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]

Core Viewpoint - DSV A/S has successfully completed the acquisition of DB Schenker, establishing a significant player in the global transport and logistics industry with an enterprise value of approximately DKK 106.7 billion (EUR 14.3 billion) [1][5]. Company Overview - The acquisition aligns with DSV's growth strategy, leveraging similarities in business models and services between DSV and Schenker to create operational synergies and enhance customer relationships [2][4]. - The combined entity is projected to have a pro forma revenue of approximately DKK 310 billion and a workforce of nearly 160,000 employees across more than 90 countries [3]. Financial Impact - The equity value of the transaction is approximately DKK 86.5 billion (EUR 11.6 billion), with transaction multiples of 0.75x EV/revenue and 13.0x EV/EBIT based on Schenker's 2024 financials [5]. - Annual synergies from the integration are estimated to reach DKK 9.0 billion by the end of 2028, primarily from consolidating operations and back-office functions [6]. - The transaction is expected to be EPS accretive by 2026, with ambitions to lift operating margins to DSV's levels by 2028 [7]. Capital Structure - DSV raised approximately DKK 75.0 billion (EUR 10.0 billion) through equity and bond issuances to finance the acquisition, with the remaining costs covered by cash and credit facilities [9]. - The pro forma financial gearing ratio is expected to be around 3.0x at the completion of the transaction, with a target to return to below 2.0x by H1 2027 [10][11]. Governance and Outlook - Jochen Thewes, the current CEO of Schenker, is intended to be nominated for DSV's Board of Directors [12]. - The acquisition's preliminary impact is included in DSV's upgraded outlook for 2025, with expected EBIT before special items in the range of DKK 19.5-21.5 billion [18].