UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒
☐
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to .
Commission file number: 1-11311
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
13-3386776
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
21557 Telegraph Road, Southfield, MI 48033
(248) 447-1500
(Registrant's telephone number including areas code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Title of each class
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Trading Symbol(s)
LEA
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter)
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See
definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Emerging growth company
☒
☐
☐
Accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section
404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of July 4, 2020, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $6,453,113,027. The closing price of the
common stock on July 2, 2020, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was $107.88 per share.
As of February 8, 2021, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock was 60,115,014 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain sections of the registrant’s Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in May 2021, as
described in the Cross Reference Sheet and Table of Contents included herewith, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.
Table of Contents
ITEM 1.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4.
SUPPLEMENTARY
ITEM.
ITEM 5.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 10.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 15.
LEAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET AND TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Page Number
or Reference
Business
Risk factors
Unresolved staff comments
Properties
Legal proceedings
Mine safety disclosures
Information about our executive officers
PART II
Market for the Company’s common equity, related stockholder matters and issuer purchases of equity
securities
Selected financial data
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk (included in Item 7)
Consolidated financial statements and supplementary data
Changes in and disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure
Controls and procedures
Other information
PART III (1)
Directors, executive officers and corporate governance (2)
Executive compensation (3)
Security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters (4)
Certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence (5)
Principal accounting fees and services (6)
Exhibits and financial statement schedule
PART IV
3
19
26
27
28
28
28
30
32
35
54
108
108
108
109
109
109
110
110
110
110
ITEM 16.
Form 10-K Summary
________________________
(1)
Certain information is incorporated by reference, as indicated below, to the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held in May 2021 (the "Proxy Statement").
A portion of the information required is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement sections entitled "Election of Directors" and "Directors
and Corporate Governance."
Incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement sections entitled "Directors and Corporate Governance — Director Compensation,"
"Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Executive Compensation," "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and
"Compensation Committee Report."
A portion of the information required is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement section entitled "Directors and Corporate Governance —
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Management."
Incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement sections entitled "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" and "Directors and
Corporate Governance — Independence of Directors."
Incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement section entitled "Fees of Independent Accountants."
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Table of Contents
PART I
ITEM 1 – BUSINESS
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "Report"), when we use the terms the "Company," "Lear," "we," "us" and "our," unless otherwise indicated or the
context otherwise requires, we are referring to Lear Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. A substantial portion of the Company’s operations are
conducted through subsidiaries controlled by Lear Corporation. The Company is also a party to various joint venture arrangements. Certain disclosures
included in this Report constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. See Item 1A, "Risk Factors," and Part II — Item 7,
"Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-Looking Statements."
BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY
General
Lear Corporation is a leading Tier 1 vertically integrated supplier to the global automotive industry. We supply seating, electrical distribution and
connection systems, electronic systems, and software and connected services, to all of the world's major automotive manufacturers. At Lear, we are Making
by providing technology for safer, smarter and more comfortable journeys, while adhering to our values — Be Inclusive. Be Inventive.
every drive better
Get Results the Right Way.
TM
We have 251 manufacturing, engineering and administrative locations in 38 countries. We continue to grow our business in all automotive producing
regions of the world, both organically and through complementary acquisitions. We continue to restructure our manufacturing footprint to optimize our cost
structure with 68% of our manufacturing facilities and 86% of our employees located in low cost countries.
Built on a foundation and strong culture of innovation, operational excellence and engineering and program management capabilities, we use our product,
design and technological expertise, global reach and competitive manufacturing footprint to achieve the following financial goals and objectives:
•
•
Continue to deliver profitable growth, balancing risks and returns;
Invest in innovation to drive business growth and profitability;
• Maintain a strong balance sheet with investment grade credit metrics; and
•
Consistently return excess cash to our stockholders.
Our business is organized under two reporting segments: Seating and E-Systems. Each of these segments has a varied product and technology range across
a number of component categories:
•
•
Seating — Our Seating segment consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete seat systems, seat subsystems and
key seat components. Our capabilities in operations and supply chain management enable synchronized (just-in-time) assembly and delivery of
high volumes of complex complete seat systems to our customers.
Included in our complete seat system and subsystem solutions are advanced comfort, wellness, safety and sound offerings, as well as configurable
seating product technologies, all of which are compatible with traditional internal combustion engine ("ICE") architectures and the full range of
hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric architectures. Our advanced comfort, wellness, safety and sound offerings are facilitated by our system,
component and integration capabilities, together with our in-house electronics, sensor, software and algorithm competencies. As the most
vertically integrated global seat supplier, our key seat component product offerings include seat trim covers, surface materials such as leather and
fabric, seat mechanisms, seat foam and headrests.
E-Systems — Our E-Systems segment consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete electrical distribution and
connection systems, electronic systems, and software and connected services. The unique combination of these capabilities enables us to provide
our customers with customizable solutions with optimized designs at a competitive cost.
Electrical distribution and connection systems utilize low voltage, high voltage, high speed data cables and flat wiring to connect networks and
electrical signals and manage electrical power within the vehicle for all types of powertrains – from traditional ICE architectures to the full range
of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric architectures. Key components in our electrical distribution portfolio include wire harnesses,
terminals and connectors, and engineered components for both ICE and electrified vehicle architectures that require management of higher voltage
and power.
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Electronic systems facilitate signal, data and power management within the vehicle and include the associated software required to facilitate these
functions. Key components in our electronic systems portfolio include body domain control modules and products specific to electrification and
connectivity trends. Electrification products include on-board battery chargers, power conversion modules, high voltage battery management
systems and high voltage power distribution systems. Connectivity products include gateway modules and communication modules to manage
both wired and wireless networks and data in vehicles. In addition to electronic modules, we offer software that includes cybersecurity, advanced
vehicle positioning for automated and autonomous driving applications and full capabilities in both dedicated short-range communication and
cellular protocols for vehicle connectivity.
Our software and connected services offerings include embedded control software and cloud and mobile device-based software and services. Our
customers traditionally have sourced our electronic hardware together with the software that we embed in it, but such software may also be
sourced by our customers independently of the hardware. Our connected services software solutions include award-winning Xevo Market, an in-
vehicle commerce and service platform that connects customers with their favorite brands and services by delivering highly-contextual sales offers
through vehicle touch screens and vehicle-branded mobile applications.
We serve all of the world's major automotive manufacturers across both our Seating and E-Systems businesses, and we have automotive content on more
than 400 vehicle nameplates worldwide. It is common to have both seating and electrical content on the same and multiple vehicle platforms with a single
customer. Further, with the seat becoming a more dynamic and integrated system requiring increased levels of electrical and electronic integration, the
combined capabilities of our Seating and E-Systems businesses are a competitive advantage.
Our businesses benefit globally from leveraging common operating standards and disciplines, including world-class product development and
manufacturing processes, as well as common customer support and regional infrastructures, all of which contribute to our reputation for operational
excellence. Our core capabilities are shared across component categories and include high-precision manufacturing and assembly with short lead times,
management of complex supply chains, global engineering and program management skills, the agility to establish and/or transfer production between
facilities quickly and a unique customer-focused culture. Our businesses utilize proprietary, industry-specific processes and standards, leverage common
low-cost engineering centers and share centralized operating support functions, such as logistics, supply chain management, quality and health and safety,
as well as all major administrative functions.
We are focused on profitably growing our businesses and have implemented a strategy designed to deliver industry-leading, long-term financial returns.
This strategy includes disciplined investment in our business to grow and enhance our product offerings, strategically focusing our portfolio on products
and technologies to support emerging trends, such as autonomy, connectivity, electrification and shared mobility, and leveraging an industry-leading cost
structure to expand our operating margins.
Responsible and sustainable environmental, social and governance ("ESG") principles and practices are integrated into our strategy and operations. Our
ESG strategy and initiatives are developed by a cross-functional team of senior subject matter experts, reviewed and approved by senior management and
overseen by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board of Directors. We are continuously working to embed ESG into our key
business processes, including corporate strategy, enterprise risk management and product and process development and innovation. Our ESG efforts
demonstrate how we live our core value of Get Results the Right Way, and in 2020, we reinforced this commitment by becoming a signatory of the United
Nations Global Compact.
From an environmental standpoint, our global operations drive the efficient use of energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the prevention of pollution
and safe and sustainable production processes. During 2020, we published ambitious carbon reduction goals that we intend to achieve by 2030, including
100% usage of renewable energy and a 50% reduction in carbon emissions at our manufacturing facilities, as well as an aspiration to be carbon neutral by
2050.
We are innovating, developing and manufacturing products that contribute to a more sustainable economy and future mobility. These range from "green"
products such as SoyFoam , a substitute for certain petroleum-based products, and seat coverings made from recycled ocean plastics, to on-board battery
chargers, battery management systems, high voltage wiring, and terminals and connectors that facilitate hybrid and electric vehicles. Additionally, our
intelligent and reconfigurable seats and electronic modules and software offerings enhance connectivity and support the trend of shared mobility.
TM
We believe the best way to deliver the highest quality products and services is to maintain a work environment that prioritizes safety and fosters
collaboration, inclusion, tolerance and respect for our 175,000 employees around the world. Our key human capital management resource initiatives are set
forth in "— Human Capital Management" below.
We are especially proud of our employee volunteer efforts to support our global communities, such as the educational campaign, "Focus on the Drive," to
increase awareness and decrease the incidence of distracted driving. Through our Operation GIVE campaign, more than $1 million in employee
contributions benefited local programs focused on economic well-being,
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education and the environment in 2020. During 2020, we also reinforced our commitment to human rights, publishing a Human Rights Policy that clearly
defines how we approach, govern and defend the dignity of people throughout our operations, our global supply chain and the communities in which we
operate.
Our governance activities help ensure that our business and operations are conducted in compliance with all applicable laws as well as Lear’s policies and
procedures, particularly our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which addresses conflicts of interest, bribery and corruption, political contributions and
information technology security, among other things. Our Board of Directors, and its Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees,
oversee our compliance and governance activities. Our expectations related to conducting business in a sustainable and ethical manner extend to our supply
base. Suppliers must meet the requirements of our Supplier Sustainability Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct. We monitor their compliance both
internally and through the use of a third party.
Available Information on our Website
Our website address is http://www.lear.com. We make available on our website, free of charge, the periodic reports that we file with or furnish to the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as well as all amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed
with or furnished to the SEC. We also make available on our website or in printed form upon request, free of charge, our Corporate Governance Guidelines,
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (which includes specific provisions for our executive officers), charters for the standing committees of our Board of
Directors and other information related to the Company. We are not including the information contained on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by
reference into, this Report.
The SEC maintains an internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information related to issuers
that file electronically with the SEC.
History
Lear was founded in Detroit in 1917 as American Metal Products, a manufacturer of seating assemblies and other components for the automotive and
aircraft industries, and was incorporated in Delaware in 1987. Through a management-led buyout in 1988, Lear Corporation established itself as a
privately-held seat assembly operation for the North American automobile market with annual sales of approximately $900 million. We completed an
initial public offering in 1994 and developed into a global supplier through organic growth and a series of acquisitions.
In May 1999, we acquired UT Automotive, Inc. ("UT Automotive") from United Technologies Corporation. UT Automotive was a leading supplier of
automotive electrical distribution systems. The acquisition of UT Automotive represented our entry into automotive electrical and electronic systems and
was the basis for our current E-Systems segment.
We have subsequently augmented our internal growth plans with selective acquisitions and investments to expand our component capabilities and global
footprint, as well as expand our technology portfolio:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
In May 2012, we acquired Guilford Mills, a leading supplier of automotive seat and interior fabric, for approximately $243 million.
In January 2015, we acquired Everett Smith Group, Ltd., the parent company of Eagle Ottawa, LLC ("Eagle Ottawa"), the world's leading
provider of leather for the automotive industry, for approximately $844 million.
In August 2015, we acquired intellectual property and technology from Autonet Mobile, a developer of wireless communication software and
devices for automotive applications.
In November 2015, we acquired Arada Systems Inc., an automotive technology company that specializes in vehicle-to-vehicle ("V2V") and
vehicle-to-infrastructure ("V2I" and together with V2V, "V2X") communications.
In April 2017, we acquired Grupo Antolin's automotive seating business for approximately $292 million.
In January 2018, we acquired Israel-based EXO Technologies, a leading developer of differentiated GPS technology providing high-accuracy
positioning solutions for autonomous and connected vehicle applications.
In January 2019, we launched Lear Innovation Ventures ("LIV") to supplement our internal innovation efforts. LIV provides us with a framework
to invest in advanced development teams, partnerships and early stage technologies by working with venture capital firms, accelerators and
incubators, as well as by providing direct capital to start-ups and internal innovation initiatives.
In April 2019, we acquired Xevo Inc. ("Xevo"), a Seattle-based, global leader in connected car software, for approximately $322 million. Xevo is
a supplier of software solutions for the cloud, vehicles and mobile devices that are deployed in millions of vehicles worldwide.
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Industry and Strategy
We supply all vehicle segments of the automotive light vehicle original equipment market in every major automotive producing region in the world. Our
sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the automotive manufacturers, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for automotive
vehicles, and our content per vehicle. Global automotive industry production volumes declined 6% in 2019 and another 17% in 2020 to 72.6 million units,
largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details on light vehicle production in certain key regions for 2020 and 2019 are provided below. Our actual results are impacted by the specific mix of
products within each market, as well as other factors described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors."
(In thousands of units)
North America
Europe and Africa
Asia
South America
Other
Total
(1) Production data based on IHS Markit.
(2) Production data for 2019 has been updated from our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect actual production levels.
Details on light vehicle production in certain emerging markets for 2020 and 2019 are provided below.
(In thousands of units)
China
India
Brazil
Russia
(1) Production data based on IHS Markit.
(2) Production data for 2019 has been updated from our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect actual production levels.
Details on our sales in certain key regions for 2020 and 2019 are provided below.
(In millions)
North America
Europe and Africa
Asia
South America
Total
China (consolidated)
China (non-consolidated)
$
$
$
2020
(1)
2019
(1) (2)
13,027.3
16,873.9
39,257.7
2,163.5
1,323.5
72,645.9
16,314.4
21,703.8
44,651.8
3,128.5
1,417.0
87,215.5
2020
(1)
2019
(1) (2)
21,899.5
3,199.3
1,904.7
1,324.7
23,133.2
4,166.5
2,803.8
1,597.7
2020
2019
6,630.5 $
6,240.3
3,655.3
519.4
17,045.5 $
7,365.5
7,785.5
3,968.3
691.0
19,810.3
% Change
(20%)
(22%)
(12%)
(31%)
(7%)
(17%)
% Change
(5%)
(23%)
(32%)
(17%)
% Change
(10%)
(20%)
(8%)
(25%)
(14%)
2,592.7 $
1,210.2
2,579.7
1,166.6
1%
4%
Key trends affecting our business include electrification, connectivity and autonomy. In addition, our business is affected by the consolidation of
automotive manufacturers, as well as new non-traditional entrants to the automotive industry, the collaboration of automotive manufacturers on
commonized vehicle platforms, increasing demand for luxury and performance features, including increasing levels of electrical and electronic content, and
China’s emergence as the largest automotive market in the world. In particular, we believe that we have a significant opportunity for growth in China with
both global and domestic automotive manufacturers.
Another key trend benefiting our business is the shift toward crossover and sport utility vehicles. Our content on such vehicles, especially those for which
our Seating segment supplies products, can be significantly higher than our average content per vehicle. Crossover and sport utility vehicle production has
grown to approximately 40% of total vehicle production in 2020, up from 27% of total vehicle production five years ago. China has been a major driver of
this trend, where crossover and sport utility vehicle production now comprises approximately 43% of total vehicle production, up from 28% of total vehicle
production five years ago.
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Our strategy addresses these trends and the major imperatives for success as an automotive supplier: quality, service, cost and efficiency, and innovation
and technology. We have expanded key component and software capabilities through organic investment and acquisitions to ensure a full complement of
the best solutions for our customers. We have restructured, and continue to align, our manufacturing and engineering footprint to attain a leading
competitive cost position globally. We have established or expanded activities in new and growing markets, especially China, in support of our customers’
growth initiatives and in pursuit of opportunities with new customers. These initiatives have helped us achieve our financial goals overall, as well as a more
balanced regional, customer and vehicle segment diversification in our business.
In addition, we believe that demand for energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, as well as the demand for enhanced communications and safety,
are driving the technology trends of electrification, connectivity and autonomy. We are focused on those trends which provide us with significant business
opportunities where we have competitive differentiation and innovative technology. While both of our businesses are powertrain agnostic, we are well
positioned to capitalize on the following technology trends, each of which is likely to be at the forefront of our industry for the foreseeable future in light of
the long-term convergence toward electric, connected and autonomous vehicles:
•
Electrification – Demand for more energy efficient vehicles is increasing, both from automotive manufacturers to meet stricter fuel economy
and emissions standards and from a growing segment of end consumers who wish to reduce the carbon impact of automobiles. This requires
further use of electronically controlled and assisted powertrains and related components to improve fuel efficiency, the adoption of alternative
energy powertrains, such as 48-volt mild hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure battery electric, that facilitate electrification of the vehicle,
and the use of lighter weight materials throughout the vehicle.
• Connectivity – Customer and consumer demands for continuous communication and information exchange with the vehicle are increasing. What
began with consumer demand to extend and integrate mobile connectivity into the vehicle by connecting mobile devices with vehicle
infotainment systems is evolving such that the vehicle has an embedded, direct line of wireless communication connecting it with various
networks (e.g., cellular, infrastructure, satellite, etc.) and other vehicles. We expect these trends to continue, making the vehicle a constantly
connected device, receiving and transmitting data through a variety of signals which communicate directly with on-board vehicle systems, and
facilitating delivery of content and services for consumers and automotive manufacturers.
• Autonomy/Advanced Driver Assistance – Customer and consumer demands are evolving from safety features and systems that protect vehicle
occupants when a crash occurs to advanced driver assistance systems that help prevent crashes by assisting in the vehicle’s operation under
certain conditions. The development of automated intervention uses many of the same core technologies that will enable vehicles to drive
autonomously under an increasing variety of driving conditions.
•
Shared Mobility – As vehicle utilization increases and ride-sharing becomes more relevant, customer and consumer demands for more services,
enhanced personalization and an improved mobility experience are also increasing.
Regulation is also a major influence on these trends, as government mandates (e.g., for vehicles to meet minimum fuel economy and emissions standards or
be equipped with certain safety-related components) are driving vehicle design and technology plans.
We are well positioned with respect to these trends as we design and manufacture products across our entire E-Systems portfolio that are aligned with the
trends toward electrification, connectivity, autonomy and shared mobility. Our product lines offer growth opportunities that are aligned with these trends
but are ultimately dependent on global vehicle production volumes.
Furthermore, our seats are an active part of the occupant experience and the vehicle safety system. As a result of our innovative product design and
technology capabilities, we are able to provide seats with enhanced safety features, such as the active head restraint and seat mechanisms that withstand
collision impact in excess of what is demanded by regulatory agencies. We have developed products and materials to reduce cost and enhance seat design
and packaging flexibility, including our mini recliners and micro adjust tracks. Additionally, we have focused our innovation efforts on the configurability
TM
of seat positioning, which provides consumers with advanced seating features and functionality and has resulted in the development of our ConfigurE+
configurable seat system. Another way in which we are well positioned to benefit from this trend-related growth is our belief that the seat system will
become increasingly more sophisticated, dynamic and connected to both the occupants and the vehicle. The seat is the logical focal point for monitoring the
driver and passengers and for facilitating feedback between the vehicle and the occupants.
We believe that the convergence of these technology trends and eventual proliferation of autonomous vehicles will benefit both our Seating and E-Systems
segments. We believe that autonomous vehicles will have seat designs and requirements that are far more flexible and demanding in both autonomous and
piloted driving states. Further, more active monitoring of the driver and the driver’s position and physical state will be required to manage the transitions
between autonomous and piloted driving conditions. A demand for mobility services and on-demand transportation from providers such as Uber, Lyft and
Didi (in China)
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is helping to drive interest and growth in these technology trends, particularly fully autonomous vehicles. The increasing prevalence of mobility services
will potentially create a new segment of autonomous vehicle fleet customers with unique vehicle technology and design needs, including more flexible,
durable and connected seating solutions for a wide range of passengers. Not only will autonomous vehicles need to be fully connected and networked to
maximize their safety and efficiency, their power consumption will be significantly higher to support the array of sensors and processing power required to
operate such vehicles. This will allow us to take further advantage of our ability to design and offer efficient power management solutions. INTU Seating
and ConfigurE+ in our Seating segment and our capabilities in connectivity, including gateway modules, and the features and functions facilitated by
Xevo market in our E-Systems segment are well-aligned with the trend toward autonomous vehicles.
TM
TM
Seating Segment
Lear is a recognized global leader in complete automotive seat systems, realizing a 23% global market share in 2020. Additionally, Lear is a recognized
leader in key individual seat components. The Seating segment consists of the design, development, engineering, just-in-time assembly and delivery of
complete seat systems, as well as the design, development, engineering and manufacture of all major seat components, including seat covers and surface
materials such as leather and fabric, seat mechanisms, seat foam and headrests. Our extensive system level knowledge and component level capabilities,
including internal development of sensor and control algorithms, have provided a solid foundation for innovation and commercialization of advanced
comfort, wellness and convenience features. We believe that we have the most complete set of component offerings of any automotive seating supplier and
are a leader in every automotive producing market in the world. Further, our INTU Seating and ConfigurE+ offerings, in addition to our light weight
and more environmentally friendly products, are well-aligned with the trends toward electrification, connectivity and autonomy. Overall, our global
manufacturing and engineering expertise, low-cost footprint, complete component capabilities, quality leadership and strong customer relationships provide
us with a solid platform for both organic and inorganic growth opportunities to reach our target global market share of 28% in complete automotive seat
systems.
TM
TM
We produce seat systems that are fully assembled and ready for installation in automobiles and light trucks. Seat systems are generally designed and
engineered for specific vehicle models or platforms. We develop seat systems and components for all vehicle segments from compact cars to pick-up trucks
and full-size sport utility vehicles. We are the world leader in luxury and performance automotive seating, providing craftsmanship, elegance in design, use
of innovative materials and industry-leading technology required by premium brands, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Jaguar Land
Rover, Lamborghini, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
We are continuing to execute our strategy of selective vertical integration of key seat components to enhance growth, improve quality, increase profitability
and support our current market position in just-in-time seat assembly. In this regard, our capabilities in seat mechanisms include complete development and
manufacturing capabilities in key locations to supply every major automotive producing region in the world. In addition, we have developed standardized
seat mechanisms that can be used across multiple vehicle programs to minimize investment costs. We believe that our low-cost manufacturing footprint in
seat mechanisms and our precision engineered seat mechanism expertise are competitive advantages.
We have continued to grow our seat cover operations in low-cost markets, including precision cutting, assembly, sewing and lamination. We are also
continuing to develop our fabric business (originally secured through our acquisition of Guilford Performance Textiles), and our acquisition of Eagle
Ottawa has afforded us an industry-leading market share in automotive leather globally. Our capabilities in leather design, development and manufacturing
allow us to deliver the most luxurious, durable and performance-tested leathers to our customers. On a global basis, we can provide a full range of seat
cover capabilities, including design and surface coating solutions, as well as unique leather and fabric applications. We believe that the combination of
these capabilities in seating surface materials differentiates us and provides us with a competitive advantage facilitating our leadership position in the
industry.
We are committed to sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint of our products, operations and supply chain to meet current needs without
compromising future generations. With a diverse team, we work to improve the sustainability of our operations through identification and reduction of
generated waste, reuse of materials whenever possible and recycling. Our sustainability efforts leverage available technology to substitute certain
petroleum-based products with "green" products such as SoyFoam and to manufacture a range of fabrics that contain recycled, renewable or recyclable
yarns that reduce our environmental impact. For example, we manufacture fabric with recycled content, such as recycled polyester derived from post-
consumer waste, through grinding and re–extruding processes. Ocean Waste yarns are sourced from plastic ocean garbage that collects in fishing nets. After
segregation, PET plastic bottles and other plastic waste are recycled into a high-quality polymer, which is used to produce 100% recycled polyester yarn for
fabric production.
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Advanced Seating Craftsmanship and Innovation
We believe that our broad portfolio of capabilities, including advanced design and material integration skills, is a differentiating competitive advantage for
us. Our team of experts at our Center for Craftsmanship in Southfield, Michigan has developed a portfolio of product technologies that deliver
differentiated design, craftsmanship and comfort, as well as sustainable products. Through this dedicated studio, we are leveraging our unique position to
be an industry leader in differentiated design and facilitating customer interactions with designers and engineers working collaboratively to create
innovative solutions early in the design process. The breadth of our portfolio and depth of our design expertise allow us to have early involvement in the
automotive manufacturer’s design process and the opportunity to better integrate all seating components to provide differentiated design comfort, quality
and overall value for the end consumer. We believe that our unmatched component capabilities, design know-how, global manufacturing presence and our
portfolio of enabling and sustainable technologies uniquely position us to bring innovative designs into production with the highest level of craftsmanship.
We believe that we are the only fully integrated seating supplier with global capabilities in critical seat components, together with global electronics
(including software) design, integration and manufacturing expertise. To maintain our competitive advantage, we continue to drive advanced seating
innovations through a combination of comprehensive product capabilities aligned with industry mega trends and early customer engagement. The result is a
broad portfolio of innovative, sustainable solutions enabling our intelligent seating offerings for today and tomorrow. Examples of our advanced
technology offerings can be found in our Intelligent Seating (INTU Seating) systems and Configurable Seating Architecture (ConfigurE+ ) products.
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Intelligent Seating (INTU Seating)
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The seat offers a direct connection between the driver, passengers and vehicle systems. Our development of INTU technologies provides the driver and
passengers with intelligent, intuitive seat system options that offer enhanced wellness, safety, comfort and sound performance. Our extensive knowledge in
consumer ergonomics and comfort, in combination with our electronics’ capabilities, facilitated the development of our INTU seat features, which are
capable of being programmed to identify certain key occupant inputs and automatically adjust the appropriate seat parameters to provide consumers with a
better, highly personalized, in-vehicle experience. Our suite of INTU technologies includes comfort, wellness, sound and safety.
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Our INTU Comfort features were developed to improve comfort throughout long drives. Derived from our research, INTU Comfort deploys
proprietary technology and in-house developed analytical processes to identify the optimal seat position for the occupant given certain conditions. For
example, on extended trips, the lumbar support is continuously adjusted for optimal comfort, and seat bolsters automatically adjust during sharp curves to
provide the driver with optimal support. The latest addition to the INTU Comfort features is our INTU Thermal Comfort system. We have developed
and driven efficiencies into individual seat components and full system integration to outperform existing systems. Continued advancements in our
INTU Thermal Comfort system are targeted to optimize the overall thermal performance of the vehicle interior, which may reduce vehicle energy
consumption of both ICE and electric vehicles.
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Configurable Seating Architecture (ConfigurE+ )
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The ability to provide flexible seat positioning while offering consumers advanced seating features and functions is now achievable through our
ConfigurE+ configurable seating architecture. Winner of a PACE Award (Automotive News annual award for innovation in the automotive industry),
ConfigurE+ with its configurable powered rail system enables selective seat positioning and/or removal for virtually limitless configurations while
maintaining the functionality of the seat’s electronic features. By providing power without a wire harness, seats can be easily removed, and vehicle cabins
can be quickly customized for traditional passenger or conference configurations, cargo, etc. providing flexibility for personal, autonomous, ride-share and
public transportation needs. Further, the potential market for ConfigurE+ includes commercial trucks, as well as light vehicles.
TM
Other Core Capabilities
With capabilities unmatched by any seat supplier in the industry, we consistently produce world-class seat systems to exceed the expectations of every type
of driver and passenger. Our designs incorporate intelligent features, and our patented modular sub-assemblies with embedded technologies transform the
seating market.
We maintain state-of-the-art testing, instrumentation and data analysis capabilities. We possess in-house, industry-leading seat validation test centers
featuring crashworthiness, durability and full acoustic and sound quality testing capabilities. Together with computer-controlled data acquisition and
analysis capabilities, these centers provide precisely controlled laboratory conditions for sophisticated testing of parts, materials and systems. In addition,
we incorporate many convenience, comfort and safety features into our designs, including advanced whiplash prevention concepts, integrated restraint seat
systems and side impact airbags. We also invest in our computer-aided engineering design and computer-aided manufacturing systems.
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We have developed products and materials to improve comfort and ease of adjustment, promote customization and styling flexibility, increase durability
and reliability, enhance safety, expand the usage of environmentally friendly materials and reduce cost and weight.
Our core capabilities extend into key seat components as well, including:
•
•
•
Leather and Fabric – We deliver the most luxurious, durable and performance-tested leathers to more automotive brands globally than any other
automotive leather supplier, while ensuring sustainable and responsible sourcing practices. Our premium leathers are designed for seamless
integration with our industry leading secondary operations, exceeding customer expectations for quality and service. Our Eagle Ottawa premium
leather group has developed and launched a new technology that allows for the creation of highly customizable designs with new levels of
definition and pillowing, improving the comfort and style of the seat while retaining the air flow necessary for ventilated seats. This technology
has already been launched in Europe with additional program awards to launch in North America in 2021. Additionally, our proprietary anti-
soiling performance leather finishing technology, Ansolé™, improves durability and protects against staining and fading.
Our Guilford Premium Suede is a market-driven unique product positioned to compete with premium non-woven materials by providing a light
weight, cost effective solution with improved functionality. Guilford Premium Suede is a luxury, premium material which is versatile and suitable
for various interior applications, providing increased elongation and improved moldability for manufacturing processes. Our branded Texstyle
surface material coatings and treatment technologies enhance cleanability by releasing and repelling stains; prevent the growth of bacteria and
mildew through the addition of antimicrobial treatments, including silver ion technologies; protect fabric against water and oil-based stains;
minimize soiling of light colors; and are anti-static and anti-dusting.
Seat Mechanisms – We supply world-class front-row and rear seat systems, recliners, tracks, latches and other products in a scalable modular
family. Our seat architectures are a core component of our industry-leading vertical integration capabilities around the world. Smaller, low-
weight and low-noise materials deliver high performance, safety and functionality.
Our high-speed smart fold technology is a regulated folding adjustment mechanism that delivers premium convenience while maintaining leading
safety and comfort benefits. Our mini recliners and micro adjust tracks are seat mechanisms, which provide precision movement and facilitate
interior packaging space flexibility. Our ECO Structures utilize an innovative hub and spoke concept offering economic solutions for developing
markets.
Foam and Comfort – Self-blended, custom foam formulations are at the heart of our seats. Our highly engineered low-profile foam, low-emission
foam and our first-to-market, U.S.-sourced SoyFoam™ are break-through innovations in comfort, safety and sustainability.
Manufacturing Leadership
Our continued focus on expanding our expertise and capabilities in materials, logistics and manufacturing is a key enabler in providing our customers with
world-class seat system products. Our unique proprietary processes and employee engagement initiatives will continue to provide us with a competitive
advantage.
We pioneered just-in-time ("JIT") seat assembly. Typically located adjacent to or near our customers’ manufacturing and assembly sites, our JIT facilities
deliver finished products matching our customers’ exact build specifications for a particular day, shift and sequence. Our expertise in logistics and lean
manufacturing processes enable us to meet our customers’ delivery requirements while maintaining inventories at optimum levels.
Believed to be the world’s most vertically integrated manufacturer of complete seat systems, we utilize the latest industry innovations and automated
technologies to facilitate our continuous improvement efforts. Moreover, we have continued to expand our employee engagement initiatives achieving
global scalability, successfully driving cultural advances. Our initiatives have resulted in increased first-time quality, decreased absenteeism, material cost
reductions and decreased average build times per vehicle.
Customers
The top five customers of our Seating segment are: General Motors, Daimler, Stellantis (reflective of the 2021 merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler),
Volkswagen and Ford.
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Competition
Based on independent market studies and management estimates, we believe that we hold the #2 position in seat systems assembly globally on the basis of
revenue with strong positions in all major markets. We are a leading supplier of various components produced for complete seat systems.
Our primary competitors in this segment globally are Adient, plc, Faurecia S.A., Magna International Inc., Toyota Boshoku Corporation and TS Tech Co.,
Ltd., which have varying market presence depending on the region, country or automotive manufacturer. Peugeot S.A., Toyota Motor Corporation and
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. hold equity ownership positions in Faurecia S.A., Toyota Boshoku Corporation and TS Tech Co., Ltd., respectively. Other
automotive manufacturers maintain a presence in the seat systems market through wholly owned subsidiaries or in-house operations. In seat components,
we compete with the seat systems suppliers identified above, as well as certain suppliers that specialize in particular components.
For additional factors that may impact our Seating segment’s business, financial condition, operating results and/or cash flows, see Item 1A, "Risk Factors."
