Core Insights - BorgWarner Inc. is a leader in providing innovative and sustainable mobility solutions for the automotive industry, specializing in powertrain products such as turbochargers, transmissions, and electric vehicle components [1] - Deutsche Bank has set a price target of $82 for BorgWarner, indicating a potential upside of 24.05% from its current trading price of $66.10 [1][5] Financial Performance - BorgWarner's quarterly earnings per share (EPS) was $1.35, exceeding analysts' expectations of $1.16 by $0.19 [2][5] - The company's revenue for the quarter was $3.57 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $3.49 billion, representing a 3.9% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3][5] - The company has a net margin of 0.94% and a return on equity of 16.72% [3][5] - Fiscal year 2026 guidance is set at an EPS range of 5.00 to 5.20, indicating confidence in future growth [3][5] Stock Performance - The stock price increased to $66.10, marking a 22.45% increase from previous levels, with a change of $12.12 [4] - The stock has fluctuated between a low of $54.35 and a high of $68.82 over the past year, with the lowest price being $24.40 [4] - BorgWarner's market capitalization is approximately $14.3 billion, with a trading volume of 13,259,647 shares on the NYSE [4]

Core Viewpoint - BorgWarner Inc. has demonstrated strong financial performance, leading to increased investor confidence and a positive outlook for future earnings growth, as reflected in recent upgrades and trading activity [1][5]. Financial Performance - BorgWarner reported quarterly earnings with an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.35, exceeding analysts' expectations of $1.16 by $0.19 [3][5]. - The company achieved a revenue of $3.57 billion for the quarter, surpassing the anticipated $3.49 billion, which represents a 3.9% increase compared to the same period last year [3]. Market Activity - Following the earnings announcement, BorgWarner experienced a significant increase in trading volume, rising to approximately 2.86 million shares, a 33% increase from the previous session's 2.14 million shares [2]. - The stock price increased to $65.26, up from $53.98, reflecting heightened investor confidence [2]. Future Guidance - BorgWarner has set its fiscal year 2026 guidance with an EPS range of 5.00 to 5.20, indicating strong expectations for future performance [4][5]. - The company also announced a quarterly dividend, further demonstrating its commitment to returning value to shareholders [4]. Stock Rating - Deutsche Bank upgraded BorgWarner to a "Buy" rating, which has positively influenced the stock's trading activity and investor sentiment [1][5].

Core Viewpoint - The article summarizes significant rating changes from Wall Street, highlighting companies with upgraded, downgraded, and newly initiated ratings, which are crucial for investors to consider. Upgraded Ratings - Shopify (SHOP) upgraded from Hold to Buy by Cowen Group with a target price of $159, citing valuation advantages as the stock has dropped 30% this year and strong quarterly performance provides an attractive entry point [2] - BorgWarner (BWA) upgraded from Hold to Buy by Deutsche Bank, with the target price raised from $46 to $82, noting the company's critical transformation into the AI data center market [2] - Analog Devices (ADI) upgraded from Equal Weight to Overweight by Barclays, with the target price increased from $315 to $375, emphasizing its high industrial business share in the analog chip sector [2] - MercadoLibre (MELI) upgraded from Neutral to Overweight by JPMorgan, with the target price raised from $2650 to $2800, due to more attractive valuations following recent stock price weakness [2] - Fastly (FSLY) upgraded from Market Perform to Outperform by William Blair, with no target price set, highlighting exceptional quarterly performance driven by increased AI traffic contributions [2] Downgraded Ratings - Coinbase (COIN) downgraded from Buy to Sell by Monness Crespi, with a target price of $120, as the firm revised down earnings forecasts ahead of its quarterly report, deeming previous assumptions about a steady recovery in cryptocurrency by 2026 as overly optimistic [3] - Kraft Heinz (KHC) downgraded from Neutral to Underweight by JPMorgan, with the target price lowered from $24 to $22, despite exceeding fourth-quarter expectations, as 2026 organic sales and profit outlooks fall short of market expectations [3] - Icon (ICLR) downgraded from Neutral to Underperform by Bank of America, with a significant target price cut from $195 to $75, due to an internal investigation revealing potential revenue inflation [3] - Inspire Medical (INSP) downgraded from Overweight to Equal Weight by Wells Fargo, with the target price reduced from $145 to $70, citing uncertainties in reimbursement policies affecting stock prices [4] - Humana (HUM) downgraded from Outperform to Market Perform by Royal Bank of Canada, with the target price lowered from $322 to $189, as the risk-reward balance has become neutral following strong growth amid reimbursement policy uncertainties [4] Initiated Coverage - Microchip Technology (MCHP) initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a target price of $80 by Barclays, noting risks of market share loss in the microcontroller sector [5] - ON Semiconductor (ON) initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a target price of $75 by Barclays, highlighting high exposure to the Chinese market and automotive sector as a suppressive factor [5] - Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a target price of $486 by Stifel, as the largest earthmoving contractor in the U.S. is expected to benefit from long-term growth themes [5] - D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) initiated coverage with a Buy rating and no target price set by Cowen Group, citing the company's leading position in quantum annealing driving growth and high margins [5] - Immunome (IMNM) initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a target price of $40 by H.C. Wainwright, as the company builds a differentiated pipeline in oncology with significant advantages in solid and hematologic tumors [5]

