Q1 2026 Mercedes-Benz Group AG Earnings Call

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Operator: Welcome to the analyst conference call of Mercedes-Benz. At the request of our customers, this conference call will be recorded. A replay of the call will be available as an on-demand audio webcast in the Investor Relations section of the Mercedes-Benz website. The short introduction will be followed directly by a Q&A session. If you experience any difficulties during the conference, please press zero and the pound key on your telephone keypad to reach the operator. If you wish to ask a question after the presentation, please press nine and the star key on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #1: Conference call of Mercedes-Benz. At the request of our customers, this conference call will be recorded. A replay of the call will be available as an on-demand audio webcast in the Investor Relations section of the Mercedes-Benz website.

Speaker #1: The short introduction will be followed directly by a Q&A session. If you experience any difficulties during the conference, please press 0 and the pound key on your telephone keypad to reach the operator.

Speaker #1: If you wish to ask a question after the presentation, please press 9 and the star key on your telephone keypad. You will then hear the message: "Thank you for your participation."

Operator: I would like to remind you that this teleconference is governed by the safe harbor wording included in our published results document. Please note that our presentation contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's current views with respect to future events. Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. If any of the assumptions underlying these statements prove to be incorrect, actual results might differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements speak only to the date on which they are made.

Speaker #1: Your request to speak is registered. When it is your turn to ask a question, you will hear the message: 'You are now in talk mode.' If you would like to withdraw your question, please dial 3 and the star key.

Speaker #1: You will then hear the message: "Your request to speak has been removed." I would like to remind you that this teleconference is governed by the Safe Harbor wording, included in our published results document.

Operator: I would like to remind you that this teleconference is governed by the safe harbor wording included in our published results document. Please note that our presentation contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's current views with respect to future events. Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. If any of the assumptions underlying these statements prove to be incorrect, actual results might differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements speak only to the date on which they are made.

Speaker #1: Please note that our presentation contains forward-looking statements, which reflect management's current views with respect to future events. Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties.

Speaker #1: If any of the assumptions underlying these statements prove to be incorrect, actual results might differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements speak only to the date on which they are made.

Speaker #1: With that, I would now like to hand over to Christina Schenk, Head of Mercedes-Benz Investor Relations, Digital and Communications. Thank you.

Operator: With that, I would now like to hand over to Christina Schenck, Head of Mercedes-Benz Investor Relations, Digital and Communications. Thank you.

Operator: With that, I would now like to hand over to Christina Schenck, Head of Mercedes-Benz Investor Relations, Digital and Communications. Thank you.

Speaker #4: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is Christina Schenk speaking. On behalf of Mercedes-Benz, I would like to welcome you both on the telephone and online to our Q1 results conference call.

Christina Schenck: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is Christina Schenck speaking. On behalf of Mercedes-Benz, I would like to welcome you both on the telephone and online to our Q1 results conference call. I am very pleased to have with me today Harald Wilhelm, our CFO. To allow more time for your questions, Harald will give a brief introduction and walk you through our financials. We will then move directly into the Q&A session. The corresponding presentation is available on the Mercedes-Benz Investor Relations website. With that, I will now hand over to Harald.

Christina Schenck: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is Christina Schenck speaking. On behalf of Mercedes-Benz, I would like to welcome you both on the telephone and online to our Q1 results conference call. I am very pleased to have with me today Harald Wilhelm, our CFO. To allow more time for your questions, Harald will give a brief introduction and walk you through our financials. We will then move directly into the Q&A session. The corresponding presentation is available on the Mercedes-Benz Investor Relations website. With that, I will now hand over to Harald.

Speaker #4: I'm very pleased to have with me today Harald Wilhelm, our CFO. To allow more time for your questions, Harald will give a brief introduction and walk you through our financials.

Speaker #4: We will then move directly into the Q&A session. The corresponding presentation is available on the Mercedes-Benz Investor Relations website. And with that, I will now hand over to Harald.

Speaker #5: Thanks a lot, Christina, and welcome, everyone. So, very happy to take you through the highlights of the first quarter, which was another eventful quarter—geopolitically, and for us as well.

Harald Wilhelm: Thanks a lot, Christina, and welcome everyone. Very happy to take you through the highlights of Q1, which was another eventful quarter geopolitically and for us as well. Let me get started with the execution of our strategy before I move then to the financials and the outlook. Our product ramp-up is gaining momentum. As outlined, we're executing the most comprehensive renewal and expansion of our product portfolio. The new S-Class, you certainly didn't miss this one, remains a cornerstone of our top-end strategy. We didn't stop there. We also unveiled the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in China, particularly important and very successful in the Chinese market. In 2025, every second S-Class sold in China was a Maybach.

Harald Wilhelm: Thanks a lot, Christina, and welcome everyone. Very happy to take you through the highlights of Q1, which was another eventful quarter geopolitically and for us as well. Let me get started with the execution of our strategy before I move then to the financials and the outlook. Our product ramp-up is gaining momentum.

Speaker #5: Let me get started with the execution of our strategy before I move, then, to the financials and the outlook. Our product ramp-up is gaining momentum.

Speaker #5: As outlined, we're executing the most comprehensive renewal and expansion of our product portfolio. The new S-Class—you certainly didn't miss this one—remains a cornerstone of our top-end strategy.

Harald Wilhelm: As outlined, we're executing the most comprehensive renewal and expansion of our product portfolio. The new S-Class, you certainly didn't miss this one, remains a cornerstone of our top-end strategy. We didn't stop there. We also unveiled the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in China, particularly important and very successful in the Chinese market. In 2025, every second S-Class sold in China was a Maybach.

Speaker #5: And we didn't stop there. We also unveiled the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in China, which is particularly important and very successful in the Chinese market. In 2025, every second S-Class sold in China was a Maybach.

Speaker #5: This was complemented by the new EQS, now offering an 800-volt system with fast charging capabilities, more than 900 kilometers of range, and steer-by-wire technology, which is really cool.

Harald Wilhelm: This was complemented by the new EQS, now offering an 800-watt system with fast-charging capabilities, more than 900km of range. Steer-by-wire technology, which is really cool. We continued the S-Class story on the SUV side, presenting the new GLS in the US alongside the GLE and the GLE Coupe. Last week, the all-new electric C-Class premiered in Seoul. Following the GLC, which has seen very strong demand, it is the second vehicle on our MBEA architecture and our first electric C-Class, and frankly, it looks pretty stunning. On the van side, the all-new VLE had its world premiere. Built on our new highly flexible van architecture, it marks the beginning of a new era for the vans division. We will take this even further. Besides the upcoming VLS, we announced the Mercedes-Maybach VLS, offering true luxury and expanding our top-end portfolio further.

Harald Wilhelm: This was complemented by the new EQS, now offering an 800-watt system with fast-charging capabilities, more than 900km of range. Steer-by-wire technology, which is really cool. We continued the S-Class story on the SUV side, presenting the new GLS in the US alongside the GLE and the GLE Coupe. Last week, the all-new electric C-Class premiered in Seoul.

Speaker #5: We continued the S-Class story on the SUV side, presenting the new GLS in the US, alongside the GLE and the GLE Coupe. Last week, the all-new electric C-Class premiered in Seoul.

Speaker #5: Following the GLC, which has seen very strong demand, it is the second vehicle on our MBEA architecture in our first electric C-Class and, frankly, it looks pretty stunning.

Harald Wilhelm: Following the GLC, which has seen very strong demand, it is the second vehicle on our MBEA architecture and our first electric C-Class, and frankly, it looks pretty stunning. On the van side, the all-new VLE had its world premiere. Built on our new highly flexible van architecture, it marks the beginning of a new era for the vans division. We will take this even further. Besides the upcoming VLS, we announced the Mercedes-Maybach VLS, offering true luxury and expanding our top-end portfolio further.

Speaker #5: On the van side, the all-new VLE had its world premiere. Built on our new, highly flexible van architecture, it marks the beginning of a new era for the vans division.

Speaker #5: And we will take this even further. Besides the upcoming VLS, we announced the Mercedes-Maybach VLS, offering true luxury and expanding our top-end portfolio further.

Speaker #5: And by the way, all of these vehicles come with MBUX, our own operating system featuring the latest entertainment stack, point-to-point assistant driving, assisted driving, and much more.

Harald Wilhelm: All of these vehicles come with MB.OS, our own operating system, featuring the latest entertainment stack, point-to-point assisted driving, and much more. Talking about MB.OS, as previously emphasized, MB.OS enables us to partner globally with the leading tech companies. Level two plus plus is already on the road in China and is coming to the US later this year. We also go beyond as we work with robotaxi companies on robotaxis with partners. We are further strengthening also our local-for-local strategy. In China, the all-new GLC long wheelbase with China-specific entertainment and level two plus plus was unveiled at Auto China. GLC is closing the BEV white spot in our portfolio.

Harald Wilhelm: All of these vehicles come with MB.OS, our own operating system, featuring the latest entertainment stack, point-to-point assisted driving, and much more. Talking about MB.OS, as previously emphasized, MB.OS enables us to partner globally with the leading tech companies. Level two plus plus is already on the road in China and is coming to the US later this year.

Speaker #5: By the way, talking about MBUX, as previously emphasized, MBUX enables us to partner globally with the leading tech companies. Level 2++ is already on the road in China.

Speaker #5: And it's coming to the US later this year. And we also go beyond, as we work with robotaxi companies on robotaxi with partners. We are further strengthening also our local-for-local strategy.

Harald Wilhelm: We also go beyond as we work with robotaxi companies on robotaxis with partners. We are further strengthening also our local-for-local strategy. In China, the all-new GLC long wheelbase with China-specific entertainment and level two plus plus was unveiled at Auto China. GLC is closing the BEV white spot in our portfolio.

Speaker #5: In China, the all-new GLC long-wheelbase, with China-specific entertainment and Level 2++ was unveiled at Auto China. The GLC is closing the BEV white spot in our portfolio.

Speaker #5: And in the US, alongside the presentation of the new key products for this market, we announced investments of more than $7 billion until 2030.

Harald Wilhelm: In the US, alongside the presentation of the new key products for this market, we announced investments of more than $7 billion until 2030. The US is a strategic growth market for us, where we are further strengthening our footprint. With this, I would now turn to the financials on page four, looking at the group KPIs. First, the group revenue developed broadly in line with the sales development at cars in Q1. The EBIT came in at a solid EUR 1.9 billion. EPS stands at EUR 1.49. Free cash flow, healthy at EUR 1.9 billion. That brings us to a strong net industrial liquidity of almost EUR 34 billion before obviously paying the EUR 3.3 billion divi, which we did earlier this month.

Harald Wilhelm: In the US, alongside the presentation of the new key products for this market, we announced investments of more than $7 billion until 2030. The US is a strategic growth market for us, where we are further strengthening our footprint. With this, I would now turn to the financials on page four, looking at the group KPIs.

Speaker #5: The US is a strategic growth market for us, where we are further strengthening our footprint. And with this, I would now turn to the financials.

Speaker #5: On page 4, looking at the group KPIs, first, the group revenue developed broadly in line with the sales development of cars in the first quarter.

Harald Wilhelm: First, the group revenue developed broadly in line with the sales development at cars in Q1. The EBIT came in at a solid EUR 1.9 billion. EPS stands at EUR 1.49. Free cash flow, healthy at EUR 1.9 billion. That brings us to a strong net industrial liquidity of almost EUR 34 billion before obviously paying the EUR 3.3 billion divi, which we did earlier this month.

Speaker #5: The EBIT came in at a solid €1.9 billion, EPS stands at €0.49, free cash flow is healthy at €1.9 billion, and that brings us to a strong net industrial liquidity of almost €34 billion.

Speaker #5: Before, obviously, paying the €3.3 billion dividend, which we did earlier this month. Looking at the car sales, we ended the quarter with 419 units, in line with expectations.

Harald Wilhelm: Looking at the car sales, we ended the quarter with 419 units, in line with expectation. The sales development was impacted by China. If you look ex-China, total sales increased by 5%. Top-end sales particular were resilient in China, maintaining a global sales share of 15%. Core and entry were lower due to China, while growing by 7% ex-China. The global BEV sales developed well, up 9%. In Europe alone, we recorded a growth of 34%. This is largely driven by the CLA, and obviously, the remainder of the portfolio is currently ramping up, with more yet to come. Looking at the car financials, the sales I explained already. The ASP in Q1 was lower, but slightly up compared to Q4. This also drives the revenue development.

Harald Wilhelm: Looking at the car sales, we ended the quarter with 419 units, in line with expectation. The sales development was impacted by China. If you look ex-China, total sales increased by 5%. Top-end sales particular were resilient in China, maintaining a global sales share of 15%. Core and entry were lower due to China, while growing by 7% ex-China.

Speaker #5: The sales development was impacted by China. If you look ex-China, total sales increased by 5%. And top-end sales, particularly, were resilient in China, maintaining a global sales share of 15%.

Speaker #5: Core and Entry were lower due to China, while growing by 7% ex-China. And the global BEV sales developed well, up 9%. In Europe alone, we recorded a growth of 34%.

Harald Wilhelm: The global BEV sales developed well, up 9%. In Europe alone, we recorded a growth of 34%. This is largely driven by the CLA, and obviously, the remainder of the portfolio is currently ramping up, with more yet to come. Looking at the car financials, the sales I explained already. The ASP in Q1 was lower, but slightly up compared to Q4. This also drives the revenue development.

Speaker #5: This is largely driven by the CLA, and obviously, the remainder of the portfolio is currently ramping up with more yet to come. Looking at the car financials—the sales I explained already—the ASP in the first quarter was lower, but slightly up compared to Q4.

Speaker #5: This also drives the revenue development. The EBIT adjusted is at €900 million as expected, and the CFBIT adjusted stands at €3.4 billion. Now, let's have a look at the EBIT evolution, the EBIT bridge on page 7, a bit more in detail.

Harald Wilhelm: The EBIT adjusted is at EUR 900 million as expected. The CFBIT adjusted stands at EUR 3.4. Now, let's have a look at the EBIT evolution, the EBIT bridge on the page 7 a bit more in detail. In Q1, cars delivered an EBIT adjusted of around EUR 900 million, and a return on sales adjusted of 4.1%, well within our full-year guidance range of 3% to 5%. What are the main puts and takes on the walk? The volume structure and the net pricing is actually slightly negative. However, the bucket is lower overall, mainly due to the tariffs, product enhancements, lower China contribution, and a lower fixed cost capitalization. The FX, I think, is self-explanatory on the chart.

Harald Wilhelm: The EBIT adjusted is at EUR 900 million as expected. The CFBIT adjusted stands at EUR 3.4. Now, let's have a look at the EBIT evolution, the EBIT bridge on the page 7 a bit more in detail. In Q1, cars delivered an EBIT adjusted of around EUR 900 million, and a return on sales adjusted of 4.1%, well within our full-year guidance range of 3% to 5%.

Speaker #5: In the first quarter, cars delivered an EBIT adjusted of around $900 million, and the adjusted return on sales was 4.1%, well within our full-year guidance range of 3 to 5 percent.

Speaker #5: What are the main puts and takes on the walk? The volume structure and the net pricing is actually slightly negative. However, the bucket is lower overall, mainly due to the tariffs, product enhancements, lower China contribution, and a lower fixed cost capitalization.

Harald Wilhelm: What are the main puts and takes on the walk? The volume structure and the net pricing is actually slightly negative. However, the bucket is lower overall, mainly due to the tariffs, product enhancements, lower China contribution, and a lower fixed cost capitalization. The FX, I think, is self-explanatory on the chart.

