tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Cooper-Standard Holdings (CPS)
NYSE:CPS

Cooper-Standard Holdings (CPS) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
263 Followers

Top Page

CPS

Cooper-Standard Holdings

(NYSE:CPS)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 60 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
$41.00
▲(3.69% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/21/26
The score is held back mainly by financial risk (high leverage and negative equity) and weak valuation signals tied to unprofitable GAAP earnings. Offsetting factors include improving operations and cash generation, strong technical uptrend, and a generally positive outlook with margin/FCF improvement targets plus a refinancing action that could reduce near-term maturity pressure.
Positive Factors
Operational Excellence & Safety
Consistently high quality and launch metrics reduce warranty, rework and disruption risk, reinforcing OEM trust and long-term program retention. Best-in-class safety lowers downtime and labor disruption, supporting steady manufacturing throughput and durable margin stability over cycles.
Strategic New Business Wins (EV/China)
Large, innovation-linked awards focused on EV/hybrid platforms and Chinese OEMs create a multi-year revenue runway and higher-value product mix. This structural shift toward BEV content and fast-growing China exposure supports sustainable top-line growth and margin expansion as programs ramp.
Improved Cash Generation & Liquidity
Transition to positive operating and free cash flow, combined with meaningful revolver capacity, materially improves near-term funding flexibility. Durable cash generation enables funding of launches and targeted capex while providing a foundation for gradual deleveraging if operational momentum persists.
Negative Factors
High Leverage & Negative Equity
Substantial debt and a negative equity position materially constrain balance-sheet flexibility, increase insolvency risk in downturns, and raise borrowing costs. This stressed capital structure limits the company's ability to invest, absorb shocks, or pursue opportunistic strategic initiatives over the medium term.
Refinancing & Market Reliance Risk
Ongoing dependence on debt markets to extend maturities exposes the company to timing and execution risk. If market conditions tighten, refinancing could become costly or delayed, constraining cash available for operations and hampering the plan to lower leverage and achieve sustainable margin targets.
Thin Margins & Fragile Profitability
Modest margins leave earnings highly sensitive to volume swings, price pressure and inflation. Small adverse shifts in OEM demand or input costs could erase profits, limiting the firm's capacity to generate surplus cash for deleveraging and reinvestment, and making long-term recovery contingent on sustained execution.

Cooper-Standard Holdings (CPS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Cooper-Standard Holdings Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCooper-Standard Holdings Inc., through its subsidiary, Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., designs, manufactures, and sells sealing, fuel and brake delivery, and fluid transfer systems. The company's sealing systems include obstacle detection sensor systems, dynamic seals, variable extrusion systems, static seals, specialty sealing products, encapsulated glasses, stainless steel trims, FlushSeal systems, and textured surfaces with cloth appearance. Its fuel and brake delivery systems comprise chassis and tank fuel lines and bundles, direct injection and port fuel rails, metallic brake lines and bundles, tube coatings, quick connects, low oligomer multi-layer convoluted tubes, and brake jounce lines. The company's fluid transfer systems consist of heater/coolant hoses, turbo charger hoses, quick connects, charged air cooler ducts/assemblies, DPF and SCR emission lines, secondary air hoses, degas tanks, brake and clutch hoses, air intake and charge systems, transmission oil cooling hoses, and multilayer tubing for glycol thermal management. Its products are primarily used in passenger vehicles and light trucks that are manufactured by automotive original equipment manufacturers and replacement markets. The company operates in the United States, Mexico, China, Poland, Canada, Germany, France, and internationally. Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Northville, Michigan.
How the Company Makes MoneyCooper-Standard generates revenue primarily through the sale of automotive components and systems, which are supplied to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive industry. Key revenue streams include sealing systems, which are crucial for preventing leaks and enhancing vehicle efficiency, and fuel and brake delivery systems necessary for vehicle operation and safety. The company also benefits from long-term contracts with major automotive players, providing a stable income. Additionally, Cooper-Standard engages in partnerships and collaborations with automotive manufacturers to develop innovative solutions, further solidifying its market position and driving sales growth.