E-Systems Segment
The E-Systems segment consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete electrical distribution and connection systems,
electronic systems, and software and connected services for light vehicles globally. We are a leader in signal distribution and power management within the
vehicle for all types of powertrains – from traditional ICE architectures to the full range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric architectures. We
have connectivity hardware and software capabilities, including cybersecurity expertise, that facilitate secure, wireless communication between the
vehicle’s electrical and electronic architecture and external networks, as well as mobile devices and other vehicles. We also offer software and services for
the cloud, vehicles and mobile devices that enable consumer e-commerce, multi-media applications and enterprise services among other new and emerging
applications.
As the only automotive supplier with both electrical distribution and electronic capabilities for all vehicle architectures, we have a competitive advantage as
we are able to offer our customers customized solutions optimized to provide complete architecture benefits. Our component designs contemplate the
complete architecture performance, creating superior value for our customers and providing us with a competitive advantage. Our investments in
electrification over the past twelve years are providing us with a significant growth opportunity with respect to this trend. Further, electrified vehicle
architectures represent a significant content per vehicle expansion opportunity for us, with two to three times the potential content per vehicle opportunity
of traditional ICE architectures.
Electrical Distribution and Connection Systems
Electrical distribution and connection systems route networks and electrical signals and manage electrical power within the vehicle for all types of
powertrains, including traditional ICE architectures and the full range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric architectures, supporting the current
industry trend toward electrification. Key components in the electrical distribution and connection system include wire harnesses, terminals and connectors,
and engineered components for both ICE and electrified vehicle architectures that require management of higher voltage and power.
Wire harness assemblies are a collection of wiring, terminals and connectors, and engineered components that link all of the various electrical and
electronic devices within the vehicle to each other and/or to a power source. Our wire harnesses provide low voltage (12 volts / 48 volts) and high voltage
(60 volts – 800 volts) power distribution. Low voltage wire harnesses are used on all light duty vehicles, and high voltage wire harnesses are used on
hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Wire harness assemblies are a collection of individual circuits fabricated from raw and insulated wire,
which is automatically cut to length and terminated during the manufacturing process. Individual circuits are assembled together, inserted into connectors
and wrapped or taped to form wire harness assemblies. The assembly process is labor intensive, and as a result, production is generally performed in low-
cost labor sites in Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, Eastern Europe, Africa, China and the Philippines.
Connection systems include conductive metal components and connector housings that join wire harness assemblies together at their respective end points
or connect devices to wire harness assemblies. Connection systems can vary significantly in size and complexity depending on the amount of power or data
being transferred and the number of connections being made at any particular point in the electrical distribution system. Terminals and connectors support
both low voltage (12 volts / 48 volts) and high voltage (60 volts – 800 volts). Low voltage terminals and connectors are applicable on all light duty
vehicles, and high voltage terminals and connectors are applicable on hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Our terminals and connectors are
produced by highly automated processes including stamping, injection molding, and automated assembly processes. Our terminals and connectors are
currently manufactured in Germany, Eastern Europe, China and the United States. Key material inputs to our terminals and connectors business include
metals, such as copper and aluminum, and various resins.
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Engineered components consist of molded components included as part of a wire harness or electronic assembly that perform specific engineered functions
such as protection, routing, sealing or covering to ensure that the wire harness or electronic assembly properly performs its function. Engineered
components are applicable on all vehicle architectures and are produced using molding processes. Our engineered components are currently manufactured
in Germany, Czech Republic, the United States and China. Key material inputs to our engineered components are various resins.
Electronic Systems
In our E-Systems segment, we also design, develop, engineer and manufacture electronic systems, which control various functions within the vehicle, as
well as develop and integrate the associated software for these electronic systems. Our embedded software solutions have traditionally been sourced as a
system with our electronic hardware offerings. Although this trend continues, customers are beginning to source software separately from the related
hardware. Our established capabilities in embedded control software will allow us to capitalize on such opportunities. Our electronic modules include body
domain control modules, smart and passive junction boxes and gateway and communication modules that are applicable to all vehicle types. As a result of
twelve years of investment in electrification, our electronic systems business also includes electronic modules that are specific to hybrid and electric
vehicles, such as on-board battery chargers, power conversion modules, high voltage battery management systems and high voltage power distribution. Our
engineering and development activities for electronics are in the United States (Southfield, Michigan), Germany, Spain, China and India. We assemble
these modules using capital-intensive, high-speed surface mount placement equipment and assembly processes in Mexico, Europe, Northern Africa and
China. Electronic system products and their applications include:
•
•
Body Domain Control Modules – Body domain control modules primarily control vehicle interior functions outside of the vehicle’s head unit or
infotainment system. Depending on the vehicle’s electrical and electronic architecture, these modules can be either highly integrated,
consolidating multiple functional controls into a single module, or focus on a specific function, such as seat position and comfort controls or the
door zone control module which controls features such as window lift, door lock and power mirrors. Key components include various
semiconductor devices, passive electronic components and printed circuit boards.
Smart and Passive Junction Boxes – Passive junction boxes are centrally located modules within the vehicle that contain fuses and/or relays for
circuit and device protection and serve as a connection point for multiple wire harnesses. Smart junction boxes represent the integration of
junction boxes with certain body domain control module functions, which can provide higher efficiency solutions for packaging size, mass and
assembly in certain vehicle electrical architectures. Certain materials, particularly certain specialized electronic components, are available from a
limited number of suppliers.
• Gateway and Communication Modules – We develop and produce gateway modules, which facilitate secure access to, and communication
with, all of the vehicle systems at a central point and translate various signals to facilitate data exchange across various vehicle domains. Our
connectivity capabilities include communication modules which manage wireless communications over cellular (including 5G), V2X, Bluetooth
and WiFi and are connected to the vehicle networks. We develop and provide hardware and software for these products. We also have capabilities
in high accuracy vehicle positioning through a cloud-computing-based system combined with software in vehicles to achieve high precision
navigation solutions for our customers’ V2X and automated vehicle platforms. Key components include semiconductor devices, passive
electronic components and printed circuit boards.
•
Integrated Power Modules – Integrated power modules are power electronics products used on hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric
vehicles that have at least two, but typically three, functions integrated into a single module to achieve efficiencies, including packaging size,
reduced electrical connections and reduced mass. Our offerings are focused on the integration of on-board battery chargers, DC/DC converters
and high voltage power distribution. Each of these products can be integrated into a single integrated power module or purchased independently
depending on the automotive manufacturer’s architectural preferences.
– On-board battery chargers are electronic modules that convert power from the electrical grid to high voltage direct current power to
charge high voltage batteries for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. These are applicable on all plug-in hybrid and battery
electric vehicles. Key components include semiconductor electronic components, passive electronic components, printed circuit boards
and aluminum castings.
– DC/DC converters are electronic modules that convert voltage levels of power between high voltage and 12V electrical architectures.
DC/DC converters are applicable on hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicle types. Key components include semiconductors,
passive electronic components, printed circuit boards and aluminum castings.
– High voltage power distribution units are electronic control modules that provide switching of high voltage power between the different
loads and sources within a high voltage electrical architecture. Battery
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disconnect units are a specialized type of high voltage power distribution unit that may be packaged inside the vehicle’s high voltage
battery. High voltage power distribution units are applicable on hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Key components
include copper bus bars, contactors and molded housings.
• High Voltage Battery Management Systems – High voltage battery management systems are a system of multiple electronic control modules
comprised of sensing modules and computing modules that provide sensing and assessment of the high voltage battery’s condition, performance
and status, as well as calculate appropriate control adjustments to battery temperature control, amperage draw and charge rate to ensure proper
performance of the system. These systems are applicable on hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Key components include
semiconductors, application specific integrated circuits and passive electronic components.
Software and Connected Services
Our software offerings include embedded software which is impacted by the increased complexity and processing power in electronic systems and is
driving rapid increases in software requirements associated with these systems. Accordingly, we continue to build on our knowledge and capabilities in
software in order to design and develop more complex and integrated electronic systems capable of more efficiently managing the distribution of power
and data signals through the vehicle.
Software arising from our electronic systems product lines, where our customers' sourcing practices are beginning to consider software independent from
hardware, include certain capabilities in body, connectivity and electrification domains of the vehicle. New modular software architectures, developed by
us and others, enable software to be potentially sourced independent of hardware. We are beginning to offer our software solutions in this way. Software is
applicable on all light duty vehicles and is developed in Germany, the United States and India using processes dependent on highly skilled and specialized
labor.
Our connected services software solutions include award-winning Xevo Market, an in-vehicle commerce and service platform that connects customers with
their favorite brands and services by delivering highly-contextual sales offers through vehicle touch screens and vehicle-branded mobile applications.
Connected services are applicable on all light duty vehicles and are developed in the United States and Japan using processes dependent on highly skilled
and specialized labor.
Customers
The top five customers of our E-Systems segment are: Ford, Volkswagen, Renault-Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Geely.
Competition
Our major competitors in electrical distribution and connection systems include Aptiv PLC, Leoni AG, Molex Incorporated (a subsidiary of Koch
Industries Inc.), Sumitomo Corporation, TE Connectivity and Yazaki Corporation. Our major competitors in electronic modules, including connectivity
solutions, include Aptiv PLC, Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Harman International Industries, Incorporated (a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co.
Ltd.), Hella AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, Valeo S.A. and Visteon Corporation.
Technology
Our complete electrical distribution and connection system design capabilities, coupled with certain market-leading component technologies, allow access
to our customers’ development teams, which provides an early indication of our customers’ product needs and enables us to develop system design
efficiencies. Our ability to design and integrate electronic modules creates a competitive advantage as we support customers with complete electrical
architecture development. The E-Systems segment is technology driven and typically requires higher investment as a percentage of sales than our Seating
segment. Our expertise is developed and delivered by approximately 2,600 engineers across sixteen countries and is led by six global technology centers of
excellence in Belgium, China, Germany, Spain and the United States (Southfield, MI and Seattle, WA) for each of our major product lines in this segment,
which are described below.
In electrical distribution and connection systems, our technology includes expertise in the design and use of alternative conductor materials, such as
aluminum, copper-clad steel and other hybrid alloys. Alternative conductor materials can enable the use of ultra small gauge conductors, which reduce the
weight and packaging size of electrical distribution and connection systems. We also have developed proprietary manufacturing process technologies, such
as our vertical manufacturing system that features three dimensional wire harness assembly boards. Our expertise in terminals and connectors technology
facilitates our ability to implement these small gauge and alternative alloy conductors. We have developed advanced capabilities in aluminum terminals and
aluminum wire termination, ultra small gauge termination and high voltage terminals and connectors. We have developed high packaging density in-line
connectors and new small gauge terminals that will enable wire gauge reduction and provide our customers with smaller and lower cost solutions. Our high
voltage terminals and connectors are a part of our advanced efficiency systems capabilities, and we have established a leading capability in power density
(power per
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packaging size) that is being adopted by multiple automotive manufacturers. We have approximately 650 patents issued or applied for in the advanced
efficiency systems product technology area. These technologies are supported by our proprietary virtual proving grounds, which is an industry-leading suite
of in-house developed tools and processes to significantly reduce the design, development and validation testing time and expense.
In electronic systems, we are a market leader in smart junction box technology and began production of our Automotive News PACE Award winning Solid
State Smart Junction Box™ in 2016. We are a leader in gateway module technology and have capabilities to enable our gateway and other electronic
control modules to efficiently and securely manage the increasing amount of both wired and wireless signals running throughout, as well as outside of, the
vehicle, including being first-to-market with an ethernet-enabled gateway module. In high power electronics, we offer high efficiency battery chargers,
which charge vehicles faster, high voltage battery management systems, which optimize battery performance for longer range and faster charging, and
highly integrated power modules, which reduce cost, weight and size while reducing time to charge and extending electric vehicle range. Our connectivity
technologies include full software capabilities in-house, 5G cellular expertise, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and cybersecurity.
Software remains a critical element of our E-Systems business. Software capabilities are becoming more important in the management of complex and
highly sophisticated electrical architectures. Software within the vehicle is rapidly growing as a key element of technological innovation and a cost
effective way to provide new features and functions. We currently employ approximately 900 software engineers globally and are pursuing expansion of
specialized capabilities in vehicle networking, control algorithms, cybersecurity and connectivity platforms and protocols.
For additional factors that may impact our E-Systems segment’s business, financial condition, operating results and/or cash flows, see Item 1A, "Risk
Factors."
Customers
In 2020, General Motors and Ford, two of the largest automotive and light truck manufacturers in the world, accounted for 19% and 13% of our net sales,
respectively. In addition, Stellantis (reflective of the 2021 merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler) accounted for 11% of our 2020 net sales. We supply and have
expertise in all vehicle segments of the automotive market. Our sales content tends to be higher on those vehicle platforms and segments which offer more
features and functionality. The popularity of particular vehicle platforms and segments varies over time and by regional market. We expect to continue to
win new business and grow sales at a greater rate than overall automotive industry production. For further information related to our customers and
domestic and foreign sales and operations, see Note 15, "Segment Reporting," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Our customers award business to their suppliers in a number of ways, including the award of complete systems, which allows suppliers either to
manufacture components internally or to purchase components from other suppliers at their discretion. Certain of our customers also elect to award certain
components directly to component suppliers and independent of the award of the complete system. We have been selectively expanding our component
capabilities and investing in manufacturing capacity in low-cost regions in order to enhance our cost competitive structure and maximize our participation
in such direct component sourcing by our customers.
Our customers typically award contracts several years before actual production is scheduled to begin. Each year, the automotive manufacturers introduce
new models, update existing models and discontinue certain models and, periodically, even complete brands. In this process, we may be selected as the
supplier on a new model, we may continue as the supplier on an updated model or we may lose the business on a new or updated model to a competitor.
Our sales backlog reflects our estimated net sales over the next three years from formally awarded new programs, less lost and discontinued programs. This
measure excludes the sales backlog at our non-consolidated joint ventures. As of January 2021, our 2021 to 2023 sales backlog is $2.8 billion, an increase
of 4% as compared to our sales backlog as of January 2020. Our current sales backlog reflects $1.0 billion related to 2021 and 68% and 32% related to our
Seating and E-Systems segments, respectively. In addition, our 2021 to 2023 sales backlog at our non-consolidated joint ventures is approximately $400
million. Our current sales backlog assumes volumes based on the independent industry projections of IHS Markit as of December 2020 and internal
estimates, a Euro exchange rate of $1.18/Euro and a Chinese RMB exchange rate of 6.65/$. This sales backlog is generally subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, including vehicle production volumes on new and replacement programs and foreign exchange rates, as well as the timing of production
launches and changes in customer development plans. For additional information regarding risks that may affect our sales backlog, see Item 1A, "Risk
Factors," and Part II — Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-Looking
Statements."
We receive purchase orders from our customers that generally provide for the supply of a customer’s annual requirements for a particular vehicle model
and assembly plant, or in some cases, for the supply of a customer’s requirements for the life of a particular vehicle model, rather than for the purchase of a
specified quantity of products. Although most purchase orders may be terminated by our customers at any time, such terminations have been infrequent and
have not had a material impact on our
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operating results. We are subject to risks that an automotive manufacturer will produce fewer units of a vehicle model than anticipated or that an
automotive manufacturer will not award us a replacement program following the life of a vehicle model. To reduce our reliance on any one vehicle model,
we produce automotive systems and components for a broad cross-section of both new and established models. However, larger cars and light trucks, as
well as vehicle platforms that offer more features and functionality, such as luxury, sport utility and crossover vehicles, typically have more content and,
therefore, tend to have a more significant impact on our operating performance. Our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2020, consisted of 31%
passenger cars, 52% crossover and sport utility vehicles and 17% trucks and vans.
Our agreements with our major customers generally provide for an annual productivity price reduction. Historically, cost reductions through product design
changes, increased manufacturing productivity and similar programs with our suppliers have generally offset these customer-imposed price reduction
requirements. However, raw material, energy and commodity costs can be volatile. Although we have developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the
impact of higher raw material, energy and commodity costs, these strategies, together with commercial negotiations with our customers and suppliers,
typically offset only a portion of the adverse impact. Certain of these strategies also may limit our opportunities in a declining commodity environment. In
addition, we are exposed to increasing market risk associated with fluctuations in foreign exchange as a result of our low-cost footprint and vertical
integration strategies. We use derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. For additional information
regarding our foreign exchange and commodity price risk, see Part II — Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations — Liquidity and Financial Condition — Foreign Exchange" and "— Commodity Prices."
Seasonality
Our principal operations are directly related to the automotive industry. Consequently, we may experience seasonal fluctuations to the extent automotive
vehicle production slows, such as in the summer months when many customer plants close for model year changeovers, in December when many customer
plants close for the holidays and during periods of high vehicle inventory. See Note 17, "Quarterly Financial Data," to the consolidated financial statements
included in this Report.
Raw Materials
The principal raw materials used in our seat systems, electrical distribution and connection systems and electronic systems are generally available and
obtained from multiple suppliers under various types of supply agreements. Components such as fabric, foam, leather, seat mechanisms, terminals and
connectors, and certain other components are either manufactured by us internally or purchased from multiple suppliers under various types of supply
agreements. The majority of the steel used in our products is comprised of fabricated components that are integrated into a seat system, such as seat frames,
recliner mechanisms, seat tracks and other mechanical components. Therefore, our exposure to changes in steel prices is primarily indirect, through these
purchased components. With the exception of certain terminals and connectors, the materials that we use to manufacture wire harness assemblies are
substantially purchased from suppliers, including extruded and insulated wire and cable. The majority of our copper purchases are comprised of extruded
wire and cable that we integrate into electrical wire harnesses. In general, our copper purchases, as well as a significant portion of our leather purchases, are
subject to price index agreements with our customers and suppliers. We utilize a combination of short-term and long-term supply contracts to purchase key
components. We generally retain the right to terminate these agreements if our supplier does not remain competitive in terms of cost, quality, delivery,
technology or customer support.
Human Capital Management
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our employment levels worldwide were approximately as follows:
Region
United States and Canada
Mexico
Central and South America
Europe and Africa
Asia
Total
2020
2019
10,600
55,200
20,900
56,500
31,400
174,600
10,100
50,400
17,000
56,800
29,800
164,100
A substantial number of our employees are members of unions or national trade organizations. We have collective bargaining agreements with several
North American unions, including the United Auto Workers, Unifor, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Workers United. Each of our
unionized facilities in the United States and Canada has a separate collective bargaining agreement with the union that represents the workers at such
facility, with each such agreement having an expiration date that is independent of the other agreements. The majority of our employees in Mexico and
Europe are members
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of industrial trade union organizations or confederations within their respective countries. Many of these organizations and confederations operate under
national contracts, which are not specific to any one employer. We have occasionally experienced labor disputes at our plants. We have been able to resolve
all such labor disputes and believe our relations with our employees are generally good.
See Item 1A, "Risk Factors — A significant labor dispute involving us or one or more of our customers or suppliers or that could otherwise affect our
operations could adversely affect our financial performance," and Part II — Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations — Forward-Looking Statements."
Compliance and Ethics
We are committed to conducting our business with integrity and in compliance with all applicable laws of the cities, states and countries in which we
operate and have established a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to assist employees in this regard. We encourage employees to report concerns
through a variety of channels, including a compliance and ethics line which allows for anonymous reporting. All reports are investigated and resolved. We
also maintain an anti-retaliation policy such that any employee who reports a concern in good faith is protected from harassment, retaliation or adverse
employment consequences.
Health and Safety
Our health and safety programs are designed around global standards with appropriate variations to address the multiple jurisdictions and unique working
environments of our manufacturing operations. We maintain a health and safety management system that is compliant with the ISO 45001 standard. Each
of our locations performs regular safety audits to ensure that proper safety policies are in place and appropriate safety training is provided. In addition, we
engage an independent third-party conformity assessment and certification vendor to audit selected operations for adherence to our global health and safety
standards.
In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we created a Safe Work Playbook, which provides a standardized approach for each of our facilities to
create a consistent and safe work environment and offers insights into navigating operational challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The playbook
is publicly available and includes health and safety information related to plant operating protocols; employee education, training and feedback; facility
assessments; and phased reopening of engineering and administrative centers.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We strive to build a culture of diversity and inclusion through our human resource practices and policies and work to eliminate discrimination and
harassment in all of its forms. In 2020, we committed to invest in initiatives that address racial inequality and discrimination. The investment will be a
combination of grants to external organizations, as well as internal investments to educate and engage our employees. We formed an Executive Diversity
Council to develop a comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, prioritize activities and drive accountability and results. Our recently launched
Together We Belong campaign will include employee training, virtual events and a global survey to drive awareness and engagement. Additionally, we
support employee resource groups, which are employee-led volunteer groups open to all employees with the goal to improve attraction, retention, inclusion
and engagement of a diverse and global workforce.
Training and Talent Development
We are committed to the continued development of our employees. Since 2019, we have delivered more than 3.7 million hours of safety, development,
leadership, quality, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and ISO and IATF certification training. In 2020, we launched Leads Self Lite, a
leadership development program offered to early to mid-career employees. The program inspires career ownership and growth by leveraging internal
leadership development tools and insights. Our Emerging Leaders Development Program is a twelve-month leadership and business course designed to
develop high-potential managers and directors. Our CEO Academy is our premier leadership development opportunity. Twice per year, a select group of
leaders representing diverse functions and backgrounds are invited to participate in a week-long leadership immersion event, during which each participant
presents a bold business idea to help drive Lear’s success. In addition, formal talent reviews and succession planning occur annually – globally and across
all business areas. Senior leadership provides annual updates on succession and talent development to the board of directors.
Intellectual Property
Worldwide, we have approximately 2,300 patents and patent applications pending. While we believe that our patent portfolio is a valuable asset, no
individual patent or group of patents is critical to the success of our business. We also license selected technologies to automotive manufacturers and to
other automotive suppliers. We continually strive to identify and implement new technologies for use in the design and development of our products.
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Advanced technology development is conducted worldwide at our nine advanced technology centers and at our product engineering centers. At these
centers, we engineer our products to comply with applicable safety standards, meet quality and durability standards, respond to environmental conditions
and conform to customer and consumer requirements. Our global innovation and technology center located in Southfield, Michigan, develops and
integrates new concepts and is our central location for consumer research, benchmarking, craftsmanship and industrial design activity.
®
We have numerous registered trademarks in the United States and in many foreign countries. The most important of these marks include LEAR
CORPORATION (including our stylized version thereof) and LEAR , which are widely used in connection with our products and services. Our other
principal brands include XEVO , GUILFORD and EAGLE OTTAWA . ConfigurE+ seating, INTU seating, LEAR CONNEXUS signal and data
TM
®
communications, EXO high-accuracy positioning, JOURNEYWARE software, ProTec active head restraints, SMART JUNCTION BOX
TM
technology, STRUCSURE systems, AVENTINO leather and TeXstyle
our product lines.
fabrics are some of our other trademarks used in connection with certain of
TM
TM
TM
TM
TM
®
®
®
®
®
®
Government Regulations and Environmental Matters
We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, including those related to health, safety and environmental matters.
Costs incurred to comply with these governmental regulations are not material to our capital expenditures, financial performance or competitive position.
Additional information about the impact of government regulations on Lear’s business is included in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," under the heading "Legal
and Regulatory Risks."
We are committed to sustainability in our operations and products. We adhere to local, state, federal and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances which
govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects. These laws, regulations and ordinances may impose liability for clean-up costs
resulting from past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous wastes. For a description of our outstanding environmental matters and other legal
proceedings, see Note 14, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
In addition, our customers are subject to significant environmentally focused state, federal and foreign laws and regulations that regulate vehicle emissions,
fuel economy and other matters related to the environmental impact of vehicles. To the extent that such laws and regulations ultimately increase or decrease
automotive vehicle production, such laws and regulations would likely impact our business. See Item 1A, "Risk Factors."
Furthermore, we currently offer products with green technology, such as SoyFoam , and are creating technologies that facilitate environmentally friendly
transportation alternatives such as hybrid and electric vehicles. Our expertise, capabilities and environmental leadership are allowing us to expand our
product offerings in this area.
TM
Joint Ventures and Noncontrolling Interests
We form joint ventures in order to gain entry into new markets, expand our product offerings and broaden our customer base. In particular, we believe that
certain joint ventures have provided us, and will continue to provide us, with the opportunity to expand our business relationships with Asian automotive
manufacturers, particularly in emerging markets. We also partner with companies having significant local experience in commerce and customs, as well as
capacity, to reduce our financial risk and enhance our potential for achieving expected financial returns. In some cases, these joint ventures may be located
in North America or Europe and used to expand our customer relationships.
As of December 31, 2020, we had thirteen operating joint ventures located in five countries. Of these joint ventures, four are consolidated, and nine are
accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Eleven of the joint ventures operate in Asia, and two operate in North America (both of which are
dedicated to serving Asian automotive manufacturers). Net sales of our consolidated joint ventures accounted for approximately 8% of our net sales in
2020. As of December 31, 2020, our investments in non-consolidated joint ventures totaled $143 million.
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A summary of our non-consolidated operating joint ventures, including ownership percentages, is shown below. For further information related to our joint
ventures, see Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Country
China
China
China
China
China
China
Honduras
India
United States
Name
Beijing BHAP Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Lear Automotive Components Co., Ltd.
Jiangxi Jiangling Lear Interior Systems Co., Ltd.
Lear Dongfeng Automotive Seating Co., Ltd.
Changchun Lear FAWSN Automotive Seat Systems Co., Ltd.
Beijing Lear Hyundai Transys Co., Ltd.
Honduras Electrical Distribution Systems S. de R.L. de C.V.
Hyundai Transys Lear Automotive Private Limited
Kyungshin-Lear Sales and Engineering LLC
18
Ownership
Percentage
50%
50
50
50
49
40
49
35
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ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS
Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows may be impacted by a number of factors. In addition to the factors affecting our business
identified elsewhere in this Report, the material risk factors affecting our operations include the following:
Risks Related to Our Business
• Our industry is cyclical and a decline in the production levels of our major customers, particularly with respect to models for which we are a
significant supplier, or the financial distress of one or more of our major customers could adversely affect our financial performance.
Our sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by our automotive manufacturer customers, which is ultimately dependent on consumer
demand for automotive vehicles, and our content per vehicle. The automotive industry is cyclical and sensitive to general economic conditions,
including the global credit markets, interest rates, consumer credit and consumer spending and preferences. Automotive sales and production can also
be affected by the age of the vehicle fleet and related scrappage rates, labor relations issues, fuel prices, regulatory requirements, government
initiatives, trade agreements, tariffs and other non-tariff trade barriers, the availability and cost of credit, the availability of critical components needed
to complete the production of vehicles, restructuring actions of our customers and suppliers, facility closures and increased competition, as well as
consumer preferences regarding vehicle size, configuration and features, including alternative fuel vehicles, changing consumer attitudes toward
vehicle ownership and usage, such as ride sharing and on-demand transportation, and other factors.
Due to the overall global economic conditions in 2020, largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the automotive industry experienced a decline
in global customer sales and production volumes. In 2020, global vehicle production decreased 17% as compared to 2019. In Asia, vehicle production
decreased 12%, including 5% in China and 23% in India. Vehicle production also decreased 20% and 22% in North America and Europe and Africa,
respectively. As a result, we have experienced and may continue to experience reductions in orders from our customers in certain regions. An
economic downturn or other adverse industry conditions that result in a decline in the production levels of our major customers, particularly with
respect to models for which we are a significant supplier, or the financial distress of one or more of our major customers could reduce our sales or
otherwise adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows. Further, our ability to reduce the risks inherent in certain
concentrations of business, and thereby maintain our financial performance in the future, will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to diversify our
sales on a customer, product, platform and geographic basis to reflect the market overall. We may not be successful in such diversification.
•
Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, have disrupted, and may continue to disrupt, our business, which could adversely affect our
financial performance.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, have disrupted, and may continue to disrupt, the global economy. The COVID-19 pandemic led
to a dramatic reduction in economic activity worldwide. International, federal, state and local public health and governmental authorities have taken
and may continue to take extraordinary actions to contain and combat the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 throughout most regions of the world,
including travel bans, quarantines, "stay-at-home" orders and similar mandates that have caused many individuals to substantially restrict their daily
activities and many businesses to curtail or cease normal operations.
The automotive industry was particularly negatively impacted by the situation with a sudden and sharp decline in consumer demand and automotive
manufacturers suspending or severely limiting automobile production globally during portions of 2020. In 2020, we experienced, and we may continue
to experience, reductions in orders from our customers globally, which in turn adversely affected, and may continue to affect, our financial
performance. This reduction in orders may be further exacerbated by a continued global economic downturn resulting from the pandemic, which could
decrease consumer demand for vehicles or result in the financial distress of one or more of our customers or suppliers. As described in more detail
under "Our industry is cyclical and a decline in the production levels of our major customers, particularly with respect to models for which we are a
significant supplier, or the financial distress of one or more of our major customers could adversely affect our financial performance" above and
"Adverse developments affecting or the financial distress of one or more of our suppliers could adversely affect our financial performance" below,
decreases in consumer demand for automotive vehicles, declines in the production levels of our major customers, financial distress of one or more of
our major customers or suppliers or other adverse developments affecting one or more of our suppliers, could adversely affect our financial
performance. In addition, if COVID-19 were to affect a significant amount of the workforce employed or operating at our facilities, we could
experience delays or the inability to produce and deliver products to our customers on a timely basis.
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Unprecedented industry disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted operations in every region of the world. As described in more detail
under "Our substantial international operations make us vulnerable to risks associated with doing business in foreign countries" below, our substantial
international operations make us vulnerable to risks associated with doing business in foreign countries.
While all of our global manufacturing plants have resumed production, we may experience unexpected delays or obstacles, such as higher employee
absenteeism, supply chain disruptions or government mandates, that may hamper our ability to operate our facilities. Further, we may not be able to
operate at optimal levels of efficiency given new work rules and procedures implemented to protect our employees. The suspension of production at
our manufacturing facilities, or difficulties or inefficiencies in production, would likely adversely impact our future results of operations, financial
condition and liquidity, and that impact may be material.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our reliance on internet technology has increased due to the number of employees working remotely. This reliance
has resulted in increased cybersecurity risks, including the risk that we fail to appropriately maintain the security of the data we hold. See "A disruption
in our information technology systems, or those of our customers or suppliers, including a disruption related to cybersecurity, could adversely affect
our financial performance" below.
As described in more detail under "Our existing indebtedness and the inability to access capital markets could restrict our business activities or our
ability to execute our strategic objectives or adversely affect our financial performance" below, the volatility created by COVID-19 could adversely
affect our access to the debt and capital markets. In addition, our ability to continue implementing important strategic initiatives and capital
expenditures may be reduced as we devote time and other resources to responding to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 continues to spread in most regions of the world and the extent to which our financial performance will be adversely affected will depend
on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to, the duration and spread of the pandemic, its
severity, the effectiveness of actions to vaccinate populations, contain the virus or treat its impact and how quickly and to what extent normal economic
and operating conditions can resume. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may continue to experience adverse impacts on our
business and financial performance as a result of its global economic impact, including a recession that has occurred or may occur in the future, which
will likely result in lower demand for new vehicles for a period of time, as new vehicle sales are typically correlated with positive consumer
confidence and low unemployment.
The COVID-19 pandemic may also exacerbate other risks disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, our competitiveness, demand for our products
and shifting consumer preferences.
•
The loss of business with respect to, or the lack of commercial success of, a vehicle model for which we are a significant supplier could adversely
affect our financial performance.
We receive purchase orders from our customers, which generally provide for the supply of a customer’s annual requirements for a particular vehicle
model and assembly plant or, in some cases, for the supply of a customer’s requirements for the life of a particular vehicle model, rather than for the
purchase of a specific quantity of products. In addition, it is possible that our customers could elect to manufacture our products internally or increase
the extent to which they require us to utilize specific suppliers or materials in the manufacture of our products. The loss of business with respect to, the
lack of commercial success of or an increase in directed component sourcing for a vehicle model for which we are a significant supplier could reduce
our sales or margins and thereby adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
• Our inability to achieve product cost reductions to offset customer-imposed price reductions could adversely affect our financial performance.
Downward pricing pressure by automotive manufacturers is a characteristic of the automotive industry. Our customer contracts generally provide for
annual price reductions over the production life of the vehicle, while requiring us to assume significant responsibility for the design, development and
engineering of our products. Prices may also be adjusted on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in product content/costs and other commercial factors.
Our financial performance is largely dependent on our ability to achieve product cost reductions through product design enhancement and supply chain
management, as well as manufacturing efficiencies and restructuring actions. We also seek to enhance our financial performance by investing in
product development, design capabilities and new product initiatives that respond to the needs of our customers and consumers. We continually
evaluate operational and strategic alternatives to align our business with the changing needs of our customers and improve our business structure by
investing in vertical integration opportunities globally. Our inability to achieve product cost reductions that offset customer-imposed price reductions
could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
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•
Increases in the costs and restrictions on the availability of raw materials, energy, commodities and product components could adversely affect our
financial performance.
