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Lear Corp (LEA)
NYSE:LEA

Lear (LEA) AI Stock Analysis

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LEA

Lear

(NYSE:LEA)

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Outperform 72 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$127.00
▲(11.25% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/14/26
The score is driven primarily by healthy (though recently softening) financial performance and improving balance-sheet leverage, alongside a strong technical uptrend with positive momentum. Moderating factors are the 2025 margin/FCF step-down and only average valuation support, while the earnings call was net positive due to improving 2026 profitability/cash guidance tempered by production and mix headwinds plus restructuring costs.
Positive Factors
Major New Program Awards
Winning the largest-ever seating program with GM provides multi-year secured content and stable production volumes once launched, materially increasing revenue visibility and reinforcing OEM relationships and manufacturing scale advantages that persist across vehicle program cycles.
Improving Leverage
A meaningful decline in debt-to-equity strengthens financial flexibility, lowering interest burden and enabling sustained investments in automation, capex, and share returns. Improved balance-sheet health increases resilience through cyclical industry downturns and funds strategic initiatives over the medium term.
Operational Savings & Cash Generation
Recurring net-performance savings demonstrate scalable operational improvements and productivity gains that sustainably bolster margins and free cash flow. Consistent efficiency programs support margin recovery, fund capex/automation, and enhance cash conversion across cycles.
Negative Factors
Thin Margins
Persistently low and compressed margins leave limited buffers for commodity, labor, or mix shocks. For a capital- and labor-intensive auto supplier, thin margins constrain reinvestment capacity and increase sensitivity to volume swings, pressuring sustained profitability in adverse scenarios.
E-Systems Revenue & Margin Pressure
E-Systems faces structural headwinds from lower volumes on certain EV platforms and product wind-downs, reducing a key diversification pillar. Continued weakness in electrical content jeopardizes segment margins and offsets Seating gains, limiting company-wide margin improvement potential.
Sustained Volume/Mix Headwinds
An $800M volume/mix drag reflects multi-program roll‑offs and EV-related production shifts that erode near-term revenue and per-vehicle content. Such structural program timing issues depress utilization and margins for several quarters, requiring sustained wins or mix improvements to restore growth.

Lear (LEA) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Lear Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLear Corporation designs, develops, engineers, manufactures, assembles, and supplies automotive seating, and electrical distribution systems and related components for automotive original equipment manufacturers in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Its Seating segment offers seat systems, seat subsystems, keyseat components, seat trim covers, seat mechanisms, seat foams, and headrests, as well as surface materials, such as leather and fabric for automobiles and light trucks, compact cars, pick-up trucks, and sport utility vehicles. The company's E-Systems segment provides electrical distribution and connection systems that route electrical signals and networks; and manage electrical power within the vehicle for various powertrains. This segment's products comprise wire harnesses, terminals and connectors, engineered components, and junction boxes; electronic system products, including body domain control modules, smart and passive junction boxes, gateway and communication modules, integrated power modules, and high voltage switching and power control systems. It also offers software and connected services comprising Xevo Market, an in-vehicle commerce and service platform; and software and services for the cloud, vehicles, and mobile devices. In addition, this segment provides cybersecurity software; advanced vehicle positioning for automated and autonomous driving applications; and short-range communication and cellular protocols for vehicle connectivity. It offers its products and services under the XEVO, GUILFORD, EAGLE OTTAWA, ConfigurE+, INTUTM, LEAR CONNEXUSTM, EXO, JOURNEYWARE, ProTec, SMART JUNCTION BOX, STRUCSURE, AVENTINO, and TeXstyle brands. Lear Corporation was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan.
How the Company Makes MoneyLear makes money primarily by supplying automotive components to vehicle OEMs under multi-year vehicle program awards, generating revenue largely on a per-vehicle or per-component basis tied to OEM production volumes. 1) Seating segment revenue: Lear earns revenue from designing, engineering, and manufacturing complete seating systems (including seat structures/frames, mechanisms, foam, trim covers, headrests, and integrated seat functions depending on program scope). Revenue is typically recognized as seats or seat components are produced and shipped for specific OEM vehicle platforms. Pricing and profitability are influenced by program launch cadence, model mix, raw material and labor costs, manufacturing efficiency, and contractual terms such as productivity/continuous-improvement commitments and, where applicable, recoveries for certain cost changes. 2) E-Systems segment revenue: Lear generates revenue by producing electrical distribution systems and components that route power and data through the vehicle. This includes wiring harnesses, terminals, connectors, junction/fuse boxes, and related engineered assemblies. Similar to Seating, revenue is driven by shipments aligned to OEM production volumes and by the content Lear supplies per vehicle (content per vehicle can rise with added electronics and feature complexity). Profitability depends on engineering content, manufacturing footprint and labor, supply-chain execution, and program pricing/terms. 3) Engineering, tooling, and program-related income: For many automotive supplier relationships, OEM programs involve upfront engineering and launch activities and may include tooling and other program assets. Where applicable under contract terms, Lear can receive compensation associated with engineering services and/or tooling and launch-related reimbursements in addition to ongoing part sales; specific program treatment varies by customer and contract. 4) Customer concentration and platform awards as key drivers: Lear’s earnings are heavily influenced by winning new vehicle platform and component awards from OEMs, successfully launching those programs, and retaining business through competitive re-sourcing cycles. The company’s global manufacturing and just-in-time delivery capabilities, as well as long-term OEM relationships, are significant factors supporting volume and continuity. 5) Aftermarket/other revenue: null