Speaker #5: The FX, I think, is self-explanatory on the chart. On the industrial performance side, the underlying industrial performance is positive, driven by continued efficiency improvements.

Harald Wilhelm: On the industrial performance side, the underlying industrial performance is positive, driven by continued efficiency improvements that more than offset headwinds from raw mats and higher depreciation following our numerous product launches. On top, Q1 was impacted by several one-timers, with negative items in the industrial performance on product-related measures and positive items largely in the other bucket. Overall, one-timers, however, were a wash in Q1. On the SG&A and the R&D side, you see they were positive, reflecting our further efficiencies and having left the funding peak behind us. Turning to the cash, Cars achieved a strong adjusted CFBIT of EUR 3.4 billion. How did we get there from the EUR 800 million of the EBIT?

Harald Wilhelm: On the industrial performance side, the underlying industrial performance is positive, driven by continued efficiency improvements that more than offset headwinds from raw mats and higher depreciation following our numerous product launches. On top, Q1 was impacted by several one-timers, with negative items in the industrial performance on product-related measures and positive items largely in the other bucket.

Speaker #5: That more than offset headwinds from raw mats and higher depreciation, following our numerous product launches. However, on top, Q1 was impacted by several one-timers.

Speaker #5: With negative items in the industrial performance on product-related measures, and positive items largely in the other bucket. Overall, one-timers, however, were a wash in Q1.

Harald Wilhelm: Overall, one-timers, however, were a wash in Q1. On the SG&A and the R&D side, you see they were positive, reflecting our further efficiencies and having left the funding peak behind us. Turning to the cash, Cars achieved a strong adjusted CFBIT of EUR 3.4 billion. How did we get there from the EUR 800 million of the EBIT?

Speaker #5: Then, on the SG&A and the R&D side, you see there were positives reflecting our further efficiencies and having left the funding peak behind us.

Speaker #5: Turning to the cash, Cars achieved a strong adjusted CFBIT of €3.4 billion, or did we get there from the €800 million of the EBIT?

Speaker #5: We generated a significant working capital tailwind that reflects our continued effort to improve working capital, including a favorable inventory structure and improved payables, mainly related to the production ramp-up. A part of this should unwind over the course of 2026.

Harald Wilhelm: We generated significant working capital tailwind that reflects our continued effort to improve the working capital, including a favorable inventory structure and improved payables, mainly related to the production ramp-up. A part of this should unwind over the course of 2026. We further see proceeds from net financial investments. That's mainly due to the continued sale of our retail outlets in Germany. Depreciation exceeded investments. As we have passed the investment peak, total investments are lower, in line with our plan as reflected in February. Overall, the level reflects our continued focus on investing in technology and competitive products on the R&D side, while also demonstrating a highly disciplined total CapEx approach.

Harald Wilhelm: We generated significant working capital tailwind that reflects our continued effort to improve the working capital, including a favorable inventory structure and improved payables, mainly related to the production ramp-up. A part of this should unwind over the course of 2026. We further see proceeds from net financial investments.

Speaker #5: We further see proceeds from net financial investments—that's mainly due to the continued sale of our retail outlets in Germany. Depreciation exceeded investments, as we have passed the investment peak. Total investments are lower, in line with our plan, as flagged in February.

Harald Wilhelm: That's mainly due to the continued sale of our retail outlets in Germany. Depreciation exceeded investments. As we have passed the investment peak, total investments are lower, in line with our plan as reflected in February. Overall, the level reflects our continued focus on investing in technology and competitive products on the R&D side, while also demonstrating a highly disciplined total CapEx approach.

Speaker #5: Overall, the level reflects our continued focus on investing in technology and competitive products on the R&D side, while also demonstrating a highly disciplined total CAPEX approach.

Speaker #5: These positive effects were partly offset by a negative 'other bucket,' which cash outs related to restructuring charges of around €800 million, dealer provisions, as well as the adjustment for the BBAC at-equity result.

Harald Wilhelm: These positive effects were partly offset by a negative other bucket, which cash outs related to restructuring charges of around EUR 800 million, dealer provisions, as well as the adjustment for the BBAC at equity reserve. As a result, we recorded EBIT of EUR 2.6 billion. Adjusting for the special items, it's at EUR 3.4 billion. Looking on the van side, sales volume came in at 80,000 units. In China, we saw a softer consumer demand for mid-sized vans. Excluding China, vans were able to grow year on year despite a particularly competitive environment in the US and Europe. E-van sales increased by almost 30%, lifting the global EV share to 8%. Revenue development is broadly flat. On the EBIT, we have a look on the next page. Before, quickly on the cash flow.

Harald Wilhelm: These positive effects were partly offset by a negative other bucket, which cash outs related to restructuring charges of around EUR 800 million, dealer provisions, as well as the adjustment for the BBAC at equity reserve. As a result, we recorded EBIT of EUR 2.6 billion. Adjusting for the special items, it's at EUR 3.4 billion.

Speaker #5: As a result, we recorded CFBIT of €2.6 billion. Adjusting for the special items, it's at €3.4 billion. Looking on the VAN side, sales volume came in at 80,000 units in China.

Harald Wilhelm: Looking on the van side, sales volume came in at 80,000 units. In China, we saw a softer consumer demand for mid-sized vans. Excluding China, vans were able to grow year on year despite a particularly competitive environment in the US and Europe. E-van sales increased by almost 30%, lifting the global EV share to 8%. Revenue development is broadly flat. On the EBIT, we have a look on the next page. Before, quickly on the cash flow.

Speaker #5: We saw softer consumer demand for midsize vans. Excluding China, vans were able to grow year on year despite a particularly competitive environment in the US and Europe.

Speaker #5: EV and sales increased by almost 30%, lifting the global EV share to 8%. Revenue development is broadly flat, and on the EBIT, we have a look on the next page.

Speaker #5: Before quickly on the cash flow, the main driver of the CFBIT were the planned investments into the new VAN architecture. Investments are expected to peak this year, strategically preparing VANs for the future.

Harald Wilhelm: The main driver of the EBIT were the planned investments into the new van architecture. Investments are expected to peak this year, strategically preparing vans for the future. This, I think is a good moment, to remind you that this represents, the largest product investment program in the history of our vans business. It underpins a highly attractive and scalable product pipeline, including the all-new VLE, VLS, and Mercedes-Maybach VLS. Alongside a broad range of private and commercial derivatives built on a highly flexible modular architecture. At the same time, we are completely remodeling our global production footprint with investments in Vitoria, Charleston, and Jawor to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and competitiveness. Working capital was a headwind driven by temporarily higher inventories, as well as a higher value of stock from events. Looking on the EBIT walk for vans.

Harald Wilhelm: The main driver of the EBIT were the planned investments into the new van architecture. Investments are expected to peak this year, strategically preparing vans for the future. This, I think is a good moment, to remind you that this represents, the largest product investment program in the history of our vans business. It underpins a highly attractive and scalable product pipeline, including the all-new VLE, VLS, and Mercedes-Maybach VLS.

Speaker #5: This, I think, is a good moment to remind you that this represents the largest product investment program in the history of our VANs business.

Speaker #5: It underpins a highly attractive and scalable product pipeline, including the all-new VLE, VLS, and VLS MEBA. Alongside a broad range of private and commercial derivatives, built on a highly flexible modular architecture.

Harald Wilhelm: Alongside a broad range of private and commercial derivatives built on a highly flexible modular architecture. At the same time, we are completely remodeling our global production footprint with investments in Vitoria, Charleston, and Jawor to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and competitiveness. Working capital was a headwind driven by temporarily higher inventories, as well as a higher value of stock from events. Looking on the EBIT walk for vans.

Speaker #5: At the same time, we are completely remodeling our global production footprint with investments in Vittoria, Charleston, and Javo to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Speaker #5: Working capital was a headwind, driven by temporarily higher inventories as well as a higher value of stock from EVANs. Now, looking at the EBIT walk for VANs, VANs achieved an EBIT adjusted of €450 million, and once again delivered a benchmark double-digit return on sales of 10.1%.

Harald Wilhelm: Vans achieved an EBIT adjusted of EUR 450 million, and once again delivered a benchmark double-digit return on sales of 10.1%. Let me guide you through the buckets. The volume structure pricing is lower, reflecting a lighter product and market mix. Negative net pricing hardly offset by positive effects from an increased leasing portfolio. FX is a headwind, mainly driven by the Turkish lira, which was largely offset through pricing. Industrial performance is flattish. SG&A, R&D, and others are awash. Looking on the financial services side, we have migrated to the new setup, which is working well and is enhancing our competitive offering in the market, which is also reflected in a higher penetration rate in the Q1.

Harald Wilhelm: Vans achieved an EBIT adjusted of EUR 450 million, and once again delivered a benchmark double-digit return on sales of 10.1%. Let me guide you through the buckets. The volume structure pricing is lower, reflecting a lighter product and market mix. Negative net pricing hardly offset by positive effects from an increased leasing portfolio.

Speaker #5: Let me guide you through the buckets. The volume structure and pricing is lower, reflecting a lighter product and market mix. Negative net pricing was partly offset by positive effects from an increased leasing portfolio.

Speaker #5: FX is a headwind, mainly driven by the Turkish lira, which was largely offset through pricing. Industrial performance is flattish. SG&A, R&D, and others are a wash.

Harald Wilhelm: FX is a headwind, mainly driven by the Turkish lira, which was largely offset through pricing. Industrial performance is flattish. SG&A, R&D, and others are awash. Looking on the financial services side, we have migrated to the new setup, which is working well and is enhancing our competitive offering in the market, which is also reflected in a higher penetration rate in the Q1.

Speaker #5: Looking on the financial services side, we have migrated to the new setup, which is working well and is enhancing our competitive offering in the market. This is also reflected in a higher penetration rate in the first quarter.

Speaker #5: At the same time, we continue to sharpen our focus on the core financial services business, as evidenced by the signing of the outloan agreement and the divestment from Black Lane, both expected to complete later this year.

Harald Wilhelm: At the same time, we continue to sharpen our focus on the core financial services business, as evidenced by the signing of the Athlon agreement and the divestment from Blacklane, both expected to complete later this year. New business volume declined by 4% to EUR 13.1 billion, reflecting sales development and adverse FX effects. The portfolio stood at EUR 130 billion at the end of Q1, broadly unchanged versus year-end 2025. MB- financial services delivered a strong performance in Q1 with a return on equity of 13.3%. EBIT adjusted increased by 44%, supported by continued positive trend in portfolio margin, improved cost efficiency, while at the same time the cost of credit risk remained elevated, reflecting a weaker global economic outlook. Let's have a look at the group numbers.

Harald Wilhelm: At the same time, we continue to sharpen our focus on the core financial services business, as evidenced by the signing of the Athlon agreement and the divestment from Blacklane, both expected to complete later this year. New business volume declined by 4% to EUR 13.1 billion, reflecting sales development and adverse FX effects.

Speaker #5: New business volume declined by 4% to €13.1 billion, reflecting sales development and adverse effects. The portfolio stood at €130 billion at the end of Q1, broadly unchanged versus year-end 2025.

Harald Wilhelm: The portfolio stood at EUR 130 billion at the end of Q1, broadly unchanged versus year-end 2025. MB- financial services delivered a strong performance in Q1 with a return on equity of 13.3%. EBIT adjusted increased by 44%, supported by continued positive trend in portfolio margin, improved cost efficiency, while at the same time the cost of credit risk remained elevated, reflecting a weaker global economic outlook. Let's have a look at the group numbers.

Speaker #5: Financial services delivered a strong performance in Q1, with a return on equity of 13.3%. EBIT adjusted increased by 44%, supported by a continued positive trend in portfolio margin and improved cost efficiency. At the same time, the cost of credit risk remained elevated, reflecting a weaker global economic outlook.

Speaker #5: Let's have a look at the group numbers. On the EBIT side—cars, vans, financial services I explained already. That results in a solid adjusted group EBIT of €1.8 billion. We had some adjustments in the first quarter: additional restructuring charges of €175 million for our NLPP personnel cost reduction program, and M&A adjustments, mainly related to Athlon following its reclassification as asset held for sale.

Harald Wilhelm: On the EBIT side, cars, vans, Financial Services, I explained already. That results in a solid adjusted Group EBIT of EUR 1.8 billion. We had some adjustments in Q1. Additional restructuring charges of EUR 175 million for our NLPP personnel cost reduction program and M&A adjustments mainly related to add-on following its reclassification as assets held for sale. With this, the Group EBIT booked sits at EUR 1.9 billion. On the cash flow, cars and vans I covered already. Tax, cash taxes are positive due to refund related to 2025. Interest paid is negative due to seasonality of coupon payments and higher interest environment. Interest income was positive with more than EUR 100 million. On the free cash flow, on the industrial side altogether, this is at EUR 1.9 billion.

Harald Wilhelm: On the EBIT side, cars, vans, Financial Services, I explained already. That results in a solid adjusted Group EBIT of EUR 1.8 billion. We had some adjustments in Q1. Additional restructuring charges of EUR 175 million for our NLPP personnel cost reduction program and M&A adjustments mainly related to add-on following its reclassification as assets held for sale.

Speaker #5: With this, the group EBIT booked sits at €1.9 billion. On the cash flow, Cars and Vans I covered already. Tax cash taxes are positive due to a refund related to 2025.

Harald Wilhelm: With this, the Group EBIT booked sits at EUR 1.9 billion. On the cash flow, cars and vans I covered already. Tax, cash taxes are positive due to refund related to 2025. Interest paid is negative due to seasonality of coupon payments and higher interest environment. Interest income was positive with more than EUR 100 million. On the free cash flow, on the industrial side altogether, this is at EUR 1.9 billion.

Speaker #5: Interest paid is negative due to seasonality of coupon payments and the higher interest environment. Interest income was positive, with more than €100 million.

Speaker #5: And on the free cash flow, on the industrial side, altogether, this is at €1.9 billion. The adjusted figure is significantly higher at €2.8 billion, mainly due to the NLPP cash outs of almost €1 billion in the first quarter.

Harald Wilhelm: The adjusted figure is significantly higher at 2.8, mainly due to the NLPP cash outs of almost EUR 1 billion in Q1. On the NIL bridge, page 14, by the end of Q1, the NIL increased to close to EUR 34 billion. That is a pretty comfortable level. Of this NIL, we paid EUR 3.3 billion as a divvy to our shareholders last week. What's the status on our share buyback program, our EUR 2 billion program? It's in full execution. In Q1, share buybacks totaled EUR 470 million. In total as of today as we speak, we have bought back shares worth more than EUR 1 billion since inception of the program. Following the AGM, share buyback has accelerated significantly. With regard to the DT stake, we continue to monitor market development and capitalize on opportunities as they emerge.

Harald Wilhelm: The adjusted figure is significantly higher at 2.8, mainly due to the NLPP cash outs of almost EUR 1 billion in Q1. On the NIL bridge, page 14, by the end of Q1, the NIL increased to close to EUR 34 billion. That is a pretty comfortable level. Of this NIL, we paid EUR 3.3 billion as a divvy to our shareholders last week.

Speaker #5: On the Nilbridge page 14, by the end of the first quarter, the Nil increased to close to $34 billion. That is a pretty comfortable level.

Speaker #5: Of this nil, we paid $3.3 billion as a divvy to our shareholders last week, but the status on our share buyback program, our $2 billion program, it's in full execution.