Raw material, energy and commodity costs can be volatile. Although we have developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of higher
raw material, energy and commodity costs, these strategies, together with commercial negotiations with our customers and suppliers, typically offset
only a portion of the adverse impact. Certain of these strategies also may limit our opportunities in a declining commodity environment. In addition,
the availability of raw materials, commodities and product components fluctuates from time to time due to factors outside of our control, including
trade laws and tariffs. If the costs of raw materials, energy, commodities and product components increase or the availability thereof is restricted, it
could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
•
Adverse developments affecting or the financial distress of one or more of our suppliers could adversely affect our financial performance.
We obtain components and other products and services from numerous Tier 2 automotive suppliers and other vendors throughout the world. We are
responsible for managing our supply chain, including suppliers that may be the sole sources of products that we require, that our customers direct us to
use or that have unique capabilities that would make it difficult and/or expensive to re-source. In certain instances, entire industries may experience
short-term capacity constraints. Additionally, our production capacity, and that of our customers and suppliers, may be adversely affected by natural
disasters. Any such significant disruption could adversely affect our financial performance. Furthermore, unfavorable economic or industry conditions
could result in financial distress within our supply base, thereby increasing the risk of supply disruption. An economic downturn or other unfavorable
industry conditions in one or more of the regions in which we operate could cause a supply disruption and thereby adversely affect our financial
condition, operating results and cash flows.
• Our substantial international operations make us vulnerable to risks associated with doing business in foreign countries.
As a result of our global presence, a significant portion of our revenues and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We have
substantial manufacturing and distribution facilities in many foreign countries, including Mexico and countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South
America and Europe. International operations are subject to certain risks inherent in doing business abroad, including:
•
•
•
•
•
exposure to local economic conditions;
political, economic and civil instability and uncertainty (including acts of terrorism, civil unrest, drug-cartel related and other forms of violence
and outbreaks of war);
labor unrest;
expropriation and nationalization;
currency exchange rate fluctuations, currency controls and the ability to economically hedge currencies;
• withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries;
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
investment restrictions or requirements;
repatriation restrictions or requirements;
export and import restrictions and increases in duties and tariffs;
concerns about human rights, working conditions and other labor rights and conditions and the environmental impact in foreign countries where
our products are produced and raw materials and/or components are sourced, as well as changing labor, environmental and other laws in these
countries;
pandemic illness;
increases in working capital requirements related to long supply chains; and
global sovereign fiscal matters and creditworthiness, including potential defaults and the related impacts on economic activity, including the
possible effects on credit markets, currency values, monetary unions, international treaties and fiscal policies.
Expanding our sales and operations in Asia and our manufacturing operations in lower-cost regions are important elements of our strategy. As a result,
our exposure to the risks described above is substantial. The likelihood of such occurrences and their potential effect on us vary from country to
country and are unpredictable. However, any such occurrences could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
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• We operate in a highly competitive industry and efforts by our competitors, as well as new non-traditional entrants to the industry, to gain market
share could adversely affect our financial performance.
We operate in a highly competitive industry. We and most of our competitors are seeking to expand market share with new and existing customers,
including in Asia and other potential high growth regions. Our customers award business based on, among other things, price, quality, service and
technology. Our competitors’ efforts to grow market share could exert downward pressure on our product pricing and margins. In addition, the
automotive industry has attracted, and will continue to attract, non-traditional entrants as a result of the evolving nature of the automotive vehicle
market, including autonomous vehicles, ride sharing and on-demand transportation. Further, the global automotive industry is experiencing a period of
significant technological change, including a focus on environmentally sustainable vehicles and subcomponents. As a result, the success of portions of
our business requires us to develop, acquire and/or incorporate new technologies and depends not only on our customers' ability to execute their
strategies to exploit these technologies but also on the adoption of such technologies by end consumers. Such technologies are subject to rapid
obsolescence. Our inability to maintain access to these technologies (through development, acquisition or licensing) may adversely affect our ability to
compete. If we are unable to differentiate our products, maintain a low-cost footprint or compete effectively with technology-focused new market
entrants, we may lose market share or be forced to reduce prices, thereby lowering our margins. Any such occurrences could adversely affect our
financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
•
A significant labor dispute involving us or one or more of our customers or suppliers or that could otherwise affect our operations could adversely
affect our financial performance.
A substantial number of our employees and the employees of our largest customers and suppliers are members of industrial trade unions and are
employed under the terms of various labor agreements. We have labor agreements covering approximately 82,500 employees globally. In the United
States and Canada, each of our unionized facilities has a separate collective bargaining agreement with the union that represents the workers at such
facility, with each such agreement having an expiration date that is independent of the other agreements. Labor agreements covering approximately
85% of our global unionized work force, including labor agreements in the United States and Canada covering approximately 1% of our global
unionized workforce, are scheduled to expire in 2021. There can be no assurances that future negotiations with the unions will be resolved favorably or
that we will not experience a work stoppage or disruption that could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows. A labor
dispute involving us, any of our customers or suppliers or any other suppliers to our customers or that otherwise affects our operations, or the inability
by us, any of our customers or suppliers or any other suppliers to our customers to negotiate, upon the expiration of a labor agreement, an extension of
such agreement or a new agreement on satisfactory terms could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows. In addition,
if any of our significant customers experience a material work stoppage, such as the General Motors labor strike in the fall of 2019, that customer may
halt or limit the purchase of our products. This could require us to shut down or significantly reduce production at facilities relating to such products,
which could adversely affect our business and harm our profitability.
•
Certain of our operations are conducted through joint ventures which have unique risks.
Certain of our operations, particularly in emerging markets, are conducted through joint ventures. With respect to our joint ventures, we may share
ownership and management responsibilities with one or more partners that may not share our goals and objectives. Operating a joint venture requires
us to operate the business pursuant to the terms of the agreement that we entered into with our partners, including additional organizational formalities,
as well as to share information and decision making. Additional risks associated with joint ventures include one or more partners failing to satisfy
contractual obligations, conflicts arising between us and any of our partners, a change in the ownership of any of our partners and less of an ability to
control compliance with applicable rules and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and related rules and regulations. Additionally,
our ability to sell our interest in a joint venture may be subject to contractual and other limitations. Accordingly, any such occurrences could adversely
affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
• Our inability to effectively manage the timing, quality and costs of new program launches could adversely affect our financial performance.
In connection with the award of new business, we obligate ourselves to deliver new products and services that are subject to our customers’ timing,
performance and quality standards. Additionally, as a Tier 1 supplier, we must effectively coordinate the activities of numerous suppliers in order for
the program launches of our products to be successful. Given the complexity of new program launches, we may experience difficulties managing
product quality, timeliness and associated costs. In addition, new program launches require a significant ramp up of costs; however, our sales related to
these new programs generally are dependent upon the timing and success of our customers’ introduction of new vehicles.
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Our inability to effectively manage the timing, quality and costs of these new program launches could adversely affect our financial condition,
operating results and cash flows.
•
Significant changes in discount rates, the actual return on pension assets and other factors could adversely affect our financial performance.
Our earnings may be positively or negatively impacted by the amount of income or expense recorded related to our global defined benefit plans.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that income or expense related to the defined benefit plans be calculated at the
annual measurement date using actuarial calculations, which reflect certain assumptions. The most significant of these assumptions relate to interest
rates, the capital markets and other economic conditions. These assumptions, as well as the actual value of pension assets at the measurement date, will
impact the calculation of pension and other postretirement benefit expense for the year. Although pension expense and pension contributions are not
directly related, the key economic indicators that affect pension expense also affect the amount of cash that we will contribute to our pension plans.
Because interest rates and the values of these pension assets have fluctuated and will continue to fluctuate in response to changing market conditions,
pension and other postretirement benefit expense in subsequent periods, the funded status of our pension plans and the future minimum required
pension contributions, if any, could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
•
Impairment charges relating to our goodwill and long-lived assets could adversely affect our financial performance.
We regularly monitor our goodwill and long-lived assets for impairment indicators. In conducting our goodwill impairment testing, we may first
perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If not, no further
goodwill impairment testing is required. If it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect not
to perform a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the related net book value. If the net
book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. In conducting our impairment analysis of long-
lived assets, we compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the long-lived assets to the related net book values. Changes in
economic or operating conditions impacting our estimates and assumptions could result in the impairment of our goodwill or long-lived assets. In the
event that we determine that our goodwill or long-lived assets are impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings that could
adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
• Our failure to execute our strategic objectives could adversely affect our financial performance.
Our financial performance depends, in part, on our ability to successfully execute our strategic objectives. Our objectives are to deliver superior long-
term stockholder value by investing in innovation to drive business growth and profitability, while maintaining a strong balance sheet and returning
excess cash to our stockholders. Various factors, including the industry environment and the other matters described herein and in Part II — Item 7,
"Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," including "— Forward-Looking Statements," could
adversely affect our ability to execute our strategic objectives. These risk factors include our failure to identify suitable opportunities for organic
investment and/or acquisitions, our inability to successfully develop such opportunities or complete such acquisitions or our inability to successfully
utilize or integrate the investments in our operations. Our failure to execute our strategic objectives could adversely affect our financial condition,
operating results and cash flows. Moreover, there can be no assurances that, even if implemented, our strategic objectives will be successful.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
• Our existing indebtedness and the inability to access capital markets could restrict our business activities or our ability to execute our strategic
objectives or adversely affect our financial performance.
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $2.3 billion of outstanding indebtedness, as well as $1.75 billion available for borrowing under our
revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2020, there were no amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility. The debt instruments
governing our indebtedness contain covenants that may restrict our business activities or our ability to execute our strategic objectives, and our failure
to comply with these covenants could result in a default under our indebtedness. We also lease certain buildings and equipment under non-cancelable
lease agreements with terms exceeding one year, which are accounted for as operating leases. Additionally, any downgrade in the ratings that rating
agencies assign to us and our debt may ultimately impact our access to capital markets. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt
and lease obligations, to refinance our debt obligations or to access capital markets on commercially reasonable terms could adversely affect our
financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
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•
Changes affecting the availability of the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") may have consequences for us that cannot yet be reasonably
predicted.
We have outstanding debt with variable interest rates based on LIBOR. Advances under our revolving credit facility and our term loan facility
generally bear interest based on (i) the Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in our credit agreement and calculated using LIBOR) or (ii) the ABR (as defined
in our credit agreement). The LIBOR benchmark has been the subject of national, international and other regulatory guidance and proposals to reform.
In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced that it intends to stop compelling
banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. These reforms may cause LIBOR to perform differently than it has in the past, and
LIBOR may ultimately cease to exist after 2021. Alternative benchmark rates may replace LIBOR and could affect our debt securities, debt payments
and receipts. At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of any changes to LIBOR, any phase out of LIBOR or any establishment of alternative
benchmark rates. Any new benchmark rate will likely not replicate LIBOR exactly, which could impact our contracts that terminate after 2021. There
is uncertainty about how applicable law and the courts will address the replacement of LIBOR with alternative rates on variable rate retail loan
contracts and other contracts that do not include alternative rate fallback provisions. If LIBOR ceases to exist after 2021, the interest rates on our
revolving credit facility and our term loan facility will be based on the ABR, which may result in higher interest rates. In addition, any changes to
benchmark rates may have an uncertain impact on our cost of funds and our access to the capital markets, which could impact our results of operations
and cash flows. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential changes may also adversely affect the trading market for our securities.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
•
A disruption in our information technology systems, or those of our customers or suppliers, including a disruption related to cybersecurity, could
adversely affect our financial performance.
We rely on the accuracy, capacity and security of our information technology networks. Despite the security measures that we have implemented,
including those measures related to cybersecurity, our operational systems (including business, financial, accounting, human resources, product
development and manufacturing processes), as well as those of our customers, suppliers and other service providers, and certain of our connected
vehicle systems and components that may collect and store sensitive end-user data (which could include personally identifiable information) could be
breached or damaged by computer viruses, malware, phishing attacks, denial-of-service attacks, human error, natural or man-made incidents or
disasters or unauthorized physical or electronic access. These types of incidents have become more prevalent and pervasive across industries, including
our industry, and are expected to continue in the future. The secure operation of our information technology networks, and the processing and
maintenance of information by these networks, is critical to our operations and strategy. A breach could result in business disruption, including the
vehicle systems and components that we supply to our customers or our plant operations, theft of our intellectual property, trade secrets or customer
information or unauthorized access to personal information, such as that of our employees or end consumers of vehicles that contain certain of our
connected vehicle systems or components. Although cybersecurity and the continued development and enhancement of our controls, processes and
practices designed to protect our operational systems and products from attack, damage or unauthorized access are a high priority for us, our actions
and investments may not be deployed quickly enough or successfully protect our systems against all vulnerabilities, including technologies developed
to bypass our security measures. In addition, outside parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or customers to disclose access credentials
or other sensitive information in order to gain access to our secure systems and networks. There are no assurances that our actions and investments to
improve the maturity of our systems, processes and risk management framework or remediate vulnerabilities will be sufficient or deployed quickly
enough to prevent or limit the impact of any cyber intrusion or security breach. Moreover, because the techniques used to gain access to or sabotage
systems often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate the methods necessary to defend against these types of
attacks, and we cannot predict the extent, frequency or impact these attacks may have on us. To the extent that our business is interrupted, including the
vehicle systems and components that we supply to our customers or our plant operations, or data is lost, destroyed or inappropriately used or disclosed,
such disruptions could adversely affect our competitive position, relationships with our customers, financial condition, operating results and cash flows
and/or subject us to regulatory actions, including those contemplated by data privacy laws and regulations like the European Union General Data
Privacy Regulation and California Consumer Privacy Act, or litigation. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against the
damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future.
We are also dependent on security measures that some of our customers, suppliers and other third-party service providers take to protect their own
systems and infrastructures. Any security breach of any of these third-parties' systems could result in unauthorized access to our or our customers’ or
suppliers' sensitive data or our own information technology systems, cause us to be non-compliant with applicable laws or regulations, subject us to
legal claims or proceedings, disrupt our
24
Table of Contents
operations, damage our reputation or cause a loss of confidence in our products or services, any of which could adversely affect our financial
performance.
•
A significant product liability lawsuit, warranty claim or product recall involving us or one of our major customers could adversely affect our
financial performance.
In the event that our products fail to perform as expected, regardless of fault, and such failure results in, or is alleged to result in, bodily injury and/or
property damage or other losses, we may be subject to product liability lawsuits and other claims or we may be required or requested by our customers
to participate in a recall or other corrective action involving such products. We also are a party to agreements with certain of our customers, whereby
these customers may pursue claims against us for contribution of all or a portion of the amounts sought in connection with product liability and
warranty claims. We carry insurance for certain product liability claims, but such coverage may be limited. We do not maintain insurance for product
warranty or recall matters. In addition, we may not be successful in recovering amounts from third parties, including sub-suppliers, in connection with
these claims. These types of claims could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
• We are involved from time to time in various legal and regulatory proceedings and claims, which could adversely affect our financial performance.
We are involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings and claims that, from time to time, are significant. These are typically claims that arise in
the normal course of business including, without limitation, commercial or contractual disputes, including disputes with our customers, suppliers or
competitors, intellectual property matters, personal injury claims, environmental matters, tax matters, employment matters and antitrust matters. No
assurances can be given that such proceedings and claims will not adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
• New laws or regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations could adversely affect our financial performance.
We and the automotive industry are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, including those related to health, safety
and environmental matters. Governmental regulations also affect taxes and levies, capital markets, healthcare costs, energy usage, data privacy,
international trade and immigration and other labor issues, all of which may have a direct or indirect effect on our business and the businesses of our
customers and suppliers. We cannot predict the substance or impact of pending or future legislation or regulations, or the application thereof. The
introduction of new laws or regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations, or the interpretation thereof, could increase the costs of doing
business for us or our customers or suppliers or restrict our actions and adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
• We are subject to regulation of our international operations that could adversely affect our financial performance.
We are subject to many laws governing our international operations, such as those that pertain to data privacy, prohibit improper payments to
government officials and restrict where we can do business and what information or products we can supply to or purchase from certain countries or
third parties, including but not limited to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.S. Export Administration Act. Violations of these laws, which
are complex, may conflict with laws of other jurisdictions and often are difficult to interpret and apply, could result in significant fines, criminal
penalties or sanctions that could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
• We are required to comply with environmental laws and regulations that could cause us to incur significant costs.
Our manufacturing facilities are subject to numerous laws and regulations designed to protect the environment, and we expect that additional
requirements with respect to environmental matters will be imposed on us and our customers in the future. Material future expenditures may be
necessary if compliance standards change or material unknown conditions that require remediation are discovered. Environmental laws could also
restrict our ability to expand our facilities or could require us to acquire costly equipment or to incur other significant expenses in connection with our
business. If we fail to comply with present and future environmental laws and regulations, we could be subject to future liabilities, which could
adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
• Developments or assertions by or against us relating to intellectual property rights could adversely affect our financial performance.
We own significant intellectual property, including a large number of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, and we are involved in
numerous licensing arrangements. Our intellectual property plays an important role in maintaining our competitive position in a number of the markets
that we serve. Developments or assertions by or against us relating to intellectual property rights could adversely affect our financial condition,
operating results and cash flows.
25
Table of Contents
•
Changes in U.S. administrative policy, including changes to existing trade agreements and any resulting changes in international relations, could
adversely affect our financial performance.
As a result of changes to U.S. administrative policy, among other possible changes, there may be (i) changes in policies pertaining to the environment;
(ii) changes to existing trade agreements; (iii) greater restrictions on free trade generally; and (iv) significant increases in customs duties and tariffs on
goods imported into the United States. The United States, Mexico and Canada signed a new trade agreement, the United States-Mexico-Canada
Agreement ("USMCA"), which serves as the successor agreement to the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA"). The USMCA became
effective on July 1, 2020. There can be no assurance that the ongoing transition from NAFTA to USMCA will not adversely affect our business. The
United States still maintains significant tariffs on most imports from China. It remains unclear what specific actions the new U.S. administration may
take to resolve trade-related issues with China and other countries. A trade war, other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade
agreements, changes in U.S. social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing,
development and investment in the territories and countries where we currently manufacture and sell products or any resulting negative sentiments
towards the United States could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
•
Changes in the United Kingdom's economic and other relationships with the European Union could adversely affect us.
In December 2020, the United Kingdom finalized a free trade agreement with the European Union, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
("TCA"), to manage future bilateral trade and formally completed its withdrawal from the European Union. Thus, effective January 1, 2021, trade
between the European Union and the United Kingdom is now subject to border controls and imported goods must meet bilateral content rules as set out
in the TCA to qualify for duty-free trade.
We have significant operations in both the European Union and the United Kingdom. In 2020, our European Union (excluding the United Kingdom)
and United Kingdom sales totaled $4.5 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively. Our supply chain and that of our customers are highly integrated across
the European Union and the United Kingdom, and we are highly dependent on the free flow of goods in those regions. We have implemented
procedures to manage our supply chains with the new border controls and to comply with the TCA’s bilateral content rules. However, there can be no
assurance that the new border controls and content rules will not adversely impact our competitive position, supplier and customer relationships and
financial performance.
None.
ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
26
Table of Contents
As of December 31, 2020, our operations were conducted through 251 facilities, some of which are used for multiple purposes, including 78 just-in-time
manufacturing facilities, 127 dedicated component manufacturing facilities, 5 sequencing and distribution sites, 32 administrative/technical support
facilities and 9 advanced technology centers, in 38 countries. Our corporate headquarters is located in Southfield, Michigan.
ITEM 2 – PROPERTIES
Argentina
Escobar, BA
Ferreyra, CBA
Belgium
Brussels
Brazil
Betim
Caçapava
Joinville
Pernambuco
São Bernardo
Canada
Ajax, ON
China
Beijing
Boading
Changshu
Chongqing
Hangzhou
Liuzhou
Pinghu
Rui’an
Shanghai
Shenyang
Wuhan
Wuhu
Yangzhou
Czech Republic
Kolin
Stribro
Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo
France
Feignies
Herblay
Jarney
Roche La Moliere
Germany
Besigheim
Bremen
Eisenach
Ginsheim-
Gustavsburg
Rietberg
Hungary
Györ
Szolnok
India
Chennai
Haridwar
Nasik
Pune
Tijara
Indonesia
Cikarang
Italy
Caivano, NA
Cassino, FR
Grugliasco, TO
Melfi, PZ
Pozzo d’Adda, MI
Macedonia
Tetovo
Malaysia
Behrang Stesen
Mexico
Arteaga, CA
Ascension, CH
Cuautlancingo, PU
Fresnillo, ZA
Hermosillo, SO
Huamantla, TL
Juarez, CH
Leon, GT
Meoqui, CH
Mexico City, DF
Monclova, CO
Naucalpan de
Juarez, MX
Argentina
China (continued)
Germany
Pacheco, BA
San Francisco,
CBA
Brazil
Camanducaia
Navegantes
China
Changchun
Belgium
Leuven
Brazil
Chongqing
KunShan HuaQiao
Shanghai
SuiNing
TianJin
Wuhan
Yangzhou
Czech Republic
Vyskov
France
Vélizy-
Bersenbrueck
Kronach
Puttlingen
Wismar
Honduras
Naco
Hungary
Gödöllö
Japan
Tokyo
India
Pune
Villacoublay
Israel
São Paulo
Germany
China
Shanghai
Czech Republic
Brno
Pilsen
Cologne
Korntal-
Tel Aviv
Italy
Grugliasco, TO
Münchingen
Japan
Remscheid
Schwaig-Oberding
Sindelfingen
Wolfsburg
Hiroshima
Kariya
Nagoya
Seating
Mexico (continued)
Nuevo Casas
Grandes, CH
Queretaro, QE
Panzacola, TL
Piedras Negras, CO
Ramos Arizpe, CO
Saltillo, CO
San Felipe, GU
San Luis Potosi, SL
Silao, GO
Toluca, MX
Villa Ahumada, CH
Moldova
Ungheni
Morocco
Kenitra
Tangier
Poland
Bierun
Jaroslaw
Legnica
Tychy
Portugal
Mangualde
Valenca
E-Systems
Mexico
Apodaca, NL
Chihuahua, CH
Juarez, CH
Torreon, CA
Morocco
Kenitra
Salé Al-Jadida
Tangier
Philippines
Lapu-Lapu City
Administrative/Technical
Japan (continued)
Tokyo
Yokohama
Malaysia
Klang
Mexico
Juarez, CH
Netherlands
Hilversum
27
Romania
Iasi
Russia
Kaluga
Nizhny Novgorod
Slovak Republic
Presov
Voderady
South Africa
East London
Port Elizabeth
South Korea
Gyeongju
Spain
Barcelona
Burgos
Epila
Martorell
O Porrino
Valencia
Vigo
Vitoria
Thailand
Mueang Nakhon
Ratchasima
Rayong
Poland
Mielec
Romania
Campulung
Pitesti
Serbia
Novi Sad
South Africa
Port Elizabeth
Philippines
Lapu-Lapu City
Singapore
South Korea
Seoul
Spain
Valls
Sweden
Gothenburg
Thailand
Bangkok
United Kingdom
Alfreton
Coventry
Redditch
Sunderland
United States
Columbia City, IN
Detroit, MI
Duncan, SC
Farwell, MI
Flint, MI
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Rapids, MI
Hammond, IN
Hebron, OH
Kenansville, NC
Louisville, KY
Montgomery, AL
Morristown, TN
Pine Grove, PA
Roscommon, MI
Selma, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL
Wentzville, MO
Vietnam
Hai Phong City
Spain
Almussafes
Valls
Thailand
Kabin Buri
United States
Bellevue, WA
Plymouth, IN
Traverse City, MI
United Kingdom
Coventry
United States
Ann Arbor, MI
El Paso, TX
Rochester Hills, MI
Southfield, MI
Sparta, MI
Wilmington, NC
Table of Contents
ITEM 3 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal and Environmental Matters
We are involved from time to time in various legal proceedings and claims, including, without limitation, commercial or contractual disputes, product
liability claims and environmental and other matters. For a description of risks related to various legal proceedings and claims, see Item 1A, "Risk Factors."
For a description of our outstanding material legal proceedings, see Note 14, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the consolidated financial statements
included in this Report.
None.
ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
SUPPLEMENTARY ITEM – INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our executive officers. Executive officers are appointed annually by our Board of Directors
and serve at the pleasure of our Board.
Name
Shari L. Burgess
Jason M. Cardew
Alicia J. Davis
Thomas A. DiDonato
Amy A. Doyle
Carl A. Esposito
Harry A. Kemp
Frank C. Orsini
Raymond E. Scott
Age
62
50
50
62
53
53
45
48
55
Position
Vice President and Treasurer
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Senior Vice President and President, E-Systems
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Executive Vice President and President, Seating
President and Chief Executive Officer
Set forth below is a description of the business experience of each of our executive officers.
Shari L. Burgess
Ms. Burgess is the Company’s Vice President and Treasurer, a position she has held since August 2002. Ms. Burgess
previously served as the Company’s Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Diversity Officer from January 2014 to May 2018
and in various financial roles since joining the Company in 1992. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Burgess served as the
corporate controller for Victor International Corporation and as an audit manager for Ernst & Young LLP.
Jason M. Cardew
Alicia J. Davis
Mr. Cardew is the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held since November
2019. Mr. Cardew most recently served as the Company's Vice President, Finance - Seating and E-Systems since September
2018. Prior to that, he served as the Company's Vice President, Finance - Seating since April 2012. Previously, he served as
the Company's Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer since September 2011, Vice President, Finance - Financial
Planning and Analysis since April 2010, Vice President, Finance - Seating since 2008, Vice President - Finance since 2003
and in various financial roles since joining the Company in 1992.
Ms. Davis is the Company's Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations, a position she has held
since September 2019. Ms. Davis most recently served as the Company's Vice President, Investor Relations, since joining the
Company in August 2018. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Davis was on the faculty at the University of Michigan Law
School since June 2004, where she most recently served as an unpaid, tenured professor and the Associate Dean for Strategic
Initiatives. Previous to that, she was a lawyer at Kirkland & Ellis since June 2002, a Vice President at Raymond James &
Associates since August 1999 and an Investment Banking Analyst at Goldman Sachs from August 1993 to June 1995.
28
Table of Contents
Thomas A. DiDonato
Amy A. Doyle
Carl A. Esposito
Harry A. Kemp
Frank C. Orsini
Raymond E. Scott
Mr. DiDonato is the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, a position he has held since January
2019. Mr. DiDonato most recently served as the Company's Senior Vice President, Human Resources since joining the
Company in April 2012. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. DiDonato served as Executive Vice President, Human Resources
for American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. since 2005, Chief People Officer for H.J. Heinz from April 2004 to July 2005 and Senior
Vice President, Human Resources for Heinz North America from July 2001 to April 2004. Earlier experiences include
directing human resources for a $14 billion division of Merck & Co. and heading worldwide staffing for Pepsico. Mr.
DiDonato began his career at General Foods Corporation and moved up to manage the personnel at its largest manufacturing
facility.
Ms. Doyle is the Company’s Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, a position she has held since May 2017. Ms.
Doyle most recently served as the Company’s Assistant Corporate Controller since September 2006. Previously, she served in
positions of increasing responsibility at the Company, including Director, Financial Reporting since 2003 and Manager,
Financial Reporting since joining the Company in 1999. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Doyle served as an audit manager
for Arthur Andersen LLP.
Mr. Esposito is the Company’s Senior Vice President and President, E-Systems, a position he has held since joining the
Company in September 2019. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Esposito served at Honeywell Aerospace, a division of
Honeywell International Inc., as President of the Electronic Solutions Strategic Business Unit from January 2017 to July 2019
and at Honeywell International Inc. as Vice President of Aerospace Marketing, Product Management and Strategy since
December 2010, Vice President of Avionics Systems Marketing and Product Management since December 2009, Vice
President of Global Business Aviation Sales and EMEAI Customer Support since January 2007 and in various other roles
since 1990.
Mr. Kemp is the Company's Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, a position he has held since
August 2019. In this role, Mr. Kemp has responsibility for the Company’s Compliance and Environmental, Social and
Governance activities. Mr. Kemp most recently served as the Company's Vice President and Corporate Counsel since January
2019. Previously, he served as the Company's Vice President and Divisional Counsel - Seating since September 2016 and
Vice President and Divisional Counsel - E-Systems since joining the Company in December 2009. Prior to joining the
Company, Mr. Kemp was a partner at Bodman PLC since 2003 and served as an engagement manager at McKinsey and
Company, a global management consulting firm, since 2000.
Mr. Orsini is the Company’s Executive Vice President and President, Seating, a position he has held since March 2018. Mr.
Orsini most recently served as the Company’s Senior Vice President and President, E-Systems since September 2012. Prior to
that, he served as the Company's Vice President and Interim President, E-Systems since October 2011. Previously, he served
as the Company’s Vice President, Operations, E-Systems since 2009, Vice President, Sales, Program Management &
Manufacturing, E-Systems since 2008, Vice President, North America Seating Operations since 2005 and in various other
management positions for the Company since joining the Company in 1994.
Mr. Scott is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since March 2018. Mr. Scott most
recently served as the Company’s Executive Vice President and President, Seating since November 2011. Prior to that, he
served as the Company’s Senior Vice President and President, E-Systems since February 2008. Previously, he served as the
Company’s Senior Vice President and President, North American Seat Systems Group since August 2006, Senior Vice
President and President, North American Customer Group since June 2005, President, European Customer Focused Division
since June 2004 and President, General Motors Division since November 2000.
29
Table of Contents
PART II
ITEM 5 – MARKET FOR THE COMPANY’S COMMON EQUITY,
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LEA."
Dividends
We currently expect to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future, although such payments are at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend
upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, alternative uses of capital and other factors that our Board of Directors may
consider at its discretion. See Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-Looking
Statements," and Note 12, "Capital Stock, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Equity," to the consolidated financial statements included in this
Report.
Holders of Common Stock
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., located in Canton, Massachusetts. On January 31, 2021,
there were 251 registered holders of record of our common stock.
For certain information regarding our equity compensation plans, see Part III — Item 12, "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters — Equity Compensation Plan Information."
Common Stock Share Repurchase Program
Since the first quarter of 2011, our Board of Directors has authorized $6.1 billion in share repurchases under our common stock share repurchase program.
As of December 31, 2020, we have a remaining repurchase authorization of $1.4 billion, which will expire on December 31, 2022. In March 2020, as a
proactive measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended share repurchases under our share repurchase program.
We may implement our share repurchases through a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, open market purchases, accelerated stock repurchase
programs and structured repurchase transactions. The extent to which we will repurchase our outstanding common stock and the timing of such repurchases
will depend upon our financial condition, prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors. See Item 7, "Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-Looking Statements," and Note 12, "Capital Stock, Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss and Equity," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
As of December 31, 2020, we have paid $4.7 billion in aggregate for repurchases of our outstanding common stock, at an average price of $90.07 per share,
excluding commissions and related fees, since the first quarter of 2011.
A summary of the shares of our common stock repurchased during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2020, is shown below:
Period
October 4, 2020 through October 31, 2020
November 1, 2020 through November 28, 2020
November 29, 2020 through December 31, 2020
Total
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average
Price Paid
per Share
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet be Purchased
Under the Program
(in millions)
—
—
—
—
— $
—
—
— $
30
— $
—
—
— $
1,430.0
1,430.0
1,430.0
1,430.0
Table of Contents
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return from December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2020, for our common stock, the
S&P 500 Index and a peer group of companies that we have selected for purposes of this comparison. We have assumed that dividends have been
reinvested, and the returns of each company in the S&P 500 Index and the peer group have been weighted to reflect relative stock market capitalization.
The graph below assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2015, in each of our common stock, the stocks comprising the S&P 500 Index and the
stocks comprising the peer group.
(1)
Lear Corporation
S&P 500
Current Peer Group
Previous Peer Group
(1)
(1)
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2016
December 31,
2017
December 31,
2018
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2020
$
$
$
$
100.00 $
100.00 $
100.00 $
100.00 $
108.88 $
111.95 $
95.59 $
100.31 $
147.22 $
136.38 $
125.89 $
135.64 $
104.10 $
130.39 $
75.43 $
91.79 $
119.05 $
171.44 $
92.92 $
123.23 $
139.18
174.68
109.54
155.37
(1) We do not believe that there is a single published industry or line of business index that is appropriate for comparing stockholder returns. As a result,
we have selected a peer group comprised of representative independent automotive suppliers whose common stock is publicly traded. Our current peer
group, referenced in the graph above, consists of Adient plc, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., Aptiv PLC, Autoliv, Inc., BorgWarner
Inc., Continental AG, Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc., Dana Incorporated, Faurecia, Gentex Corporation, Gentherm Incorporated, Magna International,
Inc., Tenneco Inc., Valeo and Visteon Corporation, which we believe provides a more meaningful comparison of stock performance than our previous
peer group. Our previous peer group, referenced in the graph above, consisted of Adient plc, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., Aptiv
PLC, BorgWarner Inc., Dana Incorporated, Gentex Corporation, Magna International, Inc., Superior Industries International, Inc., Tenneco Inc. and
Visteon Corporation.
31
Table of Contents
ITEM 6 – SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following statement of operations, statement of cash flows and balance sheet data were derived from our consolidated financial statements. Our
consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP. The
selected financial data below should be read in conjunction with Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Report.
