Q4 2023 Gentherm Inc Earnings Call

Operator: on your telephone. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to your host, Yijing Brentano, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development, and Investor Relations for Gentherm. Thank you.

This conference is being recorded.

I'd now like to turn the conference over to your host <unk> Brentano Senior Vice President of strategy corporate development and Investor Relations for Johnson. Thank you you may begin.

Yijing H. Brentano: Thank you and good morning everyone, and thanks for joining us today. Gentherm's earnings results were released earlier this morning, and a copy of the release is available at gentherm.com. Additionally, a webcast replay of today's call will be available later today on the investor relations section of Gentherm's website. During this call, we may make forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance, and actual results may differ materially. [inaudible] Please see Gentherm's earnings release and its SEC filings, including the latest 10-K and subsequent reports, for a discussion of our risk factors and other risks and uncertainties underlying such forward-looking statements. During the call, we may discuss non-GAAP financial measures as defined by SEC Regulation G, including certain pro forma measures related to the Alfmeier Acquisition.

Thank you and good morning, everyone and thanks for joining us today.

<unk> earnings results were released earlier this morning, and a copy of the release is available at jumped on Dot Com <unk>.

Additionally, a webcast replay of today's call will be available later today on the Investor Relations section of <unk> website.

During this call we may make forward looking statements within the meaning of federal Securities laws.

Statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and actual results may differ materially.

We undertake no obligation to update them, except as required by law.

Please see Johnson's earnings release, and its SEC filings, including the latest 10-K and subsequent reports for a discussion of our risk factors and other risks and uncertainties underlying such forward looking statements.

During the call we may discuss non-GAAP financial measures as defined by SEC regulation G, including certain pro forma measures related to the Albemarle acquisition.

Yijing H. Brentano: Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures are included in our earnings release and investor presentation. On the call with me today are Phil Eyler, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Matteo Anversa, Chief Financial Officer. During their comments, Phil and Matteo will be referring to a presentation deck that we have made available on our website at gentherm.com slash events. After their prepared remarks, we will be pleased to take your questions. Now, I'd like to turn the call over to Phil.

Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures are included in our earnings release and Investor presentation.

On the call with me today are Phil I alert, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Matteo and versa, Chief Financial Officer.

During their comments Phil.

We will be referring to a presentation deck that we have made available on our website at <unk> dot com slash events.

After their prepared remarks, we will be pleased to take your questions.

Now I'd like to turn the call over to Phil.

Phillip M. Eyler: Thank you, Yijing. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. Let me start with slide four for our 2023 highlights. I'm extremely proud of what the Gentherm team achieved in 2023 despite a continuously challenging operating environment. Demand for our thermal comfort, massage, and lumbar solutions continues to accelerate. We secured new automotive business awards of $900 million in the fourth quarter, which brings us to $2.6 billion in 2023, setting a new quarterly and annual record. Our strong award momentum continued to drive revenue growth. We achieved record revenue for the automotive, medical, and total company for the full year 2023. In addition, we also achieved record annual revenue for climate-controlled seats, seat heaters, and steering wheel heaters in 2023. It's worth noting that adjusting for the impact from foreign exchange, the UAW strike, and one-time recoveries, our core thermal product lines, which include CCS, heat heaters, and steering wheel heaters, outperformed production in our relevant markets by nearly 400 basis points in 2023. On the cost front, we continued our disciplined approach to managing operating expenses.

Thank you James Good morning, everyone and thank you for joining us today.

Let me start with slide four for our 2023 highlights.

I'm extremely proud of what the <unk> team achieved in 2023, despite a continuously challenging operating environment.

Demand for our thermal comfort massage and lumbar solutions continues to accelerate.

We secured new automotive business awards of $900 million in the fourth quarter, which brings us to $2 $6 billion in 2023, setting a new quarterly and annual record.

Our strong award momentum continued to drive revenue growth.

We achieved record revenue for automotive medical and total company for the full year of 2023.

In addition, we also achieved record annual revenue for climate control seats seat heaters and steering wheel heaters in 2023.

It's worth noting that adjusting for the impact from foreign exchange.

W strike and onetime recoveries, our core thermal product lines include Ccs seat heaters and steering wheel heaters outperformed the production in our relevant markets by nearly 400 basis points in 2023.

On the cost front, we continued our disciplined approach to managing operating expenses.

Phillip M. Eyler: We've reduced adjusted operating expense as a percent of revenue from 20% in 2018, when we launched our first fit for growth initiative, to 16% in 2023. We delivered the highest annual adjusted EBITDA in company history, an increase of more than 30% compared to 2022. And we generated nearly $120 million of cash flow from operations and repurchased over $90 million worth of Gentherm shares. The new business wins, record revenues in key product lines, improved profitability, and solid cash flow generation demonstrate strong execution by the Gentherm team. Now turning to slide 5, let me highlight a few key pillars that drove our record $2.6 billion in new automotive awards in 2023. First, at the top left of the slide, our core thermal products continue to expand globally, particularly in high-content product categories such as CCS and hands-on detection-enabled steering wheel heaters.

We've reduced adjusted operating expense as a percent of revenue from 20% in 2018, when we launched our first fit for growth initiatives.

16% in 2023.

We delivered the highest annual adjusted EBITDA in company history, an increase of more than 30% compared to 2022.

And we generated nearly $120 million of cash flow from operations and repurchased over $90 million worth of Gen Therm shares.

The new business wins record revenues in key product lines improved profitability and solid cash flow generation demonstrates strong execution by the Gen <unk>.

Now turning to slide five let me highlight a few key pillars that drove a record $2 $6 billion and new automotive awards in 2023.

First at the top left of the slide our core thermal products continue to expand globally, particularly in high content product categories, such as Tcs and hands on detection enabled steering wheel heaters.

Phillip M. Eyler: We won awards in 2023, which spanned across all ranges of vehicles from the likes of BMW, Cadillac, Mazda, and Li Auto and BYD in China. Second, for the Pneumatic Lumbar Massage, we are growing our market share and winning awards at a rate that is well above our original expectations. We have won Conquest Pneumatic Lumbar and Massage Awards with BMW, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Leigh Auto, Mercedes-Benz, Atlantis, Volkswagen, and one of the largest global EV manufacturers. These wins confirm the strength of our combined product offering, leveraging the Altmaier acquisition. It's important to point out that a growing number of OEM customers want the combined thermal and pneumatic lumbar product, especially from an independent supplier who integrates with many seating providers. Especially from an independent supplier who integrates with many seating providers. This is one of the unique value propositions that Gentherm offers.

We won awards in 2023, which spanned across all ranges of vehicles from the likes of BMW, Cadillac Mazda and Lee auto and BYD in China.

Second and nomadic lumbar massage, we are growing our market share and winning awards at a rate that is well above our original expectations.

We have won conquest nomadic lumbar and massage awards with BMW General Motors Jaguar Land Rover, Lee Auto Mercedes Benz, the Atlantis, Volkswagen and one of the largest global EV manufacturers.

These wins confirm the strength of our combined product offering leveraging the altmeyer acquisition.

It's important to point out that a growing number of OEM customers want the combined thermal and pneumatic lumbar product, especially from an independent supplier, who integrates with many seeding providers.

This is one of the unique value propositions that Gen <unk> offers.

Phillip M. Eyler: Let me remind you of a few key combined awards that we have won since the beginning of 2023. We won a highly desirable and contested award with BMW for CCS, seat heat, and pneumatic lumbar and massage for their next generation electric and ICE X-Series SUVs, which include the X5, 6, and 7, and the IX5, 6, and 7. We won a combined CCS, feet heat, lumbar, and massage full system award with Jaguar Land Rover for their new Jaguar BEVs. We've significantly grown our content with one of the largest global EV manufacturers, winning Steering Wheel Heat, Feet Heat, DCS, and Pneumatic Lumbar Awards across multiple car lines. Finally, we won three CCS awards with Lee Auto on their plug-in hybrid L9 and two future electric SUVs.

Let me remind you of a few key combined awards that we've won since the beginning of 2023.

We want a highly desirable and contested award with BMW for Ccs.

Heat and pneumatic lumbar and massage for their next generation electric and IC E X series Suvs, which include the X five six and seven and the IX five six and seven.

We want a combined Ccs seat heat lumbar and massage full system award with Jaguar land Rover or their new Jaguar <unk>.

We've significantly grown our content with one of the largest global EV manufacturers winnings.

Winning steering wheel heat beat.

Dcs and pneumatic lumbar awards across multiple car lines.

Finally, we won three Ccs awards with Lee Auto.

On their plug in hybrid, Illinois and to future electric Suvs.

Phillip M. Eyler: In addition, we won two combined CCS and Pneumatic Massage Awards from Leigh Auto on a future electric and plug-in hybrid SUV. Moving to the bottom left on slide 5, our proprietary innovations such as ClimateSense and WellSense, which I will elaborate more on the next slide, have helped us to increase content per vehicle. For example, our ongoing Climate Sense development project with Honda has demonstrated significant savings in HVAC energy consumption by combining seat heat, steering wheel heat, and interior heat. As a result, Honda awarded Gentherm multiple EV programs that include both heated interior solutions and our electronic control unit. As we shared on the last earnings call, we won our first multifunction electronic control unit award from General Motors.

In addition, we want to combine Ccs and pneumatic massage awards from Lee auto on a future electric and plug in hybrid SUV.

