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Table of Contents



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 26, 2004

LEAR CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
  1-11311
(Commission File Number)
  13-3386776
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
         
21557 Telegraph Road, Southfield, MI
(Address of principal executive offices)
      48034
(Zip Code)

(248) 447-1500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)



 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits
Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure
Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
SIGNATURE
EXHIBIT INDEX
Press Release
Presentation Slides


Table of Contents

Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure

On April 26, 2004, Lear Corporation issued a press release reporting its financial results for the first quarter of 2004 and updating its earnings guidance for 2004. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(c)   Exhibits
     
99.1
  Press release issued April 26, 2004, filed herewith.
   
99.2
  Presentation slides from the Lear Corporation webcast of its first quarter 2004 earnings call held on April 26, 2004, filed herewith.

Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure

See “Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition” below.

Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

The following information is provided pursuant to Item 12 of Form 8-K, “Results of Operations and Financial Condition.”

On April 26, 2004, Lear Corporation issued a press release reporting its financial results for the first quarter of 2004 and updating its earnings guidance for 2004. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.

The following information is provided pursuant to Item 9 of Form 8-K, “Regulation FD Disclosure,” and Item 12 of Form 8-K, “Results of Operations and Financial Condition.”

On April 26, 2004, Lear Corporation made available the presentation slides attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 in a webcast of its first quarter 2004 earnings call. Exhibit 99.2 is incorporated by reference herein.

The information contained in Exhibit 99.2 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

         
  LEAR CORPORATION,
a Delaware corporation
 
 
Date: April 26, 2004  By:   /s/ David C. Wajsgras    
  Name:     David C. Wajsgras   
  Title:     Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

     
Exhibit No.
  Description
99.1
  Press release issued April 26, 2004, filed herewith.
   
99.2
  Presentation slides from the Lear Corporation webcast of its first quarter 2004 earnings call held on April 26, 2004, filed herewith.

4

exv99w1
 

Exhibit 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Investor Relations:
Anne Bork
(248) 447-5914

Media:
Andrea Puchalsky
(248) 447-1651

Lear Posts Record First Quarter Net Sales of $4.5 Billion

     Southfield, Mich., April 26, 2004 — Lear Corporation [NYSE: LEA], the world’s largest automotive interior systems supplier, today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2004 and updated 2004 guidance.

First Quarter Highlights:

  Record net sales of $4.5 billion, up 15% from a year ago
 
  Net income of $1.30 per share, up 29% from a year ago
 
  Announced agreement to acquire Grote & Hartmann, a manufacturer of electrical components based in Germany
 
  Received Global Value Achievement Award from Toyota
 
  Ranked as America’s Most Admired Company in the Motor Vehicle Parts sector by FORTUNE Magazine

     For the first quarter of 2004, Lear posted record net sales of $4.5 billion and net income of $91.4 million, or $1.30 per share. These results compare to net sales of $3.9 billion and net income of $67.9 million, or $1.01 per share, for the first quarter of 2003.

     Net sales rose $593 million, or 15%, from the prior year’s first quarter. The net sales increase reflects primarily the impact of currency exchange and the addition of new business globally.

     Net income per share of $1.30 in the quarter was a 29% improvement compared with a year earlier, reflecting the impact of higher sales, operating efficiencies and lower interest expense, offset in part by customer price reductions and facility consolidation costs. Additional facility consolidation costs of about $0.10 per share expected to be incurred in the first quarter are now included in the second quarter outlook.

(more)

 


 

     “Despite challenging industry and economic conditions, we continued to meet aggressive customer requirements and post solid financial results,” said Bob Rossiter, Lear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We intend to maintain our positive momentum by staying focused on what we can control — quality, customer service, cost and delivery.”

     Free cash flow was $49.9 million for the first quarter of 2004. (Net cash provided by operating activities was $56.8 million. A reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities is provided in the supplemental data page.)