For the year ended December 31,
Income Statement: (in millions)
(6)
Net sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Amortization of intangible assets
Interest expense
Other (income) expense, net
Consolidated income before provision for income taxes
and equity in net income of affiliates
Provision for income taxes
Equity in net income of affiliates
Consolidated net income
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Lear
(7)
For the year ended December 31,
Income Statement Data:
Basic net income per share available to Lear common
stockholders
Diluted net income per share available to Lear common
stockholders
Weighted average shares outstanding –
basic
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
Dividends per share
Statement of Cash Flows Data: (in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Capital expenditures
$
$
$
$
$
$
2020
(1)
2019
(2)
2018
(3)
2017
(4)
2016
(5)
17,045.5 $
1,108.9
588.9
65.9
99.6
55.2
299.3
93.9
(28.5)
233.9
75.4
158.5 $
19,810.3 $
1,737.5
605.0
62.3
92.0
24.6
953.6
146.1
(23.2)
830.7
77.1
753.6 $
21,148.5 $
2,318.3
612.8
51.4
84.1
31.6
1,538.4
311.9
(20.2)
1,246.7
96.9
1,149.8 $
20,467.0 $
2,291.1
635.2
47.6
85.7
(4.1)
1,526.7
197.5
(51.7)
1,380.9
67.5
1,313.4 $
18,557.6
2,122.6
608.2
53.0
82.5
40.6
1,338.3
370.2
(72.4)
1,040.5
65.4
975.1
2020
(1)
2019
(2)
2018
(3)
2017
(4)
2016
(5)
2.63 $
12.80 $
17.35 $
18.79 $
2.62 $
12.75 $
17.22 $
18.59 $
60,254,380
60,426,962
61,697,192
61,923,528
65,672,164
66,161,816
68,542,563
69,277,981
1.02 $
3.00 $
2.80 $
2.00 $
663.1 $
(468.8)
(411.7)
452.3
1,284.3 $
(922.4)
(361.9)
603.9
1,779.8 $
(693.5)
(1,030.5)
677.0
1,783.1 $
(868.6)
(742.0)
594.5
13.48
13.33
72,345,436
73,124,949
1.20
1,619.3
(637.1)
(872.9)
528.3
32
Table of Contents
As of or for the year ended December 31,
Balance Sheet Data: (in millions)
Current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Long-term debt
Equity
Other Data (unaudited):
Employees at year end
North American content per vehicle
North American vehicle production (in millions)
European content per vehicle
European vehicle production (in millions)
(10)
(11)
(8)
(9)
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
6,776.7 $
13,198.6
5,076.7
2,300.3
4,614.9
6,406.7 $
12,680.7
4,666.2
2,293.7
4,501.1
6,280.5 $
11,600.7
4,500.6
1,941.0
4,360.6
6,613.0 $
11,945.9
4,854.3
1,951.5
4,292.6
174,600
164,100
169,000
165,000
509 $
13.0
370 $
16.9
451 $
16.3
359 $
21.7
452 $
17.0
385 $
22.6
456 $
17.1
354 $
23.0
5,649.3
9,900.6
4,182.3
1,898.0
3,192.9
148,400
422
17.8
316
22.3
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
2020 results include $149.9 million of restructuring and related manufacturing inefficiency charges (including $23.3 million of asset impairment
charges), $21.1 million loss on the extinguishment of debt, $4.0 million impairment of an investment, $33.8 million of tax benefits related to
restructuring charges and various other items, a $15.5 million tax benefit related to the U.S. deferred tax effect of our foreign branches and $28.9
million of tax expense related to a net increase in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets.
2019 results include $189.7 million of restructuring and related manufacturing inefficiency charges (including $9.5 million of asset impairment
charges), $1.6 million of transaction costs, $1.1 million loss related to litigation, $1.6 million related to a favorable indirect tax ruling in a foreign
jurisdiction, $10.6 million loss on the extinguishment of debt, $5.0 million impairment of an investment, $4.0 million gain related to the
deconsolidation of an affiliate, $1.6 million gain related to an affiliate and $122 million of net tax benefits related to an increase in research and
development tax credits for the years 2013 through 2018, changes in the tax status of certain affiliates, the U.S. tax impact of the foreign tax credit
regulations issued in the fourth quarter of 2019, net reductions in tax reserves, share-based compensation, various tax-related items, including the
release of valuation allowances, tax rate changes and audit adjustments, restructuring charges and various other special items partially offset by the
establishment of valuation allowances on the deferred tax assets of foreign subsidiaries.
2018 results include $104.3 million of restructuring and related manufacturing inefficiency charges (including $4.7 million of fixed asset impairment
charges), $0.5 million of transaction costs, $5.4 million pension settlement charge, $17.1 million gain related to litigation, $15.8 million related to a
favorable indirect tax ruling in a foreign jurisdiction, $10.0 million gain related to obtaining control of an affiliate, $8.9 million loss related to
affiliates and $49.1 million of net tax benefits related to the reversal of valuation allowances on the deferred tax assets of certain foreign subsidiaries,
share-based compensation, a tax rate change in a foreign subsidiary, an adjustment to the 2017 provisional income tax expense, restructuring charges
and various other items partially offset by an increase in foreign withholding tax on certain undistributed foreign earnings and the establishment of
valuation allowances on the deferred tax assets of certain foreign subsidiaries and various other items.
2017 results include $74.5 million of restructuring and related manufacturing inefficiency charges (including $1.3 million of fixed asset impairment
charges), $3.8 million of transaction costs, $5.0 million charge due to an acquisition-related inventory fair value adjustment, $15.4 million litigation
charge, $21.2 million loss on the extinguishment of debt, $54.2 million gain related to obtaining control of an affiliate and $214.8 million of net tax
benefits related to U.S. corporate tax reform and its associated transition tax, foreign tax credits on repatriated earnings, the reversal of valuation
allowances on the deferred tax assets of certain foreign subsidiaries, share-based compensation, an incentive tax credit in a foreign subsidiary, the
redemption of senior notes due 2023, restructuring charges and various other items.
(5)
2016 results include $69.6 million of restructuring and related manufacturing inefficiency charges (including $4.7 million of fixed asset impairment
charges), $34.2 million non-cash pension settlement charge, $1.3 million of transaction costs, $30.3 million gain related to obtaining control of an
affiliate and $23.6 million of net tax benefits related to restructuring charges, a non-cash pension settlement charge and various other items.
(6) The income statement for 2016 has been restated to reflect a non-cash pension settlement charge as other (income) expense, net in conjunction with
the 2018 adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, "Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic
Postretirement Benefit Cost." As a result, gross profit
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increased $20.5 million, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $13.7 million, and other expense, net increased $34.2 million.
(7)
(8)
Includes non-income related taxes, foreign exchange gains and losses, gains and losses related to certain derivative instruments and hedging activities,
losses on the extinguishment of debt, gains and losses on the disposal of fixed assets, gains and losses on the consolidation and deconsolidation of
affiliates, the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost and other miscellaneous income and expense.
"North American content per vehicle" is our net sales in North America divided by total North American vehicle production. Content per vehicle data
excludes business conducted through non-consolidated joint ventures. Content per vehicle data for 2019 has been updated to reflect actual production
levels.
(9)
"North American vehicle production" includes car and light truck production in the United States, Canada and Mexico based on IHS Markit.
Production data for 2019 has been updated to reflect actual production levels.
(10) "European content per vehicle" is our net sales in Europe and Africa divided by total European and African vehicle production. Content per vehicle
data excludes business conducted through non-consolidated joint ventures. Content per vehicle data for 2019 has been updated to reflect actual
production levels.
(11) "European vehicle production" includes car and light truck production with gross vehicle weights up to 3.5 tons in Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia,
Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia,
Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom based on IHS Markit. Production data for 2019 has been
updated to reflect actual production levels.
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ITEM 7 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Executive Overview
We are a leading Tier 1 vertically integrated supplier to the global automotive industry. We supply seating, electrical distribution and connection systems,
electronic systems, and software and connected services, to all of the world's major automotive manufacturers.
Built on a foundation and strong culture of innovation, operational excellence, and engineering and program management capabilities, we use our product,
design and technological expertise, global reach and competitive manufacturing footprint to achieve our financial goals and objectives of continuing to
deliver profitable growth (balancing risks and returns), investing in innovation to drive business growth and profitability, maintaining a strong balance sheet
with investment grade credit metrics and consistently returning excess cash to our stockholders.
Our business is organized under two reporting segments: Seating and E-Systems. Each of these segments has a varied product and technology range across
a number of component categories.
Our Seating business consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete seat systems, seat subsystems and key seat
components. Our capabilities in operations and supply chain management enable synchronized (just-in-time) assembly and delivery of high volumes of
complex complete seat systems to our customers. Included in our complete seat system and subsystem solutions are advanced comfort, wellness, safety and
sound offerings, as well as configurable seating product technologies, all of which are compatible with traditional internal combustion engine ("ICE")
architectures and the full range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric architectures. Our advanced comfort, wellness, safety and sound offerings are
facilitated by our system, component and integration capabilities, together with our in-house electronics, sensor, software and algorithm competencies. As
the most vertically integrated global seat supplier, our key seat component product offerings include seat trim covers, surface materials such as leather and
fabric, seat mechanisms, seat foam and headrests.
Our E-Systems business consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete electrical distribution and connection systems,
electronic systems, and software and connected services. The unique combination of these capabilities enables us to provide our customers with
customizable solutions with optimized designs at a competitive cost. Electrical distribution and connection systems utilize low voltage, high voltage, high
speed data cables and flat wiring to connect networks and electrical signals and manage electrical power within the vehicle for all types of powertrains –
from traditional ICE architectures to the full range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric architectures. Key components in our electrical distribution
portfolio include wire harnesses, terminals and connectors, and engineered components for both ICE and electrified vehicle architectures that require
management of higher voltage and power. Electronic systems facilitate signal, data and power management within the vehicle and include the associated
software required to facilitate these functions. Key components in our electronic systems portfolio include body domain control modules and products
specific to electrification and connectivity trends. Electrification products include on-board battery chargers, power conversion modules, high voltage
battery management systems and high voltage power distribution systems. Connectivity products include gateway modules and communication modules to
manage both wired and wireless networks and data in vehicles. In addition to electronic modules, we offer software that includes cybersecurity, advanced
vehicle positioning for automated and autonomous driving applications and full capabilities in both dedicated short-range communication and cellular
protocols for vehicle connectivity. Our software and connected services offerings include embedded control software and cloud and mobile device-based
software and services. Our customers traditionally have sourced our electronic hardware together with the software that we embed in it, but such software
may also be sourced by our customers independently of the hardware. Our connected services software solutions include award-winning Xevo Market, an
in-vehicle commerce and service platform that connects customers with their favorite brands and services by delivering highly-contextual sales offers
through vehicle touch screens and vehicle-branded mobile applications.
We serve all of the world's major automotive manufacturers across both our Seating and E-Systems businesses, and we have automotive content on more
than 400 vehicle nameplates worldwide. It is common to have both seating and electrical content on the same and multiple vehicle platforms with a single
customer. Further, with the seat becoming a more dynamic and integrated system requiring increased levels of electrical and electronic integration, the
combined capabilities of our Seating and E-Systems businesses are a competitive advantage. Our businesses benefit globally from leveraging common
operating standards and disciplines, including world-class product development and manufacturing processes, as well as common customer support and
regional infrastructures, all of which contribute to our reputation for operational excellence. Our core capabilities are shared across component categories
and include high-precision manufacturing and assembly with short lead times, management of complex supply chains, global engineering and program
management skills, the agility to establish and/or transfer production between facilities quickly and a unique customer-focused culture. Our businesses
utilize proprietary, industry-specific processes and standards, leverage common low-cost engineering centers and share centralized operating support
functions, such as logistics, supply chain management, quality and health and safety, as well as all major administrative functions.
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COVID-19 Pandemic
Our sales are driven by the number of vehicles produced by the automotive manufacturers, which is ultimately dependent on consumer demand for
automotive vehicles, and our content per vehicle. Unprecedented industry disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted operations in every
region of the world. Global automotive industry production volumes in 2020, as compared to 2019, are shown below (in thousands of units):
North America
Europe and Africa
Asia
South America
Other
Global light vehicle production
2020
(1)
2019
(1) (2)
% Change
13,027.3
16,873.9
39,257.7
2,163.5
1,323.5
72,645.9
16,314.4
21,703.8
44,651.8
3,128.5
1,417.0
87,215.5
(20 %)
(22 %)
(12 %)
(31 %)
(7 %)
(17 %)
(1) Production data based on IHS Markit.
(2) Production data for 2019 has been updated from our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect actual production levels.
Our operations in China were impacted first, with most plants in the country closed for several weeks during the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter,
all of our facilities in China were operating and capacity utilization was increasing. Beginning in mid-March, our operations in Europe, North America,
South America and Asia (outside of China) were impacted, with virtually all of our plants closed at the end of the first quarter and closures continuing
throughout April and, in most cases, a portion of May. Although manufacturing resumed gradually, most of our plants in our major markets were operating
at pre-COVID-19 levels at the end of the second quarter and throughout the second half of 2020. We experienced significant inefficiencies and incremental
costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of the year, which diminished toward the end of the second quarter. In the second half of 2020, we
experienced less significant but ongoing costs related to personal protective equipment, employee transportation and higher labor costs reflecting an
increase in absenteeism.
Although industry production has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, partially due to our customers' need to replenish inventory levels, it is likely that, for a
period of time, the global automotive industry will experience lower demand for new vehicles as a result of the global economic slowdown caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic, as new vehicle sales are typically correlated with positive consumer confidence and low unemployment. We are also continuing to
monitor our supply base, as well as related production constraints imposed by various governments, to minimize the impact on our manufacturing
operations. Further, a resurgence of the virus with corresponding shelter-in-place orders impacting industry production in 2021 could also impact our
financial results.
Liquidity actions
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we took a number of proactive steps to preserve cash and maximize our financial flexibility, including the
reduction of discretionary spending, the implementation of salary reductions and deferrals, the reduction of capital expenditures, the aggressive
management of working capital and the suspension of share repurchases and quarterly dividends. We are also continuing to seek opportunities offered
under government incentive programs throughout the world. In March 2020, we borrowed $1.0 billion under our revolving credit facility, which was repaid
in full in September 2020. With $1.3 billion of cash on hand at the end of the 2020, $1.75 billion of availability under our revolving credit facility and no
near-term debt maturities, we believe that we are well positioned to withstand the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employee protection
Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of our employees. We have restricted business travel, established protocols for visitors entering our
facilities, enhanced disinfection and cleaning procedures at our facilities and promoted social distancing. We have created a Safe Work Playbook, which
provides a standardized approach for each of our facilities to create a consistent and safe work environment and offers insights into navigating operational
challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The playbook is publicly available and includes health and safety information related to plant operating
protocols; employee education, training and feedback; facility assessments; and phased reopening of engineering and administrative centers.
For risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, see Part I — Item 1A, "Risk Factors — Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, have disrupted,
and may continue to disrupt, our business, which could adversely affect our financial performance."
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Industry Overview
Automotive sales and production can be affected by the age of the vehicle fleet and related scrappage rates, labor relations issues, fuel prices, regulatory
requirements, government initiatives, trade agreements, the availability and cost of credit, the availability of critical components needed to complete the
production of vehicles, restructuring actions of our customers and suppliers, facility closures, changing consumer attitudes toward vehicle ownership and
usage and other factors. Our operating results are also significantly impacted by the overall commercial success of the vehicle platforms for which we
supply particular products, as well as the profitability of the products that we supply for these platforms. The loss of business with respect to any vehicle
model for which we are a significant supplier, or a decrease in the production levels of any such models, could adversely affect our operating results. In
addition, larger cars and light trucks, as well as vehicle platforms that offer more features and functionality, such as luxury, sport utility and crossover
vehicles, typically have more content and, therefore, tend to have a more significant impact on our operating results.
Our percentage of consolidated net sales by region in 2020 and 2019 is shown below:
North America
Europe and Africa
Asia
South America
Total
2020
2019
39 %
37 %
21 %
3 %
100 %
37 %
39 %
20 %
4 %
100 %
Our ability to reduce the risks inherent in certain concentrations of business, and thereby maintain our financial performance in the future, will depend, in
part, on our ability to continue to diversify our sales on a customer, product, platform and geographic basis to reflect the market overall.
Key trends affecting our business include electrification, connectivity and autonomy. In addition, our business is affected by the consolidation of
automotive manufacturers, as well as new non-traditional entrants to the automotive industry, the collaboration of automotive manufacturers on
commonized vehicle platforms, increasing demand for luxury and performance features, including increasing levels of electrical and electronic content, and
China’s emergence as the largest automotive market in the world. In particular, we believe that we have a significant opportunity for growth in China with
both global and domestic automotive manufacturers. Another key trend benefiting our business is the shift toward crossover and sport utility vehicles,
where our content can be significantly higher than our average content per vehicle.
In addition, we believe that demand for energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, as well as the demand for enhanced communications and safety,
are driving the technology trends of electrification, connectivity and autonomy. We are focused on those trends which provide us with significant business
opportunities where we have competitive differentiation and innovative technology. While both of our businesses are powertrain agnostic, we are well
positioned to capitalize on these technology trends, each of which is likely to be at the forefront of our industry for the foreseeable future in light of the
long-term convergence toward electric, connected and autonomous vehicles.
Our sales and marketing approach addresses these trends, while our strategy focuses on the major imperatives for success as an automotive supplier:
quality, service, cost and efficiency, and innovation and technology. We have expanded key component and software capabilities through organic
investment and acquisitions to ensure a full complement of the best solutions for our customers. We have restructured, and continue to align, our
manufacturing and engineering footprint to attain a leading competitive cost position globally. We have established or expanded activities in new and
growing markets, especially China, in support of our customers’ growth initiatives and in pursuit of opportunities with new customers. These initiatives
have helped us achieve our financial goals overall, as well as a more balanced regional, customer and vehicle segment diversification in our business.
For further information related to these trends and our strategy, see Part 1 — Item 1, "Business — Industry and Strategy."
Our customers typically require us to reduce our prices over the life of a vehicle model and, at the same time, assume significant responsibility for the
design, development and engineering of our products. Our financial performance is largely dependent on our ability to achieve product cost reductions
through product design enhancement and supply chain management, as well as manufacturing efficiencies and restructuring actions. We also seek to
enhance our financial performance by investing in product development, design capabilities and new product initiatives that respond to the needs of our
customers and consumers. We continually evaluate operational and strategic alternatives to improve our business structure and align our business with the
changing needs of our customers and major industry trends affecting our business.
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Our material cost as a percentage of net sales was 64.3% in 2020, as compared to 65.0% in 2019 and 64.4% in 2018. Raw material, energy and commodity
costs can be volatile, reflecting changes in supply and demand and global trade and tariff policies. We have developed and implemented strategies to
mitigate the impact of higher raw material, energy and commodity costs, such as the selective in-sourcing of components, the continued consolidation of
our supply base, longer-term purchase commitments and the selective expansion of low-cost country sourcing and engineering, as well as value engineering
and product benchmarking. However, these strategies, together with commercial negotiations with our customers and suppliers, typically offset only a
portion of the adverse impact. Certain of these strategies also may limit our opportunities in a declining commodity environment. In addition, the
availability of raw materials, commodities and product components fluctuates from time to time due to factors outside of our control. If these costs increase
or availability is restricted, it could have an adverse impact on our operating results in the foreseeable future. See Part I — Item 1A, "Risk Factors —
Increases in the costs and restrictions on the availability of raw materials, energy, commodities and product components could adversely affect our financial
performance," and "— Forward-Looking Statements" below.
Financial Measures
In evaluating our financial condition and operating performance, we focus primarily on earnings, operating margins, cash flows and return on invested
capital. In addition to maintaining and expanding our business with our existing customers in our more established markets, our expansion plans are
focused primarily on emerging markets. Asia, and China in particular, continues to present long-term growth opportunities, as we focus on expanding our
market share and content per vehicle, as demand for luxury and performance features increases in this region. In addition to our wholly owned locations,
we currently have eleven operating joint ventures with operations in Asia, as well as two additional joint ventures in North America dedicated to serving
Asian automotive manufacturers. We also have aggressively pursued this strategy by selectively increasing our vertical integration capabilities globally, as
well as expanding our component manufacturing capacity in Asia, Brazil, Eastern Europe, Mexico and Northern Africa. Furthermore, we have expanded
our low-cost engineering capabilities in Asia, Eastern Europe and Northern Africa.
Our success in generating cash flow will depend, in part, on our ability to manage working capital effectively. Working capital can be significantly
impacted by the timing of cash flows from sales and purchases. Historically, we generally have been successful in aligning our vendor payment terms with
our customer payment terms. However, our ability to continue to do so may be impacted by adverse automotive industry conditions, changes to our
customers’ payment terms and the financial condition of our suppliers, as well as our financial condition. In addition, our cash flow is impacted by our
ability to manage our inventory and capital spending effectively. We utilize return on invested capital as a measure of the efficiency with which our assets
generate earnings. Improvements in our return on invested capital will depend on our ability to maintain an appropriate asset base for our business and to
increase productivity and operating efficiency.
Acquisition
Xevo
In April 2019, we completed the acquisition of Xevo Inc. ("Xevo"), a Seattle-based, global leader in connected car software, by acquiring all of Xevo's
outstanding shares for $322 million, net of cash acquired. Xevo is a supplier of software solutions for the cloud, vehicles and mobile devices that are
deployed in millions of vehicles worldwide.
For further information, see Note 4, "Acquisition," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Operational Restructuring
In 2020, we incurred pretax restructuring costs of $145 million and related manufacturing inefficiency charges of $5 million, as compared to pretax
restructuring costs of $184 million and related manufacturing inefficiency charges of $6 million in 2019. The decrease in restructuring costs in 2020, as
compared to 2019, is primarily related to reduced customer actions. None of the individual restructuring actions initiated during 2020 were material.
Our restructuring actions include plant closures and workforce reductions and are initiated to maintain our competitive footprint or are in response to
customer initiatives or changes in global and regional automotive markets. Our restructuring actions are designed to maintain or improve our operating
results and profitability throughout the automotive industry cycles. Restructuring actions are generally funded within twelve months of initiation and are
funded by cash flows from operating activities and existing cash balances. There have been no changes in previously initiated restructuring actions that
have resulted (or will result) in a material change to our restructuring costs. We expect to incur approximately $18 million of additional restructuring costs
related to activities initiated as of December 31, 2020, all of which are expected to be incurred by the end of 2021. We plan to implement additional
restructuring actions in order to align our manufacturing capacity and other costs with prevailing regional automotive production levels. Such future
restructuring actions are dependent on market conditions, customer actions and other factors.
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For further information, see Note 5, "Restructuring," and Note 15, "Segment Reporting," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Financing Transactions
Senior Notes
In February 2020, we issued $350 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 2030 notes (the "2030 Notes") and an additional $300 million in
aggregate principal amount at maturity of 2049 notes (the "2049 Notes"). The 2030 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 3.5% and were issued at 99.774% of
par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 3.525%. The 2049 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 5.25% and were issued at 106.626% of par, resulting in a yield
to maturity of 4.821%.
The net proceeds from the offering were $669 million after original issue discount. The proceeds were used to redeem the $650 million in aggregate
principal amount of 2025 notes (the "2025 Notes") at a redemption price equal to 102.625% of the principal amount of such 2025 Notes, plus accrued
interest.
In connection with these transactions, we recognized a loss of $21 million on the extinguishment of debt and paid related issuance costs of $6 million.
In May 2019, we issued $375 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of senior unsecured notes due in 2029 (the "2029 Notes") and $325 million
in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 2049 Notes. The 2029 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 4.25% and were issued at 99.691% of par, resulting
in a yield to maturity of 4.288%. The 2049 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 5.25% and were issued at 98.32% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of
5.363%.
The net proceeds from the offering were $693 million after original issue discount. The proceeds were used to redeem the $325 million in aggregate
principal amount of senior unsecured notes due in 2024 (the "2024 Notes") at a redemption price equal to 102.688% of the principal amount of such 2024
Notes, plus accrued interest, as well as to finance the acquisition of Xevo and for general corporate purposes.
In connection with these transactions, we recognized a loss of $11 million on the extinguishment of debt and paid related issuance costs of $7 million.
For further information, see "— Liquidity and Financial Condition — Capitalization — Senior Notes" below and Note 7 "Debt," to the consolidated
financial statements included in this Report.
Credit Agreement
Our unsecured credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), dated August 8, 2017, consists of a $1.75 billion revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit
Facility") and a $250 million term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility"). In February 2020, we entered into an agreement to extend the maturity date of
the Revolving Credit Facility by one year to August 8, 2024, and paid related issuance costs of $1 million. The maturity date of the Term Loan Facility is
August 8, 2022.
In March 2020, as a proactive measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we borrowed $1.0 billion under the Revolving Credit Facility, which was
repaid in full in September 2020, resulting in availability of $1.75 billion as of December 31, 2020.
For further information, see "— Liquidity and Financial Condition — Capitalization — Credit Agreement" below and Note 7, "Debt," to the consolidated
financial statements included in this Report.
Share Repurchase Program and Quarterly Cash Dividends
Since the first quarter of 2011, our Board of Directors has authorized $6.1 billion in share repurchases under our common stock share repurchase program.
In March 2020, as a proactive measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended share repurchases under our share repurchase program. Prior
to the suspension, we repurchased $70 million of shares in 2020 and have a remaining repurchase authorization of $1.4 billion, which will expire on
December 31, 2022.
In March 2020, as a proactive measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended our quarterly cash dividend. Prior to the suspension, our
Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.77 per share of common stock in the first quarter of 2020. The quarterly cash dividend was reinstated in
the fourth quarter of 2020 at $0.25 per share of common stock.
For further information related to our common stock share repurchase program and our quarterly dividends, see Item 5, "Market for the Company’s
Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities," "— Liquidity and Financial Condition — Capitalization" below
and Note 12, "Capital Stock, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Equity," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
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Other Matters
In 2020, we recognized tax benefits of $34 million related to restructuring charges and various other items and $15 million related to the U.S. deferred tax
effect of our foreign branches, partially offset by tax expense of $29 million related to a net increase in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets.
In 2019, we recognized tax benefits of $29 million related to an increase in our research and development tax credits for the years 2013 through 2018, $18
million related to changes in the tax status of certain affiliates, $14 million related to the U.S. tax impact of the foreign tax credit regulations issued in the
fourth quarter of 2019, $5 million related to net reductions in tax reserves, $3 million related to share-based compensation, $12 million related to various
tax-related items, including the release of valuation allowances, tax rate changes and audit adjustments, and $52 million related to restructuring charges and
various other items, offset by tax expense of $11 million related to the establishment of valuation allowances on the deferred tax assets of foreign
subsidiaries.
In 2018, we acquired an additional 20% interest in Changchun Lear FAWSN Automotive Electrical and Electronics Co., Ltd. ("Lear FAWSN") from a joint
venture partner and amended the existing joint venture agreement to eliminate the substantive participating rights of the remaining joint venture partner.
Prior to the amendment, Lear FAWSN was accounted for under the equity method. In conjunction with obtaining control of Lear FAWSN and the valuation
of our prior equity investment in Lear FAWSN at fair value, we recognized a gain of approximately $10 million.
In 2018, we recognized a $5 million settlement charge in connection with our annuity purchase for certain terminated vested plan participants of our U.S.
defined benefit pension plans.
In 2018, we recognized tax benefits of $83 million related to the reversal of valuation allowances on the deferred tax assets of certain foreign subsidiaries,
share-based compensation, a tax rate change in a foreign subsidiary, an adjustment to the 2017 provisional income tax expense, restructuring charges and
various other items, offset by tax expense of $34 million related to an increase in foreign withholding tax on certain undistributed foreign earnings and the
establishment of valuation allowances on the deferred tax assets of certain foreign subsidiaries and various other items.
As discussed above, our results for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, reflect the following items (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Costs related to restructuring actions, including manufacturing inefficiencies of $5 million in 2020, $6
million in 2019 and $16 million in 2018
Acquisition and other related costs
Pension settlement charge
Litigation
Favorable indirect tax ruling in a foreign jurisdiction
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(Gain) loss related to investments, net
Tax benefits, net
$
2020
2019
2018
$
150
—
—
—
—
21
4
(20)
$
190
2
—
1
(2)
11
(1)
(122)
104
1
5
(17)
(16)
—
(1)
(49)
For further information regarding these items, see Note 4, "Acquisition," Note 5, "Restructuring," Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related
Party Transactions," Note 7, "Debt," Note 9, "Income Taxes," and Note 10, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans," to the consolidated financial
statements included in this Report. This section includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. For further information
regarding these and other factors that have had, or may have in the future, a significant impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations,
see Part I — Item 1A, "Risk Factors," and "— Forward-Looking Statements" below.
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Results of Operations
A summary of our operating results in millions of dollars and as a percentage of net sales is shown below:
For the year ended December 31,
Net sales
Seating
E-Systems
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
Amortization of intangible assets
Interest expense
Other expense, net
Provision for income taxes
Equity in net income of affiliates
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests
Net income attributable to Lear
$
$
12,712.7
4,332.8
17,045.5
15,936.6
1,108.9
588.9
65.9
99.6
55.2
93.9
(28.5)
75.4
158.5
2020
2019
2018
74.6 %
25.4
100.0
93.5
6.5
$
15,097.2
4,713.1
19,810.3
18,072.8
1,737.5
$
76.2 %
23.8
100.0
91.2
8.8
16,021.9
5,126.6
21,148.5
18,830.2
2,318.3
3.5
0.4
0.6
0.3
0.6
(0.2)
0.4
0.9 %
$
605.0
62.3
92.0
24.6
146.1
(23.2)
77.1
753.6
3.1
0.3
0.5
0.1
0.7
(0.1)
612.8
51.4
84.1
31.6
311.9
(20.2)
0.4
3.8 %
$
96.9
1,149.8
0.5
5.4 %
75.8 %
24.2
100.0
89.0
11.0
2.9
0.2
0.4
0.2
1.5
(0.1)
Year Ended December 31, 2020, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2019
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $17.0 billion, as compared to $19.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $2.8
billion or 14%. Lower production volumes on Lear platforms globally, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, negatively impacted net sales by more than
$3.3 billion. This decrease was partially offset by the impact of new business in all regions, which increased net sales by more than $0.7 billion.
(in millions)
2019
Material cost
Labor and other
Depreciation
2020
Cost of Sales
18,072.8
(1,915.9)
(246.7)
26.4
15,936.6
$
$
Cost of sales in 2020 was $15.9 billion, as compared to $18.1 billion in 2019. Lower production volumes on Lear platforms globally, largely due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, reduced cost of sales by nearly $2.6 billion. This decrease was partially offset by the impact of new business in all regions, which
increase cost of sales by nearly $0.7 billion.
Gross profit and gross margin were $1.1 billion and 6.5% of net sales in 2020, as compared to $1.7 billion and 8.8% of net sales in 2019. Lower production
volumes on Lear platforms globally, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted gross profit
by $792 million. Favorable operating performance, including the benefit of operational restructuring actions, and lower restructuring costs were partially
offset by the impact of selling price reductions. These factors had a corresponding impact on gross margin.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, including engineering and development expenses, were $589 million for the year ended December 31, 2020,
as compared to $605 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 3.5% in
2020, as compared to 3.1% in 2019, reflecting the significant decrease in net sales in 2020.
Amortization of intangible assets was $66 million in 2020, as compared to $62 million in 2019.
Interest expense was $100 million in 2020, as compared to $92 million in 2019.
Other expense, net, which includes non-income related taxes, foreign exchange gains and losses, gains and losses related to certain derivative instruments
and hedging activities, losses on the extinguishment of debt, gains and losses on the disposal of fixed assets, gains and losses on the consolidation and
deconsolidation of affiliates, the non-service cost components of net
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periodic benefit cost and other miscellaneous income and expense, was $55 million in 2020, as compared to $25 million in 2019. In 2020, we recognized
losses of $21 million related to the extinguishment of debt, $13 million related to a pension settlement and $4 million related to the impairment of an
investment. In 2019, we recognized losses of $11 million related to the extinguishment of debt and $5 million related to the impairment of an investment
and a gain of $4 million related to the deconsolidation of an affiliate.
In 2020, the provision for income taxes was $94 million, representing an effective tax rate of 31.4% on pretax income before equity in net income of
affiliates of $299 million. In 2019, the provision for income taxes was $146 million, representing an effective tax rate of 15.3% on pretax income before
equity in net income of affiliates of $954 million.