Group 1 - Top Wall Street analysts have revised their outlook on several prominent companies, indicating a shift in market sentiment [1] - The article suggests that investors consider buying SHOP stock, highlighting the opinions of analysts regarding its potential [1]

Core Viewpoint - Top Wall Street analysts have revised their outlook on several prominent companies, indicating potential shifts in investment sentiment and opportunities in the market [1] Company Analysis - Analysts are considering MCD stock as a potential buy, reflecting a positive sentiment towards the company's future performance [1]

CFO Craig provided additional detail, stating full-year 2025 adjusted operating margin was 10.7% and said the company achieved margin expansion across all business units while reducing corporate overhead. He said the company returned approximately $630 million to shareholders in 2025 through share repurchases and dividends, representing about 52% of free cash flow.Joe said the company expanded its adjusted operating margin by 60 basis points in 2025 despite a 20 basis point net tariff headwind, delivered 14 ...

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Revenue and Sales Performance - BorgWarner's revenue from eProducts for the year ended December 31, 2025, was approximately $2.6 billion, representing 18% of total revenue, compared to $2.3 billion (17%) in 2024 and $2.0 billion (14%) in 2023[16]. - Revenue from Foundational products was approximately $11.7 billion (82% of total revenue) in 2025, down from $11.8 billion (83%) in 2024 and $12.2 billion (86%) in 2023[16]. - Net sales for the Turbos & Thermal Technologies segment were $5.772 billion in 2025, $5.887 billion in 2024, and $6.012 billion in 2023[19]. - The Drivetrain & Morse Systems segment reported net sales of $5.654 billion in 2025, compared to $5.577 billion in 2024 and $5.549 billion in 2023[19]. - PowerDrive Systems generated net sales of $2.347 billion in 2025, an increase from $1.937 billion in 2024 but a decrease from $2.166 billion in 2023[19]. - The Battery & Charging Systems segment had net sales of $590 million in 2025, down from $729 million in 2024 and up from $546 million in 2023[19]. - Total net sales for the company reached $14.316 billion in 2025, up from $14.086 billion in 2024[211]. Market and Competitive Landscape - Approximately 16% of BorgWarner's net sales were generated in the United States in 2025, with 84% from international markets[36]. - Sales to Volkswagen accounted for 13% of total sales in 2025, while sales to Ford represented 12%[39]. - Major competitors include Robert Bosch GmbH, Denso Corporation, and Garrett Motion, among others, indicating a highly competitive market landscape[52]. - The company faces strong competition from both established manufacturers and well-funded start-ups, which could impact sales and profit margins[84]. - The company is under pressure from OEMs to reduce product prices, which has historically impacted sales and profit margins[87]. - The company faces aggressive competition in the Chinese automotive supply market, which could impact market share and profitability[127]. Research and Development - The company invests in advanced propulsion research and operates R&D organizations across its reportable segments to develop new technologies and improve existing products[43][44]. - Gross R&D expenditures for 2025 were $823 million, a decrease from $872 million in 2024 and $856 million in 2023[48]. - Net R&D