Cooper-Standard Holdings Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 12, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized strong operational achievements (quality, safety, manufacturing efficiencies), meaningful cost savings, improved full-year adjusted EBITDA and liquidity, and a constructive outlook supported by nearly $300M in new business awards and explicit 2026 margin targets. Near-term challenges were acknowledged — notably a Q4 production disruption, a substantial drop in quarterly EBITDA margin, inflationary wage pressures, and refinancing timing risk — but management presented credible actions and identified a clear path to margin expansion and positive cash flow in 2026. Overall, the positives (operational momentum, new awards, cost savings, improved full-year results, and solid liquidity) outweigh the short-term headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Operational Excellence & Safety
Exceptional operational metrics: 99% green product quality scorecards and 98% green program launch scorecards. Best year ever for employee safety with a safety incident rate of 0.24 per 200,000 hours (well below the 0.47 benchmark) and 31 plants with zero reportable incidents.
Full-Year Adjusted EBITDA Growth
Full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $209.7 million, up from $180.7 million in 2024 (increase of ~$29.0 million, ~16% year-over-year), and reported at the high end of the company's guidance range.
Improved Full-Year Profitability (GAAP and Adjusted)
Full year sales of $2.74 billion, up 0.4% versus 2024. GAAP net loss improved significantly to $4.2 million in 2025 from a net loss of $78.7 million in 2024. Adjusted net loss improved to $30.9 million (or $1.73 per diluted share) from $56.7 million (or $3.23) in 2024.
Material Cost Savings and Operating Leverage
Realized major cost savings and efficiency gains: $64 million from manufacturing and purchasing efficiencies and an additional $18 million of year-over-year savings related to salaried reductions; combined initiatives contributed to a 24% improvement in operating income for the year.
Strong New Business Awards and Strategic Product Wins
Booked $298 million in net new business awards in 2025. Of these awards, 74% were tied to value-add innovations and 74% related to battery-electric or hybrid platforms; 51% of new awards were with Chinese OEMs, supporting future growth and margin expansion.
Liquidity and Cash Generation
Ended 2025 with robust liquidity of over $352 million (cash of $191.7 million and $160.9 million revolver availability). Generated positive free cash flow for the full year of $16.3 million and strong Q4 free cash flow of $44.6 million; Q4 operating cash flow $56 million.
Positive 2026 Outlook and Margin Guidance
Company expects ~3% sales growth in 2026 (industry-based), targets double-digit EBITDA margin for full-year 2026, and provided a bridge to ~$280 million adjusted EBITDA in 2026 (up from $209.7M in 2025). Management expects continued margin expansion, decreasing net leverage to ~2x or lower by 2028, and a goal to triple ROIC by 2028.
Negative Updates
Fourth Quarter Margin and EBITDA Decline
Q4 2025 adjusted EBITDA fell to $34.9 million (5.2% of sales) from $54.3 million (8.2% of sales) in Q4 2024 — a sizable decline in quarterly profitability and a ~3.0 percentage-point drop in EBITDA margin versus prior-year quarter.
Significant Q4 Production Disruption
A customer supply chain disruption materially reduced production volumes on one of the company's top platforms in Q4, negatively affecting volume/mix, fixed cost absorption and short-term efficiencies.
Underlying Adjusted Losses Despite GAAP One-Time Items
Q4 GAAP net income of $3.3 million was driven in part by a $45 million deferred tax asset valuation allowance release; excluding nonrecurring items, adjusted results showed continued losses (adjusted net loss of roughly $30–31 million noted), indicating underlying profitability gaps remain.
Inflationary and Compensation Pressures
Year-over-year cost headwinds included ~$25 million of higher wages and general inflation and increased incentive compensation; these pressures partially offset efficiency gains and reduced adjusted EBITDA in the near term.
Modest Top-Line Growth and Revenue Risk
Revenue growth was modest: full-year sales increased only 0.4% in 2025 and Q4 sales rose 1.8%. Management relied on favorable foreign exchange and pricing to offset weak volumes and mix; top-line remains sensitive to industry production volatility.
Refinancing and Debt Maturity Timing Risk
Management is targeting a near-term refinancing of outstanding debt, with certain notes becoming current in March and May; refinancing execution and market timing present potential near-term risk.
Working Capital / Cash Flow Headwinds from Launch Activity
Management expects higher capex (~+$15 million at midpoint vs prior year) and working capital tie-up related to tooling and launch readiness for new programs, which may constrain near-term free cash flow despite positive guidance for 2026.
Company Guidance
The company guided to improved profitability and margin expansion in 2026, targeting roughly a 3% increase in sales (midpoint ~2.8%) and an adjusted EBITDA goal near $280 million (up from $209.7M in 2025), with a full-year double‑digit EBITDA margin expected (Q1 flagged as the weakest quarter with margins and cash flow building through the rest of the year). Management expects free cash flow to be positive again in 2026 (2025 FCF was $16.3M for the year and $44.6M in Q4), with capex rising about $15M at the midpoint versus 2025’s $48M (1.8% of sales) and cash taxes and working‑capital for launches increasing. Over the 2026–2028 period they expect implied margin gains to reduce net leverage to ~2x or lower and to triple return on invested capital by 2028, while China revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR north of 15% (2025–2028) as new business wins continue (2025 net new awards $298M; management expects $400M+ booked in 2026, with 74% tied to BEV/hybrid and innovation and 51% with Chinese OEMs).