Harald Wilhelm: What's the status on our share buyback program, our EUR 2 billion program? It's in full execution. In Q1, share buybacks totaled EUR 470 million. In total as of today as we speak, we have bought back shares worth more than EUR 1 billion since inception of the program. Following the AGM, share buyback has accelerated significantly. With regard to the DT stake, we continue to monitor market development and capitalize on opportunities as they emerge.

Speaker #5: In Q1, share buybacks totaled €470 million. In total, as of today, as we speak, we have bought back shares worth more than €1 billion since the inception of the program.

Speaker #5: Following the AGM, share buyback has accelerated significantly. And with regard to the DT stake, we continue to monitor market developments and capitalize on opportunities as they emerge.

Speaker #5: Now, turning to the outlook and the guidance—getting started with the divisional guidance for 2025—please consider the disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements at the end of this presentation in relation to the outlook.

Harald Wilhelm: Turning to the outlook and the guidance. Getting started with the divisional guidance for 2025. Please consider the disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements at the end of this presentation in the relation to the outlook. Important to note, the war in the Middle East adds further uncertainty to an already high level of uncertainty in the global economic environment and automotive markets. The outlook assumes no prolonged conflict with respect to potential impacts on material, raw material, and energy prices, inflation, and sales trend. Assumptions are based on today's regulatory framework and on the US-EU tariff rate expected to be reduced to 0 now effective August 2026. On the car side, the sales guidance for 2026, we retain an overall constructive view with targeted growth ex-China. Global sales volume is expected to remain at prior year level.

Harald Wilhelm: Turning to the outlook and the guidance. Getting started with the divisional guidance for 2025. Please consider the disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements at the end of this presentation in the relation to the outlook. Important to note, the war in the Middle East adds further uncertainty to an already high level of uncertainty in the global economic environment and automotive markets.

Speaker #5: Importantly, the war in the Middle East adds further uncertainty to an already high level of uncertainty in the global economic environment and automotive markets.

Speaker #5: The outlook assumes no prolonged conflict with respect to potential impacts on material, raw material, and energy prices, inflation, and sales trend. Assumptions are based on today's regulatory framework and on the US-EU tariff rate expected to be reduced to zero, now effective August 2026.

Harald Wilhelm: The outlook assumes no prolonged conflict with respect to potential impacts on material, raw material, and energy prices, inflation, and sales trend. Assumptions are based on today's regulatory framework and on the US-EU tariff rate expected to be reduced to 0 now effective August 2026. On the car side, the sales guidance for 2026, we retain an overall constructive view with targeted growth ex-China. Global sales volume is expected to remain at prior year level.

Speaker #5: On the car side, the sales guidance for 2026—we retain an overall constructive view, with targeted growth. Ex-China global sales volume is expected to remain at the prior year level.

Speaker #5: Product transitioning is impacting the sales volume as expected, with sales in Q1 being the lowest and building momentum in H2. XEV share is unchanged.

Harald Wilhelm: Product transitioning is impacting the sales volume as expected, with sales in Q1 being the lowest and building momentum in H2. xEV share is unchanged, and with Q1 well within the guidance range, we continue to see adjusted return on sales between 3% to 5% as guided. Equally, PPE, R&D, and CCR remain unchanged. On the van side, I can also make it pretty short. Our sales guidance and the xEV share are unchanged. We continue to see adjusted return on sales as guided between 8% and 10%. No change to PPE, R&D, and CCR. Also on the financial services side, short and sweet, given the current interest rate volatility, we continue to see the full year guidance unchanged in the range of 10% to 12%. Looking at the group guidance, page 16, it follows obviously the same premises as the segment guidance.

Harald Wilhelm: Product transitioning is impacting the sales volume as expected, with sales in Q1 being the lowest and building momentum in H2. xEV share is unchanged, and with Q1 well within the guidance range, we continue to see adjusted return on sales between 3% to 5% as guided. Equally, PPE, R&D, and CCR remain unchanged.

Speaker #5: And with quarter one, well within the guidance range, we continue to see adjusted return on sales between 3 to 5 percent, as guided. Equally, PPE, R&D, and CCR remain unchanged.

Speaker #5: On the VAN side, I can also make it pretty short. Sales guidance and the XEV share are unchanged. We continue to see adjusted return on sales as guided, between 8 and 10 percent; no change to PPE, R&D, and CCR.

Harald Wilhelm: On the van side, I can also make it pretty short. Our sales guidance and the xEV share are unchanged. We continue to see adjusted return on sales as guided between 8% and 10%. No change to PPE, R&D, and CCR. Also on the financial services side, short and sweet, given the current interest rate volatility, we continue to see the full year guidance unchanged in the range of 10% to 12%. Looking at the group guidance, page 16, it follows obviously the same premises as the segment guidance.

Speaker #5: And also on the financial services side, short and sweet, given the current interest rate volatility, we will continue to see the full-year guidance unchanged in the range of 10 to 12 percent.

Speaker #5: Looking at the group guidance, page 16, it obviously follows the same premises as the segment guidance—in line with the unchanged divisional guidance, all group guidance remains unchanged.

Harald Wilhelm: In line with the unchanged divisional guidance, all group guidance remain unchanged. Equally, on the free cash flow industrial guidance, this remains unchanged before additional proceeds from major M&A activity. Now turning a bit more to the outlook for the remainder of the year. What's ahead? Well, the 2026 ramp up is in full motion. We see strong demand for our all new electric models. In Europe, that order intake has more than doubled compared to prior year's quarter, up by 107%. New models resonate well with our customers. The order books for the new CLA, the GLB, and the GLC are filled well into H2 of the year. CLA and GLC production are running at 3 shifts, and additionally, an additional Saturday shifts for the GLC.

Harald Wilhelm: In line with the unchanged divisional guidance, all group guidance remain unchanged. Equally, on the free cash flow industrial guidance, this remains unchanged before additional proceeds from major M&A activity. Now turning a bit more to the outlook for the remainder of the year. What's ahead? Well, the 2026 ramp up is in full motion.

Speaker #5: Equally, on the free cash flow industrial guidance, this remains unchanged before additional proceeds from major M&A activity. And now, turning a bit more to the outlook for the remainder of the year, what's ahead.

Speaker #5: Well, the motion. We see strong demand for all new electric models. In Europe, our order intake has more than doubled compared to the prior year's quarter, up by 107%.

Harald Wilhelm: We see strong demand for our all new electric models. In Europe, that order intake has more than doubled compared to prior year's quarter, up by 107%. New models resonate well with our customers. The order books for the new CLA, the GLB, and the GLC are filled well into H2 of the year. CLA and GLC production are running at 3 shifts, and additionally, an additional Saturday shifts for the GLC.

Speaker #5: New models resonate well with our customers. The order books for the new CLA, the GLB, and the GLC are filled well into the second half of the year.

Speaker #5: CLA and GLC production are running at three shifts, and additionally, an additional Saturday shift for the GLC. The S-Class is now available to order in Europe, with first deliveries starting in the second quarter.

Harald Wilhelm: The S-Class is now available to order in Europe. First deliveries are starting in Q2 in US, China, this will follow in Q3. We also reskinned completely our large SUV portfolio with the GLS, the GLE, the GLE Coupe, including AMG versions, and the order books on these ones will open soon. On the VLE, the order book is open in Germany. The rest of Europe will follow soon. With this, we are confident that we can build on that momentum as our model ramp up continues in Q2, with momentum being built in H2. Last page 18. Well, one of my personal highlights, the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé, which will be introduced in Los Angeles on May 19.

Harald Wilhelm: The S-Class is now available to order in Europe. First deliveries are starting in Q2 in US, China, this will follow in Q3. We also reskinned completely our large SUV portfolio with the GLS, the GLE, the GLE Coupe, including AMG versions, and the order books on these ones will open soon. On the VLE, the order book is open in Germany.

Speaker #5: In the US and China, this will follow in quarter three. So, we also reskinned completely our large SUV portfolio, with the GLS, the GLE, the GLE Coupe, including AMG versions, and the order books on these ones will open soon.

Speaker #5: On the VLE, the order book is open in Germany; the rest of Europe will follow soon. And with this, we are confident that we can build on that momentum as our model ramp-up continues in Q2, with momentum being built in H2.

Harald Wilhelm: The rest of Europe will follow soon. With this, we are confident that we can build on that momentum as our model ramp up continues in Q2, with momentum being built in H2. Last page 18. Well, one of my personal highlights, the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé, which will be introduced in Los Angeles on May 19.

Speaker #5: And last page, page 18—well, one of my personal highlights: the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT four-door coupe, which will be introduced in Los Angeles on May 19th.

Speaker #5: You should really block this in your calendar. It will be our first model on AMG's electric high-performance architecture, AMG EA. This car will set new benchmarks and embody true AMG DNA.

Harald Wilhelm: You should really block this in your calendar. It will be our first model on AMG's electric high-performance architecture, AMG EA. This car will set new benchmarks and embody true AMG DNA. Very much looking forward to that one. Thank you for now. With this, I hand back to Christina.

Harald Wilhelm: You should really block this in your calendar. It will be our first model on AMG's electric high-performance architecture, AMG EA. This car will set new benchmarks and embody true AMG DNA. Very much looking forward to that one. Thank you for now. With this, I hand back to Christina.

Speaker #5: So, very much looking forward to that one. Thank you for now. And with this, I hand back to Christina.

Speaker #1: Thank you very much, Harald. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now move on to the Q&A session. I will identify each questioner by name. However, before asking your question, please also state your name and the name of the organization that you represent.

Christina Schenck: Thank you very much, Harald. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now move on to the Q&A session. I will identify each questioner by name. Before asking your question, please also state your name and the name of your organization that you represent. A few practical points. Please ask your question in English. For reasons of fairness, please limit yourself to a maximum of 2 questions. Before we begin, the operator will briefly explain the procedure once again.

Christina Schenck: Thank you very much, Harald. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now move on to the Q&A session. I will identify each questioner by name. Before asking your question, please also state your name and the name of your organization that you represent. A few practical points. Please ask your question in English. For reasons of fairness, please limit yourself to a maximum of 2 questions. Before we begin, the operator will briefly explain the procedure once again.

Speaker #1: A few practical points. Please ask your question in English, and for reasons of fairness, please limit yourself to a maximum of two questions. Before we begin, the operator will briefly explain the procedure once again.

Speaker #2: Yes, thank you very much. Dear ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to ask a question, please press 9 and the star key on your telephone keypad.

Operator: Yes. Thank you very much. Dear ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to ask a question, please press 9 and the star key on your telephone keypad. You will then receive a confirmation that you have been placed in the queue. To withdraw the question, please press 3 star on your telephone keypad. You will receive a confirmation that your request has been removed. Once again, to ask a question, please press 9 star on your telephone keypad. If you experience any difficulties when raising a question, please try dialing in via one of the alternative conference call numbers provided in your invitation, or press 0 pound key on your telephone keypad for operator assistance. Thank you very much.

Operator: Yes. Thank you very much. Dear ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to ask a question, please press 9 and the star key on your telephone keypad. You will then receive a confirmation that you have been placed in the queue. To withdraw the question, please press 3 star on your telephone keypad. You will receive a confirmation that your request has been removed.

Speaker #2: You will then receive a confirmation that you have been placed in the queue. To withdraw the question, please press three star on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #2: You will receive a confirmation that your request has been removed. Once again, to ask a question, please press 9 star on your telephone keypad.

Operator: Once again, to ask a question, please press 9 star on your telephone keypad. If you experience any difficulties when raising a question, please try dialing in via one of the alternative conference call numbers provided in your invitation, or press 0 pound key on your telephone keypad for operator assistance. Thank you very much.

Speaker #2: If you experience any difficulties when raising a question, please try dialing in via one of the alternative conference call numbers provided in your invitation, or press 0 pound key on your telephone keypad for operator assistance.

Speaker #2: Thank you very much.

Speaker #1: We start the Q&A, and the first question goes to Tim.

Christina Schenck: We start the Q&A, and the first question goes to Tim from Deutsche Bank.

Christina Schenck: We start the Q&A, and the first question goes to Tim from Deutsche Bank.

Speaker #3: Yeah, thank you very much. I think now you hear me. It's Tim from Deutsche Bank. Thank you, Christina. Thank you, Harold. Two questions, please.

Tim Hotz: Yeah. Thank you very much. I think now you hear me. It is Tim from Deutsche Bank. Thank you, Christina. Thank you, Harald. 2 questions, please. The first one, Harald, given there was quite a bit going on, just for modeling and contextualizing your full year guidances, how should we think about one-timers going forward? Is there anything material that you already have on your agenda that we should already think about in our modeling in the coming quarters with respect to cash and earnings? I am also thinking about your restructuring program. Lots of outflows in Q1. Obviously some performance improvements impacts that you already see in Q1 as well on the PL. Where do we stand on that side? Secondly, you already quickly touched on this, but it is a big topic obviously.

Tim Rokossa: Yeah. Thank you very much. I think now you hear me. It is Tim from Deutsche Bank. Thank you, Christina. Thank you, Harald. 2 questions, please. The first one, Harald, given there was quite a bit going on, just for modeling and contextualizing your full year guidances, how should we think about one-timers going forward? Is there anything material that you already have on your agenda that we should already think about in our modeling in the coming quarters with respect to cash and earnings?

Speaker #3: The first one, Harold. Given there was quite a bit going on just for modeling and contextualizing your full-year guidances, how should we think about one-timers going forward?

Speaker #3: Is there anything material that you already have in your agenda that we should already think about in our modeling in the coming quarters with respect to cash and earnings?

Speaker #3: I'm also thinking about your restructuring program—lots of outflows in Q1, obviously some performance improvement impacts that you already see in Q1 as well on the P&L.

Tim Rokossa: I am also thinking about your restructuring program. Lots of outflows in Q1. Obviously some performance improvements impacts that you already see in Q1 as well on the PL. Where do we stand on that side? Secondly, you already quickly touched on this, but it is a big topic obviously.

Speaker #3: Where do we stand on that side? And then secondly, you already quickly touched on this, but it is a big topic, obviously. How should we think about raw material inflation in the second half of the year?

Tim Hotz: How should we think about raw material inflation in H2? Is there anything that you're planning already? You said you start to see it a bit, but it's a bit uncertain. How should we think about this? Thank you.

Tim Rokossa: How should we think about raw material inflation in H2? Is there anything that you're planning already? You said you start to see it a bit, but it's a bit uncertain. How should we think about this? Thank you.

Speaker #3: Is there anything that you're planning already? You said you start to see it a bit, but it's a bit uncertain. How should we think about this?

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Yeah, thanks a lot, Tim. So with regard to one-timer, as you mentioned, Dan, number one, I would like to re-emphasize that globally in the first quarter—I mean, they're a wash, as I outlined when going through the EBIT bridge.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah. Thanks a lot, Tim. With regard to one-timers, as you mentioned them, number 1, would like to reemphasize that globally in Q1, I mean, they are a wash, as I outlined when going through the EBIT bridge, I mean, a bit before. When I look at the full year in terms of the outlook, obviously as we guide also at the group level on an EBIT reported basis. Everything which we have in mind, which we know, I mean, is included in there. You could see a step-up in the restructuring provision for our personnel cost reduction program in Q1. I do not expect any further material addition in the restructuring provisioning on the EBIT side, nor any other material restructuring elements.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah. Thanks a lot, Tim. With regard to one-timers, as you mentioned them, number 1, would like to reemphasize that globally in Q1, I mean, they are a wash, as I outlined when going through the EBIT bridge, I mean, a bit before. When I look at the full year in terms of the outlook, obviously as we guide also at the group level on an EBIT reported basis.

