Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter sales of approximately $1.4 billion, with full year sales of approximately $5.8 billion, reflecting a decrease from $6.12 billion in 2024 [6][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $169 million, or 12.2% of sales, while for the full year it was $743 million, or 12.7% of sales, up from 12.2% in the previous year [6][7] - Adjusted earnings per share in the fourth quarter was $0.07, compared to a loss of $0.06 per share in the same quarter of 2024, and for the full year, it was $0.53 versus $0.51 in 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced margin improvement in both metal forming and driveline business units, focusing on operational efficiency [7][10] - The sale of the commercial vehicle axle business in India negatively impacted sales by $27 million in the fourth quarter [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American production is expected to be approximately 15 million units in 2026, Europe at approximately 17 million units, and China at approximately 33 million units, with global production at approximately 93 million units [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve efficient integration of the Dowlais acquisition, targeting $300 million in synergies with a focus on operational excellence and profitability [10][11] - The strategic combination is expected to enhance the product portfolio and customer base, supporting electric, hybrid, and ICE powertrains [10][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a challenging operating environment due to ongoing trade policy discussions and macroeconomic factors, but remains optimistic about achieving financial targets [12][30] - The company expects to generate adjusted free cash flow of $235 million to $325 million in 2026, with a focus on margin growth and capital allocation [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has changed its name from American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. to Dauch Corporation, reflecting its new identity post-acquisition [13][14] - The company expects to incur cash costs associated with synergy capture in the range of $100 million to $125 million for 2026 [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the two individual businesses? - Management noted that both legacy businesses are experiencing similar market conditions, with slight declines in production forecasts for North America and Europe [34][35] Question: Can you clarify the cash flow situation considering restructuring costs? - Management expects to generate positive cash flow from operations even after accounting for restructuring and synergy costs, projecting $50 million of cash flow available for debt repayment in 2026 [40] Question: Is there potential for upside in the $300 million synergies? - Management expressed confidence in achieving the $300 million synergies and indicated potential for additional savings as they assess the Dowlais plants [48][49] Question: How will Dowlais's equity income be reported? - Dowlais's equity income will be reported as equity income in the P&L, contributing approximately $65 million to $75 million to adjusted EBITDA [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fourth quarter sales of approximately $1.4 billion, with full year sales at approximately $5.8 billion, a decrease from $6.12 billion in 2024 [5][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $169 million, or 12.2% of sales, while full year adjusted EBITDA was $743 million, or 12.7% of sales, up from 12.2% in the previous year [6][17] - Adjusted earnings per share in the fourth quarter was $0.07, compared to a loss of $0.06 per share in the same quarter of 2024, with full year adjusted earnings per share at $0.53, up from $0.51 in 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced margin improvement in both metal forming and driveline business units, focusing on operational efficiency [6][10] - The sale of the commercial vehicle axle business in India negatively impacted sales by $27 million in the fourth quarter [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American production is expected to be approximately 15 million units in 2026, Europe at approximately 17 million units, and China at approximately 33 million units, with global production at approximately 93 million units [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve efficient integration of the Dowlais acquisition, targeting $300 million in synergies with a focus on operational excellence and profitability [9][10] - The strategic combination is expected to enhance the product portfolio and customer base, supporting electric, hybrid, and ICE powertrains [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a challenging operating environment due to ongoing trade policy discussions and macroeconomic volatility, but remains focused on managing controllable factors [11][12] - The 2026 financial outlook includes targeted sales of $10.3 billion to $10.7 billion and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion [12][23] Other Important Information - The company has changed its name from American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. to Dauch Corporation, reflecting its new identity post-acquisition [12][14] - The company expects to generate adjusted free cash flow in the range of $235 million to $325 million for 2026 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the two individual businesses? - Management noted that both legacy businesses are experiencing similar market conditions, with slight declines in production forecasts for North America and Europe [31][33] Question: Can you clarify the cash flow situation considering restructuring and integration costs? - Management expects to generate positive cash flow from operations even after accounting for restructuring and synergy costs, estimating a net cash flow of $50 million for 2026 [39] Question: Is there potential for upside in the $300 million synergies from the Dowlais combination? - Management expressed confidence in achieving the $300 million synergies and indicated potential for additional savings as they assess the plants post-acquisition [46][48] Question: How are Dowlais's equity income and IFRS adjustments impacting financials? - Management explained that Dowlais's equity income will be reported in the P&L and highlighted significant differences between IFRS and GAAP accounting that affect revenue and EBITDA comparisons [50][51]

