VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. and BEIJING, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Visteon Corporation (NASDAQ: VC), a global leader in automotive cockpit electronics and connected car solutions, and FUTURUS, a China-based innovator in the Head-Up Display (HUD) and Augmented Reality (AR) industry, have partnered to co-develop advanced HUD systems for global automakers. The collaboration will focus on developing next-generation Augmented Reality (AR) HUD, Windshield HUD, and Panoramic HUD systems that seamlessly project ...

Core Insights - SoundHound AI, Inc. has launched a generative AI-powered voice assistant in select Jeep vehicles in Europe, marking a significant advancement in automotive AI and enhancing its presence in the competitive connected mobility sector [1][8] Strategic Partnership - The collaboration with Stellantis, Jeep's parent company, highlights the automotive industry's growing demand for intelligent voice assistants, allowing for natural conversations beyond basic commands [2][3] Market Positioning - The deployment in Jeep vehicles provides SoundHound visibility in Europe, a major auto market, and establishes credibility with a leading automaker, potentially leading to broader adoption across Stellantis and other manufacturers [3][8] Monetization Opportunities - The launch opens avenues for monetization in the emerging in-car voice commerce market, with SoundHound's hands-free commerce agent integrating ordering, payments, and loyalty into infotainment systems [4][5] Industry Potential - Research indicates that the in-car voice commerce segment could generate up to $35 billion annually for automakers, positioning SoundHound to unlock high-margin recurring revenue streams by integrating its technology into infotainment and commerce [5][6] Stock Performance - SoundHound's stock has surged 147.8% over the past year, outperforming various indices, and the partnership with Jeep solidifies its role in the future of connected mobility [7][8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $774 million, an 11% increase both on a reported and core basis, with adjusted EPS increasing 25% to $0.79 [19][20] - Adjusted operating profit increased 15% year over year with margin expansion of 80 basis points [7][20] - Adjusted free cash flow of $89 million increased significantly versus the prior year, reflecting a strong 76% conversion to adjusted net income [20][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Environmental and Fueling Solutions delivered core growth of nearly 16%, with shipments of dispensers increasing over 20% in the second quarter [21] - Mobility Technologies core sales grew 18%, driven by strong performance at Invenco, while DRB sales declined in the teens year over year [22] - Prepared Solutions sales were flat compared to the prior year, with ongoing market pressures offsetting gains expected from the annual Matco Expo [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders were up 8% organically, with a book to bill ratio of approximately one in the quarter [5][67] - The company noted that 70% of its portfolio outperformed in the quarter, reflecting strong progress in resilient end markets [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational discipline and commercial excellence, supported by a three-pillar value creation framework [8][29] - There is an emphasis on innovation and new product development, particularly in connected mobility and environmental solutions [12][16] - The company is advancing an agreement to divest its European service business to optimize its regional footprint [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management raised the full-year guidance for adjusted EPS to a high single-digit growth, despite expected tariff headwinds and macro uncertainties [18][28] - The company remains confident in its growth trajectory, supported by strong free cash flow and prudent capital allocation [29][30] Other Important Information - The company completed $50 million in share buybacks during the quarter, totaling $105 million in the first half of the year [25] - The company expects to fully mitigate tariff headwinds within the year, with significant progress made in Q2 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue outlook for the second half, particularly for Repair Solutions - Management indicated a guide of down mid to high single digits for Repair Solutions, with signs of stabilization but still early to call an inflection [36][40] Question: Margin outlook for Repair Solutions - Margins have stabilized, with potential for improvement as higher-priced items start selling better and bad debt challenges stabilize [39][41] Question: Impact of shipment timing on EFS and Mobility Technologies - The company benefited from shipment timings of about $15 million to $20 million, with Mobility Technologies contributing approximately $5 million to $7 million [47] Question: Invenco's growth and revenue outlook - Invenco is expected to generate over $600 million in revenue this year, with strong growth anticipated despite tougher comparisons [50][52] Question: Recurring revenue base for Vontier - Approximately 40% of Mobility Technologies revenue is recurring, with Invenco at about 35% [52] Question: Customer conversations regarding the Big Beautiful Bill - The bill is expected to benefit free cash flow and may accelerate customer decisions, particularly for smaller operators [59][60] Question: Trends in the underground tank replacement cycle - The company sees early opportunities in the underground tank upgrade cycle, supported by new product innovations [63][64] Question: Month-to-month trends in Matco - Sellout was down 5% for the first half, but July showed improvement, indicating potential positive trends moving forward [84]