Lear Reports Third Quarter 2025 Results

Core Insights - Lear Corporation reported solid momentum in Q3 2025, achieving one of the highest operating cash flows in its history despite disruptions at key customers [3] - The company increased the midpoint of its full-year free cash flow outlook and noted that without significant lost production at a key customer, it would have raised revenue and operating income forecasts [3] - Strategic investments in automation, digital tools, and restructuring are driving operational excellence and positioning Lear for sustainable margin improvement [3] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 sales reached $5.68 billion, a 2% increase from $5.58 billion in Q3 2024 [4][5] - Net income was $108 million, down from $136 million in the same quarter last year, with adjusted net income at $150 million compared to $163 million in Q3 2024 [5][9] - Earnings per share were $2.02, down from $2.41 in Q3 2024, while adjusted earnings per share were $2.79 compared to $2.89 [5][9] - Core operating earnings were $241 million, or 4.2% of sales, compared to $257 million, or 4.6% of sales in Q3 2024 [8] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Net cash provided by operating activities was $444 million, with free cash flow of $307 million, significantly up from $183 million and $51 million, respectively, in Q3 2024 [5][9] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.0 billion, with total liquidity at $3.0 billion at the end of the quarter [5] Business Segments Performance - Positive operating performance was noted in both Seating and E-Systems segments, with margin improvements of 50 basis points in Seating and 95 basis points in E-Systems [5] - Global vehicle production increased by 4% year-over-year, with North America up 5%, Europe up 1%, and China up 10% [6] Strategic Initiatives - Lear launched the Lear fellowship program with Palantir to enhance its digital and AI capabilities [5] - The company secured $1.1 billion in E-Systems business awards year-to-date and awarded several complete seat programs to key Chinese automakers [5] - Lear achieved recognition in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study, finishing in the top four more than any other seating competitor for the third consecutive year [5]