Speaker #4: I mean, a bit before. When I look at the full year in terms of the outlook, obviously, as we guide also the group level on an EBIT reported basis, everything which we have in mind, which we know.

Harald Wilhelm: Everything which we have in mind, which we know, I mean, is included in there. You could see a step-up in the restructuring provision for our personnel cost reduction program in Q1. I do not expect any further material addition in the restructuring provisioning on the EBIT side, nor any other material restructuring elements.

Speaker #4: I mean, it is included in there. You could see a step up in the restructuring provision for our personnel cost reduction program in the first quarter.

Speaker #4: I do not expect any further material addition in the restructuring provisioning on the EBIT side nor any other material restructuring elements. Otherwise, I mean, we would have included them, obviously, in the Group guidance outlook.

Harald Wilhelm: Otherwise, we would have included them obviously in the group guidance outlook. On the cash side, I think we put it clear in the outlook as well on the free cash flow reported for the group that this is before material M&A. What is in our mind here, what is included in the guidance at this stage, are minor M&A activities, smaller divestments, in terms of our own retail divestments. Larger ones to come to the extent they close in 2026 obviously would further support cash generation. What else comes to mind? Athlon closing is expected in 2026.

Harald Wilhelm: Otherwise, we would have included them obviously in the group guidance outlook. On the cash side, I think we put it clear in the outlook as well on the free cash flow reported for the group that this is before material M&A. What is in our mind here, what is included in the guidance at this stage, are minor M&A activities, smaller divestments, in terms of our own retail divestments. Larger ones to come to the extent they close in 2026 obviously would further support cash generation. What else comes to mind? Athlon closing is expected in 2026.

Speaker #4: On the cash side, I think we put it clear in the outlook as well on the free cash flow reported for the Group that this is before material M&A.

Speaker #4: So what is in our mind here, what is included in the guidance at this stage are minor M&A activities, smaller divestments in terms of our own retail divestments, larger ones to come to the extent they close in 2026.

Speaker #4: Obviously, that would further support cash generation. What else comes to mind? Athlon closing is expected in 2026. However, that will not sit in free cash flow, but certainly will enhance the net cash position, and we would consider that, obviously, also in capital allocation.

Harald Wilhelm: However, that will not sit in free cash flow, but certainly will enhance the net cash position, and we would consider that obviously also in capital allocation. Your favorite ones on DT. No material divestment is assumed in the number, that's why this guidance is before material M&A cash flow. In other words, I mean, if you take that guidance on the free cash flow as outlined before in terms of total cash generation, I would say there are some distinct opportunities to enhance cash generation further and you know the capital allocation framework, what we are supposed to do with it.

Harald Wilhelm: However, that will not sit in free cash flow, but certainly will enhance the net cash position, and we would consider that obviously also in capital allocation. Your favorite ones on DT. No material divestment is assumed in the number, that's why this guidance is before material M&A cash flow. In other words, I mean, if you take that guidance on the free cash flow as outlined before in terms of total cash generation, I would say there are some distinct opportunities to enhance cash generation further and you know the capital allocation framework, what we are supposed to do with it.

Speaker #4: And your favorite ones on DT, no material divestment is assumed in the number. That's why this guidance is before material M&A cash flow. So, in other words, if you take that guidance on the free cash flow as outlined before in terms of total cash generation, I would say there are some distinct opportunities to enhance cash generation further and the capital allocation framework—what we are supposed to do with it.

Speaker #4: On the second question, on the raw mets, well, you can see in the first quarter bridge already in the industrial performance that we face some raw mets headwinds, and we do expect raw mets to step up.

Harald Wilhelm: On the second question on the raw mats, well, you can see in the Q1 bridge already in the industrial performance that we face some raw mats headwinds. We do expect raw mats to step up, I mean, further in the remainder of the year, higher than what we anticipated at the beginning of the year. Also driven by the Middle East crisis and, I mean, the global macro situation. That is included, however, I mean, in the outlook for the full year, in line with the 3% to 5% guidance, which we confirm here today.

Harald Wilhelm: On the second question on the raw mats, well, you can see in the Q1 bridge already in the industrial performance that we face some raw mats headwinds. We do expect raw mats to step up, I mean, further in the remainder of the year, higher than what we anticipated at the beginning of the year. Also driven by the Middle East crisis and, I mean, the global macro situation. That is included, however, I mean, in the outlook for the full year, in line with the 3% to 5% guidance, which we confirm here today.

Speaker #4: I mean, further in the remainder of the year, higher than what we anticipated at the beginning of the year, also driven by the Middle East crisis and the global macro situation.

Speaker #4: That is included; however, I mean, in the outlook for the full year—in line with the 3 to 5 guidance, which we confirm here today.

Speaker #3: Very clear. Thank you.

Tim Hotz: Very clear. Thank you.

Tim Rokossa: Very clear. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Tim. We move on to the next question, and it goes to Mike Tyndall from HSBC.

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Tim. We move on to the next question, and it goes to Mike Tyndall from HSBC.

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Tim. We move on to the next question, and it goes to Mike Tyndall from HSBC.

Speaker #5: Yes. Morning, folks. Thanks for taking my question. It's Mike Tyndall from HSBC. I guess, first question, just around products—the new products specifically. And if I think about your capital markets today and the plan in terms of product cost savings, it feels like the big step is to come forward.

Michael Tyndall: Yes. Morning, folks. Thanks for taking my questions. Michael Tyndall from HSBC. I guess first question just around products, the new products specifically. If I think about your capital markets day and the plan in terms of product cost savings, it feels like the big step is to come forward. Is that what we're going to see as these new products ramp? I'm just trying to think about, you know, very strong order intake. How does that translate in terms of EBIT? Then I guess the second question, I guess in some ways it's self-explanatory. Q1 is arguably the toughest quarter in terms of FX and tariff, and you've hit the middle of the range. Is the reason we haven't seen an upgrade simply because it's a pretty uncertain world out there?

Michael Tyndall: Yes. Morning, folks. Thanks for taking my questions. Michael Tyndall from HSBC. I guess first question just around products, the new products specifically. If I think about your capital markets day and the plan in terms of product cost savings, it feels like the big step is to come forward. Is that what we're going to see as these new products ramp?

Speaker #5: And is that what we're going to see as these new products ramp? I'm just trying to think about very strong order intake. How does that translate in terms of EBIT?

Michael Tyndall: I'm just trying to think about, you know, very strong order intake. How does that translate in terms of EBIT? Then I guess the second question, I guess in some ways it's self-explanatory. Q1 is arguably the toughest quarter in terms of FX and tariff, and you've hit the middle of the range. Is the reason we haven't seen an upgrade simply because it's a pretty uncertain world out there?

Speaker #5: And then, I guess the second question—I guess in some ways it's self-explanatory—but Q1 is arguably the toughest quarter in terms of FX and tariff.

Speaker #5: And you've hit the middle of the range. Is the reason we haven't seen an upgrade simply because it's a pretty uncertain world out there?

Michael Tyndall: 'Cause it does feel like you're well set up for the rest of the year now. Thanks.

Speaker #5: Because it does feel like you're well set up for the rest of the year now. Thanks.

Michael Tyndall: 'Cause it does feel like you're well set up for the rest of the year now. Thanks.

Speaker #4: Thanks, Mike. So, number one—yeah, on new products, we're very pleased to see the momentum, the order intake numbers going up. I mentioned the BEF numbers in terms of order intake in Europe—107% up.

Harald Wilhelm: Thanks, Mike. number 1, yeah. On new products, we're very pleased to see the momentum, the order intake numbers going up. I mentioned the BEV numbers in terms of order intake in Europe, 107% up. Obviously, you don't see that in sales yet, but it's a good indicator for what is to come. That's what we have been working for so hard. That's what you have been waiting for so patiently. That's what we want to bring to fruition in the course of 2026, and obviously beyond that. At the same time, we do know that, I mean, the EV vehicles carry higher variable cost than their brothers and sisters on the ICE side. That's why we engage into significant cost savings, I mean, over time.

Harald Wilhelm: Thanks, Mike. number 1, yeah. On new products, we're very pleased to see the momentum, the order intake numbers going up. I mentioned the BEV numbers in terms of order intake in Europe, 107% up. Obviously, you don't see that in sales yet, but it's a good indicator for what is to come. That's what we have been working for so hard.

Speaker #4: Obviously, you don't see that in sales yet, but it's a good indicator for what is to come. That's what we had been working for so hard.

Speaker #4: That's what you had been waiting for so patiently. That's what we want to bring to fruition in the course of 2026. And, obviously, I mean, beyond that.

Harald Wilhelm: That's what you have been waiting for so patiently. That's what we want to bring to fruition in the course of 2026, and obviously beyond that. At the same time, we do know that, I mean, the EV vehicles carry higher variable cost than their brothers and sisters on the ICE side. That's why we engage into significant cost savings, I mean, over time.

Speaker #4: At the same time, we do know that—I mean, the EV vehicles carry higher variable costs than their brothers and sisters on the ICE side.

Speaker #4: That's why we engage in significant cost savings. I mean, over time, and that should help to improve the margins on these EV vehicles. I mean, over time—'27, '28—and during the CMD, we outlined that we see the possibility to go to breakeven margin, breakeven between ICE and EVs towards the end of the decade, or cost, including CO₂ being included.

Harald Wilhelm: That should help to improve the margins on these EV vehicles, I mean, over time, 2027, 2028. During the CMD, we outlined that we see the possibility to go to a break even, margin break even, between ICE and EVs towards the end of the decade. All costs, including CO2, being included. We're exactly, I think, I mean, on that path. This is also a bit of an answer to your second question, as obviously as we're ramping up, I mean, BEVs in the H2 of the year. The volume goes up, but there's a bit of a dilution coming along with it. No, Q1 is not the worst in terms of the tariffs.

Harald Wilhelm: That should help to improve the margins on these EV vehicles, I mean, over time, 2027, 2028. During the CMD, we outlined that we see the possibility to go to a break even, margin break even, between ICE and EVs towards the end of the decade. All costs, including CO2, being included. We're exactly, I think, I mean, on that path. This is also a bit of an answer to your second question, as obviously as we're ramping up, I mean, BEVs in the H2 of the year. The volume goes up, but there's a bit of a dilution coming along with it. No, Q1 is not the worst in terms of the tariffs.

Speaker #4: So we're exactly, I think, I mean, on that path. This is also a bit of an answer to your second question. As obviously, as we're ramping up, I mean, BES in the second half of the year, the volume goes up, but there's a bit of a dilution coming along with it.

Speaker #4: Then, no, quarter one is not the worst in terms of the tariffs. Actually, quarter one on tariffs is slightly mitigated. Due to the IEPA refund claim, which we included in the books and the records, we're actually—I mean, the quarter one tariff impact is around 100 bps, whereas we expect for the full year still 150 bps.

Harald Wilhelm: Actually, Q1 on tariffs is slightly mitigated due to the IEPA refund claim, which we included in the books and the records. Actually, I mean, the Q1 tariff impact is around 100 basis points, whereas we expect for the full year, still 150 basis points. We'll have some headwind coming from the tariff side in the remainder of the year from higher raw mats, as I answered Tim's question before. The third, I would say is the BEV dilution I just mentioned before. Obviously the depreciation, which kicks in with the new models coming off the production line.

Harald Wilhelm: Actually, Q1 on tariffs is slightly mitigated due to the IEPA refund claim, which we included in the books and the records. Actually, I mean, the Q1 tariff impact is around 100 basis points, whereas we expect for the full year, still 150 basis points. We'll have some headwind coming from the tariff side in the remainder of the year from higher raw mats, as I answered Tim's question before. The third, I would say is the BEV dilution I just mentioned before. Obviously the depreciation, which kicks in with the new models coming off the production line.

Speaker #4: So, we'll have some headwind coming from the tariff side in the remainder of the year. From higher raw mats, as I answered Tim's question before, and the third, I would say, is the BEF dilution.

Speaker #4: I just mentioned before. And then, obviously, the depreciation which kicks in with the new models coming off the production line. So that's why, in terms of the remainder of the year, despite the momentum and some volume growth in H2, we see the guidance in the 3 to 5 corridor for now.

Harald Wilhelm: That's why, in terms of the remainder of the year, despite the momentum and some volume growth in H2, we see the guidance in the 3 to 5 corridor for now.

Harald Wilhelm: That's why, in terms of the remainder of the year, despite the momentum and some volume growth in H2, we see the guidance in the 3 to 5 corridor for now.

Speaker #5: Got it. Thank you.

Michael Tyndall: Got it. Thank you.

Michael Tyndall: Got it. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Mike. We will move on to the next question, and it goes to José Arcemunde from J.P. Morgan. Sorry. José, can you hear us?

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Mike. We would move on to the next question, and it goes to Jose Asumendi from J.P. Morgan. Sorry. Jose, can you hear us? Okay, Jose, I'm sorry, we cannot hear you. We will try again. Let's move on to the next one, and I will hand over to Stephen Reitman from Bernstein. Stephen, over to you.

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Mike. We would move on to the next question, and it goes to Jose Asumendi from J.P. Morgan. Sorry. Jose, can you hear us? Okay, Jose, I'm sorry, we cannot hear you. We will try again. Let's move on to the next one, and I will hand over to Stephen Reitman from Bernstein. Stephen, over to you.

Speaker #1: Okay, José, I'm sorry. We cannot hear you. We will try again. Then let's move on to the next one. And I will hand over to Stephen Reitman from Bernstein.

Speaker #1: Stephen, over to you.

Speaker #6: Good morning. Two questions, please. First of all, on China, can you give us some idea of the timetable for the launch of the GLC electric, in terms of when you're going to be announcing the pricing on that vehicle?

Stephen Reitman: Good morning. Two questions, please. First of all, on China, can you give us some idea of the timetable of the launch of the GLC Electric in terms of when you're going to be announcing the pricing on that vehicle? Obviously, it's very early days since you did the sort of like the full unveil of the long wheelbase version in China. Can you talk a little bit about the reactions you're seeing from your dealers and from any other relevant sources you can talk about? Secondly, on the EV demand, are you noticing any impact yet? Are you seeing what feedback you're getting from the dealers about customer interest maybe moving more towards BEV because of high fuel prices? Thank you.

Stephen Reitman: Good morning. Two questions, please. First of all, on China, can you give us some idea of the timetable of the launch of the GLC Electric in terms of when you're going to be announcing the pricing on that vehicle? Obviously, it's very early days since you did the sort of like the full unveil of the long wheelbase version in China.

Speaker #6: And obviously, it's very early days, since it's sort of like the full unveil of the long wheelbase version in China. But can you talk a little bit about the reactions you're seeing from your dealers and from any other relevant sources you can talk about?

Stephen Reitman: Can you talk a little bit about the reactions you're seeing from your dealers and from any other relevant sources you can talk about? Secondly, on the EV demand, are you noticing any impact yet? Are you seeing what feedback you're getting from the dealers about customer interest maybe moving more towards BEV because of high fuel prices? Thank you.

Speaker #6: And secondly, on the EV demand, are you noticing any impact yet? Are you seeing more feedback you're getting from the dealers about customer interest, maybe moving more towards BUV because of high fuel prices?

Speaker #6: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thanks, Stephen. Yeah, on the timetable, the GLC long wheelbase is expected to hit the China market in quarter three, if my memory is correct.

Harald Wilhelm: Thanks, Stephen. Yeah, on the timetable, the GLC long wheelbase is expected to hit China market in Q3. The turn probably Q3, Q4, if my memory is correct. Well, we will set, I mean, the pricing at the right moment of time, I would say, not too early, not too late. I think as you could see also, I mean, on other products, we'll have a view that this is competitive, however, obviously protecting, I mean, the brand and the product premium.