Moving to the bottom left on slide five our proprietary innovations such as climate sense and wealth, which I will elaborate more on the next slide has helped us to increase content per vehicle.

For example, our ongoing climate sense development project with Honda has demonstrated significant savings in HVAC energy consumption by combining seat heat steering wheel heat and interior heat.

As a result on the awarded yet there are multiple EV programs that include both heated interior solutions and our electronic control units.

As we shared on our last earnings call. We won our first Multifunction Electronic control Unit Award from General Motors.

Phillip M. Eyler: And today, I'm pleased to announce one of the most important strategic awards in Gentherm's history. In the fourth quarter, we won a Breakthrough Scalable Climate Sense Software Award for nearly all future architectures, General Motors, ICE, and electric vehicles. Through this award, Gentherm's proprietary ClimateSense software, features will be enabled across all GM vehicles equipped with seat heat, climate-controlled seats, and steering wheel heating.

And today I'm pleased to announce one of the most important strategic awards in <unk> history.

In the fourth quarter, we want a breakthrough scalable climate sense software award for nearly all future architecture General Motors I C E and electric vehicles.

Through this award <unk> proprietary climate sense software features will be enabled across all general motors vehicles equipped with seat heat climate control seats and steering wheel heating.

Phillip M. Eyler: This will allow Gentherm's intelligent software solutions to bring increased comfort control and energy efficiency. Let me summarize my discussion regarding our award momentum by reminding you of a key differentiator for our company. Gentherm is an independent partner that can cooperate with any combination of the 50-plus vehicle OEMs and 30-plus seat manufacturers globally.

This will allow <unk> intelligence software solutions to bring increased copper control and energy efficiency.

Let me summarize my discussion regarding our award momentum by reminding you of a key differentiator for our company.

<unk> is an independent partner that can cooperate with any combination of the 50 plus vehicle Oems and 30 plus seat manufacturers globally.

Phillip M. Eyler: to create truly differentiated solutions. Our unique value proposition resonates with customers, as demonstrated by our win rate of approximately 80% of our quoted pursuits for thermal and pneumatic solutions in 2023. Turning to slide six, let me share a little more on how we're leading the industry in key innovation. Starting with Climate Sense, the world's first scalable, software-driven, automotive microclimate solution.

Including those that are vertically integrated.

To create truly differentiated solutions.

Our unique value proposition resonates with customers as demonstrated by our win rate of approximately 80% of our quoted pursuits for thermal and pneumatic solutions in 2023.

Turning to slide six let me share a little more on how we're leading the industry in key innovations.

Starting with client assess the world's first scalable software driven automotive microclimate solution.

Phillip M. Eyler: It uniquely delivers personalized thermal comfort for each occupant in the car by coordinating localized convective, conductive, and radiant heating and cooling to provide optimal comfort while also reducing vehicle energy consumption and extending range. Cognizant software seamlessly integrates with vehicle and HVAC controls to optimize the temperature for passengers individually. In addition to ClimaSense, our advanced engineering team continues to integrate our thermal products with lumbar and massage products to create innovative, full-system solutions. The combination of heating and cooling the body with massage, including our industry's first proprietary pulsating massage, Pulse A, is opening vast opportunities for solutions that promote health and wellness experiences.

Uniquely delivers personalized thermal comfort for each occupants in the car by coordinating localized convective conductive and radiant heating and cooling to provide optimal comfort, while also reducing vehicle energy consumption and extending range.

<unk> software seamlessly integrates with vehicle and HVAC controls.

<unk> the temperature for passengers individually.

In addition to climb a sense our advanced engineering team continues to integrate our thermal products with lumbar and massage products to create innovative full system solutions.

The combination of heating and cooling the body with massage, including our industry's first proprietary pulsating massage both hay and.

His opening vast opportunities for solutions that promote health and wellness experiences.

Phillip M. Eyler: Also, alertness enhancements and physical recovery in the car. As a result, at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, we unveiled WellSense. A software-defined consumer experience that delivers customized in-cabin comfort sensations that promote alertness, wellness, and well-being. It was great to see some of you at our booth experiencing WellSense firsthand. The technology leverages science-based physiology research as the foundation for proprietary software that orchestrates heating, cooling, lumbar, and massage comfort effects. The WellSense software development kit, which includes over-the-air feature upgrades, can be integrated into any software-defined vehicle architecture.

Also alertness enhancements and physical recovery in the car.

As a result at the consumer electronics show in January we unveiled well since.

Our software defined consumer experience that delivers customized and cabin comfort sensations that promote alertness wellness and well being.

It was great to see some of you at our booth experiencing well sense firsthand.

The technology Leverages Science based physiology research as the foundation for our proprietary software that orchestrates heating cooling lumbar and massage comfort effectors.

The <unk> software development kit, which includes over the air feature upgrades can be integrated into any software defined vehicle architecture.

Phillip M. Eyler: Friends are shifting towards consumers using their vehicles as a third living space, outside the home or office, offering an additional revenue opportunity for OEMs to address consumer health and wellness needs. The launch of our proprietary WealthSense is the next evolution of our software-enabled technology, which positions Gentherm at the nexus of health, wellness, comfort, and energy efficiency. which positions Gentherm at the nexus of health, wellness, comfort, and energy efficiency. Lastly, I'd like to officially introduce our next generation integrated thermal, lumbar, and massage hardware system, ComfortScale. ComfortScale is a modular solution that combines several distinct thermal and pneumatic comfort components into one integrated system. We believe ComfortScale will drive significant performance improvements for our customers, as well as labor costs and logistics reduction for the OEMs and seat manufacturers. The Comfort Scale can be integrated with any phone and with any seat.

Trends are shifting towards consumers using their vehicles as a third living space outside the home or office offering and additional revenue opportunity for Oems to address consumer health and wellness needs.

The launch of our proprietary well sense is the next evolution of our software enabled technologies, which.

Which positioned stent there at the Nexus of health wellness comfort and energy efficiency.

Lastly, I'd like to officially introduce our next generation integrated thermal lumbar and massage hardware system.

<unk> scale.

Comfort scale is a modular solution, which combines several distinct thermal and pneumatic comfort components into one integrated system.

We believe copper scale will drive significant performance improvement for our customers.

As well as labor cost and logistics reduction for the Oems and seat manufacturers.

Comfort scale can be integrated with any fall and with any seat.

Phillip M. Eyler: It's adaptable for all OEMs and all Tier 1 foot manufacturers. It's scalable from an entry-level lumbar heat system all the way to a high-end Pulse A massage and CCS. I'm proud of the Gentherm technology team for bringing innovative, differentiated, proprietary solutions such as ClimateSense, WellSense, and ComfortScale to market. These innovations are expected to significantly increase Gentherm's content per vehicle and position us to be a strong contributor to software-defined vehicles of the future. Now turning to our Q4 Automotive Highlights on slide 7. In the fourth quarter, we launched our automotive solutions on 21 different vehicles across 13 OEMs, including BMW, Ford, Geely, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

It's adaptable for all Oems and all tier one seat manufacturers.

Scalable from an entry level lumbar and seat heat system, all the way to a high end pulse, a massage and Ccs system.

I am proud of the Jetblue technology team for bringing to market innovative differentiated proprietary solutions, such as climate sense, well sense and comfort scale.

These innovations are expected to significantly increase <unk> content per vehicle and position us to be a strong contributor to software defined vehicles of the future.

Now turning to our Q4 automotive highlights on slide seven.

In the fourth quarter, we launched our automotive solutions on 21 different vehicles across 13, Oems, including BMW Ford Geely, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Phillip M. Eyler: We continue to see expanded application of our CCS solution. In the fourth quarter, our CCS solutions were launched on the Ford Ranger, Mazda CX-90, Toyota Tacoma, and the BEV truck with one of the largest global EV manufacturers. I'm pleased to share that Gentherm's ClimaSense was named a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Automotive News Pace Awards, with winners to be announced in April of 2024.

We continue to see expanded application of our Ccs solutions.

In the fourth quarter, our Ccs solutions were launched on the Ford Ranger Mazda CX 90, Toyota Tacoma, and the VEB truck with one of the largest global EV manufacturers.

I'm pleased to share that Gen. <unk> climate sense was named a finalist for the prestigious 2023 automotive news pace awards with winners to be announced in April of 2024.

Phillip M. Eyler: In the fourth quarter, Gentherm was also named a winner of the Business Intelligence Group 2024 Big Innovation Award for our Climate Sense Technology. And Climate Sense was also recognized as a winner of the 2023 Reuters Thrive Honor in the Reducing Emissions category. These awards are clear recognitions of the impact ClimateSense can deliver through personalized comfort and reduced vehicle energy consumption. I'd like to congratulate the Gentherm team for receiving these coveted awards. Now, on to slide 8, where, as I mentioned, we secured a quarterly record of $900 million in awards in the automotive industry in the fourth quarter. We received eight Steering Wheel Heater Awards across seven OEMs.

In the fourth quarter <unk> was also named a winner of the business Intelligence Group 124, Big Innovation Award for our climate sense technology.

And climate sense was also recognized as a winner of the 2023, Reuters thrive honor and the reducing emissions category.

These awards are clear recognition of the impact climate since can deliver through personalized comfort and reduced vehicle energy consumption.

