Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $5.2 billion, an increase of 3% year-over-year on an adjusted basis [6][17] - Adjusted Operating Income totaled $607 million, with earnings per share at $1.86, reflecting a 6% increase from the prior year [7][18] - Operating cash flow was $818 million, with over half allocated to share repurchases and debt reduction [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intelligent Systems segment revenue was $1.4 billion, a 2% increase year-over-year, but operating income declined by 17% due to investments and unfavorable FX [19][20] - Engineered Components segment revenue increased by 1% to $1.6 billion, with operating income up 8% and margin expanding by 60 basis points [20] - Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS) segment revenue grew by 5% to $2.3 billion, although operating income declined by 2% due to FX and commodities headwinds [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw an 8% revenue growth, with double-digit growth in both Intelligent Systems and EDS [18] - European revenue decreased by 1%, while China revenue fell by 5%, reflecting unfavorable mix impacts [19] - Approximately 80% of new business awards in China were from local OEMs, indicating a shift in customer dynamics [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on penetrating non-automotive markets, leveraging trends in automation, electrification, and digitalization [4][5] - A significant emphasis is placed on enhancing the product portfolio and operational capabilities, including the launch of new innovations and partnerships in robotics [8][12] - The upcoming spin-off of the EDS business into VersaGen is expected to unlock value and enhance focus on core operations [5][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic macro environment and highlighted the importance of operational efficiencies [4][30] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations of revenue growth for both new Aptiv and VersaGen, with a focus on capturing higher-margin opportunities [23][26] - The company anticipates challenges from FX and commodity prices but remains optimistic about margin expansion in the long term [25][49] Other Important Information - The company finalized a leadership team for the EDS business, which is set to spin out as VersaGen on April 1 [5] - Full-year new business awards reached $27 billion, with expectations for 2026 bookings to exceed $30 billion [10][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on memory exposure and contract resets - The purchase value for memory is approximately $175 million, with expected low double-digit price increases in 2026 [35] Question: Guidance for new Aptiv into 2026 - The adjusted growth forecast for new Aptiv is 4%, with expectations for non-auto revenues to grow strongly [38][41] Question: EBITDA outlook for 2026 - EBITDA margins are expected to remain stable, with various factors impacting the outlook including commodity prices and investments [45][46] Question: Regional revenue performance expectations - North America is expected to lead revenue growth, while Europe may remain flat and China is anticipated to improve in the second half of the year [56] Question: Impact of EV volumes on VersaGen growth - The company expects EV growth of approximately 15% year-over-year, primarily driven by China [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $5.2 billion, an increase of 3% year-over-year on an adjusted basis [6][19] - Adjusted Operating Income totaled $607 million, with earnings per share at $1.86, reflecting a 6% increase from the prior year [7][20] - Operating cash flow was $818 million, with over half allocated to share repurchases and debt reduction [7][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intelligent Systems segment revenue was $1.4 billion, a 2% increase year-over-year, but operating income declined by 17% due to investments and unfavorable FX [22][23] - Engineered Components segment revenue increased by 1% to $1.6 billion, with operating income up 8% and margin expanding by 60 basis points [23] - Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS) segment revenue grew by 5% to $2.3 billion, although operating income declined by 2% due to FX and commodities headwinds [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw an 8% revenue growth, with double-digit growth in both Intelligent Systems and EDS [21] - European revenue decreased by 1%, while China revenue fell by 5%, reflecting unfavorable mix impacts [22] - New business awards in China totaled $5 billion, with significant contributions from local OEMs [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on penetrating non-automotive markets, leveraging trends in automation, electrification, and digitalization [4][5] - A spin-off of the Electrical Distribution Systems business into VersaGen is planned for April 1, 2026, aimed at enhancing shareholder value [5][10] - Continued investment in product innovation and operational efficiencies is emphasized to capture higher growth and margin opportunities [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic macro environment and highlighted strong bookings across segments [4][35] - The outlook for 2026 includes expected revenue growth for both new Aptiv and VersaGen, with a focus on operational improvements and cost optimization [26][30] - Management acknowledged challenges from FX and commodity prices but remains optimistic about margin expansion in the long term [57][58] Other Important Information - The company generated $27 billion in new business awards for the full year, with a strong pipeline of commercial opportunities expected to increase in 2026 [10][18] - The company is committed to returning excess cash to shareholders, having repurchased approximately $3.5 billion in shares since Q3 2024 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on memory exposure and contract resets - Management indicated that memory costs are approximately $175 million, with low double-digit price increases expected in 2026, and confidence in passing costs to OEM customers [38][39] Question: Guidance for new Aptiv into 2026 - Management reaffirmed the 4-7% growth target remains intact, with expectations for non-auto revenues to grow strongly [42][45] Question: EBITDA outlook for 2026 - Management provided a detailed breakdown of expected margin impacts, including commodity costs and investments in non-auto business growth [49][51] Question: Regional revenue performance expectations - Management expects North America to lead revenue growth, with flat to slightly down performance in Europe and improved performance in China [58][60] Question: Impact of EV volumes on VersaGen growth - Management anticipates 15% year-over-year growth in EVs, primarily driven by China, despite lower growth expectations in North America [84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aptiv reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $5.2 billion, an increase of 3% year-over-year on an adjusted basis [5][18] - Adjusted Operating Income totaled $607 million, with earnings per share at $1.86, reflecting a 6% increase from the prior year [6][19] - Operating cash flow was $818 million, with over half allocated to share repurchases and debt reduction [6][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intelligent Systems segment revenue was $1.4 billion, up 2% year-over-year, but operating income declined 17% due to investments and unfavorable FX [20][21] - Engineered Components segment revenue increased by 1% to $1.6 billion, with operating income rising 8% and margin expanding by 60 basis points [21] - Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS) revenue grew 5% to $2.3 billion, but operating income declined 2% due to FX and commodity headwinds [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw an 8% revenue growth, while Europe experienced a 1% decline, and China revenue decreased by 5% [19][20] - New business bookings in China totaled $5 billion, with almost $4 billion from local OEMs, and new business awards in non-automotive markets reached over $4 billion [10][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on penetrating non-automotive markets, leveraging trends in automation, electrification, and digitalization [4][5] - Aptiv plans to spin out its Electrical Distribution Systems business as VersaGen on April 1, 2026, aiming to enhance shareholder value [5][10] - The company is committed to optimizing its cost structure and eliminating stranded costs associated with the spin-off [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic macro environment and capturing higher growth opportunities across multiple end markets [34] - The outlook for 2026 includes revenue guidance for new Aptiv in the range of $12.8-$13.2 billion, reflecting a 4% growth at the midpoint [25] - Management acknowledged challenges from FX and commodity prices but remains optimistic about margin expansion in the long term [56] Other Important Information - The company generated over $2 billion in operating cash flow for the full year, leading to a year-end cash balance of $1.9 billion [23] - Capital allocation efforts included retiring $1 billion in debt and deploying $400 million towards share repurchases [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on memory exposure and contract resets - Management indicated that memory costs are approximately $175 million, with low double-digit price increases expected in 2026, and confidence in negotiating cost recoveries with OEM customers [37][38] Question: Guidance for new Aptiv into 2026 - Management clarified that the 4% growth guidance is influenced by global vehicle production expectations, with strong growth anticipated in non-auto revenues [41][42] Question: EBITDA outlook for 2026 - Management provided a framework indicating stable margins with various factors impacting EBITDA, including commodity prices and investments in non-auto business growth [48][50] Question: Regional revenue performance expectations - Management expects North America to lead revenue growth, with Europe flat to slightly down and improved performance anticipated in China [58][59] Question: Impact of EV volumes on VersaGen growth - Management projected a 15% year-over-year growth in EVs, primarily driven by China, despite lower growth expectations in North America [83]

