BMW hit by China collapse and tariffs, but cost cuts and tech deals lift shares
China sales collapse triggers profit warning BMW's China sales fell 20–30% in Q3, forcing a profit warning. Q2 pre-tax profit plunged 35.1% to €1.70 billion and automotive margins halved to 2.3%, as revenue dropped 7.9% amid US tariffs.
This is the core negative force that drove BMW's price down during the quarter.
UK finance mis-selling provision balloons BMW raised its UK finance mis-selling provision to £612 million, swinging to a £139 million pre-tax loss. This added a one-off financial hit and uncertainty for investors.
It is a new negative event that weighed on sentiment and the financials.
8,000-job redundancy programme lifts shares BMW launched an 8,000-job redundancy programme, which the market saw as a decisive cost-cutting move. Shares rose on the news, showing investors welcomed the restructuring effort.
This was a positive catalyst that helped offset some of the negative news.
Tech partnerships and EU charging JV approval BMW secured major tech partnerships with Qualcomm, NXP, Verizon and Viasat, and won EU approval for its charging joint venture. Morgan Stanley kept an Overweight rating with a €76 target, while strong brand loyalty and South Korean sales offered resilience.
These positive developments provided a counterweight and supported the stock.