Harald Wilhelm: Thanks, Stephen. Yeah, on the timetable, the GLC long wheelbase is expected to hit China market in Q3. The turn probably Q3, Q4, if my memory is correct. Well, we will set, I mean, the pricing at the right moment of time, I would say, not too early, not too late. I think as you could see also, I mean, on other products, we'll have a view that this is competitive, however, obviously protecting, I mean, the brand and the product premium.

Speaker #4: And we will set in the pricing at the right moment of time, I would say, not too early, not too late. And I think, as you could see also, I mean, in other products, we'll have a view that this is competitive; however, obviously, protecting the brand and the product premium.

Harald Wilhelm: The reaction, the feedback from dealers, on the GLC, on the EV product line, on what is to come this year, but also, as you know, from time to time, you show a bit the jewelries, which are yet to come also beyond the 2026, is very encouraging. The tech motion, which we kicked off with the CLA in terms of MB.OS, in terms of Level 2+ plus, now, I mean, CLA on the road in China with Level 2+ plus. I think is gaining a good momentum in support of the entire product lineup, I mean, to come.

Speaker #4: The reaction, the feedback from dealers on the GLC, on the EV product line, on what is to come this year, but also as you—the jewelries which are yet to come, also beyond 2026—is very encouraging.

Harald Wilhelm: The reaction, the feedback from dealers, on the GLC, on the EV product line, on what is to come this year, but also, as you know, from time to time, you show a bit the jewelries, which are yet to come also beyond the 2026, is very encouraging. The tech motion, which we kicked off with the CLA in terms of MB.OS, in terms of Level 2+ plus, now, I mean, CLA on the road in China with Level 2+ plus. I think is gaining a good momentum in support of the entire product lineup, I mean, to come.

Speaker #4: The tech motion which we kicked off with the CLA in terms of MBUS, in terms of Level Two Plus Plus now—I mean, CLA on the road in China with Level Two Plus Plus—I think is gaining good momentum in support of the entire product lineup, I mean, to come.

Speaker #4: And that's why we are hopeful that the GLC long wheelbase, which was revealed last week during the auto show, will pick up momentum once it's going to be launched in the China market.

Harald Wilhelm: That's, I mean, why we are hopeful that the GLC long wheelbase, which was revealed last week during Auto China, where we'll pick up a momentum, once it's going to be launched in the China market. Your second question in terms of EV demand, I would say for Europe, definitely we see that very recently with the Middle East crisis, the fuel price spike, the dependencies, I mean, on fuel, there is, definitely, I mean, a favorable momentum picking up. Well, I mean, I cannot tell you how sustainable that is going to be in case the conflict settles. But clearly, the product in itself, I think, are considered as very attractive through Mercedes-Benz.

Harald Wilhelm: That's, I mean, why we are hopeful that the GLC long wheelbase, which was revealed last week during Auto China, where we'll pick up a momentum, once it's going to be launched in the China market. Your second question in terms of EV demand, I would say for Europe, definitely we see that very recently with the Middle East crisis, the fuel price spike, the dependencies, I mean, on fuel, there is, definitely, I mean, a favorable momentum picking up. Well, I mean, I cannot tell you how sustainable that is going to be in case the conflict settles. But clearly, the product in itself, I think, are considered as very attractive through Mercedes-Benz.

Speaker #4: Your second question in terms of the EV demand, I would say for Europe, definitely, we see that very recently with the Middle East crisis, the fuel price spike the dependencies, I mean, on fuel.

Speaker #4: There is definitely a favorable momentum picking up. Well, I mean, I cannot tell you how sustainable that is going to be in case the conflict settles.

Speaker #4: But clearly, the product in itself, I think, is considered very attractive. Through Mercedes—and that is supported, I would say, by the current macro and geopolitical circumstances.

Harald Wilhelm: That is supported, I would say, by the current, macro, and geopolitical circumstances.

Harald Wilhelm: That is supported, I would say, by the current, macro, and geopolitical circumstances.

Speaker #6: Thank you.

Christina Schenck: Okay. I'll try one more time with Jose. Jose, are you online? That's not the case. Let's move on to Christian Frenes from Goldman Sachs.

Christina Schenck: Okay. I'll try one more time with Jose. Jose, are you online? That's not the case. Let's move on to Christian Frenes from Goldman Sachs.

Speaker #1: Okay, I'll try one more time with José. José, are you online? If that's not the case, then let's move on to Christian Freynes from Goldman Sachs.

Operator: One moment. Sorry. Here's the operator speaking. José, we can hear you, but not really well. We, unfortunately, we can understand you. Maybe you could try dialing in one more time, and then we will. Unfortunately, we cannot understand you. We are very sorry. Something seems wrong with your line. We cannot understand you at all. We are very sorry. Please try dialing in again. Thank you. We are moving on to Christian.

Operator: One moment. Sorry. Here's the operator speaking. José, we can hear you, but not really well. We, unfortunately, we can understand you. Maybe you could try dialing in one more time, and then we will. Unfortunately, we cannot understand you. We are very sorry. Something seems wrong with your line. We cannot understand you at all. We are very sorry. Please try dialing in again. Thank you. We are moving on to Christian.

Speaker #7: One moment. Sorry, he's the operator speaking. José, we can hear you, but not really well. Unfortunately, we can't understand you. So maybe you could try dialing in one more time, and then we will.

Speaker #7: Unfortunately, we cannot understand you. We're very sorry. Something seems wrong with your line. We cannot understand you at all. We're very sorry. Please try dialing in again.

Speaker #7: Thank you. So we are moving on to the next question.

Christina Schenck: Okay then. Yes. Let's move on to Christian. Christian, over to you.

Christina Schenck: Okay then. Yes. Let's move on to Christian. Christian, over to you.

Speaker #1: Okay, then. Yes, let's move on to Christian. Christian, over to you.

Speaker #4: Okay, hello. Can you hear me now? Okay, great. I don't know what happened there, but guys, Christian Freynes from Goldman Sachs. Two quick questions, please.

Christian Frenes: Okay. Hello. Can you hear me now?

Christian Frenes: Okay. Hello. Can you hear me now?

Christina Schenck: Yes.

Christina Schenck: Yes.

Christian Frenes: Okay, great. I don't know what happened there, yes, Christian Frenes from Goldman Sachs. Two quick questions, please. Harald Wilhelm, you mentioned the tariff had 100 basis point headwind in Q1, and I think you mentioned 150 basis points headwind for the full year. Just the cadence of this, I suppose, should Q2 be the peak tariff headwind then? With the reduction in H2, could you just clarify, please? The second question, in your cars profit bridge, there seems to be, you know, the other was obviously a benefit. You called that out. You said it was a wash. It looks like your other operating income and expense talks about a EUR 350 million gain from a settlement from claims against suppliers.

Christian Frenes: Okay, great. I don't know what happened there, yes, Christian Frenes from Goldman Sachs. Two quick questions, please. Harald Wilhelm, you mentioned the tariff had 100 basis point headwind in Q1, and I think you mentioned 150 basis points headwind for the full year. Just the cadence of this, I suppose, should Q2 be the peak tariff headwind then?

Speaker #4: Harold, you mentioned the tariff had a 100 basis point headwind in Q1, and I think you mentioned a 150 basis point headwind for the full year.

Speaker #4: So just the cadence of this—I suppose, should Q2 be the peak tariff headwind, then? And then with the reduction in the second half, could you just clarify, please?

Christian Frenes: With the reduction in H2, could you just clarify, please? The second question, in your cars profit bridge, there seems to be, you know, the other was obviously a benefit. You called that out. You said it was a wash. It looks like your other operating income and expense talks about a EUR 350 million gain from a settlement from claims against suppliers.

Speaker #4: And then the second question, in your car's profit bridge, there seems to be—the other was obviously a benefit. You called that out. You said it was a wash.

Speaker #4: It looks like your other operating income and expense talks about a €350 million gain from a settlement from claims against suppliers. Could you just elaborate what that's about, please?

Christian Frenes: Could you just elaborate what that's about, please? Thanks.

Christian Frenes: Could you just elaborate what that's about, please? Thanks.

Speaker #4: Thanks.

Speaker #5: Yeah, thanks, Christian. So, I would say probably the quarters to come should run at around 150 bps dilution from the tariffs. Well, obviously, it depends a bit on the sales.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah. Thanks, Christian. I would say, probably, the quarters to come should run at around 150 basis points dilution from the tariffs. Well, obviously it depends a bit on the sales from the imports, I mean, into the US, but globally, I would say, take it as a kind of 150 basis points per quarter to come, I would say. Yeah. That gives you not exactly maybe 150 basis points, I mean, for the full year, but in the vicinity of.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah. Thanks, Christian. I would say, probably, the quarters to come should run at around 150 basis points dilution from the tariffs. Well, obviously it depends a bit on the sales from the imports, I mean, into the US, but globally, I would say, take it as a kind of 150 basis points per quarter to come, I would say. Yeah. That gives you not exactly maybe 150 basis points, I mean, for the full year, but in the vicinity of.

Speaker #5: From the imports, I mean, into the US—but globally, I would say take it as kind of 150 bps per quarter to come, I would say.

Speaker #5: Yeah. And that gives you not exactly maybe 150 bps, I mean, for the full year, but in the vicinity of. Yeah. To your second question, I mean, in the bridge here, as I explained, I mean, in the other bucket, we have some support in the industrial performance, with some negatives.

Harald Wilhelm: To your second question, I mean, in the bridge here, as I explained, I mean, in the other bucket, we have some support in the industrial performance, with some negatives. All in all, I mean, they are a wash. What is in the other bucket? Yes, we have included in the Q1 profit the claim towards the suppliers, which we had been discussing and settling. You will understand that I will not outline any particular supplier relationships. Please understand.

Harald Wilhelm: To your second question, I mean, in the bridge here, as I explained, I mean, in the other bucket, we have some support in the industrial performance, with some negatives. All in all, I mean, they are a wash. What is in the other bucket? Yes, we have included in the Q1 profit the claim towards the suppliers, which we had been discussing and settling. You will understand that I will not outline any particular supplier relationships. Please understand.

Speaker #5: So all in all, I mean, they are a wash. So what is in the other bucket? Yes, we have included in the Q1 profit the claim towards suppliers, which we had been discussing and settling.

Speaker #5: But you will understand that I will not outline any particular supplier relationships, so please understand.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Christian Frenes: Thank you.

Christian Frenes: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Christian. We would then move on to Patrick Hummel from UBS.

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Christian. We would then move on to Patrick Hummel from UBS.

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Christian. We would then move on to Patrick Hummel from UBS.

Speaker #8: Thank you, Christina. Hi, Harold. Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. I'd like to first ask about China. I mean, your sales performance, obviously, in Q1 wasn't great, but listening to you, it sounds like it was more in line with your plans because you were not pushing too hard.

Patrick Hummel: Danke, Christina Schenck. Hi, Harald Wilhelm. Good morning. Thanks for taking my questions. I'd like to first ask about China. I mean, your sales performance obviously in Q1 wasn't great, but listening to you, it sounds like it was more, you know, in line with your plans, because you were not pushing too hard.

Patrick Hummel: Thank you, Christina Schenck. Hi, Harald Wilhelm. Good morning. Thanks for taking my questions. I'd like to first ask about China. I mean, your sales performance obviously in Q1 wasn't great, but listening to you, it sounds like it was more, you know, in line with your plans, because you were not pushing too hard.

Patrick Hummel: Is it fair to say that Q1, according to your playbook at least, is gonna be the weakest quarter for China, and we should see not just sales picking up and, you know, bearing in mind we're talking about also EV sales picking up in the H2, is it still fair to assume that also the profitability should improve despite the dilutive impact of EVs versus ICE cars, just to get a better handle on what you expect from China for the remainder of this year? My second question, you booked this book gain on Athlon, about EUR 300 million. You know, that asset in itself is worth more than EUR 1 billion, I think. Then you marked EUR 2 billion worth of DTG shares as held for sale.

Speaker #8: Is it fair to say that Q1, according to your playbook at least, is going to be the weakest quarter for China, and we should see not just sales picking up—and bearing in mind we're talking about also EV sales picking up—in the second half?

Patrick Hummel: Is it fair to say that Q1, according to your playbook at least, is gonna be the weakest quarter for China, and we should see not just sales picking up and, you know, bearing in mind we're talking about also EV sales picking up in the H2, is it still fair to assume that also the profitability should improve despite the dilutive impact of EVs versus ICE cars, just to get a better handle on what you expect from China for the remainder of this year?

Speaker #8: Is it still fair to assume that profitability should also improve, despite the dilutive impact of EVs versus ICE cars? Just to get a better handle on what you expect from China for the remainder of this year.

Speaker #8: And my second question, you booked this book gain on Athlon about $300 million. That asset in itself is worth more than a billion, I think.

Patrick Hummel: My second question, you booked this book gain on Athlon, about EUR 300 million. You know, that asset in itself is worth more than EUR 1 billion, I think. Then you marked EUR 2 billion worth of DTG shares as held for sale.

Speaker #8: Then you marked $2 billion worth of DTG shares as held for sale. That gets me to $3 billion M&A, or potentially even more. And in the plan you presented with a full year, you talked about $2 billion.

Patrick Hummel: That gets me to EUR 3 billion M&A or potentially even more. In the plan you presented with the full year, you talked about EUR 2 billion. I just wonder whether, you know, if you execute all the transactions, if that has any impact on cash returns or you would stick to basically the framework you presented and, you know, any further proceeds would just, you know, give you some buffer maybe for 2027 or so. Thank you.

Patrick Hummel: That gets me to EUR 3 billion M&A or potentially even more. In the plan you presented with the full year, you talked about EUR 2 billion. I just wonder whether, you know, if you execute all the transactions, if that has any impact on cash returns or you would stick to basically the framework you presented and, you know, any further proceeds would just, you know, give you some buffer maybe for 2027 or so. Thank you.

Speaker #8: I just wonder whether, if you execute all the transactions, if that has any impact on cash returns, or if you would stick to basically the framework you presented, and any further proceeds would just give you some buffer, maybe for 2027 or so.

Speaker #8: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Yeah, thanks, Patrick. Our first question, I mean, on China and China sales—I would say, yeah, China sales' first-quarter evolution, I mean, was roughly in line with what we did expect.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah. Thanks, Patrick. Our first question on China and China sales. I would say, China sales, I mean, first quarter evolution was roughly in line with what we did expect. We said at the beginning of the year in the full year outlook, as you remember, that we do expect China sales to be lower in 2026 versus 2025. What was, I mean, in the year-on-year as well, I mean, elements, remember that the banking commissions have come down, I mean, significantly. That has, I mean, a particular impact, I mean, also, I mean, on our side. You could also see that, I mean, we adjusted in terms of go-to-market strategy. We did adjustment on MSRP.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah. Thanks, Patrick. Our first question on China and China sales. I would say, China sales, I mean, Q1 evolution was roughly in line with what we did expect. We said at the beginning of the year in the full year outlook, as you remember, that we do expect China sales to be lower in 2026 versus 2025.

Speaker #4: We said at the beginning of the year, in the full-year outlook, as you remember, that we do expect China sales to be lower in '26 versus '25.

Speaker #4: What was, I mean, in the year-on-year as well, I mean, elements—remember that the banking commissions have come down, I mean, significantly. That has, I mean, a better impact, I mean, also, I mean, on our side.

