Core Insights - Cullen Capital Management's SCCM Value Equity Strategy reported a gross return of 6.9% and a net return of 6.8% for Q3 2025, outperforming the Russell 1000 Value's 5.3% and the S&P 500's 8.1% during the same period [1] - Year-to-date, the strategy achieved a gross return of 13.0%, compared to the Russell 1000 Value's 11.7% and the S&P 500's 14.8% [1] Company Highlights: BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) - BorgWarner Inc. reported a one-month return of -1.37% but a significant 27.70% increase over the last 52 weeks, with a market capitalization of $9.329 billion as of November 19, 2025 [2] - The company delivered second-quarter results that exceeded expectations, leading to a raised full-year guidance, and announced new programs in Europe and North America, including its first hybrid platform award [3] - BorgWarner raised its quarterly dividend by 55%, indicating strong cash generation and commitment to shareholder returns [3] - In Q3 2025, BorgWarner reported approximately $3.6 billion in sales, reflecting a 2% year-over-year increase, excluding foreign exchange [4]

Summary of BorgWarner Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: BorgWarner - **Industry**: Automotive technology, focusing on both legacy combustion technologies and electric vehicle (EV) products Key Priorities and Strategies - **Financial Performance**: The company aims to drive financial performance by launching new business globally, focusing on both combustion and EV products [2][3] - **RFQ Flow**: There has been a significant increase in Request for Quotations (RFQs) compared to the previous year, with the company winning a fair share across its portfolio, including turbochargers, EGR systems, inverters, and complete drive systems [2][5] - **Growth Expectations**: Anticipated growth is expected to materialize around 2027-2028, with a balanced approach to capital allocation, including shareholder returns and potential inorganic investments [3][14] Market Dynamics - **Geographical Insights**: - **China**: Strong growth in e-products, with a significant portion of combustion programs also present. The company has won numerous awards in this market [5][6][25] - **Europe**: A balanced focus on EVs, advanced hybrids, and combustion technologies, with a slower short-term growth in EVs [5][6] - **North America**: The market is currently facing supply chain issues, particularly with a North American truckmaker, impacting production [9][10] Financial Performance - **Earnings Growth**: The company is focused on growing earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow, with a target to continue this trend into 2026 and 2027 [14][18] - **Margin Expansion**: Despite flat sales, the company has managed to expand operating margins by 30 basis points year-to-date through cost controls and productivity improvements [16][17] - **Cash Flow**: The company generated $900 million in free cash flow and is committed to returning cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks [18][50] Challenges and Risks - **Supply Chain Issues**: Ongoing challenges with aluminum supply and semiconductor chips have been noted, but the company has not shut down any customers and is managing these disruptions [9][10] - **Tariffs**: The company has been managing tariff impacts, with expectations for recovery in the fourth quarter as agreements with customers cover about 80% of tariff exposure [19][50] Technological Advancements - **AI and Machine Learning**: The company is exploring the use of AI tools for quality improvement and cost reduction, with positive results from pilot programs [20][21] - **E-Products Growth**: Approximately 50% of light vehicle e-product sales are in China, with a 27% increase in sales year-over-year [25][28] M&A Strategy - **Inorganic Growth**: The company is open to both larger acquisitions and smaller tuck-in deals that align with its core competencies in rotating mechanics, electrics, and system engineering [45][48] - **Valuation Discipline**: A disciplined approach to valuation is emphasized, with a focus on ensuring that any inorganic investment drives earnings growth [47][50] Conclusion BorgWarner is strategically positioned to leverage its diverse portfolio in both combustion and electric vehicle technologies, with a strong focus on financial performance, market expansion, and technological innovation. The company is navigating current challenges while preparing for future growth opportunities, particularly in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of over $3.6 billion, which was relatively flat year over year, excluding foreign exchange impacts [23] - Adjusted operating margin was strong at 10.3%, despite a 40 basis point headwind from tariffs [24][26] - Free cash flow increased by 71% year over year, reaching $507 million [24][26] - The company increased its full year sales guidance to a range of $14 billion to $14.4 billion, up from previous guidance of $13.6 billion to $14.2 billion [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Light vehicle e product sales increased by 31% year over year, significantly outpacing the overall market growth [6][23] - Organic sales were relatively flat year over year, but excluding the decline in the commercial vehicle battery and charging systems segment, organic sales were up modestly [7][23] - The company secured multiple new business awards across its product lines, indicating strong demand for efficient powertrain technology [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects a market production decline of 0.5% to 2.5% for the year, an improvement from previous estimates of a decline of 2% to 4% [29] - The full year sales outgrowth is projected to be approximately 100 to 150 basis points above market production [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a balanced capital allocation strategy, returning over $130 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [8][21] - A 55% increase in the quarterly cash dividend and an increase in share repurchase authorization to $1 billion were approved, reflecting confidence in long-term cash generation [8][33] - The company aims to continue investing both organically and inorganically to support growth, with a disciplined approach to M&A opportunities [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term earnings power of the business, citing strong operational performance and cost controls [21][33] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second half of the year, with expectations for margin stability despite tariff headwinds [34][35] - Management highlighted the importance of outgrowing market production by 100 to 150 basis points and maintaining a focus on improving long-term positioning [35] Other Important Information - The company has returned over $3.5 billion of capital to shareholders since 2020 [16] - The management emphasized the importance of leveraging core competencies in evaluating M&A opportunities [19][90] Q&A Session Summary Question: Organic growth outlook and tariff impacts - Management noted that organic sales increased modestly when excluding the battery segment, with a headwind from lower battery sales primarily in North America [40] - For the full year, the battery segment is expected to contribute a 100 basis point headwind to overall growth [41] Question: Capital allocation and cash levels - The company maintains a liquidity target of 20% of sales and is currently above that level, allowing for consistent cash returns to shareholders [46] Question: Margin conversion and guidance - Management explained that the strong conversion of sales to income is due to effective cost controls and productivity improvements [58] Question: Performance of foundational segments - Management acknowledged the challenges in the combustion market but expressed optimism about future growth opportunities in hybrid and electric segments [62][63] Question: Battery business outlook - The battery business is currently slightly EBITDA positive and cash flow breakeven, with management confident in its long-term growth potential despite current headwinds [103] Question: RFQ activity and hybrid market - There has been a significant increase in RFQ activity for advanced hybrids, indicating strong future demand [106]

Core Insights - Garrett Motion Inc. has been added to the Russell 2000® Index, effective June 27, 2025, reflecting the company's growth and market position in automotive technology [1][2] - The addition to the index signifies Garrett's advancements in turbo technologies and its commitment to zero-emission mobility solutions [2] - Membership in the Russell 2000® Index is based on inclusion in the broader Russell 3000® Index, which is widely utilized by investment managers and institutional investors [2] Company Overview - Garrett Motion has a 70-year history in the automotive sector, focusing on innovation in turbocharging and differentiated technology solutions [5][6] - The company operates five R&D centers and 13 manufacturing facilities, employing over 9,000 people across more than 20 countries [6] - Garrett is actively developing technologies for Zero Emission Vehicles, including fuel cell compressors and electric propulsion systems [5][6]