expenditures as a percentage of net sales were 5.0% for 2025, compared to 5.2% for 2024 and 5.1% for 2023[48]. - The company has approximately 5,000 active patents and patent applications, which are considered important but not essential to operations[49]. Operational and Financial Outlook - The company expects continued inflationary pressures in raw materials, labor, and energy for 2026, with supplier costs remaining elevated[62]. - The company aims to maintain ISO 45001 certification at 100% of its manufacturing sites[59]. - The company maintains a positive long-term outlook, driven by trends such as the adoption of electrified vehicle products and stringent global emissions standards[185]. - The Company expects total sales in 2026 to decline year-over-year, excluding the impact of foreign currencies[184]. - The Company anticipates annual cost savings of approximately $100 million by 2026 from a restructuring plan in its PowerDrive Systems segment[193]. Legal and Regulatory Risks - The company is involved in legal proceedings that could have an adverse impact on its business, with potential liabilities exceeding available insurance coverage[117]. - Environmental regulations may impose significant costs on the company, particularly as they relate to greenhouse gas emissions and compliance with evolving laws[111]. - The company is subject to potential increases in customs duties and tariffs, particularly with the renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2026, which could adversely affect its business[94]. - Changes in trade policies, including tariffs, have increased the cost of raw materials and components, potentially affecting financial performance[92]. Workforce and Employee Relations - The company’s global workforce totaled 37,500 as of December 31, 2025, with 10,800 in the Americas, 11,900 in Asia, and 14,800 in Europe[55]. - The annual voluntary employee turnover rate was 10.2% overall for 2025, with 7.4% for salaried employees and 11.8% for hourly employees[56]. - Approximately 13% of the U.S. workforce is unionized, which could lead to work stoppages and production disruptions if disputes arise[106]. Financial Performance and Metrics - Cost of sales for 2025 was $11,642 million, representing 81.3% of net sales, compared to 81.2% in 2024[190]. - Gross profit for 2025 was $2,674 million, with a gross margin of 18.7%, slightly down from 18.8% in 2024[190]. - SG&A expenses for 2025 were $1,304 million, or 9.1% of net sales, down from 9.6% in 2024[191]. - The effective tax rate rose to 36% in 2025, with a provision for income taxes of $189 million, compared to an effective rate of 21% and $111 million in 2024[201]. - Interest expense increased to $39 million in 2025 from $20 million in 2024, attributed to higher interest rates following the issuance of $1 billion in notes in 2024[199]. Strategic Initiatives - BorgWarner plans to exit its charging business, with production operations ceasing in the second quarter of 2025[33]. - The company plans to pursue business ventures, acquisitions, and strategic alliances to enhance its customer base and geographic representation, although these activities carry risks and uncertainties[73]. - The company exited its charging business, expected to eliminate approximately $30 million of annualized adjusted operating losses by 2026[178]. - Consolidation of the North American battery systems business is anticipated to yield annual cost savings of approximately $20 million by 2026[179].