Lear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Net Sales By Segment
Net Sales By Segment
Chart Insights
Data provided by:The Fly

Lear Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 04, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presents a predominantly positive operational and strategic update: strong cash generation, record net performance ($195M), major new business awards (including the largest-ever seating conquest with GM), robust automation and digital initiatives, and aggressive capital return to shareholders. Offsetting items include volume and mix headwinds (notably in E-Systems and certain Seating programs), industry production pressure, one-time restructuring costs in 2026, and timing delays for some thermal comfort targets. Management expects margin improvement and continued net-performance gains in 2026, but near-term growth is tempered by program roll-offs and production changeovers.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Full-Year Revenue and Core Earnings
Full-year revenue of $23.3 billion with core operating earnings of $1.1 billion (4.6% of net sales). Adjusted EPS for the full year was $12.80, a 1% increase versus 2024 (fifth consecutive year-over-year increase).
Quarterly Growth and EPS Momentum
Fourth-quarter sales increased 5% year-over-year; Q4 adjusted EPS was $3.41 versus $2.94 a year ago (≈16% increase), driven by share repurchases and a lower tax rate.
Strong Cash Generation and Share Returns
Operating cash flow of ~$1.1 billion and free cash flow of $527 million for 2025. Repurchased $325 million of shares (exceeding $250M target) and returned nearly $500 million to shareholders including dividends; targeting >80% free cash flow conversion and $300M+ share repurchases in 2026.
Record Net Performance / Operational Savings
Delivered record net performance savings of $195 million in 2025 (56% above original $125M target), contributing ~60 bps to Seating and ~110 bps to E-Systems margins. Idea by Lear initiatives generated $70 million and restructuring delivered $85 million in savings for the year.
Significant New Business Awards
Largest seating conquest award in Lear history: complete seats for GM full-size SUVs and pickup trucks at Orion (launch targeted 2027). E-Systems secured >$1.4 billion in business awards in 2025 (strongest performance in over a decade).
Thermal Comfort Leadership and Pipeline
Secured 33 thermal comfort awards expected to generate ≈$170 million average annual revenue at peak; nine programs already in production and 14 additional launches secured for 2026. Vertical integration (Kongsberg and IGB acquisitions) positions Lear as a unique full-solution supplier.
Digital & Automation Progress
Palantir Foundry reached >17,000 users and 300+ custom apps. Cycle-time deviation tool delivered 3–5% efficiency gains (≈$10M savings in 2025; expected $15M in 2026). Tariff-tracking solution recovered nearly 100% of tariff costs.
Backlog and Future Growth Visibility
Two-year sales backlog of $1.325 billion with $725 million expected net new business in 2027 (≈$465M Seating, $260M E-Systems). At midpoint, 2026 revenue guidance $23.2–$24.0B (≈+2% YoY) and core operating earnings guided to $1.03–$1.2B (midpoint ≈+5% YoY).
Negative Updates
E-Systems Sales and Margin Pressure
Full-year E-Systems sales declined 2% to $6.0 billion (ex-FX/other down ~5%). Adjusted earnings decreased to $293 million (4.9% of sales) from $310 million (5.1% in 2024), reflecting lower volumes on GM EV platforms, Ford Escape/Corsair wind-down and discontinued product lines.
Seating Volume and Mix Headwinds
Seating full-year sales essentially flat at $17.3 billion (+0.4% YoY) and adjusted earnings down 1% due to lower volumes and unfavorable program mix (notably several JLR and Mercedes programs), partially offset by net performance.
Volume/Mix Drag Across the Company
Management cited roughly an $800 million drag from volume/mix this year driven by GM EV volume reductions, program changeovers, and lower volumes with certain European and legacy platforms; E-Systems faces a ~ $140 million headwind in 2026 from specific roll-offs.
Industry & Production Assumptions Weakness
2026 guidance assumes global industry production down ~1% on a Lear sales-weighted basis; Q4 production trends showed flat North America, -2% Europe, +3% China—signaling potential near-term headwinds to volume-driven growth.
Timing and Delays for Thermal Comfort Targets
While the $1 billion thermal comfort revenue target and 10% EBIT goal remain, management indicated timing has been pushed out (original 01/2027 target delayed), so milestone timing is uncertain.
Working Capital and Cash Flow Timing Variability
Fourth-quarter operating cash flow was $476 million versus $681 million a year ago due primarily to working capital timing, indicating quarter-to-quarter cash flow variability.
Restructuring and Footprint Costs
2026 outlook includes approximately $175 million of restructuring costs to support footprint rationalization and automation investments, which will weigh on near-term earnings.
Headcount & JV Consolidation Effects
Consolidation of two Chinese joint ventures and production schedule changes led to slightly higher hourly headcount than projected in 2025, despite a reduction of 7,000 hourly roles in the year and 22,000 over two years.
Company Guidance
Lear guided 2026 revenue of $23.2–$24.0 billion (midpoint +$351 million, ~+2% vs. 2025; ex-FX/commodities/etc. -1%), core operating earnings of $1.03–$1.20 billion (midpoint ≈+5% YoY), adjusted net income of about $645–$765 million, and company adjusted margins up ~10 bps (Seating ~6.5%, E‑Systems ~5.0%); they expect net performance to contribute ~40 bps in Seating and ~80 bps in E‑Systems, assume global production down ~1% (Lear sales‑weighted), EUR ≈ $1.026 and RMB ≈ 7.1, and plan ~$175 million of restructuring, ~$660 million of capital spending, $1.2–$1.3 billion of operating cash flow, and roughly $600 million of free cash flow at the midpoint with >80% conversion, funding targeted share repurchases of at least $300 million (≈$775 million authorization remaining), while maintaining ~ $3 billion of liquidity and cost of debt <4%; backlog metrics include a two‑year backlog of $1.325 billion, ~$60 million of net new business in 2026, and ~$725 million in 2027 (Seating ~$465M, E‑Systems ~$260M).