DETROIT, Feb. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dauch Corporation (Dauch), (NYSE: DCH) today announced effective February 5, 2026, in connection with the business combination with Dowlais Group plc and his appointment as an executive officer of Dauch Corporation (the "Company"), Markus Bannert was granted an award of performance stock units covering a target of 90,909 shares of the Company's common stock (for which up to 272,727 shares may be earned (the "Inducement Grant")). The Inducement Grant will vest based on ...

Core Insights - Dauch Corporation has successfully completed the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries, GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, marking a significant milestone for both companies [1][2] Company Overview - The combined entity will operate under the Dauch Corporation brand, emphasizing its capabilities in Driveline and Metal Forming for the global automotive industry [3] - Dauch Corporation is positioned to support various powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles, with operations in 24 countries and over 175 locations [5] Leadership and Governance - The headquarters of the combined company will be in Detroit, MI, with David C. Dauch serving as Chairman and CEO [4] - The Board of Directors will expand to include two independent directors from Dowlais, effective February 5, 2026 [4] Brand and Commitment - The new brand platform, "Built to Perform," reflects Dauch's dedication to engineering excellence, operational discipline, and long-term value creation, aligning with customer expectations for quality and performance [3]

Core Viewpoint - Dauch Corporation and Dowlais Group plc have received court approval for their business combination, which is set to become effective on February 3, 2026, following the delivery of the court order to the Registrar of Companies [1][3]. Group 1: Court Sanction and Scheme Details - The court has sanctioned the Scheme of Arrangement, allowing the combination between Dauch and Dowlais to proceed [1]. - The Scheme will be effective after the Scheme Record Time, which is set for 6:00 p.m. on February 2, 2026 [1]. Group 2: Prospectus and Admission - Dauch has published a prospectus approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for the admission of its common stock to the Official List and trading on the London Stock Exchange [2]. - This admission is part of the recommended cash and share combination with Dowlais [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Dauch Corporation is a leading global Tier 1 Automotive Supplier, specializing in Driveline and Metal Forming technologies for electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles [4]. - The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, and operates nearly 75 facilities across 15 countries [4].

Key Information - The discloser is Man Group PLC, which has interests in relevant securities of Dauch Corporation and Dowlais Group plc [1] - The position was held as of January 28, 2026 [1] Positions of the Discloser - Man Group PLC holds 170,079 shares of Dauch Corporation, representing 0.14% of the relevant securities [3] - The company has short positions in cash-settled derivatives amounting to 2,111,379, representing 1.77% [3] Dealings by the Discloser - Man Group PLC sold 8,541 shares of Dauch Corporation at a price of 8.0400 USD per unit [8] - The company increased its short position in cash-settled derivatives through two equity swaps, with transactions of 10,940 and 14,586 shares at prices of 8.0804 USD and 8.1081 USD respectively [9] Other Information - There are no indemnity or other dealing arrangements related to the relevant securities [13] - No agreements or understandings regarding options or derivatives were disclosed [14]