I'd like to congratulate the <unk> team for receiving these coveted recognitions.

Now on to slide eight where as I mentioned, we secured a quarterly record of $900 million of awards in automotive in the fourth quarter.

We received eight steering wheel heater awards across seven Oems.

Phillip M. Eyler: Importantly, we won hands-on detection enabled steering wheel heater awards with BMW, Geely, General Motors, Lee Auto, and Nissan. We won several CCS awards in the quarter. Of note, we won the new Hyundai Grandeur, the Hyundai QV, the Kia EV5, the Nissan X-Trail, [inaudible] a new Great Wall plug-in hybrid SUV, and the new Rivian electric delivery van. I'm also pleased to share that we're growing our business with our largest customer, General Motors, winning the highly contested CCS and multifunction electronic control unit awards for their next generation truck platform In addition, as I mentioned earlier, we also won our first ClimateSense Software Award for nearly all future architectures, General Motors, ICE, and electric vehicles that will enable ClimateSense-controlled thermal seating and steering wheels. This is truly a breakthrough win for Gentherm that showcases the value our proprietary software provides for our customers. With software-defined vehicles expected to grow in the global market in the coming years, Gentherm is perfectly positioned to increase hardware and software content to enable greater energy efficiency, personalization, and novel comfort and wellness experiences.

Accordingly, we want hands on detection enabled steering wheel heater awards with BMW Geely General Motors, Lee Auto and Nissan.

We won several Ccs awards in the quarter.

Of note, we won the new Hyundai grandeur.

<unk> the key of EV five Nissan ex trail.

Mid sized crossover for one of the largest global EV manufacturers.

A new great wall plug in hybrid SUV and the new Radian electric delivery van.

I'm also pleased to share that we are growing our business with our largest customer general motors, winning a highly contested Ccs and Multifunction electronic control unit awards for their next generation truck platform, including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

In addition, as I mentioned earlier, we also won our first climate set of software award for nearly all future architecture General Motors, ICD and electric vehicles that will enable climate controlled thermal seating and steep steering wheels.

This is truly a breakthrough win for gender that showcases the value of our proprietary software provides for our customers.

With software defined vehicles expected to grow in the global market in the coming years, Jen thermos perfectly positioned to increase hardware and software content to enable greater energy efficiency personalization and novel comfort and wellness experiences.

Phillip M. Eyler: These winds confirm our strong, market-leading position in thermal and pneumatic comfort. I'd like to recognize the Global Gentherm team for securing a company record of $2.6 billion in new automotive business awards in 2023. Now, before I discuss the medical highlights, I'd like to provide a brief update on our battery performance solution. If you recall, Gentherm invented an innovative and proprietary thin-foil flexible circuit product line that can be used as either a battery cell heater or a cell connecting device. However, in the past year, we have not secured any new cell connecting awards based on the mechanical structuring process.

These wins confirm our strong market, leading position and thermal and nomadic comfort.

I'd like to recognize the global Gen 13 for securing a company record of $2 6 billion of new automotive business Awards in 2023.

Now before I discuss the medical highlights.

Like to provide a brief update on our battery performance solutions.

If you recall Gen Thurman visit and innovative and proprietary thin foil flexible circuit product line that can be used as either a battery cell heater or a cell connecting device.

However in the past year, we have not secured any new cell connecting award based on the mechanical structuring process.

Phillip M. Eyler: There are two fundamental reasons for this. First, OEMs and battery makers are becoming more conservative in both technology selection and pace of production for EVs. Customers are choosing to remain with the current chemical etched and wire-based connection solutions despite the environmental and technical benefits of our technology. Second, where we have had the opportunity to win, the margin and return profiles would have been well below our company's business case requirements. Consequently, we have decided to pause our pursuit of self-connecting opportunities for the foreseeable future. Although we will continue to pursue select battery heating and cooling opportunities, we expect our BPS revenue to gradually decrease over the next few years. We've reassigned the majority of our BPS resources to work on our unprecedented new business awards in Thermal, Pneumatic, and Electronic. Now, let's turn to slide nine for a discussion of our medical business. The medical team delivered record revenue in 2023 with a strong finish in the fourth quarter, growing 15% year-over-year. In the fourth quarter, we added 26 new hospital customers in China, including Tangxi, a top-tier hospital.

There are two fundamental reasons for this.

First Oems and battery makers are becoming more conservative in both technology selection and pace of production for Evs.

Customers are choosing to remain with the current chemical etch and wire based connection solutions, despite the environmental and technical benefits of our technology.

Second where we have had the opportunity to win the margin and return profiles would have been well below our company business case requirements.

Consequently, we have decided to pause our pursuit of cell connecting opportunities for the foreseeable future.

Although we will continue to pursue select battery heating and cooling opportunities, we expect our bps revenues to gradually decrease over the next few years.

We've reassigned the majority of our bps resources to work on our unprecedented new business awards, and thermal pneumatic and electronics.

Now, let's turn to slide nine for a discussion of our medical business.

The medical team delivered record revenue in 2023 with a strong finish in the fourth quarter growing 15% year over year.

In the fourth quarter, we added 26, new hospital customers in China, including <unk>, a top tier hospital.

Phillip M. Eyler: In the U.S., we successfully launched a group buy program with one of our key customers, Health Trust Performance Group. We were awarded Blanketrol system upgrades throughout their member hospitals in the fourth quarter. And in Europe, we've converted competitors' convective warming accounts to resistive technology with our ASCO pad as a result of increased demand for more sustainable solutions. As we shared on previous earnings calls, we've adapted our go-to-market model in the medical business to leverage large partnerships, distribution channels, and white-label opportunities. Consequently, we have reduced the size of our in-house sales team to improve our cost structure and medical.

In the U S. We successfully launched a group buy program with one of our key customers.

The performance group.

We were awarded Blanka trough system upgrades throughout their member hospitals in the fourth quarter.

And in Europe, we've converted competitors convective warming accounts to resistive technology with our Astro pad as a result of increased demand for more sustainable solutions.

As we shared on previous earnings calls we've adapted our go to market model in the medical business the leverage large partnerships distribution channels and white label opportunities.

Also quickly we have reduced the size of our in house sales team to improve our cost structure and medical.

Matteo Anversa: We are laser focused on growing both the top and bottom lines in this business. With that, I'll turn the call over to Matteo for a little more color on the financial results and to discuss 2024 guidance. Okay. Thank you, Phil.

And we are laser focused on growing both the top and bottom line in this business.

With that I'll turn the call over to Matteo for a little more color on the financial results and to discuss 2020 for guidance.

Okay. Thank you Phil let me start on slide 10, and our focus on the most significant items in our fourth quarter results.

Matteo Anversa: Let me start on slide 10 and focus on the most significant items in our fourth quarter results. For the quarter, product revenues increased by 7% compared to the same period last year. If we adjust for the impact of foreign exchange, our overall product revenue increased by 5%. Starting with the automotive segment, automotive revenues were $354 million, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the prior year period. Adjusting for positive foreign currency translation and excluding the negative impact of the UAW strike, the phasing out of the nanomotive electronics business, as well as one-time benefits from recoveries in both periods, automotive revenues increased 10% against a difficult prior year comparison. However, actual light vehicle production in our key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan, and Korea increased 13% year over year.

For the quarter product revenues increased by 7% compared with the same period of last year.

If we adjust for the impact of foreign exchange, our overall product revenue increased by 5%.

Turning to the automotive segment automotive revenues were $354 million, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the prior year period.

Adjusting for positive foreign currency translation, and excluding the negative impact of the UAW strike phasing.

Phasing out of the non automotive electronics business as well as one time benefits from recoveries in both periods.

Automotive revenues increased 10% against a difficult prior year comparison.

Actual light vehicle production in our key markets of North America, Europe, China, Japan, and Korea increased 13% year over year.

Matteo Anversa: It is worth noting that our regional revenue mix is different from the actual production market. Adjusting for our regional revenue mix, primarily as a result of our smaller percentage of revenue from China, our revenue growth would have outperformed production growth by approximately 150 basis points. We saw growth in the majority of our product lines, and more specifically, Steering wheel heater revenue increased by 22% compared to the prior year period due to higher demand for our hands-on detection-enabled steering wheel heaters with VW and Buick. Automotive cables revenue increased by 15% due to higher volume with Bosch and Samsung.

It is worth noting that our regional revenue mix is different from the actual production market.

Adjusting for our regional revenue mix, primarily as a result of our smaller percentage of revenue from China.

Our revenue growth would have outperformed production growth by approximately 150 basis points.

We saw growth in the majority of our product lines and more specifically.

Steering wheel heaters revenue increased by 22% compared to the prior year period due.

Due to higher demand of our hands on detection enabled steering wheel heaters with VW and viewing.

Automotive cables revenue increased by 15% due to higher volume with Bosch and Samsung.

Matteo Anversa: BPS revenue increased 11% due to higher volume with Mercedes, primarily delayed timing from the third quarter, as well as higher-priced liquor. TCS revenues increased by 6% due to higher volume with Hyundai-Kia, BMW, and the start of production at one of the largest global EV manufacturers. CTeter revenue increased by 5% due to the ramp-up on an electric vehicle for a global EV manufacturer in Europe and the ramp-up of the MLA platform with GLR. Lumber and massage revenue increased by 3% due to the start of production on vehicles with BMW and VW in Europe, as well as higher volumes with Ford. 12 Systems revenue increased by 1% due to higher sales in Europe. Electronics revenue decreased 9% due to the phase-out of non-automobile electronics, and other automotive revenue decreased by 8% primarily due to the material inflation recoveries received in the prior period.