     During the first quarter, Lear was recognized by Toyota Motor Corporation for global value achievement in 2003. In addition, FORTUNE Magazine recognized Lear as America’s Most Admired Company in the Motor Vehicle Parts sector, with a #1 ranking for each attribute of reputation in the 2004 survey. In the most recent FORTUNE 500 ranking of publicly-traded U.S. companies by sales, Lear moved up to #129 and remains one of the fastest-growing companies in America based on ten-year revenue growth.

Second Quarter and Full Year 2004 Outlook

     For the second quarter of 2004, net sales are expected to be up about 5% from a year ago, to approximately $4.3 billion. This reflects the assumed impact of currency exchange and the addition of new business globally. Net income per share is expected to be in the range of $1.55 to $1.65.

     For the full year, net sales are now expected to be approximately $16.6 billion, compared with $15.7 billion in 2003. The increase primarily reflects the addition of new business globally and the estimated impact of the Grote & Hartmann acquisition (closing planned by June 30, 2004). The impact of unfavorable platform and production mix is expected to be largely offset by favorable currency exchange.

     Lear’s 2004 industry production planning assumptions remain unchanged at 16.0 million units for North America and 18.2 million units for Europe (16.0 million for Western Europe). Given this industry outlook and a forecasted tax rate of approximately 28%, net income is expected to be in the range of $5.85 to $6.25 per share. Full year capital spending is forecasted to be approximately $350 million, including estimated second half spending at Grote & Hartmann and accelerated spending for major new programs. Depreciation is expected to be about $375 million. Free cash flow continues to be forecasted in the $300 million to $350 million range. Interest expense is expected to be about $170 million.

2


 

     Lear will webcast its first quarter earnings conference call through the Investor Relations link at www.lear.com at 9:00 a.m. EDT on April 26, 2004. In addition, the conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-800-789-4751 (domestic) or 1-706-679-3323 (international). The audio replay will be available two hours following the call at 1-800-642-1687 (domestic) or 1-706-645-9291 (international) and will be available until May 7, 2004 with a Conference I.D. of 4254593.

     Lear Corporation, a FORTUNE 500 company headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, USA, focuses on integrating complete automotive interiors, including seat systems, interior trim and electrical systems. With annual net sales of $15.75 billion in 2003, Lear is the world’s largest automotive interior systems supplier. The Company’s world-class products are designed, engineered and manufactured by more than 110,000 employees. At December 31, 2003, Lear had 289 facilities located in 34 countries. Further information about Lear and its products is available on the Internet at www.lear.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

     In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) included throughout this news release, the Company has provided information regarding “free cash flow” (a non-GAAP financial measure). Free cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities before the net change in sold accounts receivable, less capital expenditures. The Company believes it is appropriate to exclude the net change in sold accounts receivable in the calculation of free cash flow since the sale of receivables may be viewed as a substitute for borrowing activity.

     Management believes that free cash flow is useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s ability to service and repay its debt. Further, management uses free cash flow for planning and forecasting in future periods.

     Free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, net cash provided by operating activities or other cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. In addition, the calculation of free cash flow does not reflect cash used to service debt and thus, does not reflect funds available for investment or other discretionary uses. Also, free cash flow, as determined and presented by the Company, may not be comparable to related or similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

     For a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, see the supplemental data page which, together with this press release, has been posted on the Company’s website through the Investor Relations link at www.lear.com.

3


 

Forward-Looking Statements

     This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding anticipated financial results. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates, including changes in interest rates and fuel prices, fluctuations in the production of vehicles for which the Company is a supplier, labor disputes involving the Company or its significant customers or that otherwise affect the Company, the Company’s ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions, the impact and timing of program launch costs, costs associated with facility closures or similar actions, increases in warranty costs, risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, adverse changes in economic conditions or political instability in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, competitive conditions impacting the Company’s key customers, raw material cost and availability, the outcome of legal or regulatory proceedings, unanticipated changes in free cash flow and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

     Statements regarding the anticipated timing and impact of the Grote & Hartmann acquisition are also included. Actual events or results may differ materially from anticipated events or results as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, whether or not the conditions to the completion of the transaction are satisfied, the possibility that the transaction will not close, the timing of the closing of the transaction and Lear’s ability to successfully integrate Grote & Hartmann’s operations.

