Core Insights - The fourth-quarter earnings season for the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector is underway, with Tesla and General Motors beating earnings expectations, while PACCAR matched expectations [1] - The auto sector's earnings for fourth-quarter 2025 are projected to decline by 12.9% year-over-year, with revenues expected to contract by 5.7% [1] Industry Performance - The U.S. auto industry experienced a slowdown in the fourth quarter, with vehicle sales dropping to an annualized pace of 15.6 million units from 16.4 million in the third quarter, marking the weakest period of the year [3] - Tariffs on imported vehicles and components, along with inflation, have pressured automakers, leading to increased costs and reduced profitability [4] - The average transaction price for new vehicles reached a record $50,326 in December, contributing to affordability issues for buyers [4] - The electric vehicle (EV) market saw a significant decline, with EV sales falling to 234,000 units in the fourth quarter, down 46% sequentially and 36% year-over-year [5] Company Highlights - **Ford**: Sales rose 2.7% to over 545,200 vehicles in the fourth quarter, with a market share increase of 0.9%. The company expects around $19.5 billion in special charges related to restructuring its U.S. EV strategy [8][9] - **QuantumScape**: Focused on solid-state battery technology, the company has an Earnings ESP of +17.02% and is set to release results on Feb. 11, with a consensus loss estimate of 16 cents per share [11][12] - **Lear Corp.**: The company is enhancing its position through strategic acquisitions and automation, with an Earnings ESP of +1.75% and a scheduled release on Feb. 4 [13][14] - **BorgWarner**: A leader in clean technology solutions, BorgWarner has an Earnings ESP of +2.61% and is expected to release results on Feb. 11, with a consensus estimate of $1.16 per share [15][16]

Core Points - PHINIA Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per common share [1] - The dividend is payable on December 12, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 24, 2025 [1] - PHINIA is recognized as a leader in premium fuel systems, electrical systems, and aftermarket solutions [1]

Core Viewpoint - PHINIA Inc. will participate in Baird's 2025 Global Industrial Conference on November 13, 2025, focusing on industry dynamics and the company's business [1] Company Participation - The participation will be in-person and will include a Q&A session [1] - Key executives attending include President and CEO Brady Ericson and Vice President and CFO Chris Gropp [1]

Core Insights - PHINIA Inc. reported strong third-quarter results for 2025, highlighting the effectiveness of its strategic growth initiatives and the dedication of its workforce [3][4]. Financial Performance - Net sales reached $908 million, marking an 8.2% increase compared to Q3 2024. Adjusted sales increased by $43 million or 5.1% when excluding foreign currency impacts and the SEM acquisition [4][27]. - Net earnings were $13 million with a net margin of 1.4%, a decrease of $18 million and 230 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to a one-time loss related to separation claims [4][16]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $133 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.6%, reflecting a year-over-year increase of $13 million and 30 basis points [4][28]. - The company returned $41 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [4]. Strategic Developments - The acquisition of Swedish Electromagnet Invest AB (SEM) for approximately $47 million was completed, enhancing PHINIA's capabilities in alternative fuel ignition systems [4][5]. - New business wins included contracts with leading OEMs in North America and Asia, expanding PHINIA's market presence [4][5]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $349 million and total debt of $992 million [6][7]. - Net cash generated by operating activities was $119 million, a year-over-year increase of $24 million, while adjusted free cash flow was $104 million compared to $60 million in Q3 2024 [7][30]. 2025 Full Year Guidance - PHINIA updated its full-year guidance, projecting net sales between $3.39 billion and $3.45 billion, with net earnings expected to be $100 million to $110 million [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $465 million and $480 million, with an adjusted free cash flow forecast of $175 million to $205 million [8].

Core Viewpoint - PHINIA Inc. will participate in Gabelli's 49th Annual Automotive Symposium on November 4, 2025, focusing on industry dynamics and the company's business [1] Company Participation - The participation will be in-person and will include a Q&A session [1] - PHINIA's President and CEO, Brady Ericson, will engage in the Q&A session alongside Gabelli's Brian Sponheimer [1] Industry Dynamics - The event will provide insights into the automotive industry dynamics [1] - The discussion will likely cover trends and challenges facing the automotive sector [1]