Lear Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials are solid but softened in 2025: revenue held near ~$23B, leverage improved (debt-to-equity down to ~0.53), and operating/free cash flow remained positive. Offsetting this, margins compressed in 2025 (gross and net), ROE stepped down, and free cash flow fell sharply with weaker cash conversion.
Income Statement
70
Positive
Revenue has been fairly stable at ~$23B over the last three years (2023–2025), with only modest growth and a slight decline in 2024. Profitability is positive but thin for the industry: 2025 gross margin (~6.5%) and net margin (~1.9%) are down versus 2023–2024, and operating profitability also stepped down year over year. Net income remains solid in dollar terms, but the margin compression in 2025 is the key concern despite generally steady demand.
Balance Sheet
74
Positive
Leverage looks manageable and improving: debt-to-equity declined to ~0.53 in 2025 from ~0.79 in 2024, supported by higher equity and lower debt. Returns on equity are decent (mid-to-high single digits in 2025, low double digits in 2023–2024), indicating the balance sheet is still producing reasonable shareholder returns. The main weakness is the step-down in return on equity in 2025 versus the prior two years, consistent with the profitability softening.
Cash Flow
63
Positive
Operating cash flow remains strong (about $1.1B in 2025), and free cash flow stayed positive (~$527M). However, free cash flow declined sharply in 2025 (down ~28%), and free cash flow covers only about half of net income in 2025, pointing to less efficient cash conversion than ideal. Cash generation is still supportive overall, but the recent downshift and volatility versus prior years are the key negatives.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue23.26B23.30B23.46B20.88B19.26B
Gross Profit1.50B1.84B1.75B1.57B1.49B
EBITDA725.90M1.46B1.48B1.18B1.25B
Net Income436.80M506.60M572.50M327.70M373.90M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets14.84B14.03B14.70B13.76B13.35B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.04B1.06B1.20B1.12B1.32B
Total Debt4.10B4.08B3.55B3.34B3.25B
Total Liabilities9.64B9.43B9.63B8.93B8.54B
Stockholders Equity5.04B4.45B4.92B4.68B4.64B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow527.20M561.40M622.80M383.20M85.00M
Operating Cash Flow1.09B1.12B1.25B1.02B670.10M
Investing Cash Flow-516.80M-543.00M-761.50M-830.30M-646.70M
Financing Cash Flow-618.50M-693.90M-419.50M-387.30M-13.60M

Lear Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price114.16
Price Trends
50DMA
125.31
Negative
100DMA
116.24
Negative
200DMA
107.45
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-3.09
Positive
RSI
26.02
Positive
STOCH
11.12
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LEA, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 114.16 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 126.88, below the 50-day MA of 125.31, and above the 200-day MA of 107.45, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -3.09 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 26.02 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 11.12 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for LEA.

Lear Risk Analysis

Lear disclosed 30 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Lear reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Lear Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$5.79B14.068.79%2.63%-1.90%-13.86%
72
Outperform
$2.39B12.8713.90%0.57%-4.03%-39.51%
69
Neutral
$7.69B12.3729.57%2.60%0.84%26.17%
68
Neutral
$7.49B12.739.42%4.00%-3.71%-0.27%
62
Neutral
$10.47B35.204.80%1.24%0.08%-83.69%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
59
Neutral
$3.41B38.91-2.91%1.70%-18.23%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LEA
Lear
114.16
21.33
22.98%
ALV
Autoliv
102.91
15.73
18.04%
BWA
BorgWarner
50.56
22.61
80.90%
DAN
Dana Incorporated
31.38
17.20
121.34%
LKQ
LKQ
29.34
-11.38
-27.95%
VC
Visteon
89.09
9.62
12.10%
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 14, 2026