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Lear Corp (LEA)
NYSE:LEA

Lear (LEA) AI Stock Analysis

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Lear

(NYSE:LEA)

69Neutral
Lear Corporation's overall stock score reflects a blend of solid financial stability, attractive valuation, and strategic growth initiatives. However, the current bearish technical indicators and mixed earnings call sentiment, with pressures on sales and margins, weigh on the score. The appointment of a seasoned board member is a positive step, potentially aiding strategic growth, particularly in the Chinese market.
Positive Factors
Cost Efficiency
New program profitability for seating sees 200bps to 500bps cost saving improvement.
Financial Performance
Lear reported better than expected results, exceeding expectations for adjusted EBITDA and Net Income.
Negative Factors
Market Environment
With macro likely to remain choppy, and with a lack of a near-term catalyst, depressed valuation is not a sufficient reason to be bullish on the stock.
Revenue Guidance
2025 revenue guidance was below expectations, despite profitability outlook being better than expected.
Visibility and Forecasting
Reduced visibility to 2027 volumes due to evolving customer production plans lead management to only provide a two-year sales backlog outlook.

Lear (LEA) vs. S&P 500 (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 Corporation generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of automotive seating and electrical components to major global automotive manufacturers. The company’s Seating segment earns money by supplying complete seat systems and components to customers, which include all major automotive OEMs. The E-Systems segment contributes to revenue by providing electrical distribution systems and electronic components that support vehicle connectivity and electrification. Lear maintains strategic partnerships and long-term supply agreements with key automotive manufacturers, ensuring stable demand for its products. Additionally, the company invests in innovation to enhance its product offerings and adapt to industry trends such as electric vehicles and smart car technologies.

Lear Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Lear demonstrates a solid financial position with strengths in revenue generation and equity management. However, profitability margins have been under pressure, and cash flow variability indicates potential challenges in capital management. The company is well-positioned in terms of leverage but needs to focus on stabilizing profit margins and enhancing cash flow consistency for stronger financial health.
Income Statement
68
Positive
Lear's income statement reveals a mixed performance. The Gross Profit Margin has been consistent, but there's a notable decline in Net Profit Margin from previous years. Revenue growth has fluctuated, with some recent declines. The EBIT margin has decreased over time. The absence of EBITDA data for 2024 limits full margin analysis for that year. Consistent revenue generation is a strength, but margin pressures are a concern.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The balance sheet shows a healthy equity base with a moderate Debt-to-Equity Ratio, indicating manageable leverage levels. Return on Equity has shown improvement, indicating efficient use of equity to generate profits. The Equity Ratio remains stable, highlighting a strong asset base. Overall, Lear's balance sheet reflects financial stability with controlled leverage.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Lear's cash flow statement indicates relatively stable Operating Cash Flows, but Free Cash Flow growth has been inconsistent. The Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio suggests efficient cash generation relative to net income. However, fluctuating Free Cash Flow points to variability in capital expenditure and cash management. Overall, cash flow management is adequate, though with room for improvement.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
23.31B23.47B20.89B19.26B17.05B
Gross Profit
1.64B1.84B1.41B1.39B1.11B
EBIT
0.00536.50M607.90M675.30M398.90M
EBITDA
1.46B1.66B1.18B1.25B1.13B
Net Income Common Stockholders
506.60M572.50M327.70M373.90M158.50M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
1.05B1.20B1.11B1.32B1.31B
Total Assets
14.03B14.70B13.76B13.35B13.20B
Total Debt
2.91B2.92B2.61B2.60B2.31B
Net Debt
1.86B1.73B1.50B1.28B1.01B
Total Liabilities
9.43B9.63B8.93B8.54B8.58B
Stockholders Equity
2.86B4.92B4.83B4.81B4.61B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
561.40M622.80M383.20M85.00M210.80M
Operating Cash Flow
1.12B1.25B1.02B670.10M663.10M
Investing Cash Flow
-543.00M-761.50M-830.30M-646.70M-468.80M
Financing Cash Flow
-693.90M-419.50M-387.30M-13.60M-411.70M

Lear Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price85.75
Price Trends
50DMA
89.41
Negative
100DMA
92.12
Negative
200DMA
99.00
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.39
Negative
RSI
54.56
Neutral
STOCH
85.71
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LEA, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 85.75 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 81.35, below the 50-day MA of 89.41, and below the 200-day MA of 99.00, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -1.39 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 54.56 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 85.71 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for LEA.

