Lear(US:LEA) Yahoo Finance·2026-02-05 08:26Core Insights - Lear Corporation reported a strong performance in 2025, achieving $23.3 billion in revenue and $1.1 billion in core operating earnings, marking a 5% increase in fourth-quarter revenue and the fifth consecutive year of adjusted EPS growth [3][4][7] Financial Performance - The company generated $527 million in free cash flow and returned nearly $500 million to shareholders, including $325 million in share repurchases, exceeding its initial target of $250 million [2][7] - For 2026, Lear guided revenue between $23.2 billion and $24.0 billion, with core operating earnings projected at $1.03 billion to $1.2 billion, indicating about 2% growth at the midpoint [5][14] Business Development - Lear secured significant new business awards, including its largest-ever seating contract for a major U.S. truck program and multiple contracts in China, which are expected to support growth in 2026 [6][8][9] - The company reported over $1.4 billion in E-Systems business awards, its strongest performance in over a decade [9] Operational Efficiency - Lear emphasized operational execution, achieving $195 million in net operating performance, with benefits of 60 basis points in Seating and 110 basis points in E-Systems [1] - The company implemented automation and digital transformation initiatives, generating $70 million in savings in 2025 [12] Segment Performance - In the fourth quarter, Seating revenue was $4.4 billion, up 5%, while E-Systems revenue was $1.6 billion, up 3% [13][16] - For the full year, Seating adjusted operating margins were 6.4%, and E-Systems adjusted operating margins were 4.9% [13] Future Outlook - Lear's outlook for 2026 assumes a slight decline in global industry production and includes expected restructuring costs of approximately $175 million and capital spending of about $660 million [15] - The company aims to continue its focus on shareholder returns with planned share repurchases exceeding $300 million in 2026 [17]