Harald Wilhelm: What was, I mean, in the year-on-year as well, I mean, elements, remember that the banking commissions have come down, I mean, significantly. That has, I mean, a particular impact, I mean, also, I mean, on our side. You could also see that, I mean, we adjusted in terms of go-to-market strategy. We did adjustment on MSRP.

Speaker #4: You could also see that, I mean, we adjusted in terms of go-to-market strategy. We did adjustment on MSAP. We did, I mean, negotiate and discuss and settle with dealers in the first quarter.

Harald Wilhelm: We did negotiate and discuss and settle with dealers in Q1. That, I mean, had some temporary, impact, I mean, in Q1. Consciously, as we were trying to protect as well profitability at our end, as well as, I mean, profitability, I mean, on the dealer side. That came, I mean, at the, at the expense, of volume, but consciously. This is I think, I mean, the important point. Now, as you say exactly, I mean, as we're building the momentum for H2 with all of the products, I mean, to come. Ones, I mean, I emphasize, I mean, the S-Class, S-Class Maybach, the GLS, the GLE localized. So really cool product. The GLC, I mean, electric, the C-Class to come.

Harald Wilhelm: We did negotiate and discuss and settle with dealers in Q1. That, I mean, had some temporary, impact, I mean, in Q1. Consciously, as we were trying to protect as well profitability at our end, as well as, I mean, profitability, I mean, on the dealer side. That came, I mean, at the, at the expense, of volume, but consciously.

Speaker #4: So that, I mean, had some temporary impact, I mean, in the first quarter. But consciously, as we were trying to protect as well profitability at our end as well as, I mean, profitability, I mean, on the dealer side.

Speaker #4: And that came, I mean, at the expense of volume, but consciously. Yeah, this is, I think, I mean, the important point. Now, as you say, exactly, I mean, as we're building the momentum for H2 with all of the products, I mean, to come, once, I mean, I emphasized, I mean, the S-Class, S-Class Maybach, the GLS, the GLE localized, so really cool product.

Harald Wilhelm: This is I think, I mean, the important point. Now, as you say exactly, I mean, as we're building the momentum for H2 with all of the products, I mean, to come. Ones, I mean, I emphasize, I mean, the S-Class, S-Class Maybach, the GLS, the GLE localized. So really cool product. The GLC, I mean, electric, the C-Class to come.

Speaker #4: The GLC, GLC—I mean, electric—the C-Class to come. I think there is a fair expectation for this to create volume momentum. Therefore, from today's point of view, I would say quarter one, I mean, should be at the lowest in terms of the sales.

Harald Wilhelm: I think, there is a, there's a fair expectation, this to create volume momentum. Therefore, from today's point of view, I would say Q1, I mean, should be at the lowest in terms of the sales. While, I mean, we're not outlining, I would say, the profit, by region. Globally, I would say that should also have, I mean, a supportive effect in terms of margin generation in the, in the H2 of the year. From China, however, as you can see also in the Q1, in terms of, China contribution applies to China, BBAC result. It's a tough competitive, I mean, market environment.

Harald Wilhelm: I think, there is a, there's a fair expectation, this to create volume momentum. Therefore, from today's point of view, I would say Q1, I mean, should be at the lowest in terms of the sales. While, I mean, we're not outlining, I would say, the profit, by region. Globally, I would say that should also have, I mean, a supportive effect in terms of margin generation in the, in the H2 of the year. From China, however, as you can see also in the Q1, in terms of, China contribution applies to China, BBAC result. It's a tough competitive, I mean, market environment.

Speaker #4: Well, I mean, we're not outlining, I would say, the profit by region, but globally, I would say that should also have, I mean, a supportive effect in terms of margin generation in the second half of the year.

Speaker #4: From China, however, as you can see also in the first quarter in terms of China contribution, supplies to China, BBC result, it's a tough, competitive—I mean, market environment.

Harald Wilhelm: That's why next to the product momentum, we're taking a lot of actions in terms of localization, in terms of sourcing, in terms of cost effort to mitigate the market situation. The second question in terms of M&A. Well, I mean, on the Athlon side, you refer to the EBIT side of things, I would say. I mean, the gain included at the group level of EUR 300 million. That is basically as we moved Athlon as an asset held for sale. The intercompany margin, which has been stored at the group level during the period we hold Athlon, and gets now released as the asset gets divested. That's a bit more, I would say, a mechanical side of things, accounting side of things, I mean, on the EBIT.

Speaker #4: And that's why, next to the product momentum, we're taking a lot of actions in terms of localization, in terms of sourcing, and in terms of cost effort to mitigate the market situation.

Harald Wilhelm: That's why next to the product momentum, we're taking a lot of actions in terms of localization, in terms of sourcing, in terms of cost effort to mitigate the market situation. The second question in terms of M&A. Well, I mean, on the Athlon side, you refer to the EBIT side of things, I would say. I mean, the gain included at the group level of EUR 300 million.

Speaker #4: The second question in terms of M&A, well, I mean, on the Athlon side, you referred to the EBIT side of things, I would say.

Speaker #4: I mean, again, included at the group level of $300 million, that is basically as we moved Athlon as an asset to held for sale.

Harald Wilhelm: That is basically as we moved Athlon as an asset held for sale. The intercompany margin, which has been stored at the group level during the period we hold Athlon, and gets now released as the asset gets divested. That's a bit more, I would say, a mechanical side of things, accounting side of things, I mean, on the EBIT.

Speaker #4: The intercompany margin, which has been stored at the group level during the period we hold Athlon, I mean, gets now released as the asset gets divested.

Speaker #4: So that's a bit more, I would say, the mechanical side of things—the accounting side of things. I mean, on the EBIT, I think your question refers more to the cash side.

Harald Wilhelm: I think your question refers more to the cash side. Well, I mean, is there a potential to do more of a EUR 2 billion of cash generation from M&A? I would say yes. I think you could count Athlon in for maybe up to EUR 1 billion or so. However, it will not hit free cash flow on the industrial side as it sits on financial services. Clearly, it adds to the net cash position. I said it before, and I confirm, we would consider obviously this amount also in the capital allocation framework, i.e. consider as cash generated next to the other assets in the own retail as well as any potential move on DT stake.

Harald Wilhelm: I think your question refers more to the cash side. Well, I mean, is there a potential to do more of a EUR 2 billion of cash generation from M&A? I would say yes. I think you could count Athlon in for maybe up to EUR 1 billion or so. However, it will not hit free cash flow on the industrial side as it sits on financial services. Clearly, it adds to the net cash position. I said it before, and I confirm, we would consider obviously this amount also in the capital allocation framework, i.e. consider as cash generated next to the other assets in the own retail as well as any potential move on DT stake.

Speaker #4: Well, I mean, is there a potential to do more of a 2 billion of cash generation from M&A? I would say yes. I think you could count Athlon in for maybe up to a billion or so.

Speaker #4: However, it will not hit free cash flow on the industrial side, as it sits on financial services, but clearly it adds to the net cash position.

Speaker #4: And I said it before, and I confirm, and we would consider, obviously, this amount also in the capital allocation framework—i.e., consider as cash generated.

Speaker #4: Next, to the other assets—I mean the own retail, as well as any potential move on the DT stake. So, yeah, next to the underlying industrial free cash flow, which we confirmed as per the guidance today, I think there is a decent cash upside from M&A.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah, next to the underlying industrial free cash flow, which we confirmed as per the guidance today, I think, there is a decent cash upside from M&A.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah, next to the underlying industrial free cash flow, which we confirmed as per the guidance today, I think, there is a decent cash upside from M&A.

Speaker #5: Thank you very much.

Patrick Hummel: Thank you very much.

Patrick Hummel: Thank you very much.

Speaker #6: Thank you, Patrick. We will try one more time to connect José. José, can you hear us? Okay, doesn't work, unfortunately. Okay, then we move on to Horst Schneider, Bank of America.

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Patrick. We will try one more time to connect Jose. Jose, can you hear us? Okay. It doesn't work, unfortunately. Okay. We move on to Horst Schneider, Bank of America. Horst, over to you.

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Patrick. We will try one more time to connect Jose. Jose, can you hear us? Okay. It doesn't work, unfortunately. Okay. We move on to Horst Schneider, Bank of America. Horst, over to you.

Speaker #6: Horst, over to you.

Speaker #7: Good morning, Herrera and team. Hope you can hear me. The first question that I have relates to the EBIT bridge for INCAS for 2026. I really liked the details you provided when you released the full year '25 results and to what extent the various drivers will impact results in '26.

Horst Schneider: Good morning, Harald Wilhelm and team. Hope you can hear me. The first question that I have relates to EBIT bridge for in cars for 2026. I really like the details you provided when you released the full year 2025 results and to what extent the various drivers will impact results in 2026. I want to come back on that. Could you maybe repeat again what drives now EBIT in cars in 2026? I have here in my notes -0.5% from structure pricing, -1% F mix, -0.5% raw materials effect.

Horst Schneider: Good morning, Harald Wilhelm and team. Hope you can hear me. The first question that I have relates to EBIT bridge for in cars for 2026. I really like the details you provided when you released the full year 2025 results and to what extent the various drivers will impact results in 2026. I want to come back on that. Could you maybe repeat again what drives now EBIT in cars in 2026? I have here in my notes -0.5% from structure pricing, -1% F mix, -0.5% raw materials effect.

Speaker #7: I want to come back on that. Could you maybe repeat again what drives now EBIT, INCAS in '26? I have here in my notes: minus 0.5% from structure pricing, minus 1% from mix, minus 0.5% raw material effect, plus 2% efficiency gains.

Horst Schneider: plus 2% efficiency gains. I think you said already that the raw material gonna have a more negative effect. Maybe you can update us on these drivers for 2026. That's number one. Number two, I was surprised in Q1 that you had such a positive impact from the trade payables while inventories were also moving down. I wonder why that was, and should we expect going forward some reversal of this trade payable effect? I'm also not aware if you have provided the guidance for working capital for the full year, because I'm thinking, as you rightly say, you're gonna increase sales in H2, should lead to an increase of inventories, but also trade payables. I'm not sure about the trade-off, to what extent working capital will be a positive driver in 2026 or not. Thank you.

Horst Schneider: plus 2% efficiency gains. I think you said already that the raw material gonna have a more negative effect. Maybe you can update us on these drivers for 2026. That's number one. Number two, I was surprised in Q1 that you had such a positive impact from the trade payables while inventories were also moving down.

Speaker #7: I think you said already that the raw materials are going to have a more negative effect. Maybe you can update us on these drivers for 2026.

Speaker #7: That's number one. Number two, I was surprised in Q1 that you had such a positive impact from the trade payables, while inventories were also moving down.

Speaker #7: So, I wonder why that was, and should we expect going forward some reversal of this trade payable effect? And I'm also not aware if you have provided the guidance for working capital for the full year, because I'm thinking, as you rightly say, you're going to increase sales in H2.

Horst Schneider: I wonder why that was, and should we expect going forward some reversal of this trade payable effect? I'm also not aware if you have provided the guidance for working capital for the full year, because I'm thinking, as you rightly say, you're gonna increase sales in H2, should lead to an increase of inventories, but also trade payables. I'm not sure about the trade-off, to what extent working capital will be a positive driver in 2026 or not. Thank you.

Speaker #7: This should lead to an increase in inventories, but also in trade payables. I'm not sure about the trade-off. To what extent will working capital be a positive driver in 2026 or not?

Speaker #7: Thank you.

Speaker #8: Sorry, no, it’s on. So thanks, Horst, for reminding us about the EBIT walk for ’25 and ’26, as outlined during the ARC and the CMD. I think you picked up on most of the elements, but for the benefit of everybody, I mean, if you depart from 2025, we said at that point in time tariffs and FX is a minus 1, structure and pricing is a minus 0.5, raw mats is a minus 0.5, efficiency is a 2, and the depreciation is a 0.7.

Harald Wilhelm: Sorry, now it's on. Thanks also to remind us, the EBIT walk 2025, 2026, as outlined during the ARC and the CMD. I think you picked up on most of the elements, but for the benefit of everybody, I mean, if you depart from 2025, we said at the point in time, tariffs and FX is EUR -1, structure and pricing is EUR -0.5, raw mats is EUR -0.5, efficiency is EUR 2, and the depreciation is EUR 0.7. Well, that's pretty precise now.

Harald Wilhelm: Sorry, now it's on. Thanks also to remind us, the EBIT walk 2025, 2026, as outlined during the ARC and the CMD. I think you picked up on most of the elements, but for the benefit of everybody, I mean, if you depart from 2025, we said at the point in time, tariffs and FX is EUR -1, structure and pricing is EUR -0.5, raw mats is EUR -0.5, efficiency is EUR 2, and the depreciation is EUR 0.7. Well, that's pretty precise now.

Speaker #8: Well, that's pretty precise now. Looking at it from a Q1 perspective, that is, based on the quarter one performance—I mean, I will not make an update of each and every item.

Harald Wilhelm: Looking at it from a Q1 perspective, i.e., based on the Q1 performance, I mean, I will not make an update of each and every item, I would say, but globally, I mean, I would say tariffs, I mean, maybe is a bit better. I mean, as we included the IEPA refund in the Q1, as commented, I mean, a bit earlier. Structure and pricing would roughly see in the same vicinity. Raw mats, maybe a bit more headwind, I mean, to come. Efficiencies, I think, I mean, we are on track. We're also on track in the Q1. I hope the explanation I gave you on terms of reading material for the bridge helped.

Harald Wilhelm: Looking at it from a Q1 perspective, i.e., based on the Q1 performance, I mean, I will not make an update of each and every item, I would say, but globally, I mean, I would say tariffs, I mean, maybe is a bit better. I mean, as we included the IEPA refund in the Q1, as commented, I mean, a bit earlier. Structure and pricing would roughly see in the same vicinity. Raw mats, maybe a bit more headwind, I mean, to come. Efficiencies, I think, I mean, we are on track. We're also on track in the Q1. I hope the explanation I gave you on terms of reading material for the bridge helped.

Speaker #8: I would say, but globally—I mean, I would say tariffs, I mean, maybe is a bit better. I mean, as we included the IPA refund in the quarter one as commented, I mean, a bit earlier.

Speaker #8: Structure and pricing would roughly see in the same vicinity. Raw mets, maybe a bit more headwind, I mean, to come. Efficiencies, I think, I mean, we are on track.

Speaker #8: We're also on track in the first quarter. I hope the explanation I gave you in terms of reading material for the bridge helped. What sits inside is in sync with the 2% for the full year.

Harald Wilhelm: The EBIT is in sync with the 2% for the full year. The depreciation is also, I think, in the same order of magnitude as outlined during the ARC. Which means all in all, I would say probably, yeah, a bit more raw materials and headwind. A bit less of a headwind, I mean, on the tariffs and then some puts and takes, but that's why all in all, we confirm the 3% to 5%.

Harald Wilhelm: The EBIT is in sync with the 2% for the full year. The depreciation is also, I think, in the same order of magnitude as outlined during the ARC. Which means all in all, I would say probably, yeah, a bit more raw materials and headwind. A bit less of a headwind, I mean, on the tariffs and then some puts and takes, but that's why all in all, we confirm the 3% to 5%.

Speaker #8: And the depreciation is also, I think, in the same order of magnitude as outlined during the ARC. So, which means all in all, I would say probably, yeah, a bit more raw mats and headwind, a bit less of a headwind, I mean, on the tariffs, and then some puts and takes, but that's why all in all we confirm the 3 to 5.

Horst Schneider: Mm-hmm.

Horst Schneider: Mm-hmm.

