, /PRNewswire/ --Â Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE: ALV) and (SSE: ALIVsdb), the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, today announced its intent to form a new joint venture with Hangsheng Electric Co., Ltd. (HSAE), a leading Chinese developer of automotive electronics. The joint venture will focus on developing and manufacturing advanced safety electronics for the rapidly evolving Chinese automotive market. The joint venture is expected to be formally established in Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals from ...

Core Insights - Autoliv reported record net sales of $2.7 billion in Q2, a 4% year-over-year increase, with adjusted operating income rising 14% to $251 million and adjusted operating margin improving by 80 basis points to 9.3% [1] - The company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.85 per share and reaffirmed its annual stock repurchase plans of $300 million to $500 million [1] Financial Performance - The company estimates its tariff exposure will double to around $200 million, with 80% of tariff costs recovered in Q2, limiting the operating margin impact to 35 basis points [2][3] - Adjusted operating margin reached 9.3%, up 80 basis points year over year, with gross margin improving by 30 basis points to 18.5% due to efficiency gains from a reduction of 3,200 direct production staff and investments in automation [4][5] Market Position and Growth - Autoliv achieved 16% growth in sales to domestic OEMs in China and maintained a 60% market share in India, contributing an additional $100 million to sales in 2025 [6][8] - The company expects continued positive sales trends in China as mix effects improve, despite challenges in North America and Western Europe [7][8] Future Outlook - Management projects 2025 organic sales growth of around 3%, an adjusted operating margin of approximately 10% to 10.5%, and operating cash flow of around $1.2 billion, despite anticipated declines in global light vehicle production [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record sales and earnings for Q2 2025, with net sales of approximately $2.7 billion, representing a 4% year-over-year increase [10][21] - Adjusted operating income increased by 14% to $251 million from $221 million last year, with an adjusted operating margin of 9.3%, an improvement of 80 basis points [10][21] - Earnings per share for Q2 reached a record high, with a year-over-year increase of $0.33, driven by higher operating income and a reduced share count [8][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a gross margin of 18.5%, an increase of 30 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to direct labor efficiency and headcount reductions [11][21] - Direct labor productivity improved as the company reduced direct production personnel by 3,200 year-over-year [11] - The company successfully recovered approximately 80% of the tariff costs incurred during Q2 and expects to recover most of the remaining portion later in the year [8][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global light vehicle production for Q2 increased by 2.7%, exceeding expectations, while production in North America and Western Europe declined by around 3% each [12][30] - In China, the company outperformed light vehicle production growth, with sales to domestic OEMs growing more than 16% [16][30] - The company’s sales in June outpaced the growth of Chinese light vehicle production, indicating a positive trend expected to continue [7][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasized its commitment to achieving $300 million to $500 million annually in stock repurchases and increasing its dividend to $0.85 per share [9][34] - The strategic roadmap focuses on sustainable growth through partnerships with leading global and Chinese OEMs, innovations in safety systems, and operational improvements [33][34] - The company aims to navigate the complexities of tariffs and economic factors while maintaining a strong balance sheet and shareholder returns [29][34] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution about the remainder of the year due to complexities from tariffs and economic factors, despite a strong Q2 performance [6][30] - The outlook for global light vehicle production in 2025 remains uncertain, with expectations of a decline in the second half of the year [30][34] - The company anticipates a challenging 2025 for the automotive industry but expects significant improvement in sales performance in China [34] Other Important Information - The company’s cash flow remained strong despite higher receivables, driven by robust sales and tariff compensations [9][24] - The trade working capital increased by $185 million compared to the prior year, attributed to higher accounts receivables and inventories [25] - The company’s leverage ratio remains strong at 1.3 times, well below the target limit of 1.5 times [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Performance in China - The company indicated that it is closing the gap in performance with Chinese OEMs and expects to continue outperforming the market in China towards the end of the year [41][43] Question: Product Volume Dynamics - The company explained that the fluctuations in product volumes are due to mix effects and launch activities, which can lead to significant variations [44][45] Question: Tariff Recovery - Management clarified that the slower recovery of tariffs in Q2 was due to timing effects and expressed confidence in recovering the remaining tariffs by the end of the year [49][51] Question: Margin Guidance - The company expects Q3 to be the weakest quarter due to a projected drop in light vehicle production, with Q4 anticipated to be the strongest [56][78] Question: Pricing Dynamics - The company continues to negotiate pricing in light of tariffs and inflationary impacts, maintaining a historical pricing model [104][105] Question: EV and ICE Dynamics - The company noted that the EV component has not significantly impacted its gross operating margin in the Americas, and tariffs create uncertainty regarding new model launches [108][109]

Financial Performance - Record Q2 sales of $2714 million, compared to $2605 million in Q2'24[10] - Adjusted operating income increased to $251 million from $221 million in Q2'24[10] - Adjusted operating margin improved to 93% from 85% in Q2'24[10] - Share repurchases amounted to $51 million in Q2'25[8] Sales and Market Dynamics - Organic sales grew by 34% despite a negative regional Light Vehicle Production (LVP) mix[23] - Europe and India were strong sales drivers, along with tariff compensations[8] - The company successfully recovered approximately 80% of tariffs incurred during the quarter[8] - Global Light Vehicle Production (LVP) is expected to decline by around 05% in 2025[60] Cost Management and Efficiency - Substantial cost improvements were achieved through direct labor productivity and other operational efficiencies[12] - The company is progressing with structural cost reduction activities[8] Future Outlook - The company anticipates average annual share repurchases between $300 million and $500 million through the end of 2029[8] - Full year 2025 guidance includes an organic sales increase of around 3% and an adjusted operating margin of around 10 to 105%[75]

Core Viewpoint - Autoliv, Inc. announces the resignation of Chief Financial Officer Fredrik Westin for personal reasons, effective December 31, 2025, unless otherwise agreed [1][2]. Company Overview - Autoliv, Inc. is the global leader in automotive safety systems, developing and marketing protective systems such as airbags and seatbelts for major automotive manufacturers [4]. - The company operates in 25 countries and has 13 technical centers focused on innovation, research, and development [5]. - In 2024, Autoliv's products saved nearly 37,000 lives and reduced over 600,000 injuries [4]. Financial Performance - Autoliv reported sales of $10.4 billion in 2024 [5].