Core Insights - Tesla is phasing out the Model S and Model X, which have become less relevant in the current competitive EV market, to focus on more promising growth areas [1][3][5] Group 1: Model S and Model X Performance - Tesla has stopped reporting Model S and X sales separately since Q4 2023, grouping them with the Cybertruck under "other models," which accounted for only 50,850 vehicles in 2025, representing just over 3% of total sales of 1.64 million units [2][8] - Sales of "other models" fell nearly 40% year-over-year in 2025, while Model 3 and Model Y deliveries remained more stable with a decline of about 7% [3][8] - The Model S and Model X now generate less than 5% of Tesla's total revenues, making continued investment in these models unjustifiable [3][8] Group 2: Strategic Shift and Future Plans - Tesla plans to retool its Fremont plant to support the production of Optimus, its humanoid robot, potentially producing up to one million units per year [4][8] - The company is reallocating resources from low-return luxury models to areas with greater long-term growth potential, emphasizing a shift towards robotics, automation, and AI-driven platforms [5][6] - Tesla's capital expenditure for the year is projected to exceed $20 billion, focusing on humanoid robots, autonomous vehicles, and AI chip manufacturing [6][8] Group 3: Comparison with Competitors - Unlike General Motors and Ford, which are adjusting their production strategies to stabilize earnings by focusing on profitable gas-powered vehicles and hybrids, Tesla is exiting low-impact models entirely [10][8] - This strategic exit allows Tesla to free up capital and factory capacity to concentrate on autonomy, robotics, and AI-driven growth [10][8]

