derail Aston Martin's plans, but it's one to keep in mind.
Production delays have been especially painful. The bulk of cash only comes in when cars are delivered. So we're keen to see continued progress on this front - it's too soon to say issues have been cured, even if problems are easing.
The group's also focused on selling higher-margin Specials. Customers sign up and pay a deposit for these rare models before they're built, allowing for tighter working capital control. The cars have also become cheaper to make thanks to efficiency improvements.
The revamped strategy is also being pushed forward. The strategy shifts have left Aston Martin in a slicker position and included a complete overhaul of the way it sells cars. The group ran down dealer inventory levels, helping demand outpace supply. This supported stronger pricing and added to the cachet that comes with buying an Aston Martin. These efforts don't come cheap though, and Aston Martin has already come cap-in-hand to investors, so there's pressure for things to work out.
The type of person that buys a new Aston Martin is less likely to be hindered by economic uncertainty. We're relieved to see volumes picking up, suggesting that underlying demand is strong, despite macro pressures and even though Aston Martin is pushing its selling prices higher.
We're also aware that brand positioning could insulate it somewhat from the shift away from petrol, but electric is the direction of travel for automakers. The first hybrid cars are pencilled in for 2024 release, with a full battery Aston expected a year later. It'll take until 2030 for a full range of electric vehicles to be available.
Management's targeting annual revenue of £2bn, with underlying cash profits of £500m by 2024/25. That will require Aston Martin to move roughly 10,000 vehicles per year - significantly more than the predictions for next year.
Near-term, the group faces some challenges if it wants to come good on its promises. But the execution of the electrification strategy will be a key driver of long-term success, and we've yet to see whether customers will come along for the ride. Putting the fundraising proceeds to efficient use is the challenge from here, and that's not an easy task.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk
Most of the auto industry falls into the medium-risk category in terms of ESG. Product governance, particularly around safety, and carbon emissions from products and services are key risk drivers. Business ethics, labour relations and direct carbon emissions are also contributors to ESG risk.
According to Sustainalytics, Aston Martin's management of ESG risks is average. ESG issues are overseen by the board and overall disclosure is strong. There's a robust environmental policy in place, with a commitment to net zero for scope 1&2 emissions by 2030 and scope 3 emissions by 2039 and has interim targets in place. However, AML doesn't divulge sustainability-linked revenue and environmental impact isn't systematically considered in the design phase. Although some of AML's facilities are externally certified, scope is unclear and its product and safety programme needs improvement.
ESG data sourced from Sustainalytics
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Aston Martin Lagonda's (AML) key facts
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