Company Overview - Adient (NYSE: ADNT) is a global leader in automotive seating, employing over 70,000 people across 29 countries and operating more than 200 manufacturing and assembly plants worldwide [3] - The company produces and delivers automotive seating for all major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), covering the entire process from research and design to engineering and manufacturing [3] Upcoming Events - Adient will host a conference call on August 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to discuss its third quarter fiscal 2025 financial results [1] - A live webcast of the call and presentation materials will be available on the Adient Investor Relations website, with a replay accessible afterward [1] Participation Details - To participate in the conference call by telephone, dial 888-566-1827 (U.S.) or 773-799-3976 (international) 15 minutes prior to the start time, using the passcode ADIENT [2]

Core Viewpoint - Adient (ADNT) is highlighted as a strong candidate for investors due to its consistent performance in beating earnings estimates, particularly in the automotive seating and interiors sector [1]. Group 1: Earnings Performance - Adient has a notable track record of exceeding earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 52.08% over the last two quarters [2]. - In the most recent quarter, Adient reported earnings of $0.36 per share against an expectation of $0.69, resulting in a surprise of 91.67%. In the previous quarter, the company reported $0.27 per share compared to an estimate of $0.24, yielding a surprise of 12.50% [3]. Group 2: Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent changes in earnings estimates for Adient have been favorable, with a positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) indicating a strong potential for an earnings beat [6]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests that stocks like Adient have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [7]. - Currently, Adient has an Earnings ESP of +7.81%, reflecting increased analyst optimism regarding its near-term earnings potential [9].

Company Performance - Adient shares increased by 6.7% to close at $18.80, with a notable trading volume compared to normal sessions, and a total gain of 10.8% over the past four weeks [1] - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $233 million for its fiscal second quarter, reflecting a 3% increase year-over-year, and maintained its fiscal 2025 guidance with projected consolidated sales of $13.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $850 million [2] - The consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.46, indicating a year-over-year increase of 43.8%, while revenues are expected to be $3.49 billion, down 6% from the previous year [3] Earnings Estimates and Trends - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Adient has been revised 2.1% lower, which typically does not correlate with price appreciation [4] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a neutral outlook [4] - Adient operates within the Zacks Automotive - Original Equipment industry, which includes other companies like The Shyft Group, which has also shown positive performance recently [4]

Summary of Adient's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Adient - **Industry**: Automotive Supplier - **Key Executives Present**: Jerome Dorlak (President and CEO), Mark Alswell (CFO) [1] Core Points and Arguments Value Creation Strategy - Adient focuses on capital allocation and operational excellence to create sustainable value for stakeholders [2][3] - The company has undertaken portfolio management to eliminate non-value-adding elements since 2018, including recent divestitures [3][4] Financial Performance - Q2 earnings showed strong cash generation, aligning with expectations [4][6] - Adient maintains a flexible capital structure with a leverage ratio target of 1.5 to 2 times, allowing for share buybacks [6][8] - The company repurchased $25 million worth of shares in Q1 and expects continued positive cash flow [6][8] Regional Market Conditions - **Americas**: Stability in customer production schedules noted, with expectations for improved business performance [9][10] - **Europe**: More stability compared to the previous year, with ongoing restructuring efforts expected to yield long-term benefits [10][24][25] - **China**: Stability exists, but domestic growth is limited; Adient is diversifying its customer base to mitigate risks [11][27][28] - **Asia (ex-China)**: Strong demand for Adient products despite tariff risks, with a significant market share in Thailand [11][12] Tariff Impact - Adient's tariff exposure was previously estimated at $12 million, primarily from China, but is expected to decrease due to recent trade developments [13][14] - The company is proactively reshoring production to reduce tariff exposure and believes it will emerge as a winner in the long term [15][18] Market Dynamics and Competition - Adient sees potential for consolidation in the seating industry but has not observed significant movement in this area [34][36] - The company is focused on innovation and maintaining a competitive edge through R&D investments, particularly in advanced seating functionalities [30][66] Margin Opportunities - Current margins in Europe are around 3%, with a target of reaching 5% over the next few years through restructuring [45][46] - In the Americas, there are opportunities to roll off less profitable business, aiming for margins closer to the corporate average of 8% [50] Automation and Efficiency - Adient is investing in automation to improve efficiency and address labor scarcity, particularly in high-cost regions [51][53] - The company has seen positive returns on automation investments, with payback periods generally under two years [52][54] Future Outlook and Guidance - While the company has not updated its guidance, it remains optimistic about overall dynamics and cash generation for the remainder of the year [56][58] - The management emphasizes disciplined capital allocation, focusing on operations, shareholder returns, and potential inorganic growth opportunities [61][63] Additional Important Points - Adient's engineering capabilities in China are robust, with a local management team driving innovation [31][66] - The company is actively evaluating its portfolio for potential inorganic growth opportunities but currently sees no significant gaps [68]