Core Viewpoint - Autoliv, Inc. is focused on addressing external challenges while leveraging its leadership in automotive safety systems to create growth opportunities and enhance shareholder returns [1][2][5]. Company Strategy and Growth Opportunities - Autoliv aims to optimize operations to enhance cost efficiency and customer service, positioning itself to manage external challenges and capitalize on opportunities [2]. - The company emphasizes its leadership in technology and quality, which is expected to help navigate changes in the automotive and industrial landscapes [2]. - Autoliv's long-term growth target is to achieve organic sales growth of 4-6% annually over a 10+ year period, with a focus on safety content per vehicle and light vehicle production until around 2030 [7]. Shareholder Return Strategy - A new stock repurchase program of up to $2.5 billion has been approved, effective from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2029, replacing the previous program [3]. - The dividend for the third quarter of 2025 has been increased to $0.85 per share, representing a 21% increase from the previous quarter and 24% higher than the average quarterly dividend in 2024 [4]. - The company targets annual share repurchases between $300 million and $500 million through the end of 2029, alongside a growing quarterly dividend [9]. Financial Guidance and Performance Targets - Autoliv reiterates its full-year 2025 guidance, projecting organic sales growth of around 2% and an adjusted operating margin of approximately 10-10.5% [6]. - The medium-term target for adjusted operating margin is set at 12%, contingent on successful execution of strategic initiatives and stable global light vehicle production of at least 85 million units [10]. - The company aims for a cash conversion target of at least 80% and a leverage ratio not exceeding 1.5x [17].

Core Points - Autoliv, Inc. held its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Stockholders on May 8, 2025, where several key proposals were approved [1] - Jan Carlson continues to serve as the Chairman of the Board [2] - The company reported sales of $10.4 billion in 2024 and operates in 25 countries with 65,000 employees [4] Board and Committees - The following directors were elected for a one-year term ending at the 2026 AGM: Mikael Bratt, Laurie Brlas, Jan Carlson, Leif Johansson, Adriana Karaboutis, Franz-Josef Kortüm, Frédéric Lissalde, Xiaozhi Liu, Gustav Lundgren, Martin Lundstedt, and Thaddeus "Ted" Senko [5] - The Audit and Risk Committee is chaired by Ted Senko, with members Laurie Brlas, Adriana Karaboutis, and Gustav Lundgren [5] - The Leadership Development and Compensation Committee is chaired by Frédéric Lissalde, with members Leif Johansson, Xiaozhi Liu, and Martin Lundstedt [5] - The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is chaired by Leif Johansson, with members Laurie Brlas, Franz-Josef Kortüm, and Frédéric Lissalde [5] Company Overview - Autoliv is the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, developing products such as airbags, seatbelts, and mobility safety solutions [3][4] - In 2024, Autoliv's products saved nearly 37,000 lives and reduced over 600,000 injuries [3]

Core Insights - Autoliv, Inc. has entered a partnership with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to promote automotive safety and showcase technological advancements in safety equipment [1][2][3] Company Overview - Autoliv is a global leader in automotive safety systems, developing products such as airbags, seatbelts, and steering wheels for major automotive manufacturers [6][7] - In 2024, Autoliv's products saved approximately 37,000 lives and reduced around 600,000 injuries [6] - The company operates in 25 countries with 65,000 employees and reported sales of $10.4 billion in 2024 [6][7] Partnership Details - The partnership will focus on three core areas: increasing the usage and understanding of safety equipment, inspiring talent in the automotive safety sector, and developing safety technologies for electric vehicles [7] - The agreement begins in April 2025 and includes branding activations, such as the Autoliv logo on safety and medical cars [4][5] Industry Context - Formula E is the world's first all-electric FIA World Championship and is committed to sustainability, being the only sport-certified net zero carbon since its inception [8] - The collaboration aims to enhance awareness of automotive safety within the context of electric racing, aligning with the growing focus on electric vehicle innovation [4][8]

Financial Performance - Consolidated sales decreased by 1% to $2578 million in Q1'25 compared to $2615 million in Q1'24 [14] - Adjusted operating income increased by 28% to $255 million in Q1'25 from $199 million in Q1'24 [14] - Adjusted operating margin improved to 99% in Q1'25, up from 76% in Q1'24 [8, 14] - Operating cash flow decreased to $77 million in Q1'25 compared to $122 million in Q1'24 [14] - The company repurchased shares for $50 million [9] Sales and Market Dynamics - Organic sales grew by 2% [29] - The company outperformed global Light Vehicle Production (LVP) by 3 percentage points [35] - Europe accounted for 30% of sales, while the Americas accounted for 33% and Asia for 37% [33] - Global Light Vehicle Production (LVP) decreased by 04% [41, 90] Cost Management and Efficiency - The company reduced indirect workforce by over 1500 compared to Q1'23 [9] - Direct headcount reduced by 3700 year-over-year [9] Future Outlook - The company reiterates its full year 2025 guidance with organic sales increase around 2% and adjusted operating margin around 10 to 105% [9, 82] - The company expects operating cash flow around $12 billion for full year 2025 [82]