In 2020 and 2019, the provision for income taxes was primarily impacted by the level and mix of earnings among tax jurisdictions. In 2020, we recognized
tax benefits of $34 million related to restructuring charges and various other items and $15 million related to the U.S. deferred tax effect of our foreign
branches and tax expense of $29 million related to a net increase in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. In 2019, we recognized tax benefits of $29
million related to an increase in our research and development tax credits for the years 2013 through 2018, $18 million related to changes in the tax status
of certain affiliates, $14 million related to the U.S. tax impact of the foreign tax credit regulations issued in the fourth quarter of 2019, $5 million related to
net reductions in tax reserves, $3 million related to share-based compensation, $12 million related to various tax-related items, including the release of
valuation allowances, tax rate changes and audit adjustments, and $52 million related to restructuring charges and various other items, offset by tax expense
of $11 million related to the establishment of valuation allowances on the deferred tax assets of foreign subsidiaries. In addition, we recognized a gain of $4
million related to the deconsolidation of an affiliate, for which no tax expense was provided.
For information related to our valuation allowances, see "Other Matters — Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates — Income
Taxes" below.
Equity in net income of affiliates was $29 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $23 million for the year ended December 31,
2019.
Net income attributable to Lear was $159 million, or $2.62 per diluted share, in 2020, as compared to $754 million, or $12.75 per diluted share, in 2019.
Net income and diluted net income per share decreased for the reasons described above. In addition, diluted net income per share was impacted by the
decrease in average shares outstanding between periods.
Reportable Operating Segments
We have two reportable operating segments: Seating and E-Systems. For a description of our reportable operating segments, see "Executive Overview"
above.
The financial information presented below is for our two reportable operating segments and our other category for the periods presented. The other
category includes unallocated costs related to corporate headquarters, regional headquarters and the elimination of intercompany activities, none of which
meets the requirements for being classified as an operating segment. Corporate and regional headquarters costs include various support functions, such as
information technology, advanced research and development, corporate finance, legal, executive administration and human resources. Financial measures
regarding each segment’s pretax income before equity in net income of affiliates, interest expense and other expense, net ("segment earnings") and segment
earnings divided by net sales ("margin") are not measures of performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP").
Segment earnings and the related margin are used by management to evaluate the performance of our reportable operating segments. Segment earnings
should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income attributable to Lear, net cash provided by operating activities or other income
statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP or as measures of profitability or liquidity. In addition, segment earnings, as we
determine it, may not be comparable to related or similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
For a reconciliation of consolidated segment earnings to consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, see
Note 15, "Segment Reporting," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Seating —
A summary of financial measures for our Seating segment is shown below (dollar amounts in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Net sales
Segment earnings
Margin
(1)
(1) See definition above.
$
2020
12,712.7
590.5
$
2019
15,097.2
961.2
4.6 %
6.4 %
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Seating net sales were $12.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $15.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease
of $2.4 billion or (16%). Lower production volumes on Lear platforms globally, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, negatively impacted net sales by
nearly $2.7 billion. This decrease was partially offset by the impact of new business, which increased net sales by more than $0.4 billion.
Segment earnings, including restructuring costs, and the related margin on net sales were $591 million and 4.6% in 2020, as compared to $961 million and
6.4% in 2019. Lower production volumes on Lear platforms globally, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and costs related to the COVID-19
pandemic negatively impacted segment earnings by $586 million. Favorable operating performance, including the benefit of operational restructuring
actions, and lower restructuring costs were partially offset by the impact of selling price reductions.
E-Systems —
A summary of financial measures for our E-Systems segment is shown below (dollar amounts in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Net sales
Segment earnings
Margin
(1)
(1) See definition above.
$
2020
2019
4,332.8
98.1
$
2.3 %
4,713.1
366.3
7.8 %
E-Systems net sales were $4.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $4.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease
of $0.4 billion or 8%. Lower production volumes on Lear platforms globally, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, negatively impacted net sales by
more than $0.6 billion. This decrease was partially offset by the impact of new business, which increased net sales by nearly $0.3 billion.
Segment earnings, including restructuring costs, and the related margin on net sales were $98 million and 2.3% in 2020, as compared to $366 million and
7.8% in 2019. Lower production volumes on Lear platforms globally, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and costs related to the COVID-19
pandemic negatively impacted segment earnings by $234 million. Improved operating performance was more than offset by the impact of selling price
reductions and, to a lesser extent, higher restructuring costs.
Other —
A summary of financial measures for our other category, which is not an operating segment, is shown below (dollar amounts in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Net sales
Segment earnings
Margin
(1)
(1) See definition above.
$
2020
2019
— $
(234.5)
N/A
—
(257.3)
N/A
Segment earnings related to our other category were ($235) million in 2020, as compared to ($257) million in 2019, primarily reflecting lower
compensation-related costs in 2020.
Year Ended December 31, 2019, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2018
For a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with the year ended December 31, 2018, refer to our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
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Liquidity and Financial Condition
Our primary liquidity needs are to fund general business requirements, including working capital requirements, capital expenditures, operational
restructuring actions and debt service requirements. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under available
credit facilities and our existing cash balance.
Adequacy of Liquidity Sources
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $1.3 billion of cash and cash equivalents on hand and $1.75 billion in available borrowing capacity under
our Revolving Credit Facility. Together with cash provided by operating activities, we believe that this will enable us to meet our liquidity needs for the
foreseeable future and to satisfy ordinary course business obligations.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we took a number of proactive steps to preserve cash and maximize our financial flexibility in order to efficiently
manage through the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
• Aggressively reducing operating costs, capital expenditures and working capital, including reducing discretionary spending
•
•
Reducing salaried employee costs throughout the organization through salary reductions and deferrals
Suspending share repurchases and quarterly dividends
• Maximizing opportunities offered under government incentive programs throughout the world
•
•
Reducing the compensation of the Board of Directors
Reducing hourly factory worker costs through temporary layoffs
• Delaying planned pension funding and deferring other retirement plan contributions
In the second half of the year, we reversed certain of the employee-related austerity measures as industry production recovered and financial performance
improved. Further, we announced the restoration of compensation levels for our Board of Directors and executive officers and reinstated the quarterly cash
dividend at $0.25 per share of common stock.
In addition, we expect to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends and resume share repurchases pursuant to our common stock share repurchase program
(see Item 5, "Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities"). Our future financial
results and our ability to continue to meet our liquidity needs are subject to, and will be affected by, cash flows from operations, including the continuing
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as restructuring activities, automotive industry conditions, the financial condition of our customers and
suppliers and other related factors. Additionally, an economic downturn or reduction in production levels could negatively impact our financial condition.
For further discussion of the risks and uncertainties affecting our cash flows from operations and our overall liquidity, see Part I — Item 1A, "Risk
Factors," and "— Executive Overview" above and "— Forward-Looking Statements" below.
Cash Provided by Subsidiaries
A substantial portion of our operating income is generated by our subsidiaries. As a result, we are dependent on the earnings and cash flows of and the
combination of dividends, royalties, intercompany loan repayments and other distributions and advances from our subsidiaries to provide the funds
necessary to meet our obligations.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash and cash equivalents of $780 million and $895 million, respectively, were held in foreign subsidiaries and can be
repatriated, primarily through the repayment of intercompany loans and the payment of dividends, without creating additional income tax expense. There
are no significant restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to Lear. For further information regarding
potential dividends from our non-U.S. subsidiaries, see "— Adequacy of Liquidity Sources" above and Note 9, "Income Taxes," to the consolidated
financial statements included in this Report.
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Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2020, Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2019
A summary of net cash provided by operating activities is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Consolidated net income and depreciation and amortization
Net change in working capital items:
Accounts receivable
Inventory
Other current assets
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Net change in working capital items
Other
Net cash provided by operating activities
2020
2019
Increase (Decrease) in
Operating
Cash Flow
$
774 $
1,341 $
(165)
(108)
(63)
214
55
(67)
(44)
663 $
(116)
(69)
71
(6)
94
(26)
(31)
1,284 $
$
(567)
(49)
(39)
(134)
220
(39)
(41)
(13)
(621)
In 2020 and 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $663 million and $1,284 million, respectively. The overall decrease in operating cash flows
of $621 million was primarily attributable to lower earnings in 2020. Increases in accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable primarily reflect
higher production volumes at the end of 2020, as compared to the end of 2019.
Net cash used in investing activities was $469 million in 2020, as compared to $922 million in 2019. In 2019, we paid $322 million for the acquisition of
Xevo. In 2020, capital spending was $452 million, reflecting a delay in certain program launches and a reduction in discretionary spending in response to
the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to $604 million in 2019. Capital spending in 2021 is estimated at $600 million.
Net cash used in financing activities was $412 million in 2020, as compared to $362 million in 2019. As a proactive measure in response to the COVID-19
pandemic, we borrowed $1.0 billion under the Revolving Credit Facility in the first quarter of 2020, which was repaid in full in the third quarter of 2020. In
2020, we received net proceeds of $669 million related to the issuance of 2030 and 2049 Notes and paid $6 million of related issuance costs and $667
million related to the redemption of the outstanding 2025 Notes. Also in 2020, we paid $70 million for repurchases of our common stock, $67 million of
dividends to Lear stockholders and $123 million of dividends to noncontrolling interest holders. In 2019, we received net proceeds of $693 million related
to the issuance of 2029 and 2049 Notes and paid $7 million of related issuance costs and $334 million related to the redemption of the outstanding 2024
Notes. Also in 2019, we paid $385 million for repurchases of our common stock, $186 million of dividends to Lear stockholders and $79 million of
dividends to noncontrolling interest holders.
For further information regarding our 2020 and 2019 financing transactions, see "— Capitalization" below and Note 7, "Debt," and Note 12, "Capital
Stock, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Equity," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Year Ended December 31, 2019, Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2018
For a discussion of our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with the year ended December 31, 2018, refer to our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Capitalization
From time to time, we utilize uncommitted lines of credit to fund our capital expenditures and working capital requirements at certain of our foreign
subsidiaries, in addition to cash provided by operating activities. As of December 31, 2020, we had no short-term debt balances outstanding. As of
December 31, 2019, we had short-term debt balances outstanding of $19 million. The availability of uncommitted lines of credit may be affected by our
financial performance, credit ratings and other factors.
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Senior Notes
As of December 31, 2020, our senior notes (collectively, the "Notes") consist of the amounts shown below (in millions, except stated coupon rates):
Senior unsecured notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes")
Senior unsecured notes due 2029 (the "2029 Notes")
2030 Notes
Note
2049 Notes
Aggregate Principal
Amount at Maturity
750
$
375
350
$
625
2,100
Stated Coupon Rate
3.80%
4.25%
3.50%
5.25%
The issue, maturity and interest payment dates of the Notes are shown below:
Note
2027 Notes
2029 Notes
2030 Notes
2049 Notes
Issuance Date
August 2017
May 2019
February 2020
May 2019 and February 2020
Maturity Date
September 15, 2027
May 15, 2029
May 30, 2030
May 15, 2049
Interest Payment Dates
March 15 and September 15
May 15 and November 15
May 30 and November 30
May 15 and November 15
In 2020, we issued $350 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 2030 Notes and an additional $300 million in aggregate principal amount at
maturity of 2049 Notes. The 2030 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 3.5% and were issued at 99.774% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 3.525%.
The 2049 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 5.25% and were issued at 106.626% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 4.821%.
The net proceeds from the offering were $669 million after original issue discount. The proceeds were used to redeem the $650 million in aggregate
principal amount of 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to 102.625% of the principal amount of such 2025 Notes, plus accrued interest.
In connection with these transactions, we recognized a loss of $21 million on the extinguishment of debt and paid related issuance costs of $6 million.
The indentures governing the Notes contain certain restrictive covenants and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2020, we were in
compliance with all covenants under the indentures governing the Notes.
For further information related to the Notes, including information on early redemption, covenants and events of default, see Note 7, "Debt," to the
consolidated financial statements included in this Report and the indentures governing the Notes which have been incorporated by reference as exhibits to
this Report.
Credit Agreement
Our Credit Agreement, dated August 8, 2017, consists of a $1.75 billion Revolving Credit Facility and a $250 million Term Loan Facility. In 2020, we
entered into an agreement to extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility by one year to August 8, 2024, and paid related issuance costs of $1
million. The maturity date of the Term Loan Facility is August 8, 2022. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no borrowings outstanding under
the Revolving Credit Facility and $220 million and $234 million, respectively, outstanding under the Term Loan Facility.
In March 2020, as a proactive measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we borrowed $1.0 billion under the Revolving Credit Facility, which was
repaid in full in September 2020.
The Credit Agreement contains various financial and other covenants that require us to remain below a maximum leverage coverage ratio. As of
December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. Although we expect to maintain compliance with all
covenants, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect our ability to comply with certain of these covenants. In the event that we are
unable to maintain compliance with such covenants, we expect to obtain an amendment or waiver from our lenders, refinance the indebtedness subject to
the covenants or take other mitigating actions prior to a potential breach.
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For further information related to the Credit Agreement, including information on pricing, covenants and events of default, see Note 7, "Debt," to the
consolidated financial statements included in this Report and the amended and restated credit agreement, which has been incorporated by reference as an
exhibit to this Report.
Accounts Receivable Factoring
During the second quarter of 2020, we entered into an uncommitted factoring arrangement which provides for aggregate purchases of specified customer
accounts in North America. The factoring arrangement results in true sales of the factored receivables, which are excluded from amounts reported in the
consolidated balance sheets when the receivables are factored in accordance with ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing." There were no receivables factored
during 2020. We cannot provide any assurances that the factoring arrangement will be available or utilized in the future.
Contractual Obligations
The scheduled maturities of the Notes, obligations under the Credit Agreement and scheduled interest payments on the Notes as of December 31, 2020, are
shown below (in millions):
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total
Senior notes
Credit agreement — term loan
facility
Scheduled interest payments
Total
$
$
— $
— $
14
90
104 $
206
90
296 $
— $
—
90
90 $
— $
—
90
90 $
— $
2,100 $
2,100
—
90
90 $
—
937
3,037 $
220
1,387
3,707
We enter into agreements with our customers to produce products at the beginning of a vehicle’s life cycle. Although such agreements do not provide for a
specified quantity of products, once we enter into such agreements, we are generally required to fulfill our customers’ purchasing requirements for the
production life of the vehicle. Prior to being formally awarded a program, we typically work closely with our customers in the early stages of the design
and engineering of a vehicle’s systems. Failure to complete the design and engineering work related to a vehicle’s systems, or to fulfill a customer’s
contract, could have a material adverse impact on our business.
We also enter into agreements with suppliers to assist us in meeting our customers’ production needs. These agreements vary as to duration and quantity
commitments. Historically, most have been short-term agreements, which do not provide for minimum purchases, or are requirements-based contracts.
We may be required to make significant cash outlays related to our unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties. However, due to the
uncertainty of the timing of future cash flows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the
period of cash settlement, if any, with the respective taxing authorities. Accordingly, unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, of $49
million as of December 31, 2020, have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above. For further information related to our unrecognized tax
benefits, see Note 9, "Income Taxes," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
We also have minimum funding requirements with respect to our pension obligation. We may elect to make contributions in excess of the minimum
funding requirements in response to investment performance or changes in interest rates or when we believe that it is financially advantageous to do so and
based on our other cash requirements. Our minimum funding requirements after 2021 will depend on several factors, including investment performance and
interest rates. Our minimum funding requirements may also be affected by changes in applicable legal requirements. Our minimum required contributions
to our domestic and foreign pension plans, including distributions to participants in certain of our non-qualified defined benefit plans, are expected to be
approximately $5 million to $10 million in 2021. We also have payments due with respect to our postretirement benefit obligation. We do not fund our
postretirement benefit obligation. Rather, payments are made as costs are incurred by covered retirees. We expect payments related to our postretirement
benefit obligation to be approximately $5 million in 2021.
For further information related to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans, see "— Other Matters — Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit
Plans" below and Note 10, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Common Stock Share Repurchase Program
See Item 5, "Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities."
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Dividends
In March 2020, as a proactive measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended our quarterly cash dividend. Prior to the suspension, our
Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.77 per share of common stock in the first quarter of 2020. The quarterly cash dividend was reinstated in
the fourth quarter of 2020 at $0.25 per share of common stock. In 2019 and 2018, our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.75 and
$0.70, respectively, per share of common stock.
We currently expect to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future, although such payments are at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend
upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, alternative uses of capital and other factors that our Board of Directors may
consider at its discretion. See "— Forward-Looking Statements" below and Note 7, "Debt," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Market Risk Sensitivity
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks associated with fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity
prices. We manage a portion of these risks through the use of derivative financial instruments in accordance with our policies. We enter into all hedging
transactions for periods consistent with the underlying exposures. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Exchange
Operating results may be impacted by our buying, selling and financing in currencies other than the functional currency of our operating companies
("transactional exposure"). We may mitigate a portion of this risk by entering into forward foreign exchange, futures and option contracts. The foreign
exchange contracts are executed with banks that we believe are creditworthy. Gains and losses related to foreign exchange contracts are deferred where
appropriate and included in the measurement of the foreign currency transaction subject to the hedge. Gains and losses incurred related to foreign exchange
contracts are generally offset by the direct effects of currency movements on the underlying transactions.
A summary of the notional amount and estimated aggregate fair value of our outstanding foreign exchange contracts is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Notional amount (contract maturities < 24 months)
Fair value
2020
2019
$
2,494 $
48
2,163
50
Currently, our most significant foreign currency transactional exposures relate to the Mexican peso, various European currencies, the Chinese renminbi, the
Thai baht, the Japanese yen, the Brazilian real and the Honduran lempira. A sensitivity analysis of our net transactional exposure is shown below (in
millions):
December 31,
U.S. dollar
Euro
Potential Earnings Benefit (Adverse Earnings
Impact)
(1)
Hypothetical Strengthening
%
10%
10%
$
2020
2019
23 $
(4)
(16)
19
(1) Relative to all other currencies to which it is exposed for a twelve-month period.
A sensitivity analysis related to the aggregate fair value of our outstanding foreign exchange contracts is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
U.S. dollar
Euro
Hypothetical
(2)
Change %
10%
10%
Estimated Change in Fair Value
2020
2019
$
80 $
59
50
69
(2) Relative to all other currencies to which it is exposed.
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There are certain shortcomings inherent in the sensitivity analyses above. The analyses assume that all currencies would uniformly strengthen or weaken
relative to the U.S. dollar or Euro. In reality, some currencies may strengthen while others may weaken, causing the earnings impact to increase or decrease
depending on the currency and the direction of the rate movement.
In addition to the transactional exposure described above, our operating results are impacted by the translation of our foreign operating income into U.S.
dollars ("translational exposure"). In 2020, net sales outside of the United States accounted for 79% of our consolidated net sales, although certain non-U.S.
sales are U.S. dollar denominated. We do not enter into foreign exchange contracts to mitigate our translational exposure.
Commodity Prices
Raw material, energy and commodity costs can be volatile, reflecting changes in supply and demand and global trade and tariff policies. We have
developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of higher raw material, energy and commodity costs, such as the selective in-sourcing of
components, the continued consolidation of our supply base, longer-term purchase commitments and the selective expansion of low-cost country sourcing
and engineering, as well as value engineering and product benchmarking. However, these strategies, together with commercial negotiations with our
customers and suppliers, typically offset only a portion of the adverse impact. Certain of these strategies also may limit our opportunities in a declining
commodity cost environment. If these costs increase, it could have an adverse impact on our operating results in the foreseeable future. See Part I —
Item 1A, "Risk Factors — Increases in the costs and restrictions on the availability of raw materials, energy, commodities and product components could
adversely affect our financial performance," and "— Forward-Looking Statements" below.
We have commodity price risk with respect to purchases of certain raw materials, including steel, copper, diesel fuel, chemicals, resins and leather. Our
main cost exposures relate to steel, copper and leather. The majority of the steel used in our products is comprised of fabricated components that are
integrated into a seat system, such as seat frames, recliner mechanisms, seat tracks and other mechanical components. Therefore, our exposure to changes
in steel prices is primarily indirect, through these purchased components. Approximately 92% of our copper purchases and a significant portion of our
leather purchases are subject to price index agreements with our customers and suppliers.
For further information related to the financial instruments described above, see Note 16, "Financial Instruments," to the consolidated financial statements
included in this Report.
Other Matters
Legal and Environmental Matters
We are involved from time to time in various legal proceedings and claims, including, without limitation, commercial and contractual disputes, product
liability claims and environmental and other matters. As of December 31, 2020, we had recorded reserves for pending legal disputes, including commercial
disputes and other matters, of $17 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we had recorded reserves for product liability and warranty claims and
environmental matters of $49 million and $9 million, respectively. Although these reserves were determined in accordance with GAAP, the ultimate
outcomes of these matters are inherently uncertain, and actual results may differ significantly from current estimates. For a description of risks related to
various legal proceedings and claims, see Part I — Item 1A, "Risk Factors." For a more complete description of our outstanding material legal proceedings,
see Note 14, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.
Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," to the consolidated financial
statements included in this Report. Certain of our accounting policies require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the
industry, information provided by our customers and suppliers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. However, these
estimates and assumptions are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Accordingly, actual results in these areas may differ significantly from our
estimates.
We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if it requires us to make assumptions about matters that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made
and changes in the estimate would have had a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
49
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Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments
We enter into contracts with our customers to provide production parts generally at the beginning of a vehicle’s life cycle. Typically, these contracts do not
provide for a specified quantity of products, but once entered into, we are often expected to fulfill our customers’ purchasing requirements for the
production life of the vehicle. Many of these contracts may be terminated by our customers at any time. Historically, terminations of these contracts have
been infrequent. We receive purchase orders from our customers, which provide the commercial terms for a particular production part, including price (but
not quantities). Contracts may also provide for annual price reductions over the production life of the vehicle, and prices may be adjusted on an ongoing
basis to reflect changes in product content/cost and other commercial factors.
Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the product is transferred to the customer under standard commercial terms, as we do not have an
enforceable right to payment prior to such transfer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to in exchange
for those products based on the annual purchase orders, annual price reductions and ongoing price adjustments. Our customers pay for products received in
accordance with payment terms that are customary within the industry. Our contracts with our customers do not have significant financing components. We
record a contract liability for advances received from our customers. Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling costs are included in net
sales in the consolidated statements of income. Shipping and handling costs are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in cost of sales in the
consolidated statements of income. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing
transaction that we collect from a customer are excluded from revenue.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
We provide certain pension and other postretirement benefits to our employees and retired employees, including pensions, postretirement health care
benefits and other postretirement benefits.
Approximately 6% of our active workforce is covered by defined benefit pension plans. Pension plans provide benefits based on plan-specific benefit
formulas as defined by the applicable plan documents. Postretirement benefit plans generally provide for the continuation of medical benefits for eligible
retirees. We also have contractual arrangements with certain employees which provide for supplemental retirement benefits. In general, our policy is to
fund our pension benefit obligation based on legal requirements, tax and liquidity considerations and local practices. We do not fund our postretirement
benefit obligation.
Plan assets and obligations are measured using various actuarial assumptions, such as discount rates, rate of compensation increase, mortality rates,
turnover rates and health care cost trend rates, which are determined as of the current year measurement date. The measurement of net periodic benefit cost
is based on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return on plan assets and rate of compensation increase, which are determined
as of the prior year measurement date. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and modify these assumptions when appropriate. As
required by GAAP, the effects of the modifications are recorded currently or are amortized over future periods.
The determination of the discount rate is generally based on an index created from a hypothetical bond portfolio consisting of high-quality fixed income
securities with durations that match the timing of expected benefit payments. Changes in the selected discount rate could have a material impact on the
projected benefit obligations, unfunded status and related net periodic benefit cost of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
The expected return on plan assets is determined based on several factors, including adjusted historical returns, historical risk premiums for various asset
classes and target asset allocations within the portfolio. Adjustments made to the historical returns are based on recent return experience in the equity and
fixed income markets and the belief that deviations from historical returns are likely over the relevant investment horizon.
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Key assumptions are shown below:
Benefit obligations as of December 31, 2020
Discount rate -
Domestic plans
Foreign plans
Net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2020
Discount rate -
Domestic plans
Foreign plans
Expected return on plan assets -
Domestic plans
Foreign plans
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the year ending December 31, 2021
Discount rate -
(1)
Domestic plans
Foreign plans
Expected return on plan assets -
Domestic plans
Foreign plans
(1) Forecasted.
$
$
$
Pension
1,094
Other Postretirement
89
$
$
$
2.6 %
2.0 %
14
3.4 %
2.6 %
5.8 %
5.4 %
(2)
2.6 %
2.0 %
5.8 %
5.2 %
2.4 %
2.5 %
1
3.2 %
3.1 %
N/A
N/A
1
2.4 %
2.5 %
N/A
N/A
The sensitivity to a 100 basis point ("bp") decrease in the discount rate and expected return on plan assets is shown below (in millions):
100 bp decrease in discount rate
100 bp decrease in expected return on plan assets
Increase in Benefit Obligation
Increase in 2021
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Pension
Other Postretirement
Pension
$
176 $
N/A
11 $
N/A $
Other Postretirement
—
N/A
— $
8
For further information related to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans, see "— Liquidity and Financial Condition — Capitalization —
Contractual Obligations" above and Note 10, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans," to the consolidated financial statements included in this
Report.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with GAAP. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax loss and credit
carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
Our current and future provision for income taxes is impacted by the initial recognition of and changes in valuation allowances in certain countries. We
intend to maintain these allowances until it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Our future provision for income taxes will
include no tax benefit with respect to losses incurred and, except for certain jurisdictions, no tax expense with respect to income generated in these
countries until the respective valuation allowances are eliminated. Accordingly, income taxes are impacted by changes in valuation allowances and the mix
of earnings among jurisdictions. We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis. In completing this evaluation, we consider all
available evidence in order to determine whether, based on the weight of the evidence, a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets is necessary. Such
evidence includes historical results, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and expectations for future taxable income (exclusive of the
reversal of temporary differences and carryforwards),
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as well as the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. If, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a
portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded.
As of December 31, 2020, we had a valuation allowance related to tax loss and credit carryforwards and other deferred tax assets of $19 million in the
United States and $379 million in several international jurisdictions. If operating results improve or decline on a continual basis in a particular jurisdiction,
our decision regarding the need for a valuation allowance could change, resulting in either the initial recognition or reversal of a valuation allowance in that
jurisdiction, which could have a significant impact on income tax expense in the period recognized and subsequent periods. In determining the provision
for income taxes for financial statement purposes, we make certain estimates and judgments, which affect our evaluation of the carrying value of our
deferred tax assets, as well as our calculation of certain tax liabilities.
The calculation of our gross unrecognized tax benefits and liabilities includes uncertainties in the application of, and changes in, complex tax regulations in
a multitude of jurisdictions across our global operations. We recognize tax benefits and liabilities based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which,
additional taxes will be due. We adjust these benefits and liabilities based on changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity of these
uncertainties and the impact of tax audits, the ultimate resolutions may differ significantly from our estimates.
For further information, see "— Forward-Looking Statements" below and Note 9, "Income Taxes," to the consolidated financial statements included in this
Report.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. During 2020, there were no material changes in the methods or policies used to establish estimates and assumptions. Other matters
subject to estimation and judgment include amounts related to accounts receivable realization, inventory obsolescence, asset impairments, useful lives of
fixed and intangible assets, unsettled pricing discussions with customers and suppliers, restructuring accruals, deferred tax asset valuation allowances and
income taxes, pension and other postretirement benefit plan assumptions, accruals related to litigation, warranty and environmental remediation costs and
self-insurance accruals. Actual results may differ significantly from our estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For information on the impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 18, "Accounting Pronouncements," to the consolidated financial
statements included in this Report.
Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. The words "will,"
"may," "designed to," "outlook," "believes," "should," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates," "forecasts" and similar expressions identify
certain of these forward-looking statements. We also may provide forward-looking statements in oral statements or other written materials released to the
public. All such forward-looking statements contained or incorporated in this Report or in any other public statements which address operating
performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements related to business
opportunities, awarded sales contracts, sales backlog and ongoing commercial arrangements, or statements expressing views about future operating results,
are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from any or all forward-looking statements made by us. Important factors, risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results include, but are not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, including changes in interest rates or currency exchange rates;
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the global economy;
changes in actual industry vehicle production levels from our current estimates;
fluctuations in the production of vehicles or the loss of business with respect to, or the lack of commercial success of, a vehicle model for which we
are a significant supplier;
the outcome of customer negotiations and the impact of customer-imposed price reductions;
the cost and availability of raw materials, energy, commodities and product components and our ability to mitigate such costs;
disruptions in relationships with our suppliers;
the financial condition of and adverse developments affecting our customers and suppliers;
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries;
currency controls and the ability to economically hedge currencies;
global sovereign fiscal matters and creditworthiness, including potential defaults and the related impacts on economic activity, including the possible
effects on credit markets, currency values, monetary unions, international treaties and fiscal policies;
competitive conditions impacting us and our key customers and suppliers;
labor disputes involving us or our significant customers or suppliers or that otherwise affect us;
the operational and financial success of our joint ventures;
the impact and timing of program launch costs and our management of new program launches;
changes in discount rates and the actual return on pension assets;
impairment charges initiated by adverse industry or market developments;
our ability to execute our strategic objectives;
limitations imposed by our existing indebtedness and our ability to access capital markets on commercially reasonable terms;
changes affecting the availability of LIBOR;
disruptions to our information technology systems, or those of our customers or suppliers, including those related to cybersecurity;
increases in our warranty, product liability or recall costs;
the outcome of legal or regulatory proceedings to which we are or may become a party;
the impact of pending legislation and regulations or changes in existing federal, state, local or foreign laws or regulations;
the impact of regulations on our foreign operations;
costs associated with compliance with environmental laws and regulations;
developments or assertions by or against us relating to intellectual property rights;
the impact of potential changes in tax and trade policies in the United States and related actions by countries in which we do business;
the anticipated changes in economic and other relationships between the United Kingdom and the European Union; and
other risks, described in Part I — Item 1A, "Risk Factors," as well as the risks and information provided from time to time in our filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
The forward-looking statements in this Report are made as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update, amend or clarify them to
reflect events, new information or circumstances occurring after the date hereof.
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ITEM 8 – CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reports of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
54
Page
55
58
59
60
61
63
64
107
Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Lear Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lear Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019,
the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial
statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at
December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 10, 2021, expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial
statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing
procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to
those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits
also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was
communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated
financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not
alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below,
providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.
Description of the
Matter
Revenue recognition
As discussed in Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company’s sales contracts with its customers may
provide for annual price reductions over the production life of the vehicle. Prices may also be adjusted on an ongoing basis to
reflect changes in product content, product cost and other commercial factors. Some of these price adjustments are non-routine in
nature. The amount of revenue recognized by the Company reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to
in exchange for its products based on annual purchase orders, annual price reductions and ongoing price adjustments.
Auditing the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for certain of its products which are subject to
non-routine price adjustments is highly judgmental as it relates to evaluating the sufficiency of evidence available from
commercial negotiations to support the ultimate consideration that the Company is entitled to in exchange for those products.
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How We Addressed the
Matter in Our Audit
We identified and tested controls over the identification and evaluation of product sales with non-routine price adjustments,
including management’s review of the evidence to support the Company’s measurement of revenue related to those product sales.
Our audit procedures included, among others, inspecting communications between the Company and its customers related to the
pricing arrangements, auditing adjustments at period-end related to those product sales, performing retrospective reviews of
management’s estimates to identify contrary evidence, if any, and performing inquiries of and obtaining written representations
from executives, within the Company, responsible for the respective customer relationships.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.