Core Insights - BorgWarner reported adjusted earnings of $1.35 per share for Q4 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.16 and up from $1.01 in the prior-year quarter, driven by strong performance in the Drivetrain & Morse Systems segment [1] - The company achieved net sales of $3.57 billion, a 3.9% year-over-year increase, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.51 billion [1] Segment Performance - **Turbos & Thermal Technologies**: Net sales were $1.4 billion, slightly down from $1.41 billion year-over-year but above the estimate of $1.39 billion. Adjusted operating income decreased to $198 million from $223 million, missing the estimate of $217 million [2] - **Drivetrain & Morse Systems**: Net sales increased to $1.41 billion from $1.35 billion year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $1.37 billion. Adjusted operating income rose to $271 million from $240 million, surpassing the estimate of $261 million [3] - **PowerDrive Systems**: Sales grew to $623 million from $525 million year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $590 million. The segment reported an adjusted operating income of $28 million, a significant improvement from a loss of $14 million in the same period of 2024 [4] - **Battery & Charging Systems**: Sales decreased to $149 million from $162 million year-over-year but exceeded the estimate of $132 million. Adjusted operating income improved to $2 million from a loss of $14 million in the corresponding period of 2024 [5] Financial Overview - As of December 31, 2025, BorgWarner had $2.31 billion in cash and equivalents, up from $2.09 billion a year earlier. Long-term debt increased to $3.89 billion from $3.76 billion [6] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $619 million for the quarter, with capital expenditures totaling $162 million and free cash flow at $470 million [6] 2026 Guidance - For full-year 2026, BorgWarner anticipates net sales between $14.1 billion and $14.3 billion, compared to $14.32 billion in 2025. Adjusted operating margin is expected to be between 10.7% and 10.9%, consistent with the 10.7% margin in 2025 [7] - Adjusted earnings per share are projected to be in the range of $5 to $5.20, up from $4.91 in 2025. Operating cash flow is forecasted between $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion, compared to $1.65 billion in 2025. Free cash flow is expected to be between $900 million and $1.1 billion, down from $1.21 billion reported in 2025 [8] Market Position - BorgWarner currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold). Other better-ranked stocks in the automotive sector include Modine Manufacturing Company (Zacks Rank 1), Strattec Security Corporation (Zacks Rank 1), and PHINIA Inc. (Zacks Rank 1) [9][10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company reported approximately $14.3 billion in net sales, an increase of about $200 million year-over-year, supported by a 23% increase in light vehicle e-product sales [5][7] - The adjusted operating margin expanded by 60 basis points to 10.7%, with a 14% growth in EPS year-over-year and over $1.2 billion in free cash flow generated, marking a 66% increase from 2024 [7][28] - The fourth quarter adjusted operating income was $427 million, equating to a 12.0% adjusted operating margin, compared to 10.2% in the previous year [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Light vehicle e-product sales drove significant growth, with a 23% increase, while organic sales, excluding the battery and charging system segment, were up approximately 1.6% year-over-year [5][6] - The battery systems business faced a decline of 35%-40% year-over-year, contributing a 150 basis point headwind to overall growth [62] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects total 2026 sales in the range of $14.0-$14.3 billion, with a projected organic sales decline of 3.5%-1.5% year-over-year, primarily due to a decrease in the battery business [23][24] - The China market, which constitutes about 20% of the company's overall business, has seen a slowdown in local vehicle sales, but exports from China reached over 7 million last year, indicating potential growth opportunities [94] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term profitable growth, with a new product aimed at the data center market expected to generate over $300 million in sales during its first year of production [11][14] - The strategy includes leveraging existing manufacturing capabilities and expanding into new markets, such as power generation, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and M&A opportunities [19][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future performance, citing a robust pipeline of new product awards and the potential for margin expansion and EPS growth in 2026 despite market challenges [7][19] - The company anticipates that the impact of EV program volume shortfalls will continue into 2026, but expects to see growth from new product launches starting in 2027 [75] Other Important Information - The company returned over 50% of its free cash flow to shareholders in 2025 through share repurchases and dividends, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value [7][27] - The company has secured a record number of new product awards, indicating strong demand for its foundational and e-product portfolios [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the data center opportunity and its margins? - Management indicated that the $300 million revenue target is for the ramp-up year, with a mid-teens incremental conversion expected, and immediate EPS accretion anticipated [33][34] Question: What is the outlook for the PowerDrive segment and the sustainability of growth? - Management noted a 100 basis point benefit in the fourth quarter and expects continued growth in light vehicle e-products in the low double digits for 2026 [36][37] Question: How does the company view the growth potential in the turbocharger market? - Management remains optimistic about growth in the turbo business, citing strong market leadership and ongoing technological advancements [58][59] Question: What is the future of the battery systems business given the current decline? - Management acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the team's ability to minimize losses and adjust the cost structure for future growth opportunities [62][63] Question: How does the company approach M&A in the current market environment? - Management emphasized a disciplined approach to M&A, focusing on opportunities that leverage core competencies and provide near-term accretion [70][72]