Annual Result

Additional special items in connection with the diesel issue amounting to €1.8 billion were recognized in fiscal year 2019. This was mainly due to further provisions for legal risks. Special items had an impact of €−1.8 (−2.0) billion on other operating income.

At €80.6 billion, sales were 3.4% higher year-on-year due to positive mix effects. Sales generated abroad accounted for a share of €50.1 billion or 62.1%. Cost of sales increased by 2.8% to €74.7 billion.

Gross profit on sales rose accordingly to €5.9 (5.3) billion.

At €7.9 billion, distribution, general and administrative expenses were up €0.3 billion on the prior-year figure.

The net other operating result was €0.5 billion lower, at €−0.9 (−0.4) billion. The decrease resulted particularly from lower income from the reversal of provisions.

The €0.9 billion increase in the financial result to €9.1 billion resulted mainly from increased income from profit and loss transfer agreements. Impairments of equity investments (€1.5 billion) and a disposal loss recognized in connection with the IPO of TRATON SE (€0.8 billion) had an offsetting effect.

Including taxes on income of €−1.2 (−0.9) billion, net income for fiscal year 2019 amounted to €5.0 (4.6) billion.