26 October 2023

Inchcape plc, the leading global automotive distributor, announces its Q3 trading update

covering the period from 1 July to 30 September 2023

Q3 2023 trading update: continued growth and strategic progress

Duncan Tait, Group CEO, commented:

"Inchcape produced another strong performance in the third quarter. We delivered continued momentum across APAC, supported by acquisitions, while our business in Europe and Africa performed well. In the Americas, we are gaining share in key markets and the integration of Derco remains on track.

"Driven by the highly cash generative and capital-light characteristics of our business, Inchcape will continue to be a key consolidator in a highly fragmented market. As a result of our market leadership positions, diversified business and digital and data capabilities to support our OEM partners, we remain confident about the medium to long term outlook for the Group."

1: Organic growth is defined as sales growth in operations that have been open for at least a year at constant foreign exchange rates.

2: These acquisitions, which are expected to contribute a combined annualised revenue of around £400m, are Mercedes-Benz's distribution operations in Indonesia, CATS, a leading distributor of luxury vehicles in the Philippines and Great Lake Motor Distributors, which distributes SAIC's Maxus brand in New Zealand.

3: Previous guidance, as disclosed at Inchcape's H1 2023 results on 27 July 2023, was that FY 2023 results were expected to be towards the top end of the range of published market consensus, as at 12 May 2023. At that time, the range of 2023 Adjusted PBT analysts' consensus was between £470m and £506m.

Q3 2023 trading overview

The following commentary covers the period from 1 July to 30 September 2023.  Unless otherwise stated, all figures are quoted on an organic basis.

During the quarter, Group revenue increased 35% on a reported basis, reflecting both the benefit of acquisitions, and strong organic growth of +10%.

In Distribution, revenue increased 47% on a reported basis, with organic growth of 13%:  

In Retail, reported revenue increased 2%, with organic growth of 1%, supported by volume growth in new vehicles from a stronger fleet market offsetting muted consumer demand. Excluding the impact of the agency model in the UK, Retail organic growth was 12%.

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Conference call today

A conference call for analysts and investors will be held today, Thursday 26 October, at 08:30 (UK time).

Dial-in details: +44 (0)330 551 0200

Password (if prompted): Quote 'Inchcape Q3 Results' when prompted by the operator.

Webcast details: To register for the webcast of the event please follow this link. A replay of the call will be available via the Company's website, www.inchcape.com later today.

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About Inchcape

Inchcape is the leading global automotive distributor, with operations across six continents.

By combining our in-market expertise with our unique technology and advanced data analytics, we create innovative customer experiences that deliver outstanding performance for our partners - building stronger automotive brands and creating sustainable growth.

Our distribution platform connects the products of mobility companies with customers, and our responsibilities span product planning and pricing, import and logistics, brand and marketing to operating digital sales, managing physical sales and aftermarket service channels.

Delivering for our partners, our customers and our people - so they can realise their ambitions in the new world of mobility.

The Group is headquartered in London and employs over 21,000 people globally.

www.inchcape.com