<unk> revenue increased 11% due to higher volume with Mercedes primarily delayed timing from the third quarter as.

As well as higher price in the companies.

Ccs revenues increased by 6% due to higher volume, we'd Hyundai Kia BMW and the start of production at one of the largest global EV manufacturers.

<unk> revenue increased by 5% due to the ramp up on our electric vehicles for our global EV manufacturer in Europe, and the ramp up of the MLA platform with CLR.

Lumber and my size revenue increased by 3% due to the start of production of vehicles with BMW and VW in Europe.

As well as higher volumes with Ford.

Our systems revenue increased by 1% due to the higher sales in Europe.

Electronics revenue decreased 9% due to the phase out of non automotive electronics.

In other automotive revenue decreased by 8%, primarily due to the material inflation recoveries received in the prior year period.

Matteo Anversa: Turning to the medical business, medical revenues increased 15%, primarily as a result of higher blanket raw sales in the U.S. Moving to Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA in the quarter was $49 million, up from $41 million in the prior year period. The adjusted EBITDA rate for the fourth quarter was 13.4%, the highest profitability rate in eight quarters.

Turning to the medical business medical revenues increased 15%, primarily as a result of a higher blanka total sales in the U S.

Moving to adjusted EBITDA.

I'm just going to be down in the quarter was $49 million up from $41 million in the prior year period.

The adjusted EBITDA rate for the fourth quarter was 13, 4%.

Highest profitability rate in eight quarters.

Matteo Anversa: This compares to 11.9% in the year-ago period. The 150 basis points year-over-year improvement was driven by lower freight costs. Fixed Cost Leverage on Higher Sales Volume, Productivity at the Manufacturing Facilities, and Supplier Cost Reduction These were partially offset by wage inflation and lower price recoveries relative to the prior year. It is worth noting that sequentially, the adjusted EBITDA margin rate rose 40 basis points, driven by higher manufacturing productivity and supplier cost analysis. Operating expenses were $64.6 million in the quarter compared to $66.2 million in the prior year period.

This compares to 11, 9% in the year ago period.

The 150 basis points year over year improvement was driven by lower freight cost.

Fixed cost leverage on higher sales volume.

Productivity at the manufacturing facilities and supplier cost reductions.

These were partially offset by wage inflation and lower price recoveries relative to the prior year period.

It is worth noting that sequentially adjusted EBITDA margin rate rose 40 basis points, driven by higher manufacturing productivity and supplier cost reductions.

Operating expenses were $64 6 million in the quarter compared to $66 2 million in the prior year period.

Matteo Anversa: If we adjust for acquisition, integration, and restructuring costs, as well as non-cash stock compensation expenses in both periods, operating expenses were $59.5 million, up from $52.8 million in the fourth quarter of last year. The year-over-year increase of approximately $7 million was primarily driven by higher incentive compensation, partially offset by higher R&D reimbursement. Finally, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share in the Quarter were $0.90 per share, compared to $0.47 per share in the fourth quarter of last year. Our effective tax rate for the year, adjusted by the impact of the medical goodwill impairment recorded in the second quarter, was approximately 23%.

If we adjust for acquisition integration and restructuring costs as well as noncash stock compensation expenses in both periods operating expenses were $59 5 million up from $52 8 million in the fourth quarter of last year.

The year over year increase of approximately $7 million was primarily driven by higher incentive compensation, partially offset by higher R&D reimbursement.

Finally, adjusted diluted earnings per share in the quarter were 90 cents of shares.

<unk> 247 cents per share in the fourth quarter of last year.

Our effective tax rate for the year adjusted by the impact of the medical goodwill impairment recorded in the second quarter.

It was approximately 23%.

Matteo Anversa: This amount is lower than the guided range of 28 to 32% due to the one-time benefit as a result of a tax entity restructuring in Europe that was implemented in the fourth quarter of 2020. Moving to the balance sheet on slide 11. Our cash position at the end of the quarter was approximately $150 million, and our net debt stood at $73 million. Net debt increased sequentially by $20 million due to the $61 million share repurchases executed in the fourth quarter, partially offset by cash generated from operating activities.

This amount is lower than the guided range of 28% to 32% due to the onetime benefit.

Out of a tax entity restructuring in Europe that was implemented in the fourth quarter of the year.

Moving to the balance sheet on slide 11.

Our cash position at the end of the quarter was approximately $150 million and our net debt stood at $73 million.

Net debt increased sequentially by $20 million due to the 61 million share repurchases executed in the fourth quarter Harsha.

Partially offset by cash generated from operating activities.

Matteo Anversa: Our net leverage ratio was 0.4 at the end of the fourth quarter, well below our target of 1.5 times, based on the trailing 12-month consolidated adjusted EBITDA ended December 31st. Additionally, we had $278 million of remaining availability in our line of credit. And the total available liquidity as of year-end 2023 was $428 million. Now, before I discuss the 2024 guidance, I would like to thank the Global Gentherm team for the disciplined financial management in 2023 that allowed us to deliver a 200 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin rate year-over-year on a performance basis despite significant inflationary headwinds. In addition, I'm proud of the team for the strong free cash flow generation which enabled us to return approximately $90 million to our shareholders for share repurchase. Hmm.

Our net leverage ratio was 0.4 at the end of the fourth quarter well below our target of one five times.

Based on the trailing 12 month consolidated adjusted EBITDA ended December 31, we.

We had $278 million of remaining availability on our line of credit.

And the total available liquidity and it will be around 2023 was $428 million.

Now before I discuss the 2020 for guidance.

I would like to thank the global Gencon team for the disciplined financial management in 2023.

That allowed us to deliver a 200 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin rate year over year on a pro forma basis.

Piet significant inflationary headwinds.

In addition.

Proud of the team for the strong free cash flow generation, which enabled us to return approximately $90 million to our shareholders through share repurchases.

Matteo Anversa: Now let me turn to slide 12 for our 2024 guidance. We are expecting revenue to be in the range of $1.5 to $1.6 billion, assuming a euro to US dollar exchange rate of 1.1 and light vehicle production in our relevant markets decreasing at a low single-digit rate in 2024 versus 2023. Adjusting for approximately 50 basis points of effects-benefit year-over-year, the midpoint of our guidance implies an organic revenue growth rate of

Now, let me turn to slide 12 for our 2020 for guidance.

We are expecting revenue to be in the range of one five to $1 6 billion, assuming a euro to U S. Dollar exchange rate of one one in light vehicle production in our relevant markets decreasing at a low single digit rate in 2024 versus 2023.

Adjusting for approximately 50 basis points of FX benefit year over year.

The midpoint of our guidance implies an organic revenue growth rate of 5%.

Matteo Anversa: It is worth noting that if we exclude BPS, automotive cables, and valve systems, our climate and comfort revenues are expected to grow more than 8% excluding foreign exchange. Our guidance assumes higher revenue in the second half compared to the first half as a result of the timing of new program launches. Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to improve to 12.5 to 13.5 percent.

It is worth noting that if we exclude bps automotive cables involve systems, our climate and comfort revenues I would expect it to grow more than 8% excluding foreign exchange.

Our guidance assumes higher revenue in the second half compared to the first half as a result of the timing of new program launches.

Yeah.

Adjusted EBITDA margin rate is expected to improve to 12 five to 13, 5%.

Matteo Anversa: Our guidance assumes a 50 basis point headwind associated with the startup costs for our new plants in Morocco and Mexico and product engineering and launch costs associated with our record new awards. Due to the revenue cadence I mentioned earlier and the impact of contractual price downs which will be offset in the second half of the year by supplier cost improvements and productivity actions, we expect the adjusted EBITDA margin rate in the first quarter to be below our full year guidance range and for the rate to steadily improve throughout the year, as a result of the above-mentioned items and one-time costs associated with our new plans. We expect the adjusted EBITDA margin rate in the first quarter of 2024 to be slightly lower than in the first quarter of 2023. Our full-year effective tax rate is expected to be in the range of 26 to 29 percent and capital expenditures to be in the range of 65 to 75 million.

Our guidance assumes a 50 basis point headwind associated with the startup costs at our new plant in Morocco in Mexico.

In product engineering and launch costs associated with our record New awards.

Due to the revenue cadence I mentioned earlier and the impact of contractual price downs, which will be offset in the second half of the year by supplier cost improvements and productivity actions.

We expect the adjusted EBITDA margin rate in the first quarter to be below our full year guidance range and for the right to steadily improve throughout the year.

As a result of above mentioned items and one time cost associated with our new plans, we expect adjusted EBITDA margin rate in the first quarter of 2024 to be slightly lower than the first quarter of 2023.

Okay.

Our full year effective tax rate is expected to be in the range of 26% to 29% and capital expenditures to be in the range of $65 million to $75 million.

Matteo Anversa: 2024 CAPEX will be higher than prior years due to increased investments for the ramp-up of new capacity, including the two new plans to support our record new award. Due to our decision to pause the pursuit of BPS self-connecting board opportunities that Phil mentioned earlier, combined with a decline in vehicle production forecast in our largest region of North America, as well as the uncertainty on the timing of the ramp-up of electric vehicles, we are revising our 2026 outlook that we provided in our strategy discussion in February of last year. We now expect revenue in 2026 to be between $1.9 to $2 billion. And as a result of the reduction in the revenue outlook, the adjusted EBITDA margin rate is now expected to be approximately 16% in 2026.