     In addition, the full year per share earnings guidance is based on assumed 71.0 million shares outstanding and does not reflect the potential dilutive impact of the convertible senior notes. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update them.

4


 

Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)

                 
    Three Months Ended
    April 3,   March 29,
    2004
  2003
Net sales
  $ 4,492.1     $ 3,898.7  
Cost of sales
    4,145.2       3,590.1  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    167.7       146.7  
Interest expense
    39.1       52.4  
Other expense, net
    14.1       12.5  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Income before income taxes
    126.0       97.0  
Income taxes
    34.6       29.1  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 91.4     $ 67.9  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Basic net income per share
  $ 1.34     $ 1.03  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 1.30     $ 1.01  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic
    68.4       65.8  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted
    70.6       67.4  
 
   
 
     
 
 

5


 

Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions)

                 
    April 3,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)   (Audited)
ASSETS
               
Current:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 146.7     $ 169.3  
Accounts receivable
    2,630.3       2,200.3  
Inventories
    548.2       550.2  
Recoverable customer engineering and tooling
    178.8       169.0  
Other
    281.6       286.6  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    3,785.6       3,375.4  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Long-Term:
               
PP&E, net
    1,779.9       1,817.8  
Goodwill, net
    2,927.6       2,940.1  
Other
    434.8       437.7  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    5,142.3       5,195.6  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Assets
  $ 8,927.9     $ 8,571.0  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current:
               
Short-term borrowings
  $ 9.4     $ 17.1  
Accounts payable and drafts
    2,611.5       2,444.1  
Accrued liabilities
    1,214.8       1,116.9  
Current portion of long-term debt
    3.4       4.0  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    3,839.1       3,582.1  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Long-Term:
               
Long-term debt
    2,049.8       2,057.2  
Other
    698.7       674.2  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    2,748.5       2,731.4  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity
    2,340.3       2,257.5  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 8,927.9     $ 8,571.0  
 
   
 
     
 
 

6


 

Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Data

(Unaudited; in millions, except content per vehicle data)

                 
    Three Months Ended
    April 3,   March 29,
    2004
  2003
Net Sales
               
North America
  $ 2,506.1     $ 2,438.1  
Europe
    1,756.6       1,331.3  
Rest of World
    229.4       129.3  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 4,492.1     $ 3,898.7  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Content Per Vehicle *
               
North America
  $ 589     $ 596  
Total Europe
  $ 357     $ 289  
Western Europe
  $ 380     $ 298  
 
               
Free Cash Flow **
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 56.8     $ 96.6  
Net change in sold accounts receivable
    70.4       53.4  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities before net change in sold accounts receivable
    127.2       150.0  
Capital expenditures
    (77.3 )     (70.3 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Free cash flow
  $ 49.9     $ 79.7  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
               
Depreciation
  $ 83.1     $ 74.4  

*   Content Per Vehicle for 2003 has been updated to reflect actual production levels.
 
**   See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” included in this news release.

7

exv99w2
 

First Quarter 2004 Earnings Review April 26, 2004 fast forward advance relentlessly world's leading automotive interior supplier R Exhibit 99.2


 

Agenda Operating Review Jim Vandenberghe, Vice Chairman Financial Review and Guidance Dave Wajsgras, SVP and CFO Q & A


 

Operating Review


 

Working Hard to Meet Aggressive Customer Requirements and Deliver Value to Our Shareholders Operating Review Highlights Economic conditions and customer requirements remain challenging Achieved record first quarter net sales of $4.5 billion and net income per share of $1.30 Timing of facility actions favorably impacted first quarter net income per share by about $0.10 Grote & Hartmann will strengthen our position in electrical distribution systems Despite the challenges, full year net income per share guidance remains unchanged


 

Lear On Track Despite Industry Challenges Operating Review Major Developments European operations continue to improve Grote & Hartmann acquisition a good fit Commodity prices moving up Total Interior Integrator Program on track; first prototypes delivered to GM


 