Company Overview - Adient's shares have increased by approximately 14% over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500 index [1] - The most recent earnings report is crucial for understanding the key drivers behind this performance [1] Earnings Estimates - Fresh estimates for Adient have trended upward, with the consensus estimate shifting by 21.05% in the past month [2] VGM Scores - Adient has a Growth Score of B and a Momentum Score of B, while also receiving an A grade for Value, placing it in the top 20% for this investment strategy [3] - The overall aggregate VGM Score for Adient is A, indicating strong performance across multiple investment strategies [3] Outlook - The upward trend in estimates for Adient appears promising, with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [4] Industry Performance - Adient is part of the Zacks Automotive - Original Equipment industry, where another player, Oshkosh, has seen a 20.2% increase in shares over the past month [5] - Oshkosh reported revenues of $2.31 billion for the last quarter, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 9.1% [5] - For the current quarter, Oshkosh is expected to report earnings of $3.01 per share, indicating a 9.9% decrease from the previous year [6]

Core Insights - Shannon B. Quinn, president of Cooper Standard's Industrial & Specialty Group, has been recognized as one of Automotive News' 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry for 2025 [1][2] - This recognition highlights the significant influence and leadership of female executives in the automotive sector, with the list being published every five years since 2000 [2][6] Company Overview - Cooper Standard is a leading global supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components, headquartered in Northville, Michigan, with operations in 20 countries [8] - The company employs approximately 22,000 team members, including contingent workers, and focuses on innovative and sustainable engineered solutions for diverse transportation and industrial markets [8] Leadership and Contributions - Jeffrey Edwards, chairman and CEO of Cooper Standard, praised Quinn for her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, emphasizing her role in shaping the future of the automotive industry [3] - Quinn has over 25 years of experience in various functions and product areas, and she is currently advancing Cooper Standard's diversification strategy to enhance growth and value [3][4] - She has held several executive positions in leading automotive companies, including Bridgestone Corp, Adient, Johnson Controls, and Ford [4] Recognition Process - The 2025 class of Automotive News' 100 Leading Women was selected through a months-long nomination and judging process, attracting hundreds of entries from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [7]

Core Viewpoint - Adient plc is positioned to benefit from its diverse customer base and international presence, despite facing challenges such as high restructuring costs in Europe and uncertainty regarding year-end customer recoveries [1] Group 1: Market Position and Business Wins - Adient has established a strong market position through a broad range of products and a diverse customer base, which is expected to strengthen further [2] - In fiscal 2024, Adient secured new and renewal contracts totaling approximately $1 billion in annual revenues, with around 90% of these agreements involving local OEMs, many set to launch in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 [3] Group 2: Regional Performance and Strategy - The company is gaining momentum in the EMEA region, driven by restructuring benefits and securing key programs with European customers, while also developing opportunities with China-based OEMs [4] - Adient is focusing on enhancing efficiency by phasing out lower-performing segments and launching higher-margin programs expected to positively impact results in 2026 [4] Group 3: Innovations and Automation - Adient's initiatives in automation and modularity are yielding positive results, with automation reducing labor costs and improving quality, speed, and safety [5] - The implementation of AI-powered welding inspection and partnerships for 3D sewing automation are enhancing precision and reducing labor needs, differentiating Adient in supporting China OEMs expanding internationally [5] Group 4: Challenges and Financial Outlook - Sales in China are lagging, with revenues expected to remain stable or slightly decline in fiscal 2025 due to an unfavorable production mix [6] - Adient anticipates higher European restructuring costs and has revised its free cash flow outlook to $150-$170 million from a previous estimate of $180 million [6]

Core Insights - Adient reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 69 cents for Q2 fiscal 2025, an increase from 54 cents in the same period last year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 36 cents [1] - The company generated net sales of $3.61 billion, a 4% decrease year over year, but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.47 billion [1] Segment Performance - The Americas segment achieved revenues of $1.70 billion, up 2.3% year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.59 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $94 million, an increase from $80 million in the prior-year quarter [3] - The EMEA segment reported revenues of $1.23 billion, down 10.1% year over year, but exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.16 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $50 million, down from $57 million in the previous year [4] - The Asia segment's revenues were $707 million, a decline from $742 million in the same quarter last year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $736 million, with adjusted EBITDA slightly down to $110 million from $112 million [4] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, Adient had cash and cash equivalents of $754 million, down from $945 million as of September 30, 2024, with long-term debt at $2.39 billion [5] - Capital expenditures totaled $109 million, compared to $124 million in the prior-year quarter [5] Guidance Updates - Adient maintains its fiscal 2025 revenue guidance at $13.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA at $850 million, with equity income projected at $80 million [6] - Free cash flow is now expected to be between $150 million and $170 million, down from a previous estimate of $180 million, with capital expenditures estimated at $285 million [7]