2024, capex will be higher than prior years due to increased investments for the ramp up of new capacity, including the two new plants to support our record New awards.

Due to our decision to pause the pursuit of bps cell connecting board opportunities that Phil mentioned earlier combined with a decline in vehicle production forecast in our largest region of North America as.

As well as the uncertainty on the timing of ramp up of electric vehicles. We are revising our 2026 outlook that we provided in our strategy discussion in February of last year.

We now expect 2026 revenue to be between one 9% to $2 billion.

And as a result of the reduction in the revenue outlook adjusted EBITDA margin rate is now expected to be approximately 16% in 2026.

Matteo Anversa: We continue to execute on our Feed for Growth initiatives. And specifically, we are targeting $80 million in net savings by 2026 across work streams, including SG&A, sourcing excellence, value engineering, manufacturing footprint, automation, and product applicability. In 2023, the team delivered over $10 million in savings, and they're currently implementing additional projects that will yield another $45 million in savings by 2026. These actions are expected to deliver nearly 70% of our $80 million goal.

We continue to execute on our fit for growth initiatives and specifically, we are targeting $80 million net savings by 2026 across work streams, including SG&A sourcing excellence value engineering manufacturing footprint automation and product profitability.

In 2023, the team delivered over $10 million of savings and we are currently implementing additional projects that will yield another $45 million of savings by 2026.

These actions are expected to deliver nearly 70% of our 80 million goal.

Matteo Anversa: And in addition, we have a pipeline of projects that positions us to achieve the remaining 30%. As we continue to identify and implement additional feed-for-growth actions, we'll gain momentum on our path to a high teens adjusted EBITDA margin rate over time. And with that, I'll turn the call back to Phil for some closing remarks. Thanks, Matteo.

And in addition, we have a pipeline of projects the positions us to achieve the remaining 30%.

As we continue to identify and implement additional fit for growth actions will gain momentum on our path to a high teens adjusted EBITDA margin rate overtime.

And with that I'll turn the call back to Phil for some closing remarks.

Thanks, Matteo now let me summarize on slide 13.

Phillip M. Eyler: Now, let me summarize on slide 13. I want to thank the Global Gentherm team for continued strong execution in 2023, delivering record new business wins, record revenues, and record adjusted EBITDA. In 2024, our climate and comfort business is expected to grow more than 8% with expanding margins. In order to accomplish this and our long-term growth, we're laser-focused on three priorities in 2024.

I want to thank the global <unk> team for continued strong execution in 2023 <unk>.

Delivering record new business wins record revenues and record adjusted EBITDA.

In 2020 for our climate and comfort business is expected to grow more than 8% with expanding margins.

In order to accomplish this and our long term growth, we're laser focused on three priorities in 2024.

Phillip M. Eyler: First, we're confident in our ability to continue the strong momentum of winning new automotive business awards and maintaining our industry-leading market share given our large pipeline of opportunity. We will also execute on our unprecedented award backlog to ensure a successful ramp-up with our key customers. Second, as Matteo just mentioned, we will execute on fit for growth initiatives to expand margins in the near term and position the company to achieve high teens adjusted EBITDA margin rates over time. And third, we will aggressively bring to market and expand our industry-leading and proprietary next-generation solutions such as ClimateSense, WellSense, Pulse A Massage, and ComfortScale. Now, let me wrap up with Gentherm's unique investment thesis on slide 14. First, we're a pure play leader in thermal and pneumatic comfort. It's also important to highlight the benefit of being independent. We can work with any OEM and any seat manufacturer to create scores of innovative and unique configurations and solutions for all of their applications.

First we're confident in our ability to continue the strong momentum of winning new automotive business awards, and maintaining our industry, leading market share given our large pipeline of opportunities.

We will also execute on our unprecedented award backlog to ensure a successful ramp up with our key customers.

Second as Matteo just mentioned, we will execute on fit for growth initiatives to expand margins in the near term and position the company to achieve high teens adjusted EBITDA margin rate over time.

And third we will aggressively bring to market and expand our industry, leading and proprietary next generation solutions such as climate.

<unk>.

Pulse, a massage and comfort scale.

Yes.

Now, let me wrap up with Gen <unk> unique investment thesis on slide 14.

We're a pure play leader in thermal and pneumatic comfort.

It's also important to highlight the benefit of being independent we can work with any OEM and any seat manufacturer to create scores of innovative and unique configuration and solve for all of their applications.

Phillip M. Eyler: Second, the global automotive market is large, and, more importantly, the thermal and pneumatic comfort market is growing at a much faster pace than the automotive market. We expect to see a much higher rate of adoption of our products into vehicles, and we're extremely well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Third, we provide unique, innovative, and energy-efficient solutions that are key to the vehicles of the future. Our technology is best in class and often a generation ahead of our competition. Finally, our track record of execution against our strategy, along with our robust financial discipline, will enable us to deliver high return growth, outpacing the market. Now, with that, I'll turn the call back to the operator to start the Q&A.

Second the global automotive market is large and more importantly, the thermal and pneumatic comfort market is growing at a much faster pace than the automotive market.

We expect to see a much higher rate of adoption of our products into vehicles, and we're extremely well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.

Third we provide unique innovative and energy efficient solutions that are key to the vehicles of the future. Our technology is best in class and often a generation ahead of our competition.

Finally, our track record of execution against our strategy, along with our robust financial discipline will enable us to deliver high return growth outpacing the market.

Now with that I'll turn the call back to the operator to start the Q&A.

Operator: Thank you. At this time, we will be conducting a question and answer session. If you'd like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question. You may press star 2 if you'd like to remove your question from the line.

Thank you at this time, we'll be conducting a question and answer session. If you'd like to ask a question. Please press star one on your telephone keypad, a confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You May press star two if you'd like to remove your question from the queue for participants using speaker equipment. It may be necessary to pick up your handset.

Matthew Butler Koranda: For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the start button. Our first question comes from the line of Matt Koranda with the Roth M-K-M. Please proceed with your question. Hey guys, good morning. We're about to sign out the award. Thanks guys. So I just wanted to start out with the award environment and the 900 million in awards that you reported for the fourth quarter. Looks like a pretty big uptick sequentially and year over year. Just wanted to get a sense for how much of that was combined thermal and pneumatic technology in the awards. And also on the GM award, just wanted to clarify. What exactly do you mean by the term architecture?

For question Mr. Keyes.

Our first question comes from the line of Matt Koranda with Roth and Kim. Please proceed with your question.

Hey, guys good morning.

Good morning, guys morning, Matthew Awards.

Good morning, guys.

So just wanted to start out with the award environment and the $900 million in awards that you reported for the fourth quarter. It looks like a pretty big uptick sequentially and year over year, just wanted to get a sense for how much of that was combined thermal and pneumatic technology and the awards and then also on the GM Award just wanted to clarify.

What exactly you mean by the term architecture not to dumb it down too much but do you just mean GM vehicles that incorporate multiple gentium products like steering wheel heat and Ccs et cetera, just a bit more on that software solution and sort of what it does for our growth for the next few years would be helpful.

Phillip M. Eyler: Not to dumb it down too much, but do you just mean GM vehicles that incorporate multiple Gentherm products like steering wheel heat and CCS, et cetera? Just a bit more on that software solution and sort of what it does for growth over the next few years. Thanks, Matt.

Thanks, Matt I'll start with the first question on the awards mix, it's probably better to put it in terms of the full year than just a specific quarter.

Phillip M. Eyler: I'll start with the first question on the award mix. It's probably better to put it in terms of the full year rather than just a specific quarter, but as we pointed out, our pneumatic business is growing at a faster rate than we expected. Consumer pull, especially from our traditional Gentherm long-standing customers, you know, to replace other competitors and grow in those customers has been tremendous. And definitely, as I pointed out with some of the examples, we're seeing this gradual shift to combined solutions for multiple reasons, the efficiency of supply and supply chain, plus improved performance being the primary drivers. But if you look at the total awards for the year, we... We would have had a record for thermal products alone. And then, of course, add on top of that the growing number of pneumatics and combined awards. It was really a tremendous year.

But as we pointed out our pneumatic business is growing at a faster rate than we expected.

Sumer pull especially from our.

Traditional Gen therm.

Our long standing customers.

Two.

Replace other competitors and to grow in those and those customers has been tremendous.

And definitely as I pointed out with some of the examples we're seeing this.

Gradual shift to combined solutions.

No for multiple reasons the efficiency of.

Supply and supply chain, plus improved performance being the primary drivers.

But if you look at the total total awards for the year.

We.

We would've had a record on the thermal products alone.

And then of course add on top of that the growing pneumatics and combined awards really a tremendous year.

Phillip M. Eyler: And the pipeline is still strong going forward. So let me shift to the ClimateSense question with General Motors. Essentially, what this means is that our ClimateSense software will be embedded in nearly all vehicles of the GM future architecture in the future. And that's really the way they're designing their vehicles around, allowing these kinds of features to be more prevalent.

And the pipeline is still strong going forward, so shifting to let me shift to the climate sense question with General Motors.