First quarter financials improve from prior year first quarter On track for second consecutive year of improvement European Content Per Vehicle and Operating Fundamentals Improving European Operating Fundamentals 1998 2001 2002 2003 1Q04 TGR 12.4 233 247 308 357 West 30.6 31.6 North 45.9 43.9 European Content Per Vehicle Operating Review European Operations Continue to Improve


 

High quality producer with technical expertise Improves overall competitiveness in electrical/electronics market Provides avenue for growth and customer diversification Acquisition Consistent with our Electrical/Electronics Strategy Grote & Hartmann** 1998 Wire Harness/Terminals & Connectors Add Body Electronic and Mechotronics Add Safety Electronics Add Audio, Entertainment, Other TGR 12.4 18 18 18 18 West 30.6 4 4 4 North 45.9 3 3 16 Electrical/Electronics Global Market Opportunity* Operating Review Electrical/Electronics Market Wire Harness/ Terminals & Connectors Add Body Electronics & Mechatronics Add Safety Electronics Add Audio, Infotainment & Other $18 $25 $28 $44 (in billions) * Based on internal Lear estimates ** Please see slide titled "Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of this presentation for further information.


 

Higher Raw Material Prices Not Expected to Impact Full Year Net Income Per Share Guidance Operating Review Higher Commodity Prices Not Expected to be a Major Issue for Lear Material costs represent about two-thirds of sales Commodity costs are small portion of overall material costs Key commodities include resins, leather, steel and diesel fuel Commodity costs up slightly in first quarter Estimated impact contained in full year guidance range


 

Lear Working in Close Partnership with GM to Deliver "World Class" Interiors for Next Generation Large and Luxury Vehicles Operating Review GM Total Interior Integrator Program On Track Total Interior prototypes have been completed and shipped to GM Refining engineering designs with GM to harmonize total interior with overall vehicle aesthetics Interiors feature several Lear innovations integrated as a vehicle system for the first time Spray PUR TM seamless polyurethane coating on instrument panel Sonotec lightweight acoustical products Flexible seating architecture Ongoing studies confirm that consumer appeal remains on target throughout the development process R


 

Financial Review and Guidance


 

Financial Review Industry Environment - Lear's Major Markets Challenging Automotive Industry Dynamics Overcapacity Fierce Competition Shifts in Market Share on a Global Basis Slow Industry Growth Combined With Uncertain Demand Outlook, Has Resulted In: Pricing Environment - Consumers in the 'Driver's Seat' Major New Product Development Efforts To Remain Competitive Automakers Aggressively Striving To Improve Quality, Cost and Delivery


 

Net Sales $ 4,492.1 $ 3,898.7 $ 593.4 Income before Interest, Other Expense & Income Taxes (core operating earnings)* $ 179.2 $ 161.9 $ 17.3 Margin 4.0 % 4.2 % ( 0.2 )pts Net Income $ 91.4 $ 67.9 $ 23.5 Net Income Per Share $ 1.30 $ 1.01 $ 0.29 SG&A % of Net Sales 3.7 % 3.8 % 0.1 pts Interest Expense $ 39.1 $ 52.4 $ 13.3 Other Expense, Net $ 14.1 $ 12.5 $ (1.6 ) First Quarter 2004 First Quarter 2003 Record 1Q '04 B/(W) 1Q '03 (in millions, except net income per share) Financial Review Financial Highlights - First Quarter 2004 * Income before income taxes for the first quarter 2004 and 2003 was $126.0 and $97.0, respectively. Please see slides titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" at the end of this presentation for further information.


 

Directional Year-Over-Year Impact Core Operating Net Sales Earnings* Industry Production & Platform Mix neutral neutral Foreign Exchange positive positive Global New Business positive positive Operating Efficiencies positive All Other Factors negative Total Change $ 593 $ 17 Financial Review 1Q04 vs 1Q03 - Change in Net Sales and Core Operating Earnings (millions) * Please see slides titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" at the end of this presentation for further information.