Detroit, Michigan
February 10, 2021
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Lear Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Lear Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in
Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO
criteria). In our opinion, Lear Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2020
consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated February 10, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control
over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 10, 2021
57
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LEAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share data)
December 31,
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Other
Total current assets
Long-Term Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill
Other
Total long-term assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings
Accounts payable and drafts
Accrued liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
Total current liabilities
Long-Term Liabilities:
Long-term debt
Other
Total long-term liabilities
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
Equity:
Preferred stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized (including 10,896,250 shares
of Series A convertible preferred stock authorized); no shares outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 64,571,405 and 64,563,291 shares issued as
of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Common stock held in treasury, 4,519,891 and 4,127,806 shares
as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, at cost
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Lear Corporation stockholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Equity
Total liabilities and equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
58
2020
2019
1,306.7 $
3,269.2
1,401.1
799.7
6,776.7
2,736.2
1,655.8
2,029.9
6,421.9
13,198.6 $
— $
3,141.6
1,920.9
14.2
5,076.7
2,300.3
1,206.7
3,507.0
1,487.7
2,982.6
1,258.2
678.2
6,406.7
2,704.2
1,614.3
1,955.5
6,274.0
12,680.7
19.2
2,821.7
1,811.2
14.1
4,666.2
2,293.7
1,101.3
3,395.0
—
118.4
—
0.6
963.6
(598.6)
4,806.8
(705.1)
4,467.3
147.6
4,614.9
13,198.6 $
—
0.6
969.1
(563.1)
4,715.8
(772.7)
4,349.7
151.4
4,501.1
12,680.7
$
$
$
$
Table of Contents
LEAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except share and per share data)
For the year ended December 31,
Net sales
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Amortization of intangible assets
Interest expense
Other expense, net
Consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of
affiliates
Provision for income taxes
Equity in net income of affiliates
Consolidated net income
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Lear
Basic net income per share available to Lear common stockholders
Diluted net income per share available to Lear common stockholders
2020
2019
2018
$
$
$
$
17,045.5 $
15,936.6
588.9
65.9
99.6
55.2
299.3
93.9
(28.5)
233.9
75.4
158.5 $
19,810.3 $
18,072.8
605.0
62.3
92.0
24.6
953.6
146.1
(23.2)
830.7
77.1
753.6 $
2.63 $
12.80 $
2.62 $
12.75 $
21,148.5
18,830.2
612.8
51.4
84.1
31.6
1,538.4
311.9
(20.2)
1,246.7
96.9
1,149.8
17.35
17.22
Average common shares outstanding
60,254,380
61,697,192
65,672,164
Average diluted shares outstanding
60,426,962
61,923,528
66,161,816
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
59
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LEAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
For the year ended December 31,
Consolidated net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Defined benefit plan adjustments
Derivative instruments and hedging activities
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
Consolidated comprehensive income
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Lear
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
60
2020
2019
2018
$
233.9 $
830.7 $
1,246.7
(59.3)
2.8
139.7
83.2
317.1
91.0
226.1 $
(44.8)
19.5
(45.1)
(70.4)
760.3
73.6
686.7 $
11.2
13.2
(233.0)
(208.6)
1,038.1
80.7
957.4
Table of Contents
LEAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In millions, except share data)
Balance as of December 31, 2017
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
Adoption of ASU 2016-16 (Note 9, "Income Taxes")
Stock-based compensation
Net issuances of 374,267 shares held in treasury in
settlement of stock-based compensation
Repurchases of 4,308,418 shares of common stock at an
average price of $163.69 per share
Retirement of 8,000,000 shares held in treasury at average
price of $146.27 per share
Dividends declared to Lear Corporation stockholders
Dividends declared to noncontrolling interests
Affiliate transaction
Acquisition of outstanding noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests — other
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment
Balance as of December 31, 2018
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
Stock-based compensation
Net issuances of 314,953 shares held in treasury in
settlement of stock-based compensation
Repurchases of 2,819,081 shares of common stock at an
average price of $134.95 per share
Dividends declared to Lear Corporation stockholders
Dividends declared to noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests — other
Disposal of noncontrolling interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
Adoption of ASU 2016-13 (Note 3, "Accounts
Receivable")
Stock-based compensation
Net issuances of 249,064 shares held in treasury in
settlement of stock-based compensation
Repurchases of 641,149 shares of common stock at an
average price of $109.22 per share
Dividends declared to Lear Corporation stockholders
Dividends declared to noncontrolling interests
Acquisition of outstanding noncontrolling interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment
Balance as of December 31, 2020
$
$
$
$
Redeemable
Non-
controlling
Interests
153.4
—
12.9
(9.4)
3.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
(9.2)
—
—
—
10.4
158.1
1.8
(1.8)
—
—
—
—
—
(2.7)
—
—
(37.0)
118.4
(3.5)
7.7
4.2
—
—
—
—
—
(26.8)
(96.9)
1.1
—
Common
Stock
Additional Paid-
in Capital
Common
Stock Held in
Treasury
Retained
Earnings
$
0.7 $
1,215.4 $
(724.1) $
4,171.9
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(0.1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.6 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.6 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.6 $
—
—
—
—
41.4
—
—
—
—
—
(81.5)
34.0
—
(705.2)
1,149.8
—
1,149.8
2.3
—
—
—
(155.9)
—
—
—
(2.0)
—
—
1,017.4 $
1,170.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
(225.1) $
(1,014.2)
(185.8)
—
—
—
—
(10.4)
4,113.6
—
—
—
23.3
—
—
—
—
(71.6)
42.4
—
—
—
—
—
—
969.1 $
(380.4)
—
—
—
—
—
(563.1) $
—
—
—
—
40.0
(46.9)
—
—
—
1.4
—
963.6 $
—
—
—
—
—
34.5
(70.0)
—
—
—
—
(598.6) $
753.6
—
753.6
—
(2.1)
—
(186.3)
—
—
—
37.0
4,715.8
158.5
—
158.5
(0.8)
—
(3.5)
—
(62.1)
—
—
(1.1)
4,806.8
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
61
Table of Contents
LEAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (continued)
(In millions, except share data)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax
Defined
Benefit Plans
Derivative
Instruments and
Hedge
Activities
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustments
Lear
Corporation
Stockholders’
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interests
Equity
$
(184.0) $
(22.9) $
(306.5) $ 4,150.5 $ 142.1 $4,292.6
—
11.2
11.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,149.8
84.0
1,233.8
13.2
(216.8)
(192.4)
(6.8)
(199.2)
13.2
(216.8)
957.4
77.2
1,034.6
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2.3
41.4
—
—
2.3
41.4
—
(47.5)
—
(47.5)
—
(705.2)
—
(705.2)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(185.8)
—
—
—
(185.8)
—
—
(70.0)
14.0
(2.0)
—
—
(3.4)
(70.0)
14.0
(2.0)
(3.4)
(10.4)
—
(10.4)
$
(172.8) $
(9.7) $
(523.3) $ 4,200.7 $ 159.9 $4,360.6
—
(44.8)
(44.8)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
19.5
19.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
753.6
75.3
828.9
(41.6)
(66.9)
(1.7)
(68.6)
(41.6)
—
686.7
23.3
73.6
—
760.3
23.3
—
(31.3)
—
(31.3)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(380.4)
(186.3)
—
—
(380.4)
(186.3)
—
—
—
(76.3)
(76.3)
(0.2)
(5.6)
(0.2)
(5.6)
37.0
—
37.0
$
(217.6) $
9.8 $
(564.9) $ 4,349.7 $ 151.4 $4,501.1
—
(59.3)
(59.3)
—
—
—
2.8
2.8
—
—
—
158.5
78.9
237.4
124.1
67.6
7.9
75.5
124.1
226.1
86.8
312.9
—
—
(0.8)
40.0
—
—
(0.8)
40.0
Balance as of December 31,
2017
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income
Other comprehensive
income (loss)
Total comprehensive
income (loss)
Adoption of ASU 2016-16
(Note 9, "Income Taxes")
Stock-based compensation
Net issuances of 374,267 shares
held in treasury in settlement of
stock-based compensation
Repurchases of 4,308,418 shares
of common stock at an average
price of $163.69 per share
Retirement of 8,000,000 shares
held in treasury at average price
of $146.27 per share
Dividends declared to Lear
Corporation stockholders
Dividends declared to
noncontrolling interests
Affiliate transaction
Acquisition of outstanding
noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests —
other
Redeemable noncontrolling
interest adjustment
Balance as of December 31,
2018
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income
Other comprehensive
income (loss)
Total comprehensive
income (loss)
Stock-based compensation
Net issuances of 314,953 shares
held in treasury in settlement of
stock-based compensation
Repurchases of 2,819,081 shares
of common stock at an average
price of $134.95 per share
Dividends declared to Lear
Corporation stockholders
Dividends declared to
noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests —
other
Disposal of noncontrolling
interests
Redeemable noncontrolling
interest adjustment
Balance as of December 31,
2019
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income
Other comprehensive
income (loss)
Total comprehensive
income (loss)
Adoption of ASU 2016-13
(Note 3, "Accounts Receivable")
Stock-based compensation
Net issuances of 249,064 shares
held in treasury in settlement of
y
stock-based compensation
Repurchases of 641,149 shares
of common stock at an average
price of $109.22 per share
Dividends declared to Lear
Corporation stockholders
Dividends declared to
noncontrolling interests
Acquisition of outstanding
noncontrolling interests
Redeemable noncontrolling
interest adjustment
Balance as of December 31,
2020
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(15.9)
—
(15.9)
—
—
—
—
—
(70.0)
(62.1)
—
—
(70.0)
(62.1)
—
(90.6)
(90.6)
1.4
(1.1)
—
—
1.4
(1.1)
$
(276.9) $
12.6 $
(440.8) $ 4,467.3 $ 147.6 $4,614.9
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
62
Table of Contents
LEAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
For the year ended December 31,
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Consolidated net income
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities –
2020
2019
2018
$
233.9 $
830.7 $
1,246.7
Equity in net income of affiliates
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Impairment charges
Deferred tax (benefit) provision
Depreciation and amortization
Stock-based compensation
Net change in recoverable customer engineering, development and tooling
Net change in working capital items (see below)
Changes in other long-term liabilities
Changes in other long-term assets
Other, net
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of Xevo, net of cash acquired
Other, net
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Revolving credit facility borrowings
Revolving credit facility repayments
Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes
Redemption of senior notes
Term loan repayments
Short-term borrowings (repayments), net
Payment of debt issuance and other financing costs
Repurchase of common stock
Dividends paid to Lear Corporation stockholders
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
Other, net
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of foreign currency translation
Net Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash as of Beginning of Period
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash as of End of Period
Changes in Working Capital Items:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities and other
Net change in working capital items
Supplementary Disclosure:
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received of $32.5 million in 2020, $69.4 million in
2019 and $40.6 million in 2018
$
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
63
(28.5)
21.1
31.9
(84.7)
539.9
40.0
(47.0)
(66.9)
8.3
(26.5)
41.6
663.1
(452.3)
—
(16.5)
(468.8)
1,000.0
(1,000.0)
669.1
(667.1)
(14.1)
(19.3)
(7.0)
(70.0)
(67.3)
(123.3)
(112.7)
(411.7)
21.5
(195.9)
1,510.4
1,314.5 $
(164.7) $
(107.7)
214.0
(8.5)
(66.9) $
117.8 $
141.5 $
(23.2)
10.6
14.5
(38.2)
509.9
23.3
(32.4)
(25.5)
5.0
(10.1)
19.7
1,284.3
(603.9)
(321.7)
3.2
(922.4)
—
—
693.3
(333.7)
(7.8)
9.5
(6.5)
(384.7)
(186.3)
(78.9)
(66.8)
(361.9)
(9.4)
(9.4)
1,519.8
1,510.4 $
(116.2) $
(69.1)
(5.5)
165.3
(25.5) $
104.4 $
172.1 $
(20.2)
—
6.1
86.7
484.4
41.4
54.4
(118.9)
(23.0)
(16.7)
38.9
1,779.8
(677.0)
—
(16.5)
(693.5)
—
—
—
—
(6.3)
7.3
—
(704.9)
(186.3)
(79.1)
(61.2)
(1,030.5)
(36.4)
19.4
1,500.4
1,519.8
230.8
(32.5)
(199.3)
(117.9)
(118.9)
97.1
279.2
Table of Contents
(1) Basis of Presentation
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lear Corporation ("Lear," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") and its affiliates design and manufacture automotive seating and
electrical distribution systems and related components. The Company’s main customers are automotive original equipment manufacturers. The Company
operates facilities worldwide.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lear, a Delaware corporation, and the wholly owned and less than wholly
owned subsidiaries controlled by Lear.
(2) Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Unprecedented industry disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted operations in every region of the world. The Company's operations in
China were impacted first, with most plants in the country closed for several weeks during the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, all of the
Company's facilities in China were operating and capacity utilization was increasing. Beginning in mid-March, the Company's operations in Europe, North
America, South America and Asia (outside of China) were impacted, with virtually all of its plants closed at the end of the first quarter and closures
continuing throughout April and, in most cases, a portion of May. Although manufacturing resumed gradually, most of the Company's plants in its major
markets were operating at pre-COVID-19 levels at the end of the second quarter and throughout the second half of 2020. The Company experienced
significant inefficiencies and incremental costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of the year, which diminished toward the end of the
second quarter. In the second half of 2020, the Company experienced less significant but ongoing costs related to personal protective equipment, employee
transportation and higher labor costs reflecting an increase in absenteeism.
Various government programs have been enacted to provide financial relief for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the year ended
December 31, 2020, the Company recognized approximately $98 million of government assistance primarily related to the reimbursement of certain
employee costs. The Company recognizes such assistance as a reduction of the related costs as such costs are incurred and the Company is reasonably
assured to receive payment.
Although industry production has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, partially due to the customers' need to replenish inventory levels, it is likely that, for a
period of time, the global automotive industry will experience lower demand for new vehicles as a result of the global economic slowdown caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic, as new vehicle sales are typically correlated with positive consumer confidence and low unemployment. The Company is also
continuing to monitor its supply base, as well as related production constraints imposed by various governments, to minimize the impact on its
manufacturing operations. Further, a resurgence of the virus with corresponding shelter-in-place orders impacting industry production in 2021 could also
impact the Company's financial results.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect estimates and assumptions made by management as of December 31, 2020, and for the year
then ended. Such estimates and assumptions affect, among other things, the Company's goodwill, long-lived asset and indefinite-lived intangible asset
valuations; inventory valuations; valuation of deferred income taxes and income tax contingencies; and credit losses related to our financial instruments.
Events and circumstances arising after December 31, 2020, including those resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be reflected in
management's estimates and assumptions in future periods.
For more information related to goodwill, see Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets."
For more information related to income taxes, see Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Income Taxes," and Note 9, "Income Taxes."
(3) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidation
Lear consolidates all entities, including variable interest entities, in which it has a controlling financial interest. Investments in affiliates in which Lear does
not have control, but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method
(Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions").
64
Table of Contents
Fiscal Period Reporting
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company’s annual financial results are reported on a calendar year basis, and quarterly interim results are reported using a thirteen week reporting
calendar.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of ninety days or less. Restricted cash includes cash that is legally
restricted as to use or withdrawal.
Accounts Receivable
The Company records accounts receivable as title is transferred to its customers. The Company’s customers are the world’s major automotive
manufacturers. Generally, the Company does not require collateral for its accounts receivable.
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, "Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326),
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments," using a modified retrospective approach. The standard amends several aspects of the
measurement of credit losses related to certain financial instruments, including the replacement of the existing incurred credit loss model and other models
with the current expected credit losses ("CECL") model. The cumulative effect of adoption resulted in an increase of $0.8 million in the allowance for
credit loss and a corresponding decrease in retained earnings as of January 1, 2020.
The Company’s allowance for credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, primarily accounts receivable, reflects management’s estimate
of credit losses over the remaining expected life of such assets, measured primarily using historical experience, as well as current conditions and forecasts
that affect the collectability of the reported amount. Expected credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as changes to expected credit
losses during the period, are recognized in earnings. The Company also considers geographic and segment specific risk factors in the development of
expected credit losses. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, accounts receivable are reflected net of reserves of $35.3 million and $36.0 million,
respectively. Changes in expected credit losses were not significant during the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company receives bank notes from its customers, which are classified as other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets, for certain amounts of
accounts receivable, primarily in Asia. The Company may hold such bank notes until maturity, exchange them with suppliers to settle liabilities or sell them
to third-party financial institutions in exchange for cash.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Finished goods and work-in-
process inventories include material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs. The Company records reserves for inventory in excess of production and/or
forecasted requirements and for obsolete inventory in production and service inventories. A summary of inventories is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Raw materials
Work-in-process
Finished goods
Reserves
Inventories
2020
2019
$
$
1,051.6 $
109.8
396.9
(157.2)
1,401.1 $
906.3
107.0
380.4
(135.5)
1,258.2
Engineering and Development ("E&D") and Tooling Costs
In 2020, the Company recorded E&D costs of $557.0 million, including $280.7 million (or 2% of related sales) in its Seating business, $259.8 million (or
6% of related sales) in its E-Systems business and $16.5 million at its headquarters location.
Pre-Production Costs Related to Long-Term Supply Agreements
The Company incurs pre-production E&D and tooling costs related to the products produced for its customers under long-term supply agreements. The
Company expenses all pre-production E&D costs for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer. In addition, the Company
expenses all pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer or for
which the Company does not have a non-cancelable right to use the tooling.
65
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
During 2020 and 2019, the Company capitalized $229.7 million and $211.2 million, respectively, of pre-production E&D costs for which reimbursement is
contractually guaranteed by the customer. During 2020 and 2019, the Company also capitalized $174.0 million and $231.6 million, respectively, of pre-
production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which the Company
has a non-cancelable right to use the tooling. These amounts are included in other current and long-term assets in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. During 2020 and 2019, the Company collected $354.6 million and $408.3 million, respectively, of cash related
to E&D and tooling costs.
The classification of recoverable customer E&D and tooling costs related to long-term supply agreements is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Current
Long-term
Recoverable customer E&D and tooling
Other E&D Costs
2020
2019
$
$
212.0 $
121.4
333.4 $
157.2
113.8
271.0
Costs incurred in connection with product launches, to the extent not recoverable from the Company’s customers, are recorded in cost of sales as incurred
and totaled $135.0 million, $138.2 million and $140.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
All other E&D costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred and totaled $192.3 million, $178.4 million and $156.2 million
for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Costs associated with the repair and maintenance of the Company’s property, plant and equipment are
expensed as incurred. Costs associated with improvements which extend the life, increase the capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the Company’s
property, plant and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Depreciable property is depreciated over
the estimated useful lives of the assets, using principally the straight-line method as follows:
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
10 to 40 years
5 to 10 years
A summary of property, plant and equipment is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Land
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Construction in progress
Total property, plant and equipment
Less – accumulated depreciation
Net property, plant and equipment
2020
2019
$
$
114.1 $
880.7
4,339.2
311.1
5,645.1
(2,908.9)
2,736.2 $
113.1
831.3
3,844.1
382.4
5,170.9
(2,466.7)
2,704.2
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, depreciation expense was $474.0 million, $447.6 million and $433.0 million, respectively. As of
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, capital expenditures recorded in accounts payable totaled $118.4 million, $131.6 million and $156.2 million,
respectively.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Impairment testing is required more often than annually if an event or
circumstance indicates that an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. In conducting its annual impairment testing, the Company may first
perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If not, no further
goodwill impairment testing is required. If it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, or if the Company
elects not to perform a
66
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
qualitative assessment of a reporting unit, the Company then compares the fair value of the reporting unit to the related net book value. If the net book
value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized.
The Company utilizes an income approach to estimate the fair value of each of its reporting units and a market valuation approach to further support this
analysis. The income approach is based on projected debt-free cash flow which is discounted to the present value using discount factors that consider the
timing and risk of cash flows. The Company believes that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting
unit’s expected long-term operating cash flow performance. This approach also mitigates the impact of cyclical trends that occur in the industry. Fair value
is estimated using recent automotive industry and specific platform production volume projections, which are based on both third-party and internally
developed forecasts, as well as commercial and discount rate assumptions. The discount rate used is the value-weighted average of the Company’s
estimated cost of equity and of debt ("cost of capital") derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. The Company’s weighted
average cost of capital is adjusted by reporting unit to reflect a risk factor, if necessary. Other significant assumptions include terminal value growth rates,
terminal value margin rates, future capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements. While there are inherent uncertainties related
to the assumptions used and to management’s application of these assumptions to this analysis, the Company believes that the income approach provides a
reasonable estimate of the fair value of its reporting units. The market valuation approach is used to further support the Company’s analysis and is based on
recent transactions involving comparable companies.
The annual goodwill impairment assessment was completed as of the first day of the Company's fourth quarter. The Company performed a qualitative
assessment for each reporting unit except for one within the Seating operating segment where a quantitative analysis was performed. The qualitative
assessments indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its respective carrying value. The quantitative
analysis indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its respective carrying value. The quantitative analysis reflected the Company’s best
estimates of the COVID-19 pandemic’s ultimate impact on industry conditions, including consumer demand, as well as economic recovery. The reporting
unit is at risk of failing a future quantitative assessment if the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is more severe or if economic recovery is slower or
weaker than anticipated. As of December 31, 2020, the goodwill of the reporting unit represents approximately 1% of the Company’s total goodwill. The
Company does not believe that any other reporting units is at risk for impairment.
A summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for each of the periods in the two years ended December 31, 2020, is shown below (in
millions):
Balance as of December 31, 2018
Acquisition
Foreign currency translation and other
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Foreign currency translation and other
Balance as of December 31, 2020
Seating
E-Systems
Total
$
$
1,244.3 $
—
(8.9)
1,235.4
33.4
1,268.8 $
161.0 $
219.0
(1.1)
378.9
8.1
387.0 $
1,405.3
219.0
(10.0)
1,614.3
41.5
1,655.8
For further information related to the acquisition, see Note 4, "Acquisition."
Intangible Assets
As of December 31, 2020, intangible assets consist primarily of certain intangible assets recorded in connection with the acquisitions of Guilford Mills in
2012, the parent company of Eagle Ottawa, LLC in 2015, AccuMED Holdings Corp. in 2016, Grupo Antolin's automotive seating business in 2017 and
Xevo Inc. ("Xevo") in 2019 (Note 4, "Acquisition"). These intangible assets were recorded at their estimated fair value, based on independent appraisals, as
of the transaction or acquisition date. The value assigned to technology intangibles is based on the royalty savings method, which applies a hypothetical
royalty rate to projected revenues attributable to the identified technologies. Royalty rates were determined based primarily on analysis of market
information. The customer-based intangible asset includes the acquired entity's established relationships with its customers and the ability of these
customers to generate future economic profits for the Company. The value assigned to customer-based intangibles is based on the present value of future
earnings attributable to the asset group after recognition of required returns to other contributory assets.
67
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
A summary of intangible assets as of December 31, 2020, is shown below (in millions):
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer-based
Licensing agreements
Technology
Unamortized intangible assets:
In-process research and development
Balance as of December 31, 2020
Gross Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Carrying
Value
$
$
$
528.0 $
71.9
35.1
635.0 $
10.8
645.8 $
(232.0) $
(24.4)
(21.2)
(277.6) $
—
(277.6) $
296.0
47.5
13.9
357.4
10.8
368.2
Weighted
Average Useful
Life (years)
11.8
5.0
7.2
10.8
Intangible assets with a gross carrying value of $25.6 million became fully amortized in 2020 and are no longer included in the gross carrying value or
accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2020.
A summary of intangible assets as of December 31, 2019, is shown below (in millions):
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer-based
Licensing agreements
Technology
Other
Unamortized intangible assets:
In-process research and development
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Gross Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average Useful
Life (years)
$
$
$
531.9 $
75.0
35.0
1.4
643.3 $
10.8
654.1 $
(203.0) $
(10.2)
(15.9)
(1.3)
(230.4) $
—
(230.4) $
11.6
5.0
7.0
2.5
10.5
328.9
64.8
19.1
0.1
412.9
10.8
423.7
Excluding the impact of any future acquisitions, the Company’s estimated annual amortization expense for the five succeeding years is shown below (in
millions):
Year
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Expense
$
65.3
64.4
62.9
47.4
19.8
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company monitors its long-lived assets for impairment indicators on an ongoing basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States ("GAAP"). If impairment indicators exist, the Company performs the required impairment analysis by comparing the undiscounted cash
flows expected to be generated from the long-lived assets to the related net book values. If the net book value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an
impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value and the fair value of the long-
lived assets. Fair value is estimated based upon a combination of market and cost approaches, as appropriate.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized asset impairment charges of $21.3 million, $8.7 million and $4.7
million, respectively, in conjunction with its restructuring actions (Note 5, "Restructuring"). For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2018, the
Company recognized additional asset impairment charges of $4.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Asset impairment charges are recorded in cost of
sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Impairment of Investments in Affiliates
The Company monitors its investments in affiliates for indicators of other-than-temporary declines in value on an ongoing basis in accordance with GAAP.
If the Company determines that an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred, it recognizes an impairment loss, which is measured as the
difference between the recorded book value and the fair value of the investment. Fair value is generally determined using an income approach based on
discounted cash flows or negotiated transaction values.
Accrued Liabilities
A summary of accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Compensation and employee benefits
Income and other taxes payable
Restructuring
Current portion of lease obligations
Other
Accrued liabilities
Leases
Accounting Policy
2020
2019
$
$
297.7 $
287.7
139.0
116.3
1,080.2
1,920.9 $
319.2
256.6
157.7
113.9
963.8
1,811.2
The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. For all asset classes, the Company utilizes the short-term lease exemption as
provided under GAAP. A short-term lease is a lease that, at the commencement date, has a term of twelve months or less and does not include an option to
purchase the underlying asset. For all asset classes, the Company accounts for each lease component of a contract and its associated non-lease components
as a single lease component, rather than allocating a standalone value to each component of a lease.
For purposes of calculating operating lease obligations under the standard, the Company's lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease
when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such option. The Company's leases do not contain material residual value guarantees or
material restrictive covenants.
Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.
Discount Rate
The discount rate used to measure a lease obligation should be the rate implicit in the lease; however, the Company’s operating leases generally do not
provide an implicit rate. Accordingly, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement to determine the present value of lease
payments. The incremental borrowing rate is an entity-specific rate which represents the rate of interest a lessee would pay to borrow on a collateralized
basis over a similar term with similar payments.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments
The Company enters into contracts with its customers to provide production parts generally at the beginning of a vehicle’s life cycle. Typically, these
contracts do not provide for a specified quantity of products, but once entered into, the Company is often expected to fulfill its customers’ purchasing
requirements for the production life of the vehicle. Many of these contracts may be terminated by the Company’s customers at any time. Historically,
terminations of these contracts have been infrequent. The Company receives purchase orders from its customers, which provide the commercial terms for a
particular production part, including price (but not quantities). Contracts may also provide for annual price reductions over the production life of the
vehicle, and prices may be adjusted on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in product content/cost and other commercial factors.
Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the product is transferred to the customer under standard commercial terms, as the Company does
not have an enforceable right to payment prior to such transfer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that the Company expects to
be entitled to in exchange for those products based on the annual purchase orders, annual price reductions and ongoing price adjustments. In 2020 and
2019, revenue recognized related to prior years represented less than 1% of consolidated net sales. The Company's customers pay for products received in
accordance with payment terms that are customary within the industry. The Company's contracts with its customers do not have significant financing
components.
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company records a contract liability for advances received from its customers. As of December 31, 2020, there were no significant contract liabilities
recorded. Further, there were no significant contract liabilities recognized in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling costs are included in net sales in the consolidated statements of income. Shipping and
handling costs are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income.
Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction that are collected by the
Company from a customer are excluded from revenue.
Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Cost of sales includes material, labor and overhead costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of the Company’s products. Distribution costs
include inbound freight costs, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs and other costs of the Company’s distribution network.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include selling, engineering and development and administrative costs not directly associated with the
manufacture and distribution of the Company’s products.
Restructuring Costs
Restructuring costs include employee termination benefits, asset impairment charges and contract termination costs, as well as other incremental costs
resulting from the restructuring actions. Employee termination benefits are recorded based on existing union and employee contracts, statutory
requirements, completed negotiations and Company policy. Other incremental costs principally include equipment and personnel relocation costs. In
addition to restructuring costs, the Company also incurs incremental manufacturing inefficiency costs at the operating locations impacted by the
restructuring actions during the related restructuring implementation period. Restructuring costs are recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements in accordance with GAAP. Generally, charges are recorded as restructuring actions are approved and/or implemented.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net includes non-income related taxes, foreign exchange gains and losses, gains and losses related to certain derivative instruments and
hedging activities, losses on the extinguishment of debt, gains and losses on the disposal of fixed assets, gains and losses on the consolidation and
deconsolidation of affiliates, the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost and other miscellaneous income and expense. A summary of
other expense, net is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Other expense
Other income
Other expense, net
Income Taxes
2020
2019
2018
$
$
72.2 $
(17.0)
55.2 $
52.2 $
(27.6)
24.6 $
43.8
(12.2)
31.6
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between financial statement carrying
amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or
settled.
The Company’s current and future provision for income taxes is impacted by the initial recognition of and changes in valuation allowances in certain
countries. The Company intends to maintain these allowances until it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company’s
future provision for income taxes will include no tax benefit with respect to losses incurred and, except for certain jurisdictions, no tax expense with respect
to income generated in these countries until the respective valuation allowances are eliminated. Accordingly, income taxes are impacted by changes in
valuation allowances and the mix of earnings among jurisdictions. The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis. In
completing this evaluation, the Company considers all available evidence in order to determine whether, based on the weight of the evidence, a valuation
allowance for its deferred tax assets is necessary. Such evidence includes historical results, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and
expectations for future taxable income (exclusive of the reversal of temporary differences and carryforwards), as well as the implementation of feasible and
prudent tax planning strategies. If, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the Company’s deferred tax assets
will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. If operating results improve or decline on a continual basis in a particular jurisdiction, the
Company’s decision regarding the need for a valuation allowance could change, resulting in either the initial
70
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
recognition or reversal of a valuation allowance in that jurisdiction, which could have a significant impact on income tax expense in the period recognized
and subsequent periods. In determining the provision for income taxes for financial statement purposes, the Company makes certain estimates and
judgments, which affect its evaluation of the carrying value of its deferred tax assets, as well as its calculation of certain tax liabilities.
The calculation of the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits and liabilities includes uncertainties in the application of, and changes in, complex tax
regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across its global operations. The Company recognizes tax benefits and liabilities based on its estimates of
whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. The Company adjusts these benefits and liabilities based on changing facts and
circumstances; however, due to the complexity of these uncertainties and the impact of tax audits, the ultimate resolutions may differ significantly from the
Company’s estimates.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") enacted on December 22, 2017, created the global intangible low-tax income ("GILTI") provision that imposes U.S.
tax on certain earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are subject to foreign tax below a certain threshold. GILTI taxes are recorded in current income tax
expense as incurred.
Effective January 1, 2019, ASU 2018-02, "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," allows for the
reclassification of "stranded" tax effects as a result of the Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The Company elected
not to reclassify such amounts. The Company reclassifies taxes from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings as the items to which the tax effects
relate are similarly reclassified.
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for
Income Taxes." The standard simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and
amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years,
beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company did not early adopt this standard. The adoption of this standard is not
expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Foreign Currency
Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that use a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange
rates in effect at the end of the period. Revenues and expenses of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using an average of the foreign
exchange rates in effect during the period. Translation adjustments that arise from translating a foreign subsidiary’s financial statements from the functional
currency to the U.S. dollar are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets.
Transaction gains and losses that arise from foreign exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional
currency, except certain long-term intercompany transactions, are included in the consolidated statements of income as incurred. For the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, other expense, net includes net foreign currency transaction losses of $19.9 million, $20.6 million and $14.4 million,
respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures stock-based employee compensation expense at fair value in accordance with GAAP and recognizes such expense over the vesting
period of the stock-based employee awards.
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Lear
Basic net income per share available to Lear common stockholders is computed using the two-class method by dividing net income attributable to Lear,
after deducting the redemption adjustment related to redeemable noncontrolling interest, by the average number of common shares outstanding during the
period. Common shares issuable upon the satisfaction of certain conditions pursuant to a contractual agreement are considered common shares outstanding
and are included in the computation of basic net income per share available to Lear common stockholders.
Diluted net income per share available to Lear common stockholders is computed using the two-class method by dividing net income attributable to Lear,
after deducting the redemption adjustment related to redeemable noncontrolling interest, by the average number of common shares outstanding, including
the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents computed using the treasury stock method and the average share price during the period.
71
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
A summary of information used to compute basic and diluted net income per share available to Lear common stockholders is shown below (in millions,
except share and per share data):
For the year ended December 31,
Net income attributable to Lear
Redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment
Net income available to Lear common stockholders
Average common shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
Average diluted shares outstanding
Basic net income per share available to Lear common stockholders
Diluted net income per share available to Lear common stockholders
2020
2019
2018
$
$
$
$
158.5 $
—
158.5 $
753.6 $
35.9
789.5 $
60,254,380
172,582
60,426,962
61,697,192
226,336
61,923,528
2.63 $
12.80 $
2.62 $
12.75 $
1,149.8
(10.4)
1,139.4
65,672,164
489,652
66,161,816
17.35
17.22
For further information related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment, see Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party
Transactions."
Product Warranty
Losses from warranty obligations are accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the related amounts are reasonably estimable.
Segment Reporting
The Company has two reportable operating segments: Seating, which consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete seat
systems, seat subsystems and key seat components, and E-Systems, which consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete
electrical distribution and connection systems, electronic systems, and software and connected services. Key components in the Company's complete seat
system and subsystem solutions are advanced comfort, wellness, safety and sound offerings, as well as configurable seating product technologies, all of
which are compatible with traditional internal combustion engine ("ICE") architectures and the full range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric
architectures. Key components in the Company's electrical distribution portfolio include wire harnesses, terminals and connectors, and engineered
components for both ICE and electrified vehicle architectures that require management of higher voltage and power. Key components in the Company's
electronic systems portfolio include body domain control modules and products specific to electrification and connectivity trends. Electrification products
include on-board battery chargers, power conversion modules, high voltage battery management systems and high voltage power distribution systems.
Connectivity products include gateway modules and communication modules to manage both wired and wireless networks and data in vehicles. In addition
to electronic modules, the Company offers software that includes cybersecurity, advanced vehicle positioning for automated and autonomous driving
applications and full capabilities in both dedicated short-range communication and cellular protocols for vehicle connectivity. The Company's software and
connected services offerings include embedded control software and cloud and mobile device-based software and services. The other category includes
unallocated costs related to corporate headquarters, regional headquarters and the elimination of intercompany activities, none of which meets the
requirements for being classified as an operating segment. Corporate and regional headquarters costs include various support functions, such as information
technology, advanced research and development, corporate finance, legal, executive administration and human resources.