Essentially what this means is that our climate since software will be embedded in nearly all vehicles.

The GM future architecture.

And in the future and that's really the way they're designing their vehicle.

Around allowing these kinds of features to be more prevalent.

Phillip M. Eyler: So we're really excited about it. It really unlocks the ability to orchestrate any thermal seating or steering wheel application and really fits into our scalable view of how we're implementing Climate Sense so that, you know, really Climate Sense is going to be the fundamental control of these microclimate devices. And that'll help us to scale the content from, you know, I would say today's kind of normal CCS all the way up to that full content of Climate Sense over time with that customer. Hope that helps. Yeah, very helpful. Thanks, Phil. And then maybe just one for Matteo.

So we're really excited about it it really unlocks.

The ability to orchestrate in.

Any thermal seeding or steering wheel application.

And really fits into our scalable.

Q, how we're implementing climate.

That really climate is going to be the fundamental.

Control of these microclimate devices and that will help us to scale the content from.

I would say today's kind of normal Ccs all the way up to.

And that full comprehensive climate sense over time.

With that customer.

Hope that helps okay. Yeah, that's very helpful. Thanks Bill.

And then maybe just one for Matteo.

Matteo Anversa: In the fourth quarter, it looks like you made some adjustments or you provided sort of a hypothetical adjustment for what automotive revenues would have been without the UAW strike and then the non-automotive electronic phaseout. Maybe just wanted you to provide a little bit more color on how you got between sort of the plus 5% to the 10% adjusted revenue growth in the automotive business. And then for the outlook, it does look like you guys are including some decent outperformance versus production, which would be a return to sort of the normal state for Gentherm. Can you just talk about how that phases through the year?

Quarter it looks like.

He made some adjustments or you provided sort of a hypothetical adjustment for what automotive revenues would've been.

Without the UAW strike and then the non automotive electronics phase out maybe just wanted to you to provide a little bit more color on how your gap between sort of plus 5% to 10% adjusted revenue growth.

Automotive.

Then for the outlook. It does look like you guys are including some decent outperformance versus production and what should be a return to sort of the normal state for Gen term can you just talk about how that phases through the year just curious about I think.

Matteo Anversa: Just curious about, I think you mentioned more launches toward the latter half of the year. So any sense to give us for the relative growth rate versus production in the first half? Sure. So maybe let me start with the first one.

You had mentioned more launches towards the latter half of the year. So any sense you could give us for relative growth rate versus production in the first half versus the second would be great.

Sure. So maybe let me start up with.

First one actually.

Matteo Anversa: Actually, in the press release, we outlined a little bit with a table. You really have a couple of things going on. The impact of the strike in the quarter was about $9.5 million, which was clearly lower than what we had anticipated in the last earnings call.

In the press release, we outlined a little bit, though with a table you really have.

A couple of things happening the impact of the strike in the quarter was about almost $9 5 million, which was clearly lower than what we had anticipated in our last earnings call.

Matteo Anversa: And then when we are adding back the not automotive electronics revenue, which was about $2.7 million. And then we had about, [inaudible] On the cadence, I think it was your second question, we are expecting revenue, for sure, as I mentioned in my previous remarks, to be lower in the first quarter and then will continue to grow progressively throughout the year, and so it's difficult to project and pinpoint what the growth will be in every quarter. But overall, the reason why the second half revenue will be higher than the first half is primarily driven by the timing of new launches, which are coming out in the latter part of the year. Okay, that makes sense. And then just the last one for me, and I'll turn it over.

And then when we are adding back the net automotive electronics revenue, which was about $2 7 million and then we had about $3 5 million of one time at customer recoveries, meaning that we're not expecting those to repeat.

<unk>.

And then different currency impact so when you break it down this way how you get to the reported.

A number of growth to be about 10%.

We are not in India in the press release in the comments.

On the cadence I think was your second question.

We are expecting revenue for sure as I mentioned in my prepared remarks to be.

Lower in the first quarter and then we'll continue to grow.

Collectively towards the year end.

So it's difficult to project.

And pinpoint what you outgrow will be in.

In every quarter, but overall.

The reason why the second half revenue will be higher in the first half is primarily driven by timing of new launches, which are coming on in the latter part of the year.

Okay that makes sense.

And then just last one for me and I'll turn it over but the 26.

Matthew Butler Koranda: But the 26 guidance change that you guys made looks like a change of about $250 million at the midpoint relative to your earlier guidance you provided. I think the battery performance solutions growth was supposed to be about $150 million of that. So just wanted to understand sort of where are we taking out incremental revenue. It sounded like you guys mentioned it.

Guidance change that you guys made it looks like a change of about $250 million at the midpoint relative to your your earlier.

The guidance you provided.

<unk>.

The battery performance solutions growth was supposed to be about $150 million.

So just wanted to understand sort of where we're taking out incremental revenue. It sounded like you guys mentioned, just a little more reticence on the part of Oems on EV production any other items to call out in terms of the change there for 26.

Matteo Anversa: Just a little more reticence on the part of OEMs on EV production, and other items to call out. www.youtube.com Sure, sure. Yeah, I mean, clearly the BPS, you called out the right number at the midpoint, was $150 million growth in BPS. We're actually going to see a decline in BPS, so not just a loss of growth but actually a decline from now until that time period. So, that's going to be the biggest driver of the reduction. And then, as you pointed out, we expect to see a delayed ramp-up of some of the EVs that we are targeting, just based on feedback from our customers and what we're seeing in the market expectations. The next factor is related to North American vehicle production in 2026. We're actually seeing a decline in a few of our large North American OEMs' outlook for 2026 based on the S&P global outlook, which kind of makes sense to us, so that's going to be a factor as well. Okay, very helpful, guys. I'll jump in.

Sure sure Yeah, I mean, clearly the bps you called out the right number at the midpoint was 150 million a growth of bps.

We're actually going to see a decline of bps. So not just the loss of the growth, but actually a decline from now until that time period.

So thats going to be the biggest driver of the reduction and then.

It will be as you pointed out and we expect to see a delayed ramp up of some of the evs that we are targeted on just based on feedback from our customers and what we're seeing in the market expectations.

The second the next factor is related to North America vehicle production in 2026.

We're actually seeing a decline in a few of our large North America Oems outlook for 2026 based on S&P global.

<unk>, which.

Which kind of makes sense to us so that's going to be a factor as well.

Okay very helpful guys I'll jump back in queue. Thank you.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Glenn Chin with Seaport Research Partners. Good morning, folks, and congrats on all the wins and the win rate. Pretty encouraging.

Thanks, Matt.

Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Glenn Chin with Seaport Research Partners. Please proceed with your question.

Good morning, folks and congrats on all the wins and the win rate pretty encouraging.

Glenn Edward Chin: Just sort of following on... Matt's line of questioning. There's been a lot of delays, deferrals, and EV launches, production, etc. I assume that these are already reflected in, or there's nothing further to be reflected in the awards that you just booked the $900 million in this quarter, but is it possible to dimension, Phil. What sort of revisions might have to be made to prior bookings?

Just sort of following.

The next line of questioning.

There's been a lot of delays deferrals in EV launches production et cetera.

I assume that's.

Already reflected in where there is nothing further to be reflected in the awards that you just put the $900 million in this quarter, but.

Is it possible to Jim mentioned sale.

Hi.

What sort of revisions might have to be made to prior year bookings.

Phillip M. Eyler: Notwithstanding the fact that you're talking about it for 2026, but anyway, dimension for us, for example, you know, what the percent was for EV-related prep. Well, it's tough for us to break down the percent EV in the awards because some of the awards, in fact, many of the awards are cross-platform. Just to give you an example, the BMW X series win that I called out is on both the ICE and the EV. So that's more of a combined number.

Notwithstanding the fact that you are talking about it for 2026.

Any way to dimension for Us for example.

What percent was EDI related perhaps.

Well, we don't.

It's tough for us to break down the percent EV in the awards because some of the awards in fact, many of the awards are cross platform just to give an example, the BMW X series win that I called out is on both the IC and the EV. So that that's more of a combined number.

Phillip M. Eyler: But I would say, to the best of our ability, we've built that into our plan for 24 and then 26 as well. We clearly still believe in EVs as a driver for future growth. As that becomes more clear in those out years, you know, beyond 2026, you know, obviously, we'll start to build that into our outlook. Very good. Thanks. And then just follow up on the GM's architecture question. Can you give us a sense of the timing there? When do these launches occur?

But I would say.

To the best of our ability we've built that into our plan for 'twenty four and then 26 as well.

I mean, we clearly still believe in Evs as a driver for future growth as that becomes more clear in those out years.

<unk> 2026, obviously, we'll start to build that into our outlook.

Okay very good thanks, and then just a follow up on the GM.

Architecture question can you give us a sense of the timing there.

When do these launch.

Glenn Edward Chin: It'll take a couple of years before that new architecture goes in. Very good. That's it for me.

I will take a couple of years before that new architecture goes in.

Okay.

Very good Thats it for me thank you.

Thanks, Thanks Brent.

Okay.

Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Ryan <unk> with Craig Hallum Capital Group. Please proceed with your question.

Operator: Thanks, Glenn. Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Ryan Sigdahl with Craig Hallam Capital Group. Hey, good morning, guys.

Hey, good morning, guys.

Just staying on G M and climate sense.

