Core Insights - Lear Corporation reported a strong performance in 2025, achieving $23.3 billion in revenue and $1.1 billion in core operating earnings, marking a 5% increase in fourth-quarter revenue and the fifth consecutive year of adjusted EPS growth [3][4][7] Financial Performance - The company generated $527 million in free cash flow and returned nearly $500 million to shareholders, including $325 million in share repurchases, exceeding its initial target of $250 million [2][7] - For 2026, Lear guided revenue between $23.2 billion and $24.0 billion, with core operating earnings projected at $1.03 billion to $1.2 billion, indicating about 2% growth at the midpoint [5][14] Business Development - Lear secured significant new business awards, including its largest-ever seating contract for a major U.S. truck program and multiple contracts in China, which are expected to support growth in 2026 [6][8][9] - The company reported over $1.4 billion in E-Systems business awards, its strongest performance in over a decade [9] Operational Efficiency - Lear emphasized operational execution, achieving $195 million in net operating performance, with benefits of 60 basis points in Seating and 110 basis points in E-Systems [1] - The company implemented automation and digital transformation initiatives, generating $70 million in savings in 2025 [12] Segment Performance - In the fourth quarter, Seating revenue was $4.4 billion, up 5%, while E-Systems revenue was $1.6 billion, up 3% [13][16] - For the full year, Seating adjusted operating margins were 6.4%, and E-Systems adjusted operating margins were 4.9% [13] Future Outlook - Lear's outlook for 2026 assumes a slight decline in global industry production and includes expected restructuring costs of approximately $175 million and capital spending of about $660 million [15] - The company aims to continue its focus on shareholder returns with planned share repurchases exceeding $300 million in 2026 [17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lear Corporation reported a 5% increase in revenue for Q4 2025, totaling $23.3 billion for the full year [4] - Core operating earnings were $1.1 billion, representing 4.6% of net sales for the full year [4] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 1% to $12.80, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth [4] - Operating cash flow was $1.1 billion, with free cash flow at $527 million for 2025 [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Seating segment, sales for 2025 were $17.3 billion, a slight increase of 0.4% from 2024, with adjusted operating margins at 6.4% [34][35] - E-Systems sales decreased by 2% to $6 billion, with adjusted earnings at $293 million, or 4.9% of sales [36][37] - The company secured over $1.4 billion in E-Systems business awards, the strongest performance in over a decade [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global vehicle production increased by 1% year-over-year, with production volumes flat in North America and down 2% in Europe, while China saw a 3% increase [30] - Lear expects more than 50% of its revenue in China to come from domestic automakers next year [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Lear's strategic priorities include extending leadership in Seating, expanding margins in E-Systems, and supporting sustainable value creation through disciplined capital allocation [5] - The company is focused on innovation and technology, particularly in modularity and automation, to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product design [56][59] - Lear aims to achieve a seating market share of 29%, supported by strong relationships with both traditional and domestic Chinese automakers [60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to grow revenue, operating income, margins, and free cash flow in 2026 and beyond [47] - The company anticipates continued strong performance from its IDEA initiatives and digital transformation efforts, which are expected to drive future savings and operational improvements [64] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by industry volatility but emphasized the company's solid foundation for growth [46] Other Important Information - Lear repurchased $325 million in shares during 2025, exceeding the initial target of $250 million, returning nearly $500 million to shareholders [10] - The company has a robust backlog of $1.325 billion, with significant contributions expected from new business awards in both Seating and E-Systems [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the conquest win and its impact on seating share? - Management highlighted the significance of the conquest win as the largest in Lear's history, driven by innovation and technology, and expressed confidence in achieving a 29% seating market share [52][60] Question: What is the outlook for Net Performance in 2026? - Management indicated that they expect similar levels of Net Performance in 2026 as in 2025, with continued opportunities for savings from digital and automation initiatives [62][64] Question: How should investors think about earnings cadence throughout the year? - Management noted a strong start to the year, with expectations for Q1 revenues around $6 billion and operating income of approximately $260 million, despite some anticipated downtime [68][70] Question: Can you provide details on onshoring wins and their launch timing? - Management confirmed that the Orion award will benefit 2027, with limited additional onshoring activity expected until 2028 and 2029 [73][74] Question: What is the expected revenue impact of the large conquest win? - Management clarified that the large conquest win is outside the current backlog and is expected to launch in late 2028, potentially generating $400 million-$500 million in annual revenue [79][80]