Financial Performance - Adient recorded net sales of $3,611 million for Q2 2025, a decrease of $139 million or 3.7% compared to Q2 2024, primarily due to lower production volumes in EMEA and China [114]. - Gross profit for Q2 2025 was $261 million, representing 7.2% of net sales, an increase from $230 million or 6.1% of net sales in Q2 2024, driven by favorable pricing adjustments [118]. - Net loss attributable to Adient was $335 million in Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of $70 million in Q2 2024, largely due to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge [133]. - Comprehensive loss attributable to Adient was $229 million in Q2 2025, an increase from $168 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to a higher net loss from the goodwill impairment [137]. - For the first six months of fiscal 2025, net loss attributable to Adient was $335 million, compared to a net loss of $50 million in the same period of fiscal 2024 [136]. - Comprehensive loss attributable to Adient was $454 million in the first six months of fiscal 2025, a significant increase from a loss of $10 million in the same period of fiscal 2024, primarily due to a non-cash goodwill impairment of $284 million in the EMEA reporting unit [138]. Segment Performance - Net sales for the Americas segment increased by 2% to $1,699 million in Q2 2025 compared to $1,660 million in Q2 2024, driven by favorable pricing adjustments and higher production volumes [150]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the Americas segment rose by 18% to $94 million in Q2 2025, up from $80 million in Q2 2024, reflecting improved pricing and production performance [150]. - EMEA segment net sales decreased by 10% to $1,231 million in Q2 2025, down from $1,370 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to lower production volumes and unfavorable currency impacts [154]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the EMEA segment fell by 12% to $50 million in Q2 2025, compared to $57 million in Q2 2024, impacted by lower production volumes and unfavorable product mix [154]. - Asia segment net sales decreased by 5% to $707 million in Q2 2025, down from $742 million in Q2 2024, due to lower production volumes in China [158]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the Asia segment declined by 2% to $110 million in Q2 2025, compared to $112 million in Q2 2024, affected by unfavorable production volumes and mix [158]. Costs and Expenses - Selling, general and administrative expenses rose by 25% to $144 million in Q2 2025, compared to $115 million in Q2 2024, largely due to third-party consulting costs [116]. - Cost of sales decreased by $170 million, or 5%, while gross profit increased by $31 million, or 13%, in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024 [120]. - For the first six months of fiscal 2025, cost of sales decreased by $305 million, or 4%, and gross profit increased by $1 million, less than 1%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 [121]. - SG&A expenses increased by $29 million, or 25%, in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, primarily due to higher net engineering and administrative spending [122]. - Restructuring and impairment costs rose by $226 million in Q2 2025, mainly due to a $333 million impairment charge related to EMEA's goodwill [124]. Impairment and Goodwill - A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $333 million was recognized in EMEA as of March 31, 2025, significantly impacting net loss attributable to Adient, which totaled $335 million for Q2 2025 [111][118]. - Adient recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment of $333 million in the EMEA reporting unit as of March 31, 2025, with no goodwill remaining in that unit [181]. - The Americas and Asia reporting units maintained goodwill of $604 million and $1,180 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2025 [182]. - The fair value of reporting units showed significant declines, with differences between fair values and carrying values exceeding 10% [181]. - An impairment charge of $10 million was recorded for the investment in Adient Aerospace during the first six months of fiscal 2025 [186]. Cash Flow and Financing - Cash provided by operating activities was $64 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, a decrease from $122 million in the same period of 2024 [167]. - Working capital decreased by $25 million to $383 million as of March 31, 2025, primarily due to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents [171]. - The ABL Credit Facility provides a revolving line of credit up to $1,250 million, with $843 million available as of March 31, 2025 [163]. - Adient's Term Loan B Agreement had an outstanding balance of $629 million as of March 31, 2025, with a reduced applicable margin of 2.25% [164]. - During the first six months of fiscal 2025, Adient repurchased 1,227,329 ordinary shares at an average price of $20.37, totaling $25 million [175]. - Cash used by investing activities was $78 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, down from $113 million in the same period of 2024 [168]. Market Conditions and Outlook - The company faces uncertainties in the automotive industry, including weakening consumer demand and tariff impacts, which may affect future production volumes [110]. - The company continues to face uncertainties in the automotive industry, including weakening consumer demand and pricing pressures due to overcapacity in the EMEA region [141]. - Adient's results for Q2 fiscal 2025 were in line with internal expectations, but uncertainties remain regarding future vehicle production [183]. - The company expects enhanced profitability and cash flows driven by efficiency actions and strategic portfolio reviews [183]. - Adient continues to monitor economic conditions and will test for impairment annually or upon identifying triggering events [182].

Group 1 - Adient reported $3.61 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 2025, a year-over-year decline of 3.7% [1] - The EPS for the same period was $0.69, compared to $0.54 a year ago, indicating a significant increase [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.47 billion, resulting in a surprise of +4.07% [1] Group 2 - Adient's EPS surprise was +91.67%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.36 [1] - The company's shares returned +22.2% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +10.6% change [3] - Adient currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3] Group 3 - Net Sales in the Americas reached $1.70 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $1.59 billion, representing a +2.4% change year-over-year [4] - Net Sales in Asia were reported at $707 million, below the average estimate of $735.50 million, reflecting a -4.7% change year-over-year [4] - Net Sales in EMEA amounted to $1.23 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $1.16 billion, but showing a -10.2% change year-over-year [4]