 

Phase-out of Ford Windstar and GM small car platforms Most of the new business backlog in the first quarter was outside North America Outlook for second quarter and 2004 North American CPV down year-over-year 2005 New Business Backlog Expected to Support North American CPV Improvement Factors Impacting North American CPV 1998 Q1 2003 Q1 2004 2003 1Q04 TGR 12.4 596 589 308 357 West 30.6 31.6 North 45.9 43.9 North American Content Per Vehicle (CPV) Financial Review North American Content Per Vehicle


 

Financial Review European Content Per Vehicle European Content Per Vehicle Continues Upward Trend European CPV of $357, up 7% from a year ago adjusted for currency Western Europe CPV of $380, up 9% from 2003 adjusted for currency Euro 17% stronger than a year ago


 

Net Income $ 91 Depreciation 83 Working Capital / Other ( 47 ) Cash from Operations* $ 127 Capital Expenditures ( 77 ) Free Cash Flow $ 50 First Quarter 2004 * Cash from Operations represents net cash provided by operating activities ($56.8 for first quarter 2004) before net change in sold accounts receivable ($70.4 for first quarter 2004). Please see slides titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" at the end of this presentation for further information. Financial Review First Quarter Cash Flow (in millions)


 

North America (in millions) 2004 Production Stable in North America and Europe 2004 Guidance Full Year Vehicle Production Assumptions* 2003 Actual 2004 Guidance 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr East 15.9 16 90 20.4 West 34.6 31.6 North 45 43.9 2003 Actual 2004 Guidance 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr East 16.4 16 90 20.4 West 1.9 2.2 34.6 31.6 North 45 43.9 15.9 18.3 ^ 16.0 ^ 18.2 Europe (in millions) Please see slide titled "Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of this presentation for further information. Memo: Second Quarter Total Europe 4.8 ^ 4.7 Western Europe 4.3 ^ 4.2 16.4 ^ 16.0 Western Europe Memo: Second Quarter 4.2 ^ 4.2 Total Europe


 

2004 Guidance Second Quarter and Full Year Net Sales* Record Net Sales in 2004 Anticipated 2002 2003 2004 Guidance East 3.5 3.9 4.3 West 3.8 4.1 4.5 North 7.1 7.7 7.4 (in billions) ^ $16.6 $15.7 $3.5 Please see slide titled "Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of this presentation for further information. $3.9 $4.5 $14.4 Full Year First Quarter ^ $4.3 $4.1 $3.8 Second Quarter


 

Capital Spending* (in millions) 2004 Guidance Capital Spending and Free Cash Flow 2003 Actual 2004 Guidance 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr East 376 350 90 20.4 West 34.6 31.6 North 45.9 46.9 45 43.9 2003 Actual 2004 Guidance 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr East 509 300 90 20.4 West 50 34.6 31.6 North 45.9 46.9 45 43.9 $376 $509 ^ $350 Free Cash Flow* (in millions) Deprec. $322 ^ $375 Expense $187 ^ $170 $350 Two Year Average Interest * Please see slides titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" and "Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of this presentation for further information. $300


 

2004 Guidance Net Income Per Share** Full Year EPS Guidance Remains Unchanged 2002 2003 2004 Guidance Net Sales 0.7 1.01 1.3 Increase in Net Sales 1.27 1.54 1.6 2.68 3 2.72 0.4 $0.70* $1.01 $4.65* $5.55 $5.85 $6.25 First Quarter Full Year * Represents income per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, which excludes the impact of goodwill impairment of $298.5 million after-tax, or $4.50 per share in the first quarter of 2002 and $4.46 per share in the full year of 2002. ** Please see slide titled "Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of this presentation for further information. $1.30 Second Quarter $1.27 $1.54 $1.65 to $1.55


 

Comprehensive Approach to Profitably Growing Our Business Financial Review Growth Strategy Deliver record sales backlog Continue to form alliances and joint ventures Accelerate new product innovations Win new total interior integrator programs Pursue strategic acquisitions


 

Financial Review Grote & Hartmann Acquisition Total transaction value: $220 million Headquarters: Wuppertal, Germany; 1,900 employees Major products: terminals & connectors and junction boxes ^ $275 million in revenue, with about 75% in Europe Major customers: VW, BMW, Ford, Opel, DCX, Renault, MAN and PSA group Acquisition Expected to be Slightly Accretive in 2005


 

