Borgwarner Inc ((BWA)) has held its Q1 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.
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BorgWarner Inc. recently held its earnings call, revealing a generally positive sentiment driven by strong performance in its eProducts division and securing significant new business awards. Despite challenges such as exiting the charging business and managing tariff impacts, the company’s notable improvements in operating margin and free cash flow contributed to an optimistic outlook.
Tariff Impact Concerns
BorgWarner faces a substantial impact from tariffs, with costs estimated at over $200 million. The company is actively working to mitigate these effects and negotiate recoveries with its customers, highlighting a proactive approach to managing external financial pressures.
Strong eProduct Sales Growth
The company reported a remarkable 47% increase in light vehicle eProduct sales, significantly outperforming the 25% increase in global hybrid and BEV production. This growth underscores BorgWarner’s leadership in product innovation and the high demand for its technology.
New Business Awards
BorgWarner secured several new product awards, including a Hybrid eMotor Award and a High-Voltage Coolant Heater Award. These achievements signal robust future growth potential and reinforce the company’s competitive position in the market.
Improved Operating Margin
The company’s adjusted operating margin was strong at 10%, reflecting effective cost controls and the success of its eProduct growth strategy. This improvement demonstrates BorgWarner’s ability to enhance profitability through operational efficiency.
Free Cash Flow Improvement
BorgWarner’s free cash flow improved by over $270 million, or 89% year-over-year, showcasing strong financial management. This increase provides the company with greater flexibility to invest in growth opportunities and manage its financial obligations.
Exit from Charging Business
The decision to exit the charging business was driven by a lack of scale and market growth, leading to the shutdown or sale of five locations. This strategic move is expected to eliminate $30 million of annual operating losses, aligning with the company’s focus on profitability.
North American Battery Systems Consolidation
Due to lower than expected demand, BorgWarner consolidated its battery systems capacity in North America. This action resulted in a $10 million cash cost but is projected to yield annual cost savings of $20 million by 2026, reflecting a strategic adjustment to market conditions.
Forward-Looking Guidance
During the earnings call, BorgWarner provided forward-looking guidance, reporting organic sales of over $3.5 billion. Despite a decline in market production, sales outperformed the market by 3.7%, driven by strong eProduct sales. The company updated its full-year 2025 sales guidance to $13.6 billion to $14.2 billion, with an expected sales outgrowth of 200 to 400 basis points. Adjusted EPS guidance remained at $4 to $4.45 per share, and free cash flow was projected between $650 million and $750 million. BorgWarner emphasized its commitment to operational performance, cost control, and shareholder value creation.
In summary, BorgWarner’s earnings call highlighted a positive outlook, driven by strong eProduct sales and new business awards. While challenges such as tariff impacts and strategic exits exist, the company’s improvements in operating margin and free cash flow reflect a solid financial position. BorgWarner’s forward-looking guidance suggests continued growth and a focus on enhancing shareholder value.