Each of the Company’s operating segments reports its results from operations and makes its requests for capital expenditures directly to the chief operating
decision maker. The economic performance of each operating segment is driven primarily by automotive production volumes in the geographic regions in
which it operates, as well as by the success of the vehicle platforms for which it supplies products. Also, each operating segment operates in the
competitive Tier 1 automotive supplier environment and is continually working with its customers to manage costs and improve quality. The Company’s
production processes generally make use of hourly labor, dedicated facilities, sequential manufacturing and assembly processes and commodity raw
materials.
The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based primarily on (i) revenues from external customers, (ii) pretax income before
equity in net income of affiliates, interest expense and other expense ("segment earnings") and (iii) cash flows, being defined as segment earnings less
capital expenditures plus depreciation and amortization.
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The accounting policies of the Company’s operating segments are the same as those described in this note to the consolidated financial statements.
Derivative Instruments and Hedge Activities
The Company has used derivative financial instruments, including forwards, futures, options, swaps and other derivative contracts to reduce the effects of
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates and the resulting variability of the Company’s operating results. The Company is not a party to
leveraged derivatives. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are subject to master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of
contracts, by counterparty, in the event of default or termination. On the date that a derivative contract for a hedge instrument is entered into, the Company
designates the derivative as either (1) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm
commitment (a fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of the exposure of a forecasted transaction or of the variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or
liability (a cash flow hedge), (3) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (a net investment hedge) or (4) a contract not designated as a hedge
instrument.
For a fair value hedge, the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in earnings and reflected in the consolidated statements of income on the
same line as the gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. For a cash flow hedge, the change in the fair value of the derivative is
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets. When the underlying hedged transaction is realized, the gain or loss
included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is recorded in earnings and reflected in the consolidated statements of income on the same line as the
gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. For a net investment hedge, the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in
cumulative translation adjustment, which is a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets. When the related
currency translation adjustment is required to be reclassified, usually upon the sale or liquidation of the investment, the gain or loss included in
accumulated other comprehensive loss is recorded in earnings and reflected in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of income. Changes in the
fair value of contracts not designated as hedge instruments are recorded in earnings and reflected in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of
income. Cash flows attributable to derivatives used to manage foreign currency risks are classified on the same line as the hedged item attributable to the
hedged risk in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon settlement, cash flows attributable to derivatives designated as net investment hedges are
classified as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Cash flows attributable to forward starting interest rate swaps are classified as
financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
The Company formally documents its hedge relationships, including the identification of the hedge instruments and the related hedged items, as well as its
risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. Derivatives are recorded at fair value in other current and long-term assets
and other current and long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company also formally assesses whether a derivative used in a hedge
transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or the cash flows of the hedged item. When it is determined that a hedged
transaction is no longer probable to occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting.
On January 1, 2018, the Company early adopted ASU 2017-12, "Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." The new standard
eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, due to a difference between the economic terms of the hedge instrument
and the underlying transaction, and generally requires, for qualifying hedges, the entire change in the fair value of a hedge instrument to be presented in the
same line as the hedged item in the consolidated statements of income. The standard also modifies the accounting for components excluded from the
assessment of hedge effectiveness and simplifies the application of hedge accounting in certain situations. The provisions of the standard were applied on a
modified retrospective basis, and the effects of adoption were not significant.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. During 2020, there were no material changes in the methods or policies used to establish estimates and assumptions. Other matters
subject to estimation and judgment include amounts related to accounts receivable realization, inventory obsolescence, asset impairments, useful lives of
fixed and intangible assets and unsettled pricing negotiations with customers and suppliers (Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies");
acquisitions (Note 4, "Acquisition"); restructuring accruals (Note 5, "Restructuring"); deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income taxes (Note 9,
"Income Taxes"); pension and other postretirement benefit plan assumptions (Note 10, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans"); accruals related
to litigation, warranty and environmental remediation costs (Note 14, "Commitments and Contingencies"); and self-insurance accruals. Actual results may
differ significantly from the Company’s estimates.
73
Table of Contents
(4) Acquisition
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
On April 17, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of Xevo, a Seattle-based, global leader in connected car software, by acquiring all of Xevo's
outstanding shares for $321.7 million, net of cash acquired. Xevo is a supplier of software solutions for the cloud, vehicles and mobile devices that are
deployed in millions of vehicles worldwide.
The acquisition of Xevo has been accounted for as a business combination, and accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in the
accompanying consolidated balances sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The operating results and cash flows of Xevo are included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and in the Company's E-Systems segment.
The Company incurred transaction costs of $1.6 million, which were expensed as incurred and are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses
in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The purchase price and allocation are shown below (in millions):
Net purchase price
Other assets purchased and liabilities assumed, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Purchase price allocation
December 31,
2019
Adjustments
December 31,
2020
321.7 $
— $
321.7
9.5 $
219.0
93.2
321.7 $
2.6 $
0.5
(3.1)
— $
12.1
219.5
90.1
321.7
$
$
$
Goodwill recognized in this transaction is primarily attributable to expected synergies related to future growth and commercialization opportunities and is
not deductible for tax purposes.
Intangible assets consist primarily of amounts recognized for the fair value of licensing agreements and developed technology and are based on
independent appraisals. Licensing agreements represent the fair values of the underlying licensing agreements with Xevo customers with estimated useful
lives of approximately five years. Developed technology represents the fair value of Xevo's technology with an estimated useful life of approximately five
years.
The pro-forma effects of this acquisition do not materially impact the Company's reported results for any period presented.
For further information related to acquired assets measured at fair value, see Note 16, "Financial Instruments."
(5) Restructuring
2020
In 2020, the Company recorded charges of $144.9 million in connection with its restructuring actions. These charges consist of $122.3 million recorded as
cost of sales, $16.4 million recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses and $6.2 million recorded as other expense. The restructuring charges
consist of employee termination costs of $104.2 million, asset impairment charges of $23.3 million, contract termination costs of $2.0 million and pension
benefit plan settlement losses of $12.9 million, as well as other related costs of $2.5 million. Asset impairment charges relate to the disposal of buildings,
leasehold improvements and/or machinery and equipment with carrying values of $21.3 million in excess of related estimated fair values and the
impairment of right-of-use-assets of $2.0 million.
The Company expects to incur approximately $18 million of additional restructuring costs related to activities initiated as of December 31, 2020, and
expects that the components of such costs will be consistent with its historical experience. Any future restructuring actions will depend upon market
conditions, customer actions and other factors.
74
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
A summary of 2020 activity, excluding the pension benefit plan settlement losses of $12.9 million, is shown below (in millions):
Employee termination benefits
Asset impairments
Contract termination costs
Other related costs
Total
2019
Accrual as of
January 1, 2020
2020
Charges
Utilization
Cash
Non-cash
Accrual as of
December 31, 2020
$
$
152.8 $
—
4.9
—
157.7 $
104.2 $
23.3
2.0
2.5
132.0 $
(122.2) $
—
(2.7)
(2.5)
(127.4) $
— $
(23.3)
—
—
(23.3) $
134.8
—
4.2
—
139.0
In 2019, the Company recorded charges of $183.6 million in connection with its restructuring actions. These charges consist of $173.8 million recorded as
cost of sales, $16.4 million recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses and $6.6 million recorded as other income.. The restructuring charges
consist of employee termination costs of $167.8 million, asset impairment charges of $9.5 million, contract termination costs of $3.0 million and an other
postretirement curtailment gain of $10.6 million, as well as other related costs of $13.9 million. Asset impairment charges relate to the disposal of
buildings, leasehold improvements and/or machinery and equipment with carrying values of $8.7 million in excess of related estimated fair values and the
impairment of right-of-use assets of $0.8 million.
A summary of 2019 activity, excluding the other postretirement curtailment gain of $10.6 million, is shown below (in millions):
Employee termination benefits
Asset impairments
Contract termination costs
Other related costs
Total
2018
Accrual as of
January 1, 2019
2019
Charges
Utilization
Cash
Non-cash
Accrual as of
December 31, 2019
$
$
103.3 $
—
5.4
—
108.7 $
167.8 $
9.5
3.0
13.9
194.2 $
(118.3) $
—
(3.5)
(13.9)
(135.7) $
— $
(9.5)
—
—
(9.5) $
152.8
—
4.9
—
157.7
In 2018, the Company recorded charges of $88.0 million in connection with its restructuring actions. These charges consist of $63.7 million recorded as
cost of sales, $24.0 million recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses and $0.3 million recorded as other expense. The restructuring charges
consist of employee termination costs of $74.5 million, asset impairment charges of $4.7 million and contract termination costs of $1.5 million, as well as
other related costs of $7.3 million. Asset impairment charges relate to the disposal of buildings, leasehold improvements and/or machinery and equipment
with carrying values of $4.7 million in excess of related estimated fair values.
A summary of 2018 activity is shown below (in millions):
Accrual as of
January 1, 2018
2018
Charges
Utilization
Cash
Non-cash
Accrual as of
December 31, 2018
Employee termination benefits
Asset impairments
Contract termination costs
Other related costs
Total
$
$
93.0 $
—
5.0
—
98.0 $
75
74.5 $
4.7
1.5
7.3
88.0 $
(64.2) $
—
(1.1)
(7.3)
(72.6) $
— $
(4.7)
—
—
(4.7) $
103.3
—
5.4
—
108.7
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(6) Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions
The Company’s beneficial ownership in affiliates accounted for under the equity method is shown below:
December 31,
Beijing BHAP Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (China)
Jiangxi Jiangling Lear Interior Systems Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Dongfeng Automotive Seating Co., Ltd. (China)
Guangzhou Lear Automotive Components Co., Ltd. (China)
Changchun Lear FAWSN Automotive Seat Systems Co., Ltd. (China)
Honduras Electrical Distribution Systems S. de R.L. de C.V. (Honduras)
Kyungshin-Lear Sales and Engineering LLC
Beijing Lear Hyundai Transys Co., Ltd. (China)
Hyundai Transys Lear Automotive Private Limited (India)
Techstars Corporate Partner 2017 LLC
RevoLaze, LLC
Maniv Mobility II A, L.P.
Autotech Fund II, L.P.
Trucks Venture Fund 2, L.P.
Dong Kwang Lear Yuhan Hoesa (Korea)
2020
50%
50
50
50
49
49
49
40
35
34
20
9
4
3
—
2019
50%
50
50
50
49
49
49
40
35
38
20
8
6
4
—
2018
50%
50
50
—
49
49
49
40
35
—
20
—
—
—
50
Summarized group financial information for affiliates accounted for under the equity method as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, is shown below (unaudited; in millions):
December 31,
Balance sheet data:
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
For the year ended December 31,
Income statement data:
Net sales
Gross profit
Income before provision for income taxes
Net income attributable to affiliates
2020
2019
$
1,136.3 $
194.4
901.7
6.2
856.3
173.9
739.5
6.6
2020
2019
2018
$
1,597.5 $
83.0
73.8
44.8
1,670.0 $
89.2
85.7
53.5
1,520.2
75.9
60.0
42.2
A summary of amounts recorded in the Company's consolidated balance sheets related to its affiliates is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Aggregate investment in affiliates
Receivables due from affiliates (including notes and advances)
Payables due to affiliates
$
2020
2019
142.9 $
142.0
1.6
119.5
170.5
0.1
76
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
A summary of transactions with affiliates accounted for under the equity method and other related parties is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Sales to affiliates
Purchases from affiliates
Management and other fees for services provided to affiliates
Dividends received from affiliates
$
2020
2019
2018
656.4 $
1.9
28.3
24.6
647.2 $
1.6
35.5
23.3
603.0
2.0
29.6
39.0
The Company has certain investments with beneficial ownership interests of less than 20% that are accounted for under the equity method as the
Company’s beneficial ownership interests in these entities are similar to partnership interests.
2019
In 2019, the Company deconsolidated Guangzhou Automobile Group Component Co., Ltd. ("GACC") as it no longer controls this entity. As a result, the
carrying values of the assets and liabilities of GACC are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. In addition, the Company
recorded a gain of $4.0 million related to the excess of the estimated fair value over the carrying value of its interest in GACC immediately prior to
deconsolidation. The gain is included in other expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2019.
2018
In 2018, the Company gained control of Changchun Lear FAWSN Automotive Electrical and Electronics Co., Ltd. ("Lear FAWSN") by acquiring an
additional 20% interest from a joint venture partner and by amending the joint venture agreement to eliminate the substantive participating rights of the
remaining joint venture partner. Prior to the amendment, Lear FAWSN was accounted for under the equity method.
This transaction was accounted for as a business combination, and accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. The operating results and cash flows of Lear FAWSN are included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the amended joint venture agreement and are reflected in the Company’s E-
Systems segment.
A summary of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in conjunction with the transaction is shown below (in millions):
Property, plant and equipment
Other assets and liabilities assumed, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets
$
$
11.0
5.7
22.4
7.5
46.6
Recognized goodwill is attributable to the assembled workforce, expected synergies and other intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition.
Intangible assets consist of amounts recognized for the fair value of customer-based assets and were based on an independent appraisal. Customer-based
assets include Lear FAWSN's established relationships with its customers and the ability of these customers to generate future economic profits for the
Company. It is currently estimated that these intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately ten years.
As of the effective date of the transaction, the fair value of the Company’s previously held equity interest in Lear FAWSN was $23.0 million, and the fair
value of the noncontrolling interest in Lear FAWSN was $14.0 million. As a result of valuing the Company’s previously held equity interest in Lear
FAWSN at fair value, the Company recognized a gain of $10.0 million, which is included in other expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statement
of income for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The pro forma effects of this consolidation would not materially impact the Company’s reported results for any period presented.
For further information related to acquired assets measured at fair value, see Note 16, "Financial Instruments."
77
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(7) Debt
Short-Term Borrowings
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company utilizes uncommitted lines of credit as needed for its short-term working capital fluctuations. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the
Company had lines of credit from banks totaling $94.3 million and $94.6 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no short-term debt balances outstanding related to draws on the lines of credit. As of December 31, 2019, the
Company had short-term debt balances outstanding related to draws on the lines of credit of $19.2 million.
Long-Term Debt
A summary of long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized original issue premium (discount) and the related weighted average
interest rates is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Debt Instrument
Credit Agreement — Term Loan Facility
3.8% Senior Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes")
4.25% Senior Notes due 2029 (the "2029 Notes")
3.5% Senior Notes due 2030 (the "2030 Notes")
5.25% Senior Notes due 2049 (the "2049 Notes")
Other
Less — Current portion
Long-term debt
December 31,
Debt Instrument
Credit Agreement — Term Loan Facility
5.25% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes")
2027 Notes
2029 Notes
2049 Notes
Less — Current portion
Long-term debt
Senior Notes
Long-Term Debt
$
220.3 $
750.0
375.0
350.0
625.0
1.4
2,321.7 $
$
$
Long-Term Debt
$
234.4 $
650.0
750.0
375.0
325.0
2,334.4 $
2020
Unamortized
Original Issue
Premium
(Discount)
Long-Term
Debt, Net
Unamortized Debt
Issuance Costs
(0.6) $
(4.1)
(2.6)
(2.6)
(6.3)
—
(16.2) $
— $
(3.5)
(1.0)
(0.7)
14.2
—
9.0
$
219.7
742.4
371.4
346.7
632.9
1.4
2,314.5
(14.2)
2,300.3
2019
Unamortized
Debt Issuance
Costs
Unamortized
Original Issue
Discount
Long-Term
Debt, Net
(1.0) $
(4.2)
(4.7)
(2.9)
(3.3)
(16.1) $
— $
—
(4.1)
(1.1)
(5.3)
(10.5)
$
233.4
645.8
741.2
371.0
316.4
2,307.8
(14.1)
2,293.7
Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate
1.36%
3.885%
4.288%
3.525%
5.103%
N/A
Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate
2.880%
5.250%
3.885%
4.288%
5.363%
The issuance, maturity and interest payment dates of the Company's senior unsecured 2027 Notes, 2029 Notes, 2030 Notes and 2049 Notes (collectively,
the "Notes") are as shown below:
Note
2027 Notes
2029 Notes
2030 Notes
2049 Notes
Issuance Date
August 2017
May 2019
February 2020
May 2019 and February 2020
Maturity Date
September 15, 2027
May 15, 2029
May 30, 2030
May 15, 2049
Interest Payment Dates
March 15 and September 15
May 15 and November 15
May 30 and November 30
May 15 and November 15
78
Table of Contents
2027 Notes
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
In 2017, the Company issued $750.0 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 2027 Notes at a stated coupon rate of 3.8%. The 2027 Notes were
issued at 99.294% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 3.885%.
The net proceeds from the offering of $744.7 million, after original issue discount, were used to redeem the outstanding $500.0 million in aggregate
principal amount of the senior unsecured notes due 2023 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a "make-whole"
premium of $17.0 million, as well as to refinance a portion of the Company's $500.0 million prior term loan facility (see "— Credit Agreement" below).
Prior to June 15, 2027, the Company, at its option, may redeem some or all of the 2027 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof, plus a "make-whole" premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the redemption date. At any time on or after June 15, 2027, but prior to the
maturity date of September 15, 2027, the Company, at its option, may redeem some or all of the 2027 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
2029 and 2049 Notes Issued in 2019
In 2019, the Company issued $375.0 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 2029 Notes and $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount at
maturity of 2049 Notes. The 2029 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 4.25% and were issued at 99.691% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 4.288%.
The 2049 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 5.25% and were issued at 98.32% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 5.363%.
The net proceeds from the offering were $693.3 million after original issue discount. The proceeds were used to redeem the $325.0 million in aggregate
principal amount of the 2024 Notes at a redemption price equal to 102.688% of the principal amount of such 2024 Notes, plus accrued interest, as well as
to finance the acquisition of Xevo (Note 4, "Acquisition") and for general corporate purposes.
In connection with these transactions, the Company recognized a loss of $10.6 million on the extinguishment of debt and paid related issuance costs of
$6.5 million.
2030 Notes and 2049 Notes Issued in 2020
In 2020, the Company issued $350.0 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 2030 Notes and $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount at
maturity of 2049 Notes. The 2030 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 3.5% and were issued at 99.774% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 3.525%.
The 2049 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 5.25% and were issued at 106.626% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 4.821%.
The net proceeds from the offering were $669.1 million after original issue discount. The proceeds were used to redeem the $650.0 million in aggregate
principal amount of 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to 102.625% of the principal amount of such 2025 Notes, plus accrued interest.
In connection with these transactions, the Company recognized a loss of $21.1 million on the extinguishment of debt and paid related issuance costs of $6.0
million.
Covenants
Subject to certain exceptions, the indentures governing the Notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the Company to:
(i) create or permit certain liens and (ii) consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The indentures governing the Notes also
provide for customary events of default. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the indentures governing the
Notes.
Credit Agreement
In 2017, the Company entered into an unsecured credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") consisting of a $1.75 billion revolving credit facility (the
"Revolving Credit Facility") and a $250.0 million term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility"). In 2020, the Company entered into an agreement to extend
the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility by one year to August 8, 2024, and paid related issuance costs of $1.0 million. The maturity date of the
Term Loan Facility is August 8, 2022.
In the first quarter of 2020, as a proactive measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company borrowed $1.0 billion under the Revolving Credit
Facility, which was repaid in full in the third quarter of 2020. In 2019, aggregate borrowings and repayments under the Revolving Credit Facility were
$30.0 million. In 2018, there were no borrowings or repayments under the
79
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
In 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company made required principal payments under the Term Loan Facility of $14.1 million, $7.8 million and $6.3 million,
respectively.
Advances under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Facility generally bear interest based on (i) the Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the
Credit Agreement) or (ii) the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a margin, determined in accordance with a pricing grid. As of
December 31, 2020, the ranges and rates are as follows (in percentages):
Revolving Credit Facility
Term Loan Facility
Eurocurrency Rate
Base Rate
Minimum
Maximum
1.00 %
1.125 %
1.60 %
1.90 %
Rate as of
December 31, 2020
1.10 %
1.25 %
Minimum
Maximum
0.00 %
0.125 %
0.60 %
0.90 %
Rate as of
December 31,
2020
0.10 %
0.25 %
A facility fee, which ranges from 0.125% to 0.30% of the total amount committed under the Revolving Credit Facility, is payable quarterly.
Covenants
The Credit Agreement contains various customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company, including, without limitation, (i) covenants
regarding maximum leverage, (ii) limitations on fundamental changes involving the Company or its subsidiaries and (iii) limitations on indebtedness and
liens. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.
Other
As of December 31, 2020, other long-term debt, including the current portion, consisted of amounts outstanding under finance leases.
Scheduled Maturities
As of December 31, 2020, scheduled maturities related to the Credit Agreement — Term Loan Facility for the five succeeding years are shown below (in
millions):
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
(8) Leases
$
14.1
206.2
—
—
—
Right-of-Use Assets and Lease Obligations
The Company has operating leases for production, office and warehouse facilities, manufacturing and office equipment and vehicles. Operating lease assets
and obligations included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet are shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Right-of-use assets under operating leases:
Other long-term assets
Lease obligations under operating leases:
Accrued liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
2020
2019
$
$
$
540.3
116.3
438.9
555.2
$
$
$
527.0
113.9
422.4
536.3
80
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Maturities of lease obligations as of December 31, 2020, are shown below (in millions):
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total undiscounted cash flows
Less: Imputed interest
Lease obligations under operating leases
$
$
141.0
111.5
85.9
71.5
58.7
169.7
638.3
(83.1)
555.2
The Company entered into two lease contracts, one of which is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2021 with a lease term of five years, and the
other of which is expected to commence in the third quarter 2021 with a lease term of ten years. The aggregate right-of-use assets and related lease
obligations are expected to be approximately $52.0 million.
Cash flow information related to operating leases is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Non-cash activity:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations
Operating cash flows:
Cash paid related to operating lease obligations
Lease expense included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Operating lease expense
Short-term lease expense
Variable lease expense
Total lease expense
2020
2019
135.1 $
214.3
143.8 $
141.8
2020
2019
148.6 $
15.4
8.0
172.0 $
140.6
17.0
6.5
164.1
$
$
$
$
The Company's short-term lease expense excludes leases with a duration of one month or less, as permitted by the standard.
Variable lease expense includes payments based on performance or usage, as well as changes to index and rate-based lease payments. Additionally, the
Company evaluated its supply contracts with its customers and concluded that variable lease (income) expense in these arrangements is not material.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded rent expense of $163.8 million.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized impairment charges of $2.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, related to its
right-of-use assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions (Note 5, "Restructuring").
The weighted average lease term and discount rate for operating leases as of December 31, 2020, are shown below:
Weighted average remaining lease term
Weighted average discount rate
Seven years
3.4 %
The Company has entered into certain finance lease agreements which are not material to the consolidated financial statements (Note 7, "Debt").
81
Table of Contents
(9) Income Taxes
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
A summary of consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates and the components of provision for income
taxes is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of
affiliates:
2020
2019
2018
Domestic
Foreign
Domestic (benefit) provision for income taxes:
Current provision
Deferred (benefit) provision
Total domestic (benefit) provision
Foreign provision for income taxes:
Current provision
Deferred (benefit) provision
Total foreign provision
Provision for income taxes
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(145.0) $
444.3
299.3 $
29.0 $
(106.2)
(77.2) $
149.6 $
21.5
171.1 $
93.9 $
317.4 $
636.2
953.6 $
24.2 $
(52.6)
(28.4) $
160.1 $
14.4
174.5 $
146.1 $
726.2
812.2
1,538.4
35.0
91.5
126.5
190.2
(4.8)
185.4
311.9
The Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018, required
companies to pay a one-time transition tax on all offshore earnings that were previously tax deferred and created new taxes on certain foreign sourced
earnings. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, "Income Taxes — Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin
No. 118." The guidance provided for a provisional one-year measurement period for entities to finalize their accounting for certain tax effects related to the
Act. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized a favorable adjustment to the 2017 income tax expense of $5.3 million
related to the remeasurement of the December 31, 2017 deferred tax balances, the one-time transition tax and numerous other items included in the Act.
The Company also analyzed the impact of several new provisions of the Act that became effective as of January 1, 2018, such as the GILTI provision,
foreign-derived intangible income ("FDII") deduction, a new minimum tax related to payments to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates known as base erosion
anti-abuse tax, interest expense limitations under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") section 163(j), executive compensation limitations under IRC section
162(m) and various other provisions.
The domestic (benefit) provision includes withholding taxes related to dividends and royalties paid by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, as well as state
and local taxes. In 2020, 2019 and 2018, the foreign deferred (benefit) provision includes the benefit of prior unrecognized net operating loss carryforwards
of $5.3 million, $1.8 million and $7.1 million, respectively.
82
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
A summary of the differences between the provision for income taxes calculated at the United States federal statutory income tax rate of 21% and the
consolidated provision for income taxes is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates
multiplied by the United States federal statutory income tax rate
Differences in income taxes on foreign earnings, losses and remittances
Valuation allowance adjustments
Research and development and other tax credits
FDII deduction
U.S. tax impact of foreign earnings
Tax audits and assessments
Change in the tax status of certain affiliates
Transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings
U.S. tax rate change and other tax reform items
Other
Provision for income taxes
(1)
$
$
2020
2019
2018
62.9 $
20.7
47.7
(11.8)
(14.6)
(21.1)
8.9
—
—
—
1.2
93.9 $
200.2 $
14.1
1.2
(40.8)
(29.3)
9.7
0.4
(18.1)
—
—
8.7
146.1 $
323.1
53.4
(38.8)
(9.9)
(27.6)
7.2
6.9
—
(15.1)
9.8
2.9
311.9
(1) Reflects the impact on the domestic provision for income taxes related to foreign source income including foreign branch earnings net of the applicable foreign tax credits in the general,
foreign branch, GILTI and passive separate limitation categories. This amount includes the U.S. tax impact of apportioning U.S. expenses against the GILTI and foreign branch baskets in
calculating the foreign tax credit limitation resulting in no tax benefit for these expenses due to the Company’s excess foreign tax credit position in the GILTI basket for 2020, 2019 and
2018 and foreign branch basket for 2018. In 2020, as a result of the change in the foreign branch basket limitation, the Company recognized tax benefits of $15.5 million related to the U.S.
deferred tax effect of the foreign branches.
In 2019, the Company completed a U.S. research and development ("R&D") tax credit study for the years 2013 to 2018, the results of which were accepted
by the Internal Revenue Service and pursuant to which the Company recognized a tax benefit of $28.6 million. The tax benefit is reflected in the table
above in research and development and other tax credits.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, income in foreign jurisdictions with tax holidays was $29.4 million, $89.4 million and $107.1
million, respectively. Such tax holidays generally expire from 2020 through 2035.
Deferred income taxes represent temporary differences in the recognition of certain items for financial reporting and income tax purposes. A summary of
the components of the net deferred income tax asset is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
Tax loss carryforwards
Tax credit carryforwards
Retirement benefit plans
Accrued liabilities
Self-insurance reserves
Current asset basis differences
Long-term asset basis differences
Deferred compensation
Recoverable customer engineering, development and tooling
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
Derivative instruments and hedging activities
Other
Net deferred income tax asset before valuation allowance
Valuation allowance
Net deferred income tax asset
83
2020
2019
$
$
423.9 $
280.6
82.9
177.9
7.1
43.3
(36.5)
22.6
67.1
(71.7)
(5.2)
(8.9)
983.1
(397.7)
585.4 $
419.7
294.0
59.1
136.1
5.8
43.7
(65.4)
27.2
(10.5)
(76.7)
(5.2)
(5.8)
822.0
(344.8)
477.2
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the valuation allowance with respect to the Company’s deferred tax assets was $397.7 million and $344.8 million,
respectively, a net increase of $52.9 million.
Concluding that a valuation allowance is not required is difficult when there is significant negative evidence, such as cumulative losses in recent years,
which is objective and verifiable. When measuring cumulative losses in recent years, the Company uses a rolling three-year period of pretax book income,
adjusted for permanent differences between book and taxable income and certain other items. As of December 31, 2020, the Company continues to
maintain a valuation allowance of $18.8 million with respect to certain of its U.S. deferred tax assets that, due to their nature, are not likely to be
realized. In addition, the Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance of $378.9 million with respect to its deferred tax assets in several
international jurisdictions.
The classification of the net deferred income tax asset is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Long-term deferred income tax assets
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities
Net deferred income tax asset
2020
2019
$
$
670.2 $
(84.8)
585.4 $
563.8
(86.6)
477.2
As of December 31, 2020, deferred income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries since these
earnings will not be taxable upon repatriation to the United States. These earnings will be primarily treated as previously taxed income from either the one-
time transition tax or GILTI, or they will be offset with a 100% dividend received deduction. However, the Company continues to provide a deferred tax
liability for foreign withholding tax that will be incurred with respect to the undistributed foreign earnings that are not permanently reinvested.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had tax loss carryforwards of $1.8 billion. Of the total tax loss carryforwards, $1.5 billion have no expiration date,
and $247.9 million expire between 2021 and 2037. In addition, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of $280.6 million, comprised principally of U.S.
foreign tax credits of $114.9 million that expire between 2027 and 2030, U.S. research and development credits of $120.1 million that expire between 2024
and 2040 and other tax credits primarily in international jurisdictions of $45.6 million that generally expire between 2021 and 2040.
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-16, "Income Taxes — Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory." The new standard
requires the recognition of the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets other than inventory in the period in which the sale or
transfer occurs. The standard also requires modified retrospective adoption. Accordingly, the Company recognized a deferred tax asset of $2.3 million and
a corresponding credit to retained earnings in conjunction with the adoption. The effects of adopting the other provisions of ASU 2016-16 were not
significant.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits were $36.4 million and $31.6 million (excluding interest and
penalties), respectively, which is recorded in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. If recognized, all of the
Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits would affect the Company’s effective tax rate.
A summary of the changes in gross unrecognized tax benefits is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Balance at beginning of period
Additions (reductions) based on tax positions related to current year
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
Settlements
Statute expirations
Foreign currency translation
Balance at end of period
2020
2019
2018
$
$
31.6 $
4.9
3.6
(1.2)
(4.7)
2.2
36.4 $
36.7 $
(0.3)
2.0
(3.7)
(2.8)
(0.3)
31.6 $
33.2
7.9
0.1
—
(2.7)
(1.8)
36.7
The Company recognizes interest and penalties with respect to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the
Company had recorded gross reserves of $12.2 million and $11.5 million, respectively, related to interest and penalties, all of which, if recognized, would
affect the Company’s effective tax rate.
The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world, and its tax returns are periodically audited or subject to review by both domestic and
foreign tax authorities. During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that, as a result of audit settlements, the conclusion of current examinations
and the expiration of the statute of limitations in multiple jurisdictions,
84
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
the Company may decrease the amount of its gross unrecognized tax benefits by $8.4 million, all of which, if recognized, would affect the Company’s
effective tax rate. The gross unrecognized tax benefits subject to potential decrease involve issues related to transfer pricing and various other tax items in
multiple jurisdictions. However, as a result of ongoing examinations, tax proceedings in certain countries, additions to the gross unrecognized tax benefits
for positions taken and interest and penalties, if any, arising in 2021, it is not possible to estimate the potential net increase or decrease to the Company’s
gross unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.
The Company considers its significant tax jurisdictions to include China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United
States. The Company or its subsidiaries generally remain subject to income tax examination in certain U.S. state and local jurisdictions for years after 2015.
Further, the Company or its subsidiaries remain subject to income tax examination in Spain for years after 2005, in Mexico for years after 2013, in
Morocco for years after 2014, in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom for years after 2015, in China for years after 2016 and in the United States
generally for years after 2019.
(10) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic employees and certain employees in foreign countries,
principally Canada. The Company’s salaried pension plans provide benefits based on final average earnings formulas. The Company’s hourly pension plans
provide benefits under flat benefit and cash balance formulas. The Company also has contractual arrangements with certain employees which provide for
supplemental retirement benefits. In general, the Company’s policy is to fund its pension benefit obligation based on legal requirements, tax and liquidity
considerations and local practices.
The Company has postretirement benefit plans covering certain domestic and Canadian retirees. The Company’s postretirement benefit plans generally
provide for the continuation of medical benefits for eligible retirees. The Company does not fund its postretirement benefit obligation. Rather, payments are
made as costs are incurred by covered retirees.