Wire Harness Terminals & Connectors Terminals & Connectors are an Integral Part of a Wire Harness Assembly Financial Review Wire Harness Composition US/Canada ROW Europe East 0.66 0.1 0.34 Average Wire Harness Composition Wiring / Assembly Terminals & Connectors 40% 60%


 

Summary Blueprint for Success Superior Culture Superior Organizational Capability Superior Competitive Advantage Put Our Customers First in Everything We Do Continually Improve Our Operating Fundamentals Work Closely Together and 'Advance Relentlessly' World's Largest & Most Admired Automotive Interior Supplier Total Interior Integration Capability, Including Electronics Global Presence with 289 Facilities in 34 Countries Consistently Deliver High Quality & Customer Satisfaction High Variable Cost Structure; No Significant Legacy Costs Work Proactively with Customers to Eliminate Waste


 

ADVANCE RELENTLESSLY(tm) www.lear.com LEA NYSE Listed R


 

In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") included throughout this presentation, the Company has provided information regarding certain non-GAAP financial measures. These measures include "income before interest, other expense and income taxes" (core operating earnings) and "free cash flow". Free cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities before the net change in sold accounts receivable, less capital expenditures. The Company believes it is appropriate to exclude the net change in sold accounts receivable in the calculation of free cash flow since the sale of receivables may be viewed as a substitute for borrowing activity. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures used in this presentation are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company's financial position and results of operations. In particular, management believes that income before interest, other expense and income taxes is a useful measure in assessing the Company's financial performance by excluding certain items that are not indicative of the Company's core operating earnings or that may obscure trends useful in evaluating the Company's continuing operating activities. Management believes that free cash flow is useful in analyzing the Company's ability to service and repay its debt. Further, management uses these non-GAAP measures for planning and forecasting in future periods. Neither income before interest, other expense and income taxes nor free cash flow should be considered in isolation or as substitutes for net income, net cash provided by operating activities or other income statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP or as measures of profitability or liquidity. In addition, the calculation of free cash flow does not reflect cash used to service debt and thus, does not reflect funds available for investment or other discretionary uses. Also, these non-GAAP financial measures, as determined and presented by the Company, may not be comparable to related or similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Set forth on the following slides are reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information


 

Q1 2004 Q1 2003 Income before interest, other expense and income taxes Income before income taxes $ 126.0 $ 97.0 Interest expense 39.1 52.4 Other expense, net 14.1 12.5 Income before interest, other expense and income taxes $ 179.2 $ 161.9 (core operating earnings) Three Months (in millions) Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information Core Operating Earnings


 

Q1 2004 2003 Free cash flow Net cash provided by operating activities $ 56.8 $ 586.3 Net change in sold accounts receivable 70.4 298.1 Net cash provided by operating activities before net change in sold accounts receivable 127.2 884.4 Capital expenditures ( 77.3 ) ( 375.6 ) Free cash flow $ 49.9 $ 508.8 Three Months Twelve Months (in millions) Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information Free Cash Flow


 

This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding anticipated financial results. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates, including changes in interest rates and fuel prices, fluctuations in the production of vehicles for which the Company is a supplier, labor disputes involving the Company or its significant customers or that otherwise affect the Company, the Company's ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions, the impact and timing of program launch costs, costs associated with facility closures or similar actions, increases in warranty costs, risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, adverse changes in economic conditions or political instability in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, competitive conditions impacting the Company's key customers, raw material cost and availability, the outcome of legal or regulatory proceedings, unanticipated changes in free cash flow and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Statements regarding the anticipated timing and impact of the Grote & Hartmann acquisition are also included. Actual events or results may differ materially from anticipated events or results as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, whether or not the conditions to the completion of the transaction are satisfied, the possibility that the transaction will not close, the timing of the closing of the transaction and Lear's ability to successfully integrate Grote & Hartmann's operations. In addition, the full year per share earnings guidance is based on assumed 71.0 million shares outstanding and does not reflect the potential dilutive impact of the convertible senior notes. The forward-looking statements in this presentation are made as of the date hereof, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update them. Forward-Looking Statements