Core Viewpoint - The company has officially changed its name from American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. to Dauch Corporation, effective January 26, 2026, as part of a strategic move in preparation for the acquisition of Dowlais Group and its subsidiaries [1][3]. Name Change Details - The name change was filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware and will be effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on January 26, 2026 [1]. - Effective February 5, 2026, the company's common stock will cease trading under the ticker symbol "AXL" and will begin trading under the new ticker symbol "DCH" [2]. - Existing stock certificates will remain valid until exchanged for new ones reflecting the new name [2]. Strategic Implications - The name change is described as a transformational moment for the company and its stockholders, aligning with a long-term strategy to enhance clarity, confidence, and performance [3]. - The new branding will be rolled out in conjunction with the completion of the acquisition, expected on February 3, 2026 [3]. Company Overview - Dauch Corporation is a leading global Tier 1 Automotive Supplier, focusing on designing, engineering, and manufacturing driveline and metal forming technologies for electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles [5]. - The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, and operates nearly 75 facilities across 15 countries, emphasizing a commitment to a safer and more sustainable future [5].

Core Viewpoint - American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM) has received approval from its stockholders for the proposed acquisition of Dowlais Group plc, marking a significant step towards creating a leading global automotive supplier [1][4] Group 1: Transaction Details - AAM stockholders approved all proposals related to the acquisition of Dowlais, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending Dowlais shareholder approval and other regulatory conditions [1][3] - The combined entity is projected to generate annual revenues of approximately $12 billion on a non-adjusted basis, enhancing AAM's geographic presence across various automotive segments, including internal combustion engines, hybrids, and electric powertrains [2] Group 2: Leadership and Strategic Vision - David C. Dauch, Chairman and CEO of AAM, will continue to lead the combined company, emphasizing the value creation opportunity and the ability to navigate industry shifts and volatility [4] - AAM plans to seek a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange for its common stock, including new shares issued in connection with the acquisition [2]

Key Information - The discloser is Man Group PLC, which has interests in relevant securities of American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. and Dowlais Group plc [1] - The position was held as of June 23, 2025, and the disclosure was made on June 24, 2025 [1][15] Positions of the Discloser - Man Group PLC holds 831,052 shares of USD 0.01 common stock, representing 0.71% of the relevant securities [3] - The company has short positions in cash-settled derivatives amounting to 1,221,015, which is 1.04% of the relevant securities [3] Dealings - On June 23, 2025, Man Group PLC purchased 527 shares at a price of 4.10 USD per unit and sold 5,900 shares at the same price [8]

Core Viewpoint - American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM) reported a decline in sales and net income for the first quarter of 2025, but achieved positive year-over-year operating cash flow due to cost control and productivity improvements [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - AAM's sales for Q1 2025 were $1.41 billion, down from $1.61 billion in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower volumes [2][6]. - The net income for Q1 2025 was $7.1 million, or $0.06 per share, compared to $20.5 million, or $0.17 per share, in Q1 2024 [3][6]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $177.3 million, representing 12.6% of sales, down from $205.6 million, or 12.8% of sales, in Q1 2024 [4][6]. Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Net cash provided by operating activities for Q1 2025 was $55.9 million, significantly higher than $17.8 million in Q1 2024 [4][30]. - Adjusted free cash flow for Q1 2025 was $(3.9) million, an improvement from $(21.4) million in Q1 2024 [4][35]. Updated Financial Outlook - AAM revised its full-year 2025 sales target to a range of $5.65 billion to $5.95 billion, down from the previous range of $5.8 billion to $6.05 billion [7]. - The company is targeting Adjusted EBITDA between $665 million and $745 million, reduced from the prior range of $700 million to $760 million [7]. - Adjusted free cash flow is now expected to be between $165 million and $215 million, down from the previous target of $200 million to $230 million [7]. Segment Performance - In Q1 2025, the Driveline segment generated sales of $957.8 million, down from $1,106.4 million in Q1 2024, while the Metal Forming segment saw sales decrease to $575.8 million from $644.1 million [36]. - Total segment Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $177.3 million, compared to $205.6 million in Q1 2024 [36]. Company Overview - AAM is a leading global Tier 1 automotive and mobility supplier, focusing on driveline and metal forming technologies for electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles [15]. - The company is headquartered in Detroit and operates over 75 facilities across 16 countries [15].