Ryan Ronald Sigdahl: Just staying on GM and Climate Sense, is that award, or the architecture for Climate Sense, is that included in the Q4 awards? And then also, is any of that included in the 2026 targets given it'll take a couple years? Yes, it's included in both.

Is that award or the architecture for climate sense is that included in the Q4 Awards and then also is that include any of that included in the 2026 targets given it will take a couple of years.

Yes, it's included in both.

Phillip M. Eyler: Got it. And then on content, you historically have talked about 2-4x higher content for Climate Sense. Is that a good rule of thumb for this award?

Got it.

On content you historically have talked about two to Forex higher content for climate sense is that a good rule of thumb for this award.

Phillip M. Eyler: I think it scales, given the fact that this software will orchestrate any level of climate seeding and steering. It could span all the way from, you know, let's call it an entry vehicle that has low content all the way up to higher content. So, we'll have to see how that plays out across their portfolio over time. But we definitely are seeing a movement toward higher content as we have climate control in the car. Got it.

I think it scales given the fact that that this software will orchestrate any level of climate seating and steering wheel. It can span all the way from.

Let's call it an entry vehicle that has low content all the way up to the higher content. So we'll have to see how that plays out across their portfolio overtime.

But we definitely are seeing.

A movement towards higher content as we have climate control in a car.

Got it and then just on the bps cell connecting product you guys launched a very large award with BMW just a few quarters ago. There I guess is the assumption that that sunsets. After this platform.

Ryan Ronald Sigdahl: And then just on the BPS cell connecting product, you guys launched a very large award with BMW just a few quarters ago. I guess it's the assumption that that sunsets after this platform. Yes, it is. Great. Thanks, guys. Thank you. Thank you. As a reminder, it's Star One to join.

Yes. It is.

Great. Thanks, guys.

Thank you.

<unk>.

Thank you as a reminder, its star one to join the question queue. Our next question comes from the line of Ryan Brinkman with Jpmorgan. Please proceed with your question.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Ryan Brinkman with J.P. Morgan. Hi, great. Thanks for taking my questions. Just another one on the recent win with GM. I understand your share of GM's seat comfort business will rise, but is there something about this award that also makes you think that maybe the penetration of seat comfort products within GM could materially increase, either because the vehicles, you know, it's offered in more vehicles, more trim levels, or maybe because it's designed right into the electrical architecture, or maybe because, you know, the synergies and economies of scale that both you and GM might realize Just trying to understand if this is more about, you know, increasing your share versus competitors of these products, or maybe about, you know, driving the penetration of these products. Which would you say is the bigger opportunity? Yeah, I think it's probably some of all those points.

Hi, great. Thanks for taking my questions just another one on the recent win with GM I understand your share of Gms seat comfort business will rise, but is there something about this award that also makes you think that maybe the penetration of seat comfort products within GM could materially increase.

Because the vehicles.

No.

It's offered in more vehicles more trim levels are.

Or because it's designed right into the electrical architecture, or maybe because the synergies and economies of scale that both you and GM might realize by common <unk> and expanding the offering could afford a lower price point.

GM or hopefully the consumer helping to drive the penetration just trying to understand if this is more about increasing your share versus competitors of these products or maybe about driving the penetration of the products, which would you say is that the bigger opportunity.

Yeah I think.

As probably some of all of those points I think those are various two points but.

Ryan Joseph Brinkman: I think those are very astute points, but I think the biggest thing, to kind of break it down, on EVs: we definitely expect to see a higher penetration rate and content for EVs. And certainly that could apply to any kind of electrified vehicle, by the way, whether it's a full EV or a plug-in hybrid. And mainly because, obviously, you get the comfort benefit, but you also get the range

I think the biggest thing.

You kind of break it down.

On Evs, we definitely expect to see a higher penetration rate and content on Evs and certainly.

That could apply to any kind of electrified vehicle by the way.

Whether it's a full EV or plug in hybrid.

Because obviously you get the comfort benefit, but you also get the range extension and that remains a clear important feature for our customers.

Phillip M. Eyler: And then if you look at the ICEs, I mean, we're really excited that ClimateSense is going to orchestrate climate seeding in ICEs. And the reason is, a very compelling value proposition for consumer comfort because it really becomes seamless. In essence, what you're doing is you're focusing on the passenger or driver's relative comfort level at that microclimate location and not necessarily the entire cabin.

And then if you look at the Ice's I mean, we're really excited that.

That climate sensors going to orchestrate climate seating in Ice's and the reason is.

Very compelling value proposition for consumer comfort.

Because it really become seamless.

And in essence, what you're doing is you're you're.

Youre focusing on the passenger or driver.

Relative comfort level at that microclimate location and not necessarily the entire cabin and so this is this.

Phillip M. Eyler: And so this is really starting to pay off for us. So I think that's also going to help drive content and penetration on ICEs as well. Okay, thanks. I wanted to ask a couple questions, too, about the pods of the BPS cell connecting.

This is really starting to pay off for us. So I think that's also going to help drive.

Content and penetration on Ics as well.

Okay. Thanks, I wanted to ask a couple of questions to around the pause of the bps cell connecting.

Ryan Joseph Brinkman: Starting with, I remember you highlighting some of the strengths of your product, like it was lighter weight and more environmentally friendly than some of the competitors' solutions. And, you know, there is thought to be this growing need for cell connecting and battery health monitoring. So maybe you could just help us understand what may have changed in the market. I wonder if maybe the solution was incorporated into more comprehensive battery management systems technologies that other suppliers were offering, or what would you say changed? Well, no, I don't think it has anything to do with the battery management system architecture. That, I think, is basically the same.

Starting with.

I remember you highlighting some of the strengths of your product like it was lighter weight and more environmentally friendly than some of the competitor solutions.

Talk to me this is where we need for cell connecting and battery health monitoring. So maybe you could just help us understand what maybe changed there in the market I Wonder if maybe.

The solution was incorporated into more comprehensive battery.

Our management systems.

Technologies that other suppliers were offering or what would you say it changed there.

Well no I don't think it has anything to do with the battery management system.

Architecture that I think is basically the same as <unk>.

Phillip M. Eyler: To be frank with you, the fundamental shift that we're seeing is... Related to our competition, especially chemical etch competition, you know, space is loaded with capacity, and I believe, personally, that the level of accepted pricing because of that excess capacity is putting us in a very difficult position when it comes to price competition. And, you know, our consumers have, or our customers have confirmed to us that, you know, our product provides extremely beneficial sustainability benefits and technical benefits, which revolve around the material selection and, as you pointed out, the light weight. But frankly, the drive towards lower-cost batteries is winning the day, and Kim Etches is kind of taking it there. So we're in a position that if that pipeline is not going to be in front of us in the near term, it makes more sense for us to divert our resources and investments and focus on the areas that are seeing accelerated growth, which are our climate and comfort products, you know, thermal and pneumatic. Okay, that's helpful.

To be Frank with you the fundamental shift that we're seeing is.

Related to our competition, especially chemical <unk> competition.

That space is loaded with capacity.

And I believe personally that the the.

The level of excepted pricing because of that excess capacity is putting us at a very difficult position when it comes to pricing competition.

There is no doubt our consumers have our customers have.

Confirm to us that our product provides.

Extremely beneficial sustainability benefits and.

And technical benefits, which is which revolves around the material selection.

And as you pointed out the lightweight.

But frankly the drive towards lower cost batteries is winning the day and that's can matches has kind of taken it there so.

We're in a position that if that pipeline is not going to be in front of us in the near term. It makes more sense for us to divert our resources and investments and focus into the areas that are seeing accelerated.

Accelerated growth, which is our climate and comfort products thermal and pneumatic.

Okay. That's helpful. Thank you and then the second question. There also on bps is that product that cell connecting was once thought to maybe pick up the slack left by in earlier product, which was not.

Ryan Joseph Brinkman: And then the second question there, also on VPS, is that product, the cell connecting was once thought to maybe pick up the slack left by an earlier product, which was the thermoelectric temperature regulation, not of the big batteries, of course, and you've got air cooling, but of these smaller batteries that might be applicable for 48 volt or micro hybrid type vehicles. And that was with some European OEMs, or maybe some luxury OEMs, and some of that was rolling off. And that was understood to be, I think, because 48 volt didn't really pan out like the industry once thought. But it just seems like in the very recent past here, kind of in the fourth quarter, there's been some more scuttle about it, including with the Cybertruck having officially launched and Elon Musk saying on X that he was mailing to Jim Burley and Mary Vera a packet with all the technical details and explaining why they need to double down as well, which will decrease the cost for everybody.

Thermo electric temperature regulation, none of the big batteries of course, and you've got air cooling, but of these smaller batteries that might be applicable for 48 volt or micro hybrid type vehicles in.

That was with some European Oems or maybe some luxury items and some of that was rolling off.

And that was understood to be I think because 48 volt didn't really pan out like the industry, one stop but it just seems like in the very recent past year its kind of in the fourth quarter. There's been some more scuttlebutt about apps, including with the cyber truck had been officially launched in <unk> mosque seen on X that he was.

<unk>, Jim Burley and Mary Barra packet.

All the technical details and explain why they need to double down as well, which will decrease the cost for everybody and Jim Farley responded positively on on Twitter to that saying that.