Speaker #8: Point number two, on the trade payables, I mean, in the first quarter—or on working capital—what is in there? In the first quarter, we increased inventory.

Harald Wilhelm: Point number two, on the trade payables, in the first quarter, on working capital, what is in there. In the first quarter, we increased inventory from the end of the year, 2025, which is usually the low point in terms of inventory. You get ready obviously to support the product ramp-up, the new products coming. That's why inventory went up in the first quarter. However, the inventories on the structure, on the mix, lighter is improved. Also, the cost efficiencies have an impact on the inventory. That's why you don't see in the cash flow chart such a burden on the inventory side.

Harald Wilhelm: Point number two, on the trade payables, in the Q1, on working capital, what is in there. In the Q1, we increased inventory from the end of the year, 2025, which is usually the low point in terms of inventory. You get ready obviously to support the product ramp-up, the new products coming. That's why inventory went up in the Q1. However, the inventories on the structure, on the mix, lighter is improved. Also, the cost efficiencies have an impact on the inventory. That's why you don't see in the cash flow chart such a burden on the inventory side.

Speaker #8: From the end of the year 2025, which is usually, I mean, the low point in terms of inventory, you get ready, obviously, to support the product ramp-up, the new products coming.

Speaker #8: So that's why, I mean, inventory went up in the first quarter. However, the inventory is, on the structure, on the mix, lighter, is improved also. I mean, the cost efficiencies have an impact on the inventory.

Speaker #8: That's why you don't see, in the cash flow chart, I mean, such a burden on the inventory side. So it's rather, I mean, in light, or a wash.

Harald Wilhelm: It's rather, I mean, in light or a wash. Whereas on the trade payables, you see, I mean, a more important amount. I mean, that is a function, I mean, of the production ramp-up, which is favorable, I mean, on the payable side. Obviously then, I mean, if you move throughout the year, you then will deliver, I mean, these vehicles as per the sales expectation and then come back down again in terms of the inventory towards the year-end, towards our inventory targets. We did not set out any specific guidance on working capital. That's all included in the free cash flow guidances in the CCRs of the division and the cash flow of the group.

Harald Wilhelm: It's rather, I mean, in light or a wash. Whereas on the trade payables, you see, I mean, a more important amount. I mean, that is a function, I mean, of the production ramp-up, which is favorable, I mean, on the payable side.

Speaker #8: Whereas on the trade payables, you see, I mean, a more important amount—I mean, that is a function, I mean, of the production ramp-up.

Speaker #8: Which is favorable, I mean, on the payable side, but obviously then, I mean, if you move throughout the year, you then will deliver—I mean, these vehicles as per the sales expectation—and then come back down again in terms of the inventory towards the year-end, towards our inventory targets.

Harald Wilhelm: Obviously then, I mean, if you move throughout the year, you then will deliver, I mean, these vehicles as per the sales expectation and then come back down again in terms of the inventory towards the year-end, towards our inventory targets. We did not set out any specific guidance on working capital. That's all included in the free cash flow guidances in the CCRs of the division and the cash flow of the group.

Speaker #8: We did not set out any specific guidance on working capital. That's all included in the free cash flow guidances in the CCR—so the division and the cash flow of the group.

Speaker #8: But clearly, I mean, we have very tight and stringent, I mean, working capital targets for all of the three elements—I mean, the DIO, the DSO, and the DPO—but next to it, I mean, we're also working on further improvements on all of the elements in particular.

Harald Wilhelm: Clearly, I mean, we have, I mean, very tight and stringent, I mean, working capital targets for all of the three elements. I mean, the DIO, the DSO, and the DPO. Next to it, I mean, we're also working, I mean, on further improvements on all of the elements. In particular here, you see a benefit kicking in Q1 on the payable side, which should also last and be therefore permanent. In a nutshell, a part of the payables will be temporary, a part will be permanent.

Harald Wilhelm: Clearly, I mean, we have, I mean, very tight and stringent, I mean, working capital targets for all of the three elements. I mean, the DIO, the DSO, and the DPO. Next to it, I mean, we're also working, I mean, on further improvements on all of the elements. In particular here, you see a benefit kicking in Q1 on the payable side, which should also last and be therefore permanent. In a nutshell, a part of the payables will be temporary, a part will be permanent.

Speaker #8: Here you see benefit kicking in the first quarter. On the payable side, which should also last and be, therefore, permanent. So, in a nutshell, a part of the payables will be temporary.

Speaker #8: A part will be permanent. I hope that helps.

Horst Schneider: Okay.

Horst Schneider: Okay.

Harald Wilhelm: I hope that helps.

Harald Wilhelm: I hope that helps.

Speaker #9: No, that helps a lot. Thanks for that. Just a small follow-up on raw materials. Is the increase in raw materials not impacting also your suppliers, so that it will be more difficult to cut the material costs as much as you want?

Horst Schneider: No, that helps a lot. Thanks for that. Just small follow-up on raw materials. Is the increase in raw materials not impacting also your suppliers so that it will be more difficult to cut the material costs as much as you want? I think it's an industry phenomenon. It not just affects you, but your view on that would be interesting.

Horst Schneider: No, that helps a lot. Thanks for that. Just small follow-up on raw materials. Is the increase in raw materials not impacting also your suppliers so that it will be more difficult to cut the material costs as much as you want? I think it's an industry phenomenon. It not just affects you, but your view on that would be interesting.

Speaker #9: I think it's an industry phenomenon. It's not just the facts you, but your view on that would be interesting.

Speaker #8: Well, with different contractual arrangements, some are, I mean, fixed prices obviously, and on some, I mean, you have more floating. That's—I mean, all in all, I mean, we included risk assessment in terms of raw material evolution, I mean, for 2026.

Harald Wilhelm: Well, with different contractual arrangements, some are, I mean, fixed prices obviously, and then on some, I mean, you have more floating. That's when, I mean, all in all, I mean, we included risk assessment in terms of raw material evolution, I mean, for 2026. That is included, I mean, in the outlook as I pointed out, I mean, before. Okay. That's great. Thank you, Harald.

Harald Wilhelm: Well, with different contractual arrangements, some are, I mean, fixed prices obviously, and then on some, I mean, you have more floating. That's when, I mean, all in all, I mean, we included risk assessment in terms of raw material evolution, I mean, for 2026. That is included, I mean, in the outlook as I pointed out, I mean, before. Okay. That's great. Thank you, Harald.

Speaker #8: And that is included in the outlook, as I pointed out—I mean, before.

Speaker #9: Okay. That's great. Thank you, Harold.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Horst. We will now move on to Henning Kossmann from Barclays.

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Horst. We will now move on to Henning Cosman from Barclays.

Christina Schenck: Thank you, Horst. We will now move on to Henning Cosman from Barclays.

Speaker #10: Yeah, hi. Good morning, everybody. Thanks, Justina. Thanks, Harold. I wanted to come back on the operating free cash flow. I know we talked about the working capital a lot.

Henning Cosman: Yeah. Hi, good morning, everybody. Thanks, Christina. Thanks, Harald Wilhelm. I wanted to come back on the operating free cash flow. I know we've, you know, we talked about the working capital a lot, but I think we're dancing around a little bit whether there could be upside to the operating free cash flow guidance. I understand there's upside from the M&A piece. If we think of the above EUR 4 billion and some of the payables effect in Q1 being sustainable now, and the momentum that you hope to generate in H2, would you be prepared to make a statement if there's a bit of upside? Above EUR 4 billion is obviously all demanded anyway, any sort of additional color, if you could, would be great.

Henning Cosman: Yeah. Hi, good morning, everybody. Thanks, Christina. Thanks, Harald Wilhelm. I wanted to come back on the operating free cash flow. I know we've, you know, we talked about the working capital a lot, but I think we're dancing around a little bit whether there could be upside to the operating free cash flow guidance. I understand there's upside from the M&A piece.

Speaker #10: I think we're bouncing around a little bit on whether there could be upside to the operating free cash flow guidance. I understand there's upside from the M&A piece.

Speaker #10: But if we think of the about $4 billion, and some of the payable effect in Q1 being sustainable now, and the momentum that you hope to generate in the second half, would you be prepared to make a statement if there's a bit of upside, and about $4 billion is obviously augmented anyway?

Henning Cosman: If we think of the above EUR 4 billion and some of the payables effect in Q1 being sustainable now, and the momentum that you hope to generate in H2, would you be prepared to make a statement if there's a bit of upside? Above EUR 4 billion is obviously all demanded anyway, any sort of additional color, if you could, would be great.

Speaker #10: But any sort of additional color, if you could, would be great. And a related sort of question—also, ultimately, free cash flow. I suppose you called out quite prominently the investment in the US in the press release, at least.

Henning Cosman: In a related sort of question also, ultimately free cash flow, I suppose you called out quite prominently the investment in the US in the press release at least. Perhaps not so much in your prepared remarks now, but I'm just wondering if there's anything incremental there. Anything at all to do with a continued hope for more favorable tariff treatment eventually? Is there still anything ongoing in terms of electoral conversations with the US administration? You know, separately from that even, is there anything incremental in terms of the CapEx or investment plan that you're calling out for the US today? Thank you very much.

Henning Cosman: In a related sort of question also, ultimately free cash flow, I suppose you called out quite prominently the investment in the US in the press release at least. Perhaps not so much in your prepared remarks now, but I'm just wondering if there's anything incremental there.

Speaker #10: Perhaps not so much in your prepared remarks now, but I'm just wondering if there's anything incremental there at all to do with continued hope for more favorable tariff treatment eventually, if there's still anything ongoing in terms of bilateral conversations with the US administration.

Henning Cosman: Anything at all to do with a continued hope for more favorable tariff treatment eventually? Is there still anything ongoing in terms of electoral conversations with the US administration? You know, separately from that even, is there anything incremental in terms of the CapEx or investment plan that you're calling out for the US today? Thank you very much.

Speaker #10: But separately from that, is there anything incremental in terms of the CapEx or investment plan that you're calling out for the U.S. today?

Speaker #10: Thank you very much.

Harald Wilhelm: Thanks, Henning. I had some difficulties, frankly, to understand some elements of your question, but from voice over. First one, if I get it right, was on the free cash flow side of things, the operational free cash flow side. The M&A side of things I commented already, I mean, before, I would say. I think on the operational free cash flow, it was a good start of the year, as outlined before, supported by working capital. Payables, yes, some element will reverse, I mean, in the course of the year. On the other side, well, I mean, you have EUR 1 billion of NLPP cash out sitting in Q1, which should not repeat in the remainder of the year.

Speaker #8: Thanks, Henning. I had some difficulty, frankly, to understand some elements of your question. But from a voiceover—but the first one, if I get it right, was on the free cash flow side of things.

Harald Wilhelm: Thanks, Henning. I had some difficulties, frankly, to understand some elements of your question, but from voice over. First one, if I get it right, was on the free cash flow side of things, the operational free cash flow side. The M&A side of things I commented already, I mean, before, I would say.

Speaker #8: The operational free cash flow side, the M&A side of things I commented already—I mean, before, I would say. I think on the operational free cash flow, there's a good start to the year, as outlined before.

Harald Wilhelm: I think on the operational free cash flow, it was a good start of the year, as outlined before, supported by working capital. Payables, yes, some element will reverse, I mean, in the course of the year. On the other side, well, I mean, you have EUR 1 billion of NLPP cash out sitting in Q1, which should not repeat in the remainder of the year.

Speaker #8: Supported by working capital, payables—yes, some element will reverse. I mean, in the course of the year, on the other side—well, I mean, you have a billion of NLPP cash out sitting in the first quarter.

Speaker #8: Which should not repeat in the remainder of the year. So, for the large chunk of cash out on the restructuring program, I mean, that is behind us.

Harald Wilhelm: For the large chunk of cash out on the restructuring program, that is behind us. Obviously, that will help the cash generation in the remainder of the year. We'll focus on all of the other levers. In terms of efficiencies anyhow, but also then on the attempt to manage the inventory to target, which is always a bit more towards the year end. Q2, Q3, we are in the ramp-up mode for the new products. You would see some seasonality obviously here in the cash generation, as you can see also in previous years. Probably more emphasized, more supported, given the high number of product launches we're doing.

Harald Wilhelm: For the large chunk of cash out on the restructuring program, that is behind us. Obviously, that will help the cash generation in the remainder of the year. We'll focus on all of the other levers. In terms of efficiencies anyhow, but also then on the attempt to manage the inventory to target, which is always a bit more towards the year end. Q2, Q3, we are in the ramp-up mode for the new products. You would see some seasonality obviously here in the cash generation, as you can see also in previous years. Probably more emphasized, more supported, given the high number of product launches we're doing.

Speaker #8: So, obviously, that will help the cash generation in the remainder of the year. And then, I mean, we'll focus on all of the other levers.

Speaker #8: I mean, in terms of efficiencies, anyhow, but also then on the attempt to manage the inventory to target, which is always a bit more towards, I mean, the year-end.

Speaker #8: So, I mean, in Q2 and Q3, we are in ramp-up mode, I mean, for the new products. So you would see some seasonality, obviously, here in the cash generation, as you can see also in previous years.

Speaker #8: But probably more emphasized, more supported, I mean, given the high number of product launches, I mean, we're doing. But yeah, I mean, I would say based on the quarter one cash flow, therefore with the elements I outlined on working capital, on NLPP, I think we feel good with the guidance of slightly below.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah, I would say based on the Q1 cash flow, therefore, with the elements I outlined on working capital on NLPP, I think we feel good with the guidance of slightly below. You know what, the corridor is of slightly below compared to the EUR 5.4 billion, which we printed in 2025. Your second question, in terms of further investments in the US and impact, favorable impact, on tariffs or deals. Well, we I think we had a important event with the GLS and the GLE reveal in the US in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in March.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah, I would say based on the Q1 cash flow, therefore, with the elements I outlined on working capital on NLPP, I think we feel good with the guidance of slightly below. You know what, the corridor is of slightly below compared to the EUR 5.4 billion, which we printed in 2025. Your second question, in terms of further investments in the US and impact, favorable impact, on tariffs or deals. Well, we I think we had a important event with the GLS and the GLE reveal in the US in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in March.

Speaker #8: And you know what the corridor is of slightly below, compared to the €5.4 billion which we printed in 2025.

Speaker #11: Your second question, in terms of further investments in the US and impact—I mean, favorable impact, I mean, on tariffs or deals—well, I mean, we think we had an important event with the GLS and the GLE reveal in the US, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in March.

Harald Wilhelm: We celebrated at that moment in time, the 5 million vehicle coming off the line in the US. I think, we could witness, I mean, with a lot of stakeholders being present during that event, that we are considered as a very good corporate citizen, I mean, over there. We continue to entertain, I think, therefore constructive, I mean, dialogue, but I would not speculate about, I mean, any link between the investment and the tariffs at this juncture. We are committed to continue to invest in the US as outlined with the $7 billion investment for 2026. I don't think, I mean, there's any particular thing, I mean, to mention. That is a more mid to long-term strategic statement, I mean, we've been doing.

Speaker #11: We celebrated, at that moment in time, the 5 millionth vehicle coming off the line. In the US, I think we could witness—I mean, with a lot of stakeholders being present during that event—that we are considered as a very good corporate citizen, I mean, over there.

Harald Wilhelm: We celebrated at that moment in time, the 5 million vehicle coming off the line in the US. I think, we could witness, I mean, with a lot of stakeholders being present during that event, that we are considered as a very good corporate citizen, I mean, over there.

Speaker #11: We continue to entertain, I think, therefore constructive—I mean, dialog—but I would not speculate about, I mean, any link between the investment and the tariffs at this juncture.

