Aptiv(US:APTV)2026-02-02 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aptiv reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $5.2 billion, an increase of 3% year-over-year on an adjusted basis [5][18] - Adjusted Operating Income totaled $607 million, with earnings per share at $1.86, reflecting a 6% increase from the prior year [6][19] - Operating cash flow was $818 million, with over half allocated to share repurchases and debt reduction [6][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intelligent Systems segment revenue was $1.4 billion, up 2% year-over-year, but operating income declined 17% due to investments and unfavorable FX [20][21] - Engineered Components segment revenue increased by 1% to $1.6 billion, with operating income rising 8% and margin expanding by 60 basis points [21] - Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS) revenue grew 5% to $2.3 billion, but operating income declined 2% due to FX and commodity headwinds [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw an 8% revenue growth, while Europe experienced a 1% decline, and China revenue decreased by 5% [19][20] - New business bookings in China totaled $5 billion, with almost $4 billion from local OEMs, and new business awards in non-automotive markets reached over $4 billion [10][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on penetrating non-automotive markets, leveraging trends in automation, electrification, and digitalization [4][5] - Aptiv plans to spin out its Electrical Distribution Systems business as VersaGen on April 1, 2026, aiming to enhance shareholder value [5][10] - The company is committed to optimizing its cost structure and eliminating stranded costs associated with the spin-off [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic macro environment and capturing higher growth opportunities across multiple end markets [34] - The outlook for 2026 includes revenue guidance for new Aptiv in the range of $12.8-$13.2 billion, reflecting a 4% growth at the midpoint [25] - Management acknowledged challenges from FX and commodity prices but remains optimistic about margin expansion in the long term [56] Other Important Information - The company generated over $2 billion in operating cash flow for the full year, leading to a year-end cash balance of $1.9 billion [23] - Capital allocation efforts included retiring $1 billion in debt and deploying $400 million towards share repurchases [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on memory exposure and contract resets - Management indicated that memory costs are approximately $175 million, with low double-digit price increases expected in 2026, and confidence in negotiating cost recoveries with OEM customers [37][38] Question: Guidance for new Aptiv into 2026 - Management clarified that the 4% growth guidance is influenced by global vehicle production expectations, with strong growth anticipated in non-auto revenues [41][42] Question: EBITDA outlook for 2026 - Management provided a framework indicating stable margins with various factors impacting EBITDA, including commodity prices and investments in non-auto business growth [48][50] Question: Regional revenue performance expectations - Management expects North America to lead revenue growth, with Europe flat to slightly down and improved performance anticipated in China [58][59] Question: Impact of EV volumes on VersaGen growth - Management projected a 15% year-over-year growth in EVs, primarily driven by China, despite lower growth expectations in North America [83]