Lear Risk Analysis

Lear disclosed 29 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 (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
VCVC
77
Outperform
$1.84B6.9425.15%-1.35%-39.06%
ALALV
74
Outperform
$6.21B9.9828.71%3.03%-2.29%35.00%
LELEA
69
Neutral
$4.53B9.4410.81%3.64%-0.70%-7.27%
69
Neutral
$11.00B6.9717.57%-1.69%-33.56%
66
Neutral
$4.82B12.0815.95%2.18%-1.66%-9.20%
BWBWA
65
Neutral
$5.75B17.426.46%1.52%-11.11%-46.32%
60
Neutral
$6.58B11.553.14%4.05%2.58%-21.37%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LEA
Lear
85.75
-35.09
-29.04%
ALV
Autoliv
93.23
-24.05
-20.51%
BWA
BorgWarner
28.38
-4.06
-12.52%
APTV
Aptiv
57.06
-12.69
-18.19%
GNTX
Gentex
21.78
-11.58
-34.71%
VC
Visteon
79.19
-33.11
-29.48%

Lear Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 06, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: -7.48%|
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presents a mixed sentiment. Lear Corporation reported strong revenue and earnings growth, significant share repurchase activities, and strategic advancements in China and product innovation. However, these positives are counterbalanced by a decline in sales and operating margins, challenges in the E-Systems segment, a reduced sales backlog, and overall market production challenges.
Q4-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Revenue and Earnings Growth
Lear Corporation generated $23.3 billion of revenue in 2024, with a 5% increase in adjusted earnings per share, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth in this metric.
Strong Free Cash Flow and Share Repurchase
Lear achieved their target of 80% free cash flow conversion, surpassing the $325 million share repurchase target by buying back $400 million worth of shares.
Strategic Growth in China
Revenue from Chinese domestic automakers grew from 20% to 33% in 2024 and is expected to increase to more than 37% in 2025, with significant new launches planned.
Innovation and Product Launches
Lear introduced the Comfort Flex module and ComfortMax seat, securing 19 contracts and expanding their competitive edge in the market.
Negative Updates
Decline in Sales and Adjusted Operating Margins
Sales declined 2% year over year to $5.7 billion in Q4 2024, with adjusted operating earnings dropping 5% compared to 2023.
Challenges in E-Systems Segment
Despite a strong backlog, E-Systems faced negative net performance and foreign exchange impacts, with a decrease in margins from 5.6% to 5% in Q4 2024.
Lower 2025 Sales Backlog
The 2025 sales backlog was reduced primarily due to lower production assumptions for various vehicles, including GM EVs and Volvo models, from $800 million to $230 million.
Global Market Production Challenges
Global vehicle production is expected to be 1% lower in 2025 than in 2024, with significant regional declines in North America and Europe.
Company Guidance
During the Lear Corporation Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Conference Call, several key financial metrics and strategic initiatives were highlighted, providing guidance for the future. The company reported $23.3 billion in revenue for 2024, with core operating earnings of $1.1 billion, representing 4.7% of net sales. Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5% to $12.62, attributed to share repurchase programs and higher earnings. Operating cash flow and free cash flow were $1.1 billion and $561 million, respectively. Lear exceeded its $325 million share repurchase target by repurchasing $400 million worth of shares. The company announced a reduction in global headcount by 15,000, surpassing targets in both the seating and E-Systems segments. Revenue growth outpaced the market by two percentage points, with E-Systems outperforming by six points. The introduction of "Idea by Lear" and strategic acquisitions in automation and digitization were noted as key initiatives. Lear also highlighted significant growth with Chinese OEMs, securing new contracts and expanding its market share. For 2025, Lear anticipates $75 million in cost savings from automation investments, growing to $150 million annually. The company aims to maintain capital expenditure below 3% of revenue and expects operational margins to improve, targeting a 5% run rate by the end of 2025.

Lear Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Lear Appoints Julian Blissett to Board of Directors
Positive
Feb 18, 2025

On February 14, 2025, Lear Corporation announced the appointment of Julian Blissett, former Executive Vice President and President of GM China, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Blissett brings extensive global experience, particularly from his tenure in China, which is expected to provide strategic and operational insights to Lear, aiding in its continued growth and success.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.