Harald Wilhelm: We continue to entertain, I think, therefore constructive, I mean, dialogue, but I would not speculate about, I mean, any link between the investment and the tariffs at this juncture. We are committed to continue to invest in the US as outlined with the $7 billion investment for 2026. I don't think, I mean, there's any particular thing, I mean, to mention. That is a more mid to long-term strategic statement, I mean, we've been doing.

Speaker #11: We are committed to continue to invest in the US as outlined with the $7 billion investment. For 2026, I don't think, I mean, there's any particular thing, I mean, to mention that is a more mid- to long-term strategic statement.

Speaker #11: I mean, we've been doing and very clearly, I mean, we see the potential for further localization in the US in particular in the SUV core segment.

Harald Wilhelm: Very clearly, I mean, we see the potential for further localization in the US, in particular in the SUV core segment. That is not, I think, for 2026, that is a bit more in the midterm. I hope.

Harald Wilhelm: Very clearly, I mean, we see the potential for further localization in the US, in particular in the SUV core segment. That is not, I think, for 2026, that is a bit more in the midterm. I hope.

Speaker #11: But that is not, I think, for 2026, that is a bit more in the midterm. I hope that answered the them. No, that's great.

Henning Cosman: Thank you.

Henning Cosman: Thank you.

Harald Wilhelm: That answered the questions to the extent I got them.

Harald Wilhelm: That answered the questions to the extent I got them.

Henning Cosman: No, that's great. Thank you. Just to confirm, no more NLPP payouts this year in the cash, but probably around another EUR 1 billion or so in 2027 then, yeah?

Henning Cosman: No, that's great. Thank you. Just to confirm, no more NLPP payouts this year in the cash, but probably around another EUR 1 billion or so in 2027 then, yeah?

Speaker #11: Thank you. But just to confirm, no more NLP payouts this year in the cash, but probably around another 1 billion or so in 2027 then, yeah?

Harald Wilhelm: I mean, we did already in 2025 from memory, it's a couple of hundred million, EUR 300 million or so, I think in 2025 cash outs, then now EUR 1 billion in 2026 Q1. We will still have some cash out, I mean, in 2026 remainder, but obviously, much lower than EUR 1 billion in Q1. From today's point of view, we should be done with it.

Speaker #8: I mean, we did already in 2025, from memory, a couple of hundred million, 300 million or so, I think in 2025 cash outs. And then now a billion in 2026 first quarter, we will still have some cash out.

Harald Wilhelm: I mean, we did already in 2025 from memory, it's a couple of hundred million, EUR 300 million or so, I think in 2025 cash outs, then now EUR 1 billion in 2026 Q1. We will still have some cash out, I mean, in 2026 remainder, but obviously, much lower than EUR 1 billion in Q1. From today's point of view, we should be done with it.

Speaker #8: I mean, in 2026, the remainder, but obviously much lower than the billion in the first quarter. And then, from today's point of view, we should be done with it.

Henning Cosman: Very good. Thank you.

Henning Cosman: Very good. Thank you.

Speaker #8: And obviously, the benefit kicking in in terms of—I mean, the people have come off the payroll to a large extent. By the end of the year, I mean, throughout—I mean, Q1, and obviously that will create—I mean, run rate benefit moving forward.

Harald Wilhelm: Obviously the benefit kicking in terms of, I mean, the people have come off the payroll to a large extent, by the end of the year, I mean, throughout, I mean, Q1. Obviously that will create, I mean, run rate benefit moving forward. I mean, that's why we did invest into it.

Harald Wilhelm: Obviously the benefit kicking in terms of, I mean, the people have come off the payroll to a large extent, by the end of the year, I mean, throughout, I mean, Q1. Obviously that will create, I mean, run rate benefit moving forward. I mean, that's why we did invest into it.

Speaker #8: I mean, that's why we did invest into it.

Speaker #11: That's great. Thanks, Harold.

Henning Cosman: That's great. Thanks, Harald.

Henning Cosman: That's great. Thanks, Harald.

Speaker #1: Thank you very much, Henning. We'll move on to Stuart Pearson from OxCap Analytics.

Christina Schenck: Thank you very much, Henning. We'll move on to Stuart Pearson from Oxcap Analytics.

Christina Schenck: Thank you very much, Henning. We'll move on to Stuart Pearson from Oxcap Analytics.

Speaker #12: Yeah, good morning. Thank you for taking my call, Stuart Pearson from OxCap Analytics. So just following up just very quickly to check my understanding was right on the IEPA refund.

Stuart Pearson: Yeah, good morning. Thank you for taking my call, Stuart Pearson from Oxcap Analytics. Just following up just very quickly to check my understanding was right on the IEPA refund. Just from what you said, I guess it sounds like you're suggesting that was around 50 basis points support in cars in the quarter. Just to check that that's correct and where that would sit in the bridge, I guess, in structure, but maybe just clarify on that. The second one is a slightly bigger picture. It's coming back to the US, but more the demand side. I know coming into this year, as a market, you talked about growth, and I think it was targeted to grow there to, you know, 400,000 retails by the end of the decade.

Stuart Pearson: Yeah, good morning. Thank you for taking my call, Stuart Pearson from Oxcap Analytics. Just following up just very quickly to check my understanding was right on the IEPA refund. Just from what you said, I guess it sounds like you're suggesting that was around 50 basis points support in cars in the quarter. Just to check that that's correct and where that would sit in the bridge, I guess, in structure, but maybe just clarify on that.

Speaker #12: Just from what you said, I guess it sounds like you're suggesting that was around 50 basis points supporting cars in the quarter. So just to check that that's correct and where that would sit in the bridge, I guess, in structure that maybe just clarify on that.

Speaker #12: And then the second one, just a slightly bigger picture, I guess coming back to the U.S., but more on the demand side. I know coming into this year, it's a market you talked about growth, and I think it was targeted to grow there to 400,000 retailers by the end of the decade.

Stuart Pearson: The second one is a slightly bigger picture. It's coming back to the US, but more the demand side. I know coming into this year, as a market, you talked about growth, and I think it was targeted to grow there to, you know, 400,000 retails by the end of the decade.

Speaker #12: But I think retailers are a bit tough on that in Q1. So just wondering what you're thinking on the US opportunity. I guess you'll have a bit more supply from both GLE and maybe that core SUV a little bit later on.

Stuart Pearson: I think retail's a bit tougher than that in Q1. Just wondering what you're thinking on the US opportunity. I guess you'll have a bit more supply from both GLE and maybe that, you know, core SUV a little bit later on. Is that still a significant growth market that you're excited about? What are you seeing in April there? That would be interesting. Then the third one, just on financial services, obviously a very strong quarter. Noticed credit losses came down there a little bit. Is there also a bit of help from residual values improving a little bit in the US just coming out of the end of that normalization process? Just any color on that strong financial services performance would be great. Thank you.

Stuart Pearson: I think retail's a bit tougher than that in Q1. Just wondering what you're thinking on the US opportunity. I guess you'll have a bit more supply from both GLE and maybe that, you know, core SUV a little bit later on. Is that still a significant growth market that you're excited about? What are you seeing in April there? That would be interesting.

Speaker #12: So is that still a significant growth market that you're excited about? What are you seeing in April there? That would be interesting. And then the third one, just on financial services, obviously very strong quarter.

Stuart Pearson: Then the third one, just on financial services, obviously a very strong quarter. Noticed credit losses came down there a little bit. Is there also a bit of help from residual values improving a little bit in the US just coming out of the end of that normalization process? Just any color on that strong financial services performance would be great. Thank you.

Speaker #12: Notice credit losses came down there a little bit. Is there also a bit of help from residual values improving a little bit in the US just coming out of the end of that normalization process?

Speaker #12: So just any color on that strong financial services performance would be great. Thank you.

Speaker #8: Yeah, thanks, Stuart. So yeah, I mean, in the first quarter, I mean, that refund following, I mean, the Supreme Court ruling, I mean, has been included in the first quarter results.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah. Thanks, Stuart. I mean, in Q1, I mean, that refund, following, I mean, the Supreme Court ruling has been included, I mean, in Q1 results, and that mitigated, I mean, the tariff impact that sits in cars, but it sits also in vans. That makes basically, as is commented, I mean, the car solution limited, I mean, to 100 basis points, I mean, in Q1. I think we don't spell out, I mean, the detailed amounts, please understand. In terms of the US market, very clearly, we see that as a very important market. We see that also as a market with good growth opportunities.

Harald Wilhelm: Yeah. Thanks, Stuart. I mean, in Q1, I mean, that refund, following, I mean, the Supreme Court ruling has been included, I mean, in Q1 results, and that mitigated, I mean, the tariff impact that sits in cars, but it sits also in vans. That makes basically, as is commented, I mean, the car solution limited, I mean, to 100 basis points, I mean, in Q1. I think we don't spell out, I mean, the detailed amounts, please understand. In terms of the US market, very clearly, we see that as a very important market. We see that also as a market with good growth opportunities.

Speaker #8: And that mitigated, I mean, the tariff impact that sits in cars, but it's also in vans. That makes basically as I commented, I mean, the cars dilution limited, I mean, to 100 basis points, I mean, in the first quarter.

Speaker #8: I think we don't spell out, I mean, the detailed amounts please understand. In terms of the US market, very clearly, we see that as a very important market.

Speaker #8: We see that also as a market with good gross opportunities. And when I say that, it means I'm not assuming the entire U.S. auto market.

Harald Wilhelm: When I say that, it means, I'm not assuming, the entire US auto market, I mean, to grow massively, but clearly, we have an attack plan to grab share, in areas, where we're in particular strong, such as, I mean, the top end US market, we enjoy a top-end vehicle share of 30% we owe. If you look at the product pipeline, I mean, to come, I mean, with the new S-Class, with the GLS now, the new GLS and the GLE, which we revealed, and many more products, the AMGs. I guess why we're doing the Mercedes-AMG event in Los Angeles, in May. I think we can really create, I mean, a good buzz, and that's what we want to do despite the tariff challenge.

Harald Wilhelm: When I say that, it means, I'm not assuming, the entire US auto market, I mean, to grow massively, but clearly, we have an attack plan to grab share, in areas, where we're in particular strong, such as, I mean, the top end US market, we enjoy a top-end vehicle share of 30% we owe.

Speaker #8: I mean, to grow massively, that clearly we have an attack plan to grab share. In areas where we're particularly strong, such as, I mean, the top end, US market, we enjoy a top-end vehicle share of 30%.

Speaker #8: We owe, and if you look at the product pipeline—I mean, to come—I mean, with the new S-Class, with the GLS now, the new GLS and the GLE, which we revealed, and many more products: AMGs. I guess that's why we're doing the AMG event in Los Angeles.

Harald Wilhelm: If you look at the product pipeline, I mean, to come, I mean, with the new S-Class, with the GLS now, the new GLS and the GLE, which we revealed, and many more products, the AMGs. I guess why we're doing the Mercedes-AMG event in Los Angeles, in May. I think we can really create, I mean, a good buzz, and that's what we want to do despite the tariff challenge.

Speaker #8: In May, I think we can really create, I mean, a good bus. And that's what we want to do despite the tariff challenge. So this is a distinct decision that, I mean, will not hold back and we are in a tech mode, I mean, for the US market.

Harald Wilhelm: This is a distinct decision that, I mean, we're not holding back. We are in attack mode, I mean, for the US market, but based on great products, which are, I mean, in the pipeline. The third point on the financial services, yeah, I think a good quarter. I would say it should also be decent quarters ahead. What's driving the improvement, I mean, the 13% in Q4, definitely it is the interest margin improvement. We talked about the acquisition margin improvement in the last numerous quarters and said, I mean, it will come soon, so you need to be a bit patient. I mean, here you go. That is definitely, I mean, the biggest lever in the profitability improvement.

Harald Wilhelm: This is a distinct decision that, I mean, we're not holding back. We are in attack mode, I mean, for the US market, but based on great products, which are, I mean, in the pipeline. The third point on the financial services, yeah, I think a good quarter.

Speaker #8: But based on great products, which are, I mean, in the pipeline. And the third point on the financial services, yeah, I think a good quarter.

Speaker #8: But I would say it should also be a decent quarters ahead. What's driving the improvement towards, I mean, the 13% in the fourth quarter, definitely it is the interest margin improvement.

Harald Wilhelm: I would say it should also be decent quarters ahead. What's driving the improvement, I mean, the 13% in Q4, definitely it is the interest margin improvement. We talked about the acquisition margin improvement in the last numerous quarters and said, I mean, it will come soon, so you need to be a bit patient. I mean, here you go. That is definitely, I mean, the biggest lever in the profitability improvement.

Speaker #8: We talked about the acquisition margin improvement in the last numerous quarters. And said, I mean, it will come soon. So you need to be a bit patient.

Speaker #8: I mean, here you go. So that is definitely, I mean, the biggest lever in the profitability improvement. Number two, the efficiencies. Which we continue to drive.

Harald Wilhelm: Number two, the efficiencies, which we continue to drive. The new structure, also a significant cost savings and efficiencies, which we are able to pull off. Third, on cost of credit risk, we stepped up given the macro challenges, so it's a headwind, but that has been nicely digested, I mean, in Q1. As we update, obviously, that model based on the macro's parameter, each and every closing. Your point on the residual values, that sits on the industrial side, so that doesn't impact the financial services.

Harald Wilhelm: Number two, the efficiencies, which we continue to drive. The new structure, also a significant cost savings and efficiencies, which we are able to pull off. Third, on cost of credit risk, we stepped up given the macro challenges, so it's a headwind, but that has been nicely digested, I mean, in Q1. As we update, obviously, that model based on the macro's parameter, each and every closing. Your point on the residual values, that sits on the industrial side, so that doesn't impact the financial services.

Speaker #8: The new structure also has significant cost savings and efficiencies which we are able to pull off. Third, on cost of credit risk, we stepped up given the macro challenges.

Speaker #8: So it's a headwind, but that has been nicely digested, I mean, in the quarter one. As we update, obviously, that model based on the macro parameter each and every closing.

Speaker #8: And your point on residual values, that sits on the industrial side, so that doesn't impact the financial services.

Speaker #12: Okay, thank you.

Stuart Pearson: Okay. Thank you.

Stuart Pearson: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you very much, Stuart. Looking at the time, I think we are at the end of our call. Thank you all very much for your questions and for being with us today.

Christina Schenck: Thank you very much, Stuart. Looking at the time, I think we are at the end of our call. Thank you all very much for your questions and for being with us today. Thank you very much, of course, to Harald for answering all of the questions. Now, investor relations remains at your disposal to answer any further questions you may have. To all of you, have a great morning, a great afternoon, and a great evening. Thank you and goodbye.

Christina Schenck: Thank you very much, Stuart. Looking at the time, I think we are at the end of our call. Thank you all very much for your questions and for being with us today. Thank you very much, of course, to Harald for answering all of the questions. Now, investor relations remains at your disposal to answer any further questions you may have. To all of you, have a great morning, a great afternoon, and a great evening. Thank you and goodbye.

Speaker #1: And thank you very much, of course, to Harold for answering all of the questions. Now, investor relations remains at your disposal to answer any further questions you may have.

Speaker #1: And to all of you, have a great morning, a great afternoon, and a great evening. Thank you and goodbye.

Operator: The recording has been stopped.

Operator: The recording has been stopped.

Q1 2026 Mercedes-Benz Group AG Earnings Call

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MBGAF

Mercedes-Benz

Earnings

Q1 2026 Mercedes-Benz Group AG Earnings Call

MBGAF

Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Transcript

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