Cooper-Standard Holdings Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Operating results are improving (revenue rebound and better EBIT margins) and operating/free cash flow has turned positive, but the balance sheet is a major constraint: high debt and negative equity materially elevate refinancing and downturn risk, and free cash flow remains modest versus leverage.
Income Statement
56
Neutral
Performance has improved materially versus prior years: revenue rebounded strongly in 2025 (+42.6% YoY) and operating profitability recovered, with gross margin rising to ~11.7% and EBIT margin improving to ~3.9% (from near-breakeven in 2024 and losses in 2022–2023). However, bottom-line results remain fragile—2025 net income is still slightly negative and margins are thin, leaving earnings sensitive to pricing, volume swings, and cost inflation.
Balance Sheet
23
Negative
Leverage is the key weakness. Total debt is high (~$1.26B in 2025) and shareholders’ equity is negative in 2023–2025, signaling a stressed capital structure and limited balance-sheet flexibility. While total assets are stable, the negative equity position increases refinancing risk and reduces the company’s ability to absorb downturns or shocks typical in the auto supply chain.
Cash Flow
48
Neutral
Cash generation has improved from negative operating and free cash flow in 2020–2022 to positive levels in 2023–2025, supporting liquidity and indicating better operating stability. That said, free cash flow weakened in 2025 (down ~53% YoY), and cash flow remains modest relative to the debt load, which could constrain deleveraging and keep financing needs elevated if conditions soften.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.74B2.73B2.82B2.53B2.33B
Gross Profit321.22M302.92M290.78M129.79M87.23M
EBITDA204.83M117.73M45.63M490.00K-77.93M
Net Income-4.17M-78.75M-201.99M-215.38M-322.83M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.83B1.73B1.87B1.96B2.23B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments198.28M170.03M154.80M186.88M248.97M
Total Debt1.26B1.19B1.19B1.13B1.15B
Total Liabilities1.92B1.87B1.96B1.86B1.90B
Stockholders Equity-83.49M-125.77M-81.30M107.71M324.88M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow16.25M25.87M36.53M-107.30M-211.62M
Operating Cash Flow64.44M76.37M117.28M-36.15M-115.51M
Investing Cash Flow-45.63M-45.12M-64.97M-17.89M-91.26M
Financing Cash Flow-3.97M-9.64M-81.14M-4.27M3.21M

Cooper-Standard Holdings Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price39.54
Price Trends
50DMA
33.89
Positive
100DMA
33.23
Positive
200DMA
30.29
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.06
Negative
RSI
60.02
Neutral
STOCH
39.20
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CPS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 39.54 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 35.21, above the 50-day MA of 33.89, and above the 200-day MA of 30.29, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.06 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 60.02 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 39.20 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for CPS.

Cooper-Standard Holdings Risk Analysis

Cooper-Standard Holdings disclosed 37 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Cooper-Standard Holdings reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Cooper-Standard Holdings Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$975.44M14.4310.49%3.32%23.96%11.01%
68
Neutral
$969.56M24.0015.29%3.52%9.99%-23.93%
63
Neutral
$4.00B13.091.49%-1.09%56.16%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
60
Neutral
$687.14M-163.49-0.53%
53
Neutral
$4.06B78.70-4.82%1.70%-18.23%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CPS
Cooper-Standard Holdings
39.54
24.80
168.25%
DAN
Dana Incorporated
34.27
19.26
128.31%
PLOW
Douglas Dynamics
42.79
18.39
75.37%
SMP
Standard Motor Products
44.65
14.81
49.64%
GTX
Garrett Motion
18.90
9.42
99.37%

Cooper-Standard Holdings Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Cooper-Standard Prices $1.1 Billion Senior Secured Notes
Positive
Feb 20, 2026

On February 20, 2026, Cooper-Standard Holdings announced it had priced a private offering by its subsidiary, Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., of $1.1 billion in 9.250% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031. The notes, guaranteed on a senior secured basis by certain domestic subsidiaries and on a senior unsecured basis by Cooper-Standard Latin America B.V., are being sold only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to certain non-U.S. investors under Regulation S.

The offering, expected to close on March 4, 2026 subject to customary conditions, is intended to refinance a stack of higher-cost and nearer-maturity debt, including 13.50% First Lien Notes due 2027, 5.625% / 10.625% Third Lien Notes due 2027 and 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026. By extending maturities and consolidating its capital structure at a lower coupon than some existing instruments, Cooper Standard aims to ease its interest burden and improve financial flexibility, a move closely watched by creditors and equity holders given the company’s substantial leverage and exposure to cyclical automotive demand.

The most recent analyst rating on (CPS) stock is a Hold with a $39.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cooper-Standard Holdings stock, see the CPS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Cooper-Standard Launches $1.1 Billion Senior Secured Notes
Positive
Feb 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., launched a private offering of $1.1 billion in Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, guaranteed by certain domestic units on a senior secured basis and by Cooper-Standard Latin America B.V. on a senior unsecured basis. The notes are being marketed to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to non-U.S. investors under Regulation S, reflecting the company’s continued reliance on institutional debt markets for funding.

The issuer plans to use the proceeds, along with cash on hand, to redeem in full its higher-cost First Lien, Third Lien and unsecured notes maturing in 2026 and 2027, and to cover related fees and expenses. Conditional redemption notices issued on February 17, 2026 set March 4, 2026 as the redemption date, subject to successful completion of the refinancing, a move that would simplify Cooper-Standard’s capital structure and potentially improve its interest burden and debt maturity profile, with implications for creditors and bond investors across its capital stack.

The most recent analyst rating on (CPS) stock is a Hold with a $36.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cooper-Standard Holdings stock, see the CPS Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 21, 2026