Core Insights - Crystal International is advancing its strategy to integrate cutting-edge technology across its operations, focusing on digitalization and automation to enhance efficiency and sustainability [1][4]. Group 1: New Facility and Technology Integration - A new facility is being constructed by the company's knits division in its lifestyle wear factory in China, featuring an automated cutting workshop and a centralized smart warehouse with an advanced storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) [2]. - The logistics center, powered by a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, is expected to commence full operations in the first quarter of 2026, aiming to reduce fabric transfer times by up to 75% [3]. - The AS/RS will facilitate the autonomous flow of fabric materials and finished goods, while Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) will enhance the movement of sewn parts, contributing to a fully closed-looped auto-material flow system [3]. Group 2: Strategic Goals and Sustainability - The initiative aligns with Crystal International's Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030, which aims to transform all facilities into smart factories through innovative technology, thereby improving operational efficiency and sustainability performance [4]. - In October 2025, Crystal International became a partner member of Textile Exchange, a global non-profit organization promoting sustainability in the fashion and textile industries, which will help the company increase its use of eco-friendly options [6]. Group 3: Company Overview - Founded in 1970, Crystal International operates over 20 production sites across five countries, including Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, producing a diverse range of apparel products [5]. - The company employs a "Co-creation" business model, collaborating with leading global brands to deliver high-quality and innovative manufacturing solutions [5].

Core Insights - The article discusses the best long-term low volatility stocks to invest in, highlighting the importance of adapting to a changing economic landscape characterized by increased volatility and the emergence of new investment themes [1][3]. Group 1: Market Trends - Sherry Paul from Morgan Stanley emphasizes a shift from globalization to a "new world order," indicating a need for reimagining supply chains and partnerships, particularly in AI and automation manufacturing in the U.S. [2] - The current economic environment suggests increased volatility ahead, which is seen as a natural part of investing rather than a negative indicator [3]. Group 2: Investment Methodology - The selection of stocks is based on a methodology that identifies long-term stocks with stable fundamentals and a beta below 1, focusing on those with the highest number of hedge fund holders as of Q3 2025 [6]. - The rationale for focusing on hedge fund favorites is that imitating top stock picks can lead to market outperformance, as evidenced by a quarterly newsletter's significant returns since May 2014 [7]. Group 3: Company Highlights - **AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)**: - The company is enhancing its weight management portfolio through a collaboration with CSPC Pharmaceuticals, focusing on next-generation therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes [9]. - AstraZeneca will gain exclusive global rights outside of China to CSPC's weight management portfolio, which includes a clinical-ready asset and several preclinical programs [10][11]. - **International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM)**: - The company received a price target increase from Argus to $360, driven by strong Q4 performance attributed to GenAI and hybrid cloud momentum [13]. - RBC Capital also raised its price target to $361, citing solid free cash flow performance and exposure to secular themes, particularly from the z17 mainframe refresh cycle [14].

The consensus price target for Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:TER) has increased by 4.8% over the past quarter, indicating analyst confidence.Despite high expectations, Goldman Sachs sets a conservative price target of $149, suggesting the current market valuation might be overly optimistic.Teradyne's strategic focus on semiconductor test equipment and AI-enabled robotics positions it for long-term growth, although its stock trades at a premium.Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:TER) is a prominent player in the automatic test ...

Core Insights - Walmart Inc. is recognized as one of the 12 Best Stocks to Buy for the Long Term [1] - Tigress Financial has raised Walmart's price target to $135 from $130, citing the company's increased use of AI and automation to enhance customer experience and revenue growth [2] Group 1: Technology and Operations - Walmart is enhancing its digital and pharmacy-based healthcare services by promoting approximately 3,000 pharmacy technicians to operations team lead positions, increasing their average hourly pay from $22 to $28 [3] - The new team leads will manage daily pharmacy operations and support pharmacy managers, with total pay potential reaching $42 an hour, excluding bonuses [4] - Walmart's technology-driven approach includes a vast network of retail and wholesale stores, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps, contributing to a significant increase in online sales [5] Group 2: Financial Performance - Walmart raised its full-year outlook for the second time in November, driven by strong quarterly performance and a notable increase in online sales [5]

Amazon’s job cuts announced this week delivered another blow to the tech labor force in the company’s headquarters city of Seattle, which was already losing jobs, Bloomberg reported Friday (Jan. 30).By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content ...

Core Insights - Affirm has become the exclusive provider of buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment options for Expedia Group brands in the U.S. [1] - The partnership will soon extend to Canadian travelers, enhancing payment flexibility for customers [2][3] Partnership Details - The collaboration between Affirm and Expedia Group is part of a multi-year expansion [2] - Affirm is now among nearly 420,000 merchants globally that offer flexible payment options [4] Customer Experience - Affirm's BNPL offerings are designed to provide clarity and confidence in payment selection for customers [3] - The partnership aims to enhance the travel planning experience by integrating payment considerations with travel choices [5] Recent Developments - Affirm reported record volumes and profitable growth in Q1 of fiscal 2026, supported by demand for transparent credit options [5] - Recent partnerships include collaborations with Bolt, Esusu, and Gr4vy to expand BNPL services and flexible payment options [6] Technology and Innovation - Expedia Group is leveraging AI, automation, and partner connectivity to meet growing travel demand [7] - The company's technology systems are designed to create a connected experience for travelers and supply partners [7]