Ryan Joseph Brinkman: And Jim Burley responded positively on Twitter to that, saying that, you know, maybe they need to push again. And just curious if there's any potential for that market to come back to life? Or, or is there some other competitive dynamic going on there too, where maybe the thermoelectric regulation isn't as attractive as once thought? Or is it just the market smaller?

Maybe they need to push again.

Just curious if there's any potential for that market to come back to life or <unk> or is there some other competitive dynamic going on there to where.

Maybe the thermal electric regulation isn't.

As attractive as once one thought or is it just the market smaller but what are your thoughts for 48 volt is going what you might potentially be able to provide there.

Phillip M. Eyler: What are your thoughts for 48 volts going forward and what you might potentially be able to provide there? Yeah, I'm not optimistic on the thermoelectric BPS product for 48-volt. And the primary reason is the architecture for 48-volt systems is a little different when you look at what, you know, what you mentioned about EVs especially. You know, this is the 48-volt system that in the past has been used, has been really used as a drivetrain boost. And, you know, to do that, it required, you know, a lot of utilization of those batteries, creating a lot of heat.

Yes, I'm not optimistic on the thermal electric our bps product for 48 volt.

And the primary reason is the architecture for 48 volt CIS.

Systems is a little different when you look at what what you mentioned on Evs, especially.

This is the the 48 volt that in the past has been used has been really used as a drive drive team trained boost.

And.

To do that it required a lot of utilization of those batteries, creating a lot of heat and thats, where our cooling product really became.

Phillip M. Eyler: And that's where our cooling product really became, you know, pretty important. We do see some opportunities on 48-volts with air cooling, and we are winning some business, and we have called that out in the last couple of quarters with different customers. Hyundai Kia is an example.

Pretty important.

We do see some opportunities on 48 volt.

With air cooling and we are winning some business and we call that out in the last couple of quarters with different customers Sunday key as an example, we're going to be cooling all of their 48 volt batteries using our air cooling devices. So theres some of that built into our our outlook.

Phillip M. Eyler: We're going to be cooling all of their 48-volt batteries using our air cooling devices. So, there's some of that built into our outlook. Certainly, the 48-volt BPS, and the thermoelectric BPS with Mercedes will gradually decline over time.

Certainly the 48 volt to bps thermal electric bps with.

With Mercedes will gradually decline over time, it's not going to be a digital decline, but it will steadily decline. So if you net all that out and we do have some built in wins with our <unk>.

Phillip M. Eyler: It's not going to be a digital decline, but it will steadily decline. So, if you net all that out, and we do have some built-in wins with our MSP-based battery heating as well as using the same technology as the CCB, but netting all that out, we're seeing a net decline in revenue of BPS through 2026. Very helpful, thank you. Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Luke Junk with Baird. Good morning.

SP based battery heating as well using the same technology as the CCD, but netting all that out we're seeing a net decline in revenue of bps.

Through 2026.

Very helpful. Thank you.

Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Luke Young with Baird. Please proceed with your question.

Hi, good morning, apologies for the background noise here, Phil I was hoping you could start with the climate a sense award with.

Luke L. Junk: Apologies for the background noise here. Phil, I was hoping we could start with the Climate Science Award with GM, and what I'm really hoping to tease out is just the software opportunity alone versus scaling in hardware over time. I really just want to better understand the materiality, both of the software piece that you announced today and then the underlying compute, the controller, understanding that you can add hardware to that as well.

And what I'm really hoping to tease out is just the software opportunity alone versus scaling and hardware overtime.

Just wanted to better understand the materiality both on the software piece that you announced today and then the underlying compete the controller understanding that you can then add hardware, it's an algorithm.

Yeah.

Phillip M. Eyler: Yeah, I mean, I wouldn't call it a material revenue driver for us. It is, you know, very high margin, but it's more about what it enables than the specific driver of revenue growth for the software. It does open up more opportunity for us on ECUs, and we called out, I think, one or two quarters ago, the win on a multifunction ECU for General Motors. So we think this helps us to drive content on our electronics as well, but we've specifically made our software really a software product that can be used on any hardware.

Yes.

I wouldn't call it a material revenue driver for us.

It is very high margin.

But it's more about what it enables.

The specific driver of revenue growth for for the software. It does open up more opportunity for us on.

Ecu's and we've called out.

I think one or two quarters ago, the win on a multi function.

For General Motors, so that.

We think this helps us to drive content on our electronics as well, but we've specifically made our software really a software product that can be used on any hardware.

Phillip M. Eyler: Our goal is to find ways to get ClimateSense embedded to show the value that ClimateSense generates, thus driving much higher content and penetration. And we believe ClimateSense has the power to do that. So that's kind of what's behind it. I would look at this as really firming up our longstanding strategy of driving software-enabled hardware through our portfolio. Okay, that's really helpful, thanks, Phil.

Our goal is to find ways to get climate embedded.

To show the value that climate.

Generates.

Thus driving much higher content and penetration.

We believe <unk> has the power to do that so that's kind of what's behind it I would look at this as.

That's really.

Firming up our long standing strategy of driving software enabled hardware.

Through our portfolio.

Okay, that's really helpful. Thanks, Phil.

Phillip M. Eyler: And then, I appreciate you might not be able to give us too much here, because it's pretty recent, so just curious, any feedback following CES on WellSense specifically, just in terms of customer engagement, maybe any kind of preliminary engineering engagements, or just other indicators of interest in the platform? I would say tremendous interest by our customers. It matches exactly what many of our customers have as their vision for differentiating their offerings, and I really want to highlight the impact this product could have on software-defined vehicle architectures. We believe this provides a feature that consumers will continually pay for after the purchase of the vehicle. And I think if you look at a lot of the announced software-defined vehicle features, features that folks have talked about to help them drive revenue. You won't find any that are more compelling than the one we're offering.

I appreciate you might not be able to give us too much here because it's pretty recently just curious any feedback following CES earn well specifically just in terms of customer engagement, maybe any kind of preliminary engineering engagements or just other indicators of interest in the pipeline.

I would say tremendous interest by our customers.

It matches exactly what many of our customers have is.

Is there vision for differentiating their their offerings.

I really want to highlight the impact this product could have on the software defined vehicle architectures.

We believe this provides a feature that consumers will continually pay for after purchase of the vehicle and I think if you look at a lot of the announced software defined vehicle.

Features that folks have talked about to help them drive revenue.

You won't find any that are more compelling than the one we're offering so I think.

Luke L. Junk: So I think it really is gaining a lot of traction. You know, obviously, it'll take us some time to gather some awards and build that in, but I'm really encouraged by the response.

It really is gaining a lot of traction.

Obviously, it will take us some time to.

Okay gather some awards and build that Ed, but but I'm really encouraged by the response.

Matteo Anversa: And then my last question, probably for Matteo, just hoping you could bridge the midpoint of the EBITDA range of 13% versus where 2023 shook out. I'm really hoping to unpack just the big buckets in terms of what you expect incrementally from fit for growth. You mentioned some supplier cost reductions in the back half of the year, and then just underlying leverage and productivity. How should we bucket those at a high level? So volume is driving about 160 basis points of margin expansion. The fee for growth actions, primarily supplier cost reductions, value engineering, so taking cost out of our bill of materials, is driving about 130 basis points of margin expansion. Productivity growth at the factory is about 90 bps.

Okay. Thank you for that and then my last question probably for Nick Teo, just hoping you could bridge the midpoint of the EBITDA range of 13% versus where 2023, a share count and really hoping Tom tack just the big buckets in terms of what you're expecting incrementally and fit for growth you mentioned some supplier cost.

Reductions in the back half of the year, and then just underlying leverage and productivity.

Shouldn't you bucket those at a high level. Thank you.

So look so.

Yes.

So volume is driving about <unk>.

160 basis points of margin expansion.

The future growth actions, primarily supplier cost reductions value engineering, so taking cost out.

Alpha of our bill of material is driving about 130 basis points of margin expansion.

Can you get the factory growth is about 90 bps.

Matteo Anversa: So these are the positives, and then on the negative side, we're not expecting to have the same amount of price recoveries from customers in 2024 as we did in 2023. Actually, the environment on the front is getting more and more challenging, so we are expecting a drag of about 160 basis points on price. And then wage inflation; we continue to see elevated labor inflation, particularly in Mexico and Eastern Europe, so that's about 100 basis points.

So these are the positives and then on the App on the Mega.

The negative side, we have.

And we're not expecting to have the same amount of tax recoveries.

From the customers in 2024, as we did in 2003 actually in the environment on that front is getting more and more challenging. So we are expecting a drag of about 160 basis points on price.

And then wage inflation, we continue to see.

Elevated labor inflation in particularly in Mexico, and Eastern Europe. So it's about almost 100 basis points.

Matteo Anversa: And then the investment in the new plants that I mentioned earlier and the R&D to fulfill the awards that we won, it's another 50 pages of point drag. So that's at a high level of the walk for the year. Thank you. That's tough.

And then the investment in the new plants that I mentioned earlier in the RMB, two who feel the awards that we won its another 50 basis points. So that's at a high level of the walk for the year.

Thank you that's helpful I'll leave it there.

Sure.

Operator: Yeah. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our Q&A session and thus concludes our call today. We thank you for your interest and participation. You may now disconnect your line.

Thank you ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our Q&A session and thus concludes our call today. We thank you for your interest and participation you may now disconnect your lines.

Okay.