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Cooper Standard(CPS) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Sales and Market Position - In 2024, approximately 86% of Cooper Standard's sales were to OEMs, with major customers including Ford, GM, and Volkswagen[20]. - Automotive sales to the three largest customers (Ford, GM, and Stellantis) represented approximately 56% of total sales for the year ended December 31, 2024[97]. - Sales in North America accounted for about 59% of total sales in 2024[165]. - Approximately 78% of sales in 2024 were attributable to products manufactured outside the United States, exposing the company to various international operational risks[101]. - Total sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by 3.0% to 2,730,893comparedto2,730,893 compared to 2,815,879 in 2023, driven by unfavorable volume and mix, divestitures, and negative foreign exchange impact[196][198]. Company Structure and Operations - The company operates 124 facilities in 20 countries, employing around 22,000 people, making it a leading global producer in its sector[19]. - Cooper Standard's new management structure, effective January 1, 2024, established two reportable segments: Sealing Systems and Fluid Handling Systems, with no impact on consolidated financials[21]. - Cooper Standard operates 124 facilities across 20 countries, with 75 primarily for manufacturing and 49 for design, engineering, and logistics[146]. Financial Performance - Gross profit increased by 4.2% to 302,915in2024,withagrossprofitmarginof11.1302,915 in 2024, with a gross profit margin of 11.1%, up from 10.3% in 2023, attributed to manufacturing and purchasing savings and lower material input costs[200]. - The company reported a net loss of 78,746 in 2024, a significant improvement from a net loss of 201,985in2023,reflectingareductioninlossesbeforeincometaxes[196].Incometaxbenefitfor2024was201,985 in 2023, reflecting a reduction in losses before income taxes[196]. - Income tax benefit for 2024 was 23.3 million on losses before taxes of 101.5million,comparedtoanincometaxexpenseof101.5 million, compared to an income tax expense of 8.9 million on losses before taxes of 194.4millionin2023[210].Thecompanyhasastockrepurchaseprogramauthorizedforupto194.4 million in 2023[210]. - The company has a stock repurchase program authorized for up to 150 million, with approximately 98.7millionremainingasofDecember31,2024[153][154].CostManagementandSavingsThecompanyachievedanaverageannualsavingsofapproximately98.7 million remaining as of December 31, 2024[153][154]. Cost Management and Savings - The company achieved an average annual savings of approximately 50 million over the past five years through its Cooper Standard Operating System (CSOS) initiatives[27]. - Continuous improvement programs and cost savings initiatives may not achieve anticipated savings, potentially affecting operating results and financial condition[99]. - Restructuring savings contributed to operational cost decreases of 18.3millioninSealingSystemsand18.3 million in Sealing Systems and 10.6 million in Fluid Handling Systems[216][217]. Innovation and Technology - The company has developed several innovative technologies, including the Fortrex™ chemistry platform and FlexiCore™, aimed at reducing weight and enhancing performance[31][32]. - The company is strategically integrating AI solutions to enhance product development and operational efficiency, including tools for virtual validation and automated process control[33][34]. - Cooper Standard's innovations have received multiple industry awards, including the Environment + Energy Leader Award in 2022 for the Fortrex™ platform[36][37]. Sustainability and Governance - Cooper Standard's sustainability initiatives are overseen by a Global Sustainability Council, aligning environmental, social, and governance goals with business objectives[28]. - The company achieved Ecovadis Silver Status for sustainability efforts and was recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies for six consecutive years[67]. - The company aims to reduce environmental impact through sustainable sourcing and innovative materials[56]. Workforce and Employment - Approximately 22,000 employees were reported as of December 31, 2024, with a voluntary turnover rate of about 13%[62]. - Women comprised approximately 40% of the workforce and held about 21% of leadership positions in 2024[64]. - The ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce is critical for driving innovation and achieving strategic goals[90]. Risks and Challenges - The company faces significant risks from supply chain disruptions, which could adversely impact operations and financial performance[78]. - Inflationary pressures may increase overall cost structures, affecting profit margins and cash flows if pricing adjustments with customers are unsuccessful[75][76]. - There is a risk of material losses from product liability and warranty claims, which could harm reputation and financial condition[87][89]. - Public health events, such as pandemics, could materially impact financial condition and operational results due to shutdowns and increased costs[91][92]. - The company faces competition from numerous competitors, including those in lower-cost regions, which could exert downward pressure on pricing and margins[98]. Debt and Financial Obligations - As of December 31, 2024, total indebtedness was 1,100.3million,whichcouldlimitthecompanysoperationalflexibilityandabilitytoobtainfuturefinancing[112].Thecompanyseffectivetaxrateandcashtaxliabilitycouldbevolatileduetochangesinearningsmix,debt,andcapitalstructure,impactingfuturefinancialperformance[121].Thecompanyissubjecttosignificantoperatingandfinancialrestrictionsduetoitsdebtinstruments,whichlimititsabilitytoincuradditionalindebtedness,paydividends,andengageincertaintransactions[119].SegmentPerformanceSalesintheSealingSystemssegmentdecreasedto1,100.3 million, which could limit the company's operational flexibility and ability to obtain future financing[112]. - The company's effective tax rate and cash tax liability could be volatile due to changes in earnings mix, debt, and capital structure, impacting future financial performance[121]. - The company is subject to significant operating and financial restrictions due to its debt instruments, which limit its ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, and engage in certain transactions[119]. Segment Performance - Sales in the Sealing Systems segment decreased to 1,420,034 in 2024 from 1,444,497in2023,whileFluidHandlingSystemssalesincreasedto1,444,497 in 2023, while Fluid Handling Systems sales increased to 1,264,953 from 1,236,837[213].TotaladjustedEBITDAforreportablesegmentsreached1,236,837[213]. - Total adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments reached 204,210 in 2024, a rise from 189,027in2023,representinga189,027 in 2023, representing a 15,183 increase[216]. - Sealing Systems segment adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was 126,524,comparedto126,524, compared to 114,245 in 2023, reflecting a change of 12,279[216].FluidHandlingSystemssegmentadjustedEBITDAfor2024was12,279[216]. - Fluid Handling Systems segment adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was 77,686, up from 74,782in2023,indicatinganincreaseof74,782 in 2023, indicating an increase of 2,904[217].