VOLVO AB UNSP/ADR - VLVLY STOCK NEWS

On February 17, 2023, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) announced an investment of SEK 80 million (approximately $7.8 million) in battery pack production at its Changwon plant in South Korea. This facility is the largest excavator production site for Volvo CE, responsible for about 55% of its total excavator volumes. The investment aims to enhance manufacturing capabilities for electric excavators, supporting Volvo's goal of having 35% of machine sales be electric by 2030. Construction will start in April 2023, with production expected to begin in June 2024, furthering the company's commitment to electrification and sustainability.

On January 26, 2023, the Volvo Group reported robust growth in 2022, with net sales increasing by over SEK 100 billion to SEK 473 billion. Adjusted operating income rose to SEK 50.5 billion with a margin of 10.7%. In Q4 2022, net sales surged 31% to SEK 134.3 billion, and adjusted operating income reached SEK 12.2 billion. The company proposed an ordinary dividend of SEK 7.00 and an extra dividend of SEK 7.00 per share. Operating cash flow was strong at SEK 35.3 billion for the year, and the company ended with a net cash position of SEK 73.9 billion.

The Volvo Group will publish its Q4 2022 report on January 26, 2023 at 7.20 a.m. CEST. A press conference is scheduled for the same day at 9.00 a.m. CEST in Stockholm, featuring CEO Martin Lundstedt and CFO Tina Hultkvist. The event will be webcasted, allowing wider access for participants. Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Volvo Group reported SEK 372 billion in net sales for 2021 and employs approximately 95,000 people.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is launching 30 electric trucks for local deliveries in Belgium, starting with five in Antwerp. This initiative, in partnership with Renault Trucks, aims to electrify 20% of CCEP's truck fleet, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The trucks are expected to cut emissions by 75% compared to diesel vehicles and contribute to a 30% reduction in overall CO2 by 2030, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2040. The project represents a €7 million investment and marks CCEP's commitment to sustainable operations.

The Volvo Group has signed a Letter of Intent with Pilot Company to develop public charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles in North America. This strategic partnership aims to combine Volvo's expertise in electric trucks with Pilot's extensive travel center network, enhancing the availability of high-performance charging stations.

The initiative seeks to alleviate range anxiety for electric truck customers and supports their decarbonization efforts, positioning both companies at the forefront of sustainable transport solutions.

In Q3 2022, the Volvo Group reported net sales growth of 35% to SEK 114.9 billion, boosted by vehicle and service sales. Adjusted operating income rose to SEK 11.9 billion, with an operating margin of 10.3%. A reduction in working capital led to strong operating cash flow of SEK 14.6 billion. The return on capital employed improved to 27.4% and the earnings per share reached SEK 4.24. Production of heavy-duty electric trucks commenced, enhancing the company's position in sustainable transport.

Volvo Trucks will deliver 20 fully electric FH Electric trucks to Amazon in Germany by year-end 2022. These trucks aim to replace diesel vehicles, reducing carbon emissions in road transport, which contributes significantly to Germany's transport emissions. Volvo's electric truck series production began in September 2022, targeting a goal where 50% of new trucks sold will be battery or fuel cell electric by 2030. With a battery capacity of 540 kWh and a range of up to 500 km, these trucks support Amazon's commitment to decarbonization in its transportation logistics.

Volvo Trucks has initiated series production of its heavy-duty electric trucks, including the Volvo FH, FM, and FMX, each capable of a gross combination weight of 44 tonnes. This development marks a significant milestone as Volvo becomes the first global truck manufacturer to achieve this. The production is set to commence in Gothenburg, Sweden, with plans for additional plants in Belgium. Currently, Volvo has delivered around 1,000 heavy electric trucks and aims for at least 50% of its global sales to be electric by 2030.

Nina Aresund has been appointed as the new member of Volvo's Group Executive Board and Executive Vice President Group Legal and Compliance, effective January 1, 2023. She succeeds Sofia Frändberg, who has served in the role for ten years. Aresund joined the Volvo Group in 2007 and was previously the Head of Legal and Compliance for Volvo Construction Equipment. Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO, emphasized the significance of this succession as part of the company’s strategic planning for leadership continuity.