Obligation
A reconciliation of the change in benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, is shown below (in millions):
Pension
Other Postretirement
December 31, 2020
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2020
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Foreign
500.8 $
0.1
16.4
—
66.4
(19.3)
—
—
—
564.4 $
504.3 $
5.0
12.2
—
39.9
(20.0)
(29.2)
—
17.0
529.2 $
438.0 $
0.1
18.6
—
63.0
(18.9)
—
—
—
500.8 $
437.1
6.3
14.7
—
55.8
(21.5)
—
(2.4)
14.3
504.3
$
$
55.4 $
—
1.7
0.4
6.9
(3.2)
—
—
—
61.2 $
25.6 $
—
0.7
—
2.1
(1.5)
—
—
0.5
27.4 $
52.4 $
—
2.1
—
4.5
(3.6)
—
—
—
55.4 $
34.3
0.3
1.3
—
0.4
(1.3)
—
(10.9)
1.5
25.6
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
Service cost
Interest cost
Amendment
Actuarial loss
Benefits paid
Benefits paid — settlements
Curtailment
Translation adjustment
Benefit obligation at end of period
$
$
Actuarial losses
As of December 31, 2020, the increase in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations attributable to actuarial losses primarily relates to a decrease
in the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligations (see assumptions below) and, to a lesser extent, changes in mortality assumptions for the
Company's U.S. plans. With respect to the other postretirement benefit obligation, actuarial losses were offset by gains related to claims cost updates for the
Company's foreign plans. As of December 31, 2019, the increase in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations attributable to actuarial losses
primarily relates to a decrease in the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligations (see assumptions below).
85
Table of Contents
Plan Assets and Funded Status
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
A reconciliation of the change in plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the funded status as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, is
shown below (in millions):
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of period
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Benefits paid — settlements
Translation adjustment
Fair value of plan assets at
end of period
Funded status
Pension
Other Postretirement
December 31, 2020
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2020
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Foreign
$
$
$
376.6 $
41.7
19.2
(19.3)
—
—
396.8 $
19.8
7.7
(20.0)
(29.2)
7.9
330.6 $
61.5
3.4
(18.9)
—
—
351.8
42.3
6.6
(21.5)
—
17.6
418.2 $
383.0 $
376.6 $
396.8
(146.2) $
(146.2) $
(124.2) $
(107.5)
$
$
$
— $
—
3.2
(3.2)
—
—
— $
—
1.5
(1.5)
—
—
— $
—
3.6
(3.6)
—
—
—
—
1.3
(1.3)
—
—
— $
— $
— $
—
(61.2) $
(27.4) $
(55.4) $
(25.6)
A summary of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, is shown below (in millions):
Pension
Other Postretirement
December 31, 2020
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2020
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Foreign
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Other long-term assets
Accrued liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
(2.5)
(143.7)
$
— $
9.1 $
(3.2)
(152.1)
0.1 $
(2.6)
(121.7)
23.8
(3.3)
(128.0)
$
— $
— $
— $
(4.0)
(57.2)
(1.5)
(25.9)
(3.9)
(51.5)
—
(1.4)
(24.2)
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the accumulated benefit obligation for all of the Company’s pension plans was $1,079.6 million and $990.3 million,
respectively.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the majority of the Company's pension plans had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets. Information
related to pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets is shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
$
2020
2019
813.7 $
799.6
512.2
726.3
711.5
470.8
86
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Pretax amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, are shown below (in millions):
Actuarial gains (losses) recognized:
Reclassification adjustments
Actuarial loss arising during the
period
Effect of curtailment
Effect of settlements
Prior service credit recognized:
Reclassification adjustments
Prior service cost arising during the
period
Translation adjustment
Pension
Other Postretirement
December 31, 2020
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2020
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Foreign
$
2.3 $
5.2 $
1.8 $
7.8
$
(1.6) $
— $
(2.3) $
(46.1)
—
0.3
(39.7)
—
13.0
(21.7)
—
0.1
—
—
—
—
—
(43.5) $
—
(3.6)
(25.1) $
—
—
(19.8) $
$
(33.8)
0.1
—
—
—
(3.8)
(29.7)
(6.9)
—
—
(0.2)
(2.1)
—
—
—
(4.5)
—
—
(0.2)
(0.4)
—
(9.1) $
—
—
(2.1) $
—
—
(7.0) $
$
—
—
—
—
(0.2)
—
—
(0.2)
In addition, the Company recognized tax benefit (expense) in other comprehensive income (loss) related to its defined benefit plans of $18.5 million, $13.7
million and ($3.0) million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, are
shown below (in millions):
Pension
Other Postretirement
Net unrecognized actuarial gain (loss)
Prior service (cost) credit
$
$
Foreign
December 31, 2020
U.S.
(149.4) $
—
(149.4) $
(160.7) $
(1.5)
(162.2) $
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
(105.9) $
—
(105.9) $
(135.9)
(1.2)
(137.1)
December 31, 2020
U.S.
Foreign
December 31, 2019
U.S.
Foreign
$
$
11.2 $
1.2
12.4 $
(3.0) $
0.1
(2.9) $
19.6 $
1.9
21.5 $
(0.9)
0.1
(0.8)
The Company uses the corridor approach when amortizing actuarial gains and losses. Under the corridor approach, net unrecognized actuarial gains and
losses in excess of 10% of the greater of i) the projected benefit obligation or ii) the fair value of plan assets are amortized over future periods. For plans
with little to no active participants, the amortization period is the remaining average life expectancy of the participants. For plans with active participants,
the amortization period is the remaining average service period of the active participants. The amortization periods range from 4 to 34 years for the
Company's defined benefit pension plans and from 1 to 17 years for the Company's other postretirement benefit plans.
87
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Net Periodic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost (Credit)
The components of the Company’s net periodic pension benefit cost (credit) are shown below (in millions):
Pension
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of actuarial loss
Curtailment (gain) loss
Settlement losses
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
2020
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
U.S.
Foreign
U.S.
Foreign
U.S.
Foreign
$
$
0.1 $
16.4
(21.4)
2.3
—
0.3
(2.3) $
5.0 $
12.2
(19.6)
5.2
—
13.0
15.8 $
0.1 $
18.6
(20.2)
1.8
—
0.1
0.4 $
6.3 $
14.7
(20.9)
7.8
(2.3)
—
5.6 $
0.1 $
19.8
(27.3)
2.0
—
5.7
0.3 $
6.9
14.7
(23.0)
6.2
0.4
—
5.2
The components of the Company’s net periodic other postretirement benefit cost (credit) are shown below (in millions):
Other Postretirement
Service cost
Interest cost
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss
Amortization of prior service credit
Curtailment gain
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
2020
U.S.
Foreign
Year Ended December 31,
2019
U.S.
Foreign
$
$
— $
1.7
(1.6)
(0.2)
—
(0.1) $
— $
0.7
—
—
—
0.7 $
— $
2.1
(2.3)
(0.2)
—
(0.4) $
0.3 $
1.3
—
(0.2)
(10.6)
(9.2) $
2018
U.S.
Foreign
— $
1.9
(2.2)
(0.2)
—
(0.5) $
0.4
1.4
0.2
(0.3)
—
1.7
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized pension settlement losses of $12.9 million related to its restructuring actions (Note 5,
"Restructuring").
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized an other postretirement curtailment gain of $10.6 million related to its restructuring
actions (Note 5, "Restructuring").
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized pension settlement losses of $5.4 million related to its annuity purchase for certain
terminated vested plan participants of its U.S. defined benefit pension plans.
Assumptions
The weighted average actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations are shown below:
December 31,
Discount rate:
Domestic plans
Foreign plans
Rate of compensation increase:
Foreign plans
Pension
Other Postretirement
2020
2019
2020
2019
2.6%
2.0%
3.3%
3.4%
2.6%
3.7%
2.4%
2.5%
N/A
3.2%
3.1%
N/A
88
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The weighted average actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic benefit cost (credit) are shown below:
For the year ended December 31,
Pension
Discount rate:
Domestic plans
Foreign plans
Expected return on plan assets:
Domestic plans
Foreign plans
Rate of compensation increase:
Foreign plans
Other postretirement
Discount rate:
Domestic plans
Foreign plans
2020
2019
2018
3.4 %
2.6 %
5.8 %
5.4 %
3.7 %
3.2 %
3.1 %
4.3 %
3.4 %
6.3 %
5.9 %
3.4 %
4.2 %
3.8 %
3.6 %
3.1 %
6.5 %
5.9 %
3.3 %
3.5 %
3.5 %
The expected return on plan assets is determined based on several factors, including adjusted historical returns, historical risk premiums for various asset
classes and target asset allocations within the portfolio. Adjustments made to the historical returns are based on recent return experience in the equity and
fixed income markets and the belief that deviations from historical returns are likely over the relevant investment horizon.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the weighted-average interest crediting rate used by one of the Company's U.S. pension plans was a minimum of 4.0%.
Healthcare Trend Rate
The assumed healthcare cost trend rates used to measure the postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2020, are shown below:
Initial healthcare cost trend rate
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate
Year ultimate healthcare cost trend rate achieved
U.S. Plans
6.5%
4.5%
2028
Foreign Plans
4.7%
4.0%
2040
89
Table of Contents
Plan Assets
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Fair value measurements and the related valuation techniques and fair value hierarchy level for the Company’s pension plan assets measured at fair value
on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, are shown below (in millions):
U.S. Plans:
Equity securities -
Equity funds
Common stock
Fixed income -
Fixed income funds
Corporate bonds
Government obligations
Preferred stock
Cash and short-term investments
Assets at fair value
Investments measured at net asset value -
Alternative investments
Assets at fair value
Foreign Plans:
Equity securities -
Equity funds
Common stock
Fixed income -
Fixed income funds
Corporate bonds
Government obligations
Cash and short-term investments
Assets at fair value
Investments measured at net asset value -
Alternative investments
Assets at fair value
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2020
85.9 $
53.9
84.2
—
—
0.9
2.8
227.7 $
— $
60.9
—
—
—
7.0
67.9 $
18.4 $
31.3
—
66.7
6.2
0.5
9.1
132.2 $
138.0 $
—
58.4
30.8
49.5
8.1
284.8 $
$
$
$
$
104.3 $
85.2
84.2
66.7
6.2
1.4
11.9
359.9 $
58.3
418.2
138.0 $
60.9
58.4
30.8
49.5
15.1
352.7 $
30.3
383.0
90
Valuation
Technique
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
U.S. Plans:
Equity securities -
Equity funds
Common stock
Fixed income -
Fixed income funds
Corporate bonds
Government obligations
Preferred stock
Cash and short-term investments
Assets at fair value
Investments measured at net asset value -
Alternative investments
Assets at fair value
Foreign Plans:
Equity securities -
Equity funds
Common stock
Fixed income -
Fixed income funds
Corporate bonds
Government obligations
Cash and short-term investments
Assets at fair value
Investments measured at net asset value -
Alternative investments
Assets at fair value
December 31, 2019
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
81.5 $
45.5
76.0
—
—
0.6
8.4
212.0 $
— $
66.7
—
—
—
7.7
74.4 $
22.1 $
31.9
—
53.9
7.3
0.6
5.6
121.4 $
148.4 $
—
45.6
31.5
55.8
3.2
284.5 $
$
$
$
$
103.6 $
77.4
76.0
53.9
7.3
1.2
14.0
333.4 $
43.2
376.6
148.4 $
66.7
45.6
31.5
55.8
10.9
358.9 $
37.9
396.8
Valuation
Technique
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
Market
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
For further information on the GAAP fair value hierarchy, see Note 16, "Financial Instruments." Pension plan assets for the foreign plans relate to the
Company’s pension plans primarily in Canada and the United Kingdom.
The Company’s investment policies incorporate an asset allocation strategy that emphasizes the long-term growth of capital. The Company believes that
this strategy is consistent with the long-term nature of plan liabilities and ultimate cash needs of the plans. For the domestic portfolio, the Company targets
a return seeking asset (e.g., equity securities, equity mutual funds and exchange traded funds ("ETFs") and alternative investments) allocation of 45% —
65% and a risk mitigating asset (e.g., fixed income securities and fixed income mutual funds and ETFs) allocation of 35% — 55%. As the funding ratio for
the defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic employees changes, the proportion of return seeking assets will be adjusted accordingly. For
the foreign portfolio, the Company targets an equity allocation of 45% — 65% of plan assets, a fixed income allocation of 25% — 45%, an alternative
investment allocation of 0% — 25% and a cash allocation of 0% — 15%. Differences in the target allocations of the domestic and foreign portfolios are
reflective of differences in the underlying plan liabilities. Diversification within the investment portfolios is pursued by asset class and investment
management style. The investment portfolios are reviewed on a quarterly basis to maintain the desired asset allocations, given the market performance of
the asset classes and investment management styles. Alternative investments are redeemable in the near term, generally with 90 days notice.
The Company utilizes investment management firms to manage these assets in accordance with the Company’s investment policies. Excluding alternative
investments, mutual funds and ETFs, retained investment managers are provided investment guidelines which restrict the use of certain assets, including
commodities contracts, futures contracts, options, venture capital, real estate, interest-only or principal-only strips and investments in the Company’s own
debt or equity. Derivative instruments
91
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
are also prohibited without the specific approval of the Company. Investment managers are limited in the maximum size of individual security holdings and
the maximum exposure to any one industry relative to the total portfolio. Fixed income managers are provided further investment guidelines that indicate
minimum credit ratings for debt securities and limitations on weighted average maturity and portfolio duration.
The Company evaluates investment manager performance against market indices which the Company believes are appropriate to the investment
management style for which the investment manager has been retained. The Company’s investment policies incorporate an investment goal of aggregate
portfolio returns which exceed the returns of the appropriate market indices by a reasonable spread over the relevant investment horizon.
Contributions
In 2021, the Company's minimum required contributions to its domestic and foreign pension plans are expected to be approximately $5 million to $10
million. The Company may elect to make contributions in excess of minimum funding requirements in response to investment performance or changes in
interest rates or when the Company believes that it is financially advantageous to do so and based on its other cash requirements. After 2021, the
Company’s minimum funding requirements will depend on several factors, including investment performance and interest rates. The Company’s minimum
funding requirements may also be affected by changes in applicable legal requirements.
Benefit Payments
As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s estimate of expected benefit payments in each of the five succeeding years and in the aggregate for the five years
thereafter are shown below (in millions):
Year
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Five years thereafter
Multi-Employer Pension Plans
Pension
U.S.
Foreign
Other Postretirement
U.S.
Foreign
$
20.9 $
22.8
23.5
23.5
24.5
130.8
$
19.3
20.5
20.2
21.0
22.0
127.9
4.0 $
4.0
4.0
4.0
3.9
17.7
1.4
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.4
6.8
The Company currently participates in two multi-employer pension plans, the U.A.W. Labor-Management Group Pension Plan (EIN 51-6099782-001) and
UNITE Here National Retirement Fund (EIN 13-6130178-001), for certain of its employees. Contributions to these plans are based on four collective
bargaining agreements, which expire between January 31, 2021 and April 25, 2025.
Detailed information related to these plans is shown below (amounts in millions):
Pension Protection Act
Zone Status
Employer Identification Number
("EIN")
51-6099782-001
13-6130178-001
December 31,
2020
Certification
Green
Red
December 31,
2019
Certification
Green
Red
FIP/RP
Pending or
Implemented
Yes
Yes
Surcharge
No
No
$
Contributions to Multiemployer Pension Plans
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
0.6 $
0.5
0.5 $
0.4
0.6
0.4
For its plan years 2020 and 2019, the Company's contributions to the U.A.W. Labor-Management Group Pension Plan represented more than 5% of the
plan's total contributions.
Defined Contribution Plan
The Company also sponsors defined contribution plans and participates in government-sponsored programs in certain foreign countries. Contributions are
determined as a percentage of each covered employee’s salary. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the aggregate cost of the defined
contribution plans was $17.1 million, $14.0 million and $13.7 million, respectively.
92
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company also has a defined contribution retirement program for its salaried employees. Contributions to this program are determined as a percentage
of each covered employee’s eligible compensation. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded expense of $18.3
million, $17.6 million and $21.5 million, respectively, related to this program.
(11) Revenue Recognition
A summary of the Company’s revenue by reportable operating segment and geography is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
North America
Europe and Africa
Asia
South America
For the year ended December 31,
North America
Europe and Africa
Asia
South America
For the year ended December 31,
North America
Europe and Africa
Asia
South America
Seating
5,545.7 $
4,371.4
2,418.7
376.9
12,712.7 $
2020
E-Systems
1,084.8 $
1,868.9
1,236.6
142.5
4,332.8 $
Seating
6,265.2 $
5,620.2
2,710.7
501.1
15,097.2 $
2019
E-Systems
1,100.3 $
2,165.3
1,257.6
189.9
4,713.1 $
Seating
6,549.7 $
6,299.0
2,624.6
548.6
16,021.9 $
2018
E-Systems
1,110.9 $
2,427.9
1,415.4
172.4
5,126.6 $
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total
6,630.5
6,240.3
3,655.3
519.4
17,045.5
Total
7,365.5
7,785.5
3,968.3
691.0
19,810.3
Total
7,660.6
8,726.9
4,040.0
721.0
21,148.5
(12) Capital Stock, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Equity
Common Stock
The Company is authorized to issue up to 300,000,000 shares of Common Stock. The Company’s Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "LEA" and has the following rights and privileges:
•
Voting Rights – All shares of the Company’s common stock have identical rights and privileges. With limited exceptions, holders of common
stock are entitled to one vote for each outstanding share of common stock held of record by each stockholder on all matters properly submitted
for the vote of the Company’s stockholders.
• Dividend Rights – Subject to applicable law, any contractual restrictions and the rights of the holders of outstanding preferred stock, if any,
holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends and other distributions that the Company’s Board of Directors, in its
discretion, declares from time to time.
•
•
Liquidation Rights – Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company, subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding preferred
stock, if any, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably the assets of the Company available for distribution to the Company’s
stockholders in proportion to the number of shares of common stock held by each stockholder.
Conversion, Redemption and Preemptive Rights – Holders of common stock have no conversion, redemption, sinking fund, preemptive,
subscription or similar rights.
93
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Common Stock Share Repurchase Program
Since the first quarter of 2011, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized $6.1 billion in share repurchases under its common stock share repurchase
program. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has paid $4.7 billion in aggregate for repurchases of its common stock, at an average price of $90.07 per
share, excluding commissions and related fees. In March 2020, as a proactive measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company suspended
share repurchases under its share repurchase program.
Share repurchases are shown below (in millions except for shares and per share amounts):
(1)
For the year ended December 31,
2020
2019
2018
(1) Prior to suspension.
(2) Excludes commissions.
Aggregate
Repurchases
Cash paid for
Repurchases
Number of Shares
Average Price per
Share
(2)
$
$
$
70.0 $
380.4 $
705.2 $
70.0
384.7
704.9
641,149 $
2,819,081 $
4,308,418 $
109.22
134.95
163.69
As of December 31, 2020, the Company has a remaining repurchase authorization of $1.4 billion under its current common stock share repurchase
program, which will expire on December 31, 2022. The Company may implement these share repurchases through a variety of methods, including, but not
limited to, open market purchases, accelerated stock repurchase programs and structured repurchase transactions. The extent to which the Company will
repurchase its outstanding common stock and the timing of such repurchases will depend upon its financial condition, prevailing market conditions,
alternative uses of capital and other factors.
In addition to shares repurchased under the Company’s common stock share repurchase program described above, the Company classified shares withheld
from the settlement of the Company’s restricted stock unit and performance share awards to cover tax withholding requirements as common stock held in
treasury in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
In 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the retirement of 8 million shares of common stock held in treasury. These retired shares are reflected
as authorized, but not issued, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The retirement of shares held in treasury
resulted in a reduction in the par value of common stock, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings of $0.1 million, $155.9 million and $1,014.2
million, respectively. These reductions were offset by a corresponding reduction in shares held in treasury of $1,170.2 million. Accordingly, there was no
effect on stockholders' equity as a result of this transaction.
Quarterly Dividend
In March 2020, as a proactive measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company suspended its quarterly cash dividend. Prior to the
suspension, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.77 per share of common stock in the first quarter of 2020. The quarterly cash
dividend was reinstated in the fourth quarter of 2020 at $0.25 per share of common stock. In 2019 and 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared
quarterly cash dividends of $0.75 and $0.70, respectively, per share of common stock.
Dividends declared and paid are shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Dividends declared
Dividends paid
2020
2019
2018
$
$
62.1 $
67.3 $
186.3 $
186.3 $
185.8
186.3
Dividends payable on common shares to be distributed under the Company’s stock-based compensation program will be paid when such common shares
are distributed.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive income is defined as all changes in the Company’s net assets except changes resulting from transactions with stockholders. It differs from
net income in that certain items recorded in equity are included in comprehensive income.
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax is shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Defined benefit plans:
Balance at beginning of year
Reclassification adjustments (net of tax expense of $4.7 million in 2020, $2.0 million in 2019 and
$2.4 million in 2018)
Other comprehensive income (loss) recognized during the period (net of tax benefit (expense) of
$23.2 million in 2020, $15.7 million in 2019 and ($0.6) million in 2018)
Balance at end of year
Derivative instruments and hedge activities:
Balance at beginning of year
Reclassification adjustments (net of tax benefit (expense) of ($1.8) million in 2020, $10.2 million in
2019 and $4.1 million in 2018)
Other comprehensive income (loss) recognized during the period (net of tax benefit (expense) of $1.0
million in 2020, ($15.7) million in 2019 and ($7.4) million in 2018)
Balance at end of year
Currency translation adjustments:
Balance at beginning of year
Other comprehensive income (loss) recognized during the period (net of tax benefit of $3.8 million in
2020, $0.9 million in 2019 and $2.3 million in 2018)
Balance at end of year
$
$
$
$
$
$
2020
2019
2018
(217.6) $
(172.8) $
(184.0)
14.3
5.0
(73.6)
(276.9) $
(49.8)
(217.6) $
9.0
2.2
(172.8)
9.8 $
(9.7) $
(22.9)
7.5
(38.0)
(4.7)
12.6 $
57.5
9.8 $
(15.2)
28.4
(9.7)
(564.9) $
(523.3) $
(306.5)
124.1
(440.8) $
(41.6)
(564.9) $
(216.8)
(523.3)
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, other comprehensive income (loss) related to currency translation adjustments includes pretax
losses related to intercompany transactions for which settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future of $0.6 million, $0.5 million and
$1.2 million, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, other comprehensive income (loss) related to currency translation adjustments also includes net
investment hedge losses of $18.3 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
In accordance with GAAP, the Company records redeemable noncontrolling interests at the greater of (1) the initial carrying amount adjusted for the
noncontrolling interest holder’s share of total comprehensive income or loss and dividends ("noncontrolling interest carrying value") or (2) the redemption
value as of and based on conditions existing as of the reporting date. Required redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustments are recorded as an increase
to redeemable noncontrolling interests, with an offsetting adjustment to retained earnings. The redeemable noncontrolling interest is classified in mezzanine
equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019.
In 2020, the noncontrolling interest holder in Shanghai Lear STEC Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. exercised its option requiring the Company to purchase its
45% redeemable noncontrolling interest. The transaction was completed in the fourth quarter of 2020 for $95.5 million plus undistributed retained earnings
of $26.8 million. These amounts are reflected in cash flows from financing activities in the accompanying statement of cash flows for the year ended
December, 31, 2020.
For further information related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest adjustment, see Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Net
Income Per Share Attributable to Lear."
Noncontrolling Interests
In 2019, the Company deconsolidated GACC as it no longer controls the entity. In 2018, the Company gained control of Lear FAWSN. For further
information related to these transactions, see Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions."
95
Table of Contents
(13) Stock-Based Compensation
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
As of November 9, 2009, the Company adopted the Lear Corporation 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (as amended, the "2009 LTSIP"). The 2009
LTSIP reserved 11,815,748 shares of common stock for issuance under stock option, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, restricted unit, performance
share, performance unit and stock appreciation right awards. As of May 16, 2019, the Company adopted the Lear Corporation 2019 Long-Term Stock
Incentive Plan (the "2019 LTSIP"), after which no awards will be issued under the 2009 LTSIP. The 2019 LTSIP reserves 2,526,858 shares of common
stock plus shares of common stock awarded under the 2009 LTSIP that are cancelled subsequent to May 16, 2019, for issuance under stock option,
restricted stock, restricted stock unit, restricted unit, performance share, performance unit and stock appreciation right awards. In addition, the Company
adopted the Lear Corporation 2019 Inducement Grant Plan ("Inducement Plan") as of April 17, 2019, in conjunction with the acquisition of Xevo. The
Inducement Plan reserved 146,516 shares of common stock for issuance under restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, of which 145,202 awards
were granted on April 17, 2019. The remaining shares under the Inducement Plan will not be awarded.
Under the 2009 LTSIP, the 2019 LTSIP and the Inducement Plan, the Company has granted restricted stock units, performance shares and stock options to
certain of its employees, all of which generally vest in three years following the grant date. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the
Company recognized compensation expense related to these awards of $39.0 million, $22.3 million and $40.1 million, respectively. Unrecognized
compensation expense related to these awards of $65.5 million will be recognized over the next 1.9 years on a weighted average basis. In accordance with
the provisions of the awards, the Company withholds shares from the settlement of such awards to cover minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.
The withheld shares are classified as common stock held in treasury in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
A summary of restricted stock units, performance shares and stock options for the year ended December 31, 2020, is shown below:
Outstanding as of December 31, 2019
Granted
Distributed (vested)
Cancelled
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020
(1)
Vested or expected to vest as of December 31,
2020
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
$128.71
$129.40
$124.83
Restricted
Stock Units
705,136
168,811
(220,122)
(37,241)
616,584
616,584
Performance
Shares
849,544
346,317
(129,920)
(256,470)
809,471
299,390
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
$140.83
$147.53
$143.48
Stock Options
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
$30.32
$30.32
—
108,446
—
—
108,446
108,446
(1) Outstanding performance shares are reflected at the maximum possible payout that may be earned during the relevant performance periods.
The grant date fair value of restricted stock units is based on the share price on the grant date. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock
units granted in 2019 and 2018 was $134.65 and $168.86, respectively. The grant date fair value of performance shares was based on a Monte Carlo
simulation in 2020 and 2019 and on the share price on the grant date in 2018. The weighted average grant date fair value of performance shares granted in
2019 and 2018 was $124.48 and $179.40, respectively. The grant date fair value of stock options is based on a Black-Scholes model.
(14) Commitments and Contingencies
Legal and Other Contingencies
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had recorded reserves for pending legal disputes, including commercial disputes and other matters, of
$17.2 million and $14.0 million, respectively. Such reserves reflect amounts recognized in accordance with GAAP and typically exclude the cost of legal
representation. Product liability and warranty reserves are recorded separately from legal reserves, as described below.
96
Table of Contents
Commercial Disputes
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company is involved from time to time in legal proceedings and claims, including, without limitation, commercial or contractual disputes with its
customers, suppliers and competitors. These disputes vary in nature and are usually resolved by negotiations between the parties.
Product Liability and Warranty Matters
In the event that use of the Company’s products results in, or is alleged to result in, bodily injury and/or property damage or other losses, the Company may
be subject to product liability lawsuits and other claims. Such lawsuits generally seek compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees and
costs. In addition, if any of the Company’s products are, or are alleged to be, defective, the Company may be required or requested by its customers to
participate in a recall or other corrective action involving such products. Certain of the Company’s customers have asserted claims against the Company for
costs related to recalls or other corrective actions involving its products. The Company can provide no assurances that it will not experience material claims
in the future or that it will not incur significant costs to defend such claims.
To a lesser extent, the Company is a party to agreements with certain of its customers, whereby these customers may pursue claims against the Company
for contribution of all or a portion of the amounts sought in connection with product liability and warranty claims.
In certain instances, allegedly defective products may be supplied by Tier 2 suppliers. The Company may seek recovery from its suppliers of materials or
services included within the Company’s products that are associated with product liability and warranty claims. The Company carries insurance for certain
legal matters, including product liability claims, but such coverage may be limited. The Company does not maintain insurance for product warranty or
recall matters.
The Company records product warranty reserves when liability is probable and related amounts are reasonably estimable.
A summary of the changes in reserves for product liability and warranty claims for each of the periods in the two years ended December 31, 2020, is shown
below (in millions):
Balance as of January 1, 2019
Expense, net, including changes in estimates
Settlements
Foreign currency translation and other
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Expense, net, including changes in estimates
Settlements
Foreign currency translation and other
Balance as of December 31, 2020
Environmental Matters
$
$
28.5
17.9
(15.2)
0.8
32.0
26.1
(10.3)
0.9
48.7
The Company is subject to local, state, federal and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances which govern activities or operations that may have adverse
environmental effects and which impose liability for clean-up costs resulting from past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous wastes and
environmental compliance. The Company’s policy is to comply with all applicable environmental laws and to maintain an environmental management
program based on ISO 14001 to ensure compliance with this standard. However, the Company currently is, has been and in the future may become the
subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or procedures.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had recorded environmental reserves of $8.9 million and $9.3 million, respectively. The Company does
not believe that the environmental liabilities associated with its current and former properties will have a material adverse impact on its business, financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows; however, no assurances can be given in this regard.
Other Matters
The Company is involved from time to time in various other legal proceedings and claims, including, without limitation, intellectual property matters, tax
claims and employment matters. Although the outcome of any legal matter cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that any of the
other legal proceedings or claims in which the Company is
97
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
currently involved, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations or
cash flows. However, no assurances can be given in this regard.
Although the Company records reserves for legal disputes, product liability and warranty claims and environmental and other matters in accordance with
GAAP, the ultimate outcomes of these matters are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ significantly from current estimates.
Employees
Approximately 47% of the Company’s employees are members of industrial trade unions and are employed under the terms of various labor
agreements. Labor agreements covering approximately 85% of the Company’s global unionized workforce of approximately 82,500 employees, including
labor agreements in the United States and Canada covering approximately 1% of the Company’s global unionized workforce, are scheduled to expire in
2021. Management does not anticipate any significant difficulties with respect to the renewal of these agreements.
(15) Segment Reporting
A summary of revenues from external customers and other financial information by reportable operating segment is shown below (in millions):
(1)
Revenues from external customers
Segment earnings
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
Total assets
(1)
Revenues from external customers
Segment earnings
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
Total assets
Revenues from external customers
Segment earnings
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
(1)
$
$
$
Seating
12,712.7 $
590.5
348.1
257.2
7,596.1
Seating
15,097.2 $
961.2
331.0
370.4
7,277.6
Seating
16,021.9 $
1,263.6
323.5
459.8
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Other
E-Systems
Consolidated
4,332.8 $
98.1
176.6
179.3
3,403.3
— $
(234.5)
15.2
15.8
2,199.2
17,045.5
454.1
539.9
452.3
13,198.6
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Other
E-Systems
Consolidated
4,713.1 $
366.3
163.0
213.9
3,068.1
— $
(257.3)
15.9
19.6
2,335.0
19,810.3
1,070.2
509.9
603.9
12,680.7
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Other
E-Systems
5,126.6 $
628.5
146.2
208.4
— $
(238.0)
14.7
8.8
Consolidated
21,148.5
1,654.1
484.4
677.0
(1) For a definition of segment earnings, see Note 3 , "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Segment Reporting."
For the year ended December 31, 2020, segment earnings include restructuring charges of $83.1 million, $54.5 million and $1.1 million in the Seating and
E-Systems segments and in the other category, respectively. The Company expects to incur approximately $11 million and approximately $7 million of
additional restructuring costs in the Seating and E-Systems segments, respectively, related to activities initiated as of December 31, 2020, and expects that
the components of such costs will be consistent with its historical experience.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, segment earnings include restructuring charges of $150.1 million, $38.0 million and $2.1 million in the Seating and
E-Systems segments and in the other category, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, segment earnings include restructuring charges of $62.3 million, $20.9 million and $4.8 million in the Seating and
E-Systems segments and in the other category, respectively.
98
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
For further information, see Note 5, "Restructuring."
A reconciliation of segment earnings to consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates is shown below (in
millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Segment earnings
Corporate and regional headquarters and elimination of intercompany activity ("Other")
Consolidated income before interest, other expense, provision for income taxes and equity in
net income of affiliates
Interest expense
Other expense, net
Consolidated income before provision for income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $
$
2020
2019
2018
688.6 $
(234.5)
454.1
99.6
55.2
299.3 $
1,327.5 $
(257.3)
1,070.2
92.0
24.6
953.6 $
1,892.1
(238.0)
1,654.1
84.1
31.6
1,538.4
Revenues from external customers and tangible long-lived assets for each of the geographic areas in which the Company operates is shown below (in
millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Revenues from external customers
United States
Mexico
China
Germany
Other countries
Total
December 31,
Tangible long-lived assets
(1)
United States
Mexico
China
Germany
Other countries
Total
(1) Tangible long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets.
The following is a summary of the percentage of revenues from major customers:
For the year ended December 31,
General Motors
Ford
Daimler
Volkswagen
99
2020
2019
2018
3,599.1 $
2,528.4
2,592.7
1,288.3
7,037.0
17,045.5 $
3,658.5 $
3,058.6
2,579.7
1,698.7
8,814.8
19,810.3 $
3,717.7
3,236.9
2,781.5
2,187.2
9,225.2
21,148.5
2020
2019
534.0 $
689.9
458.2
205.8
1,388.6
3,276.5 $
549.8
700.1
450.2
204.9
1,326.2
3,231.2
$
$
$
$
2020
18.7%
13.5%
11.9%
11.7%
2019
18.2%
13.8%
11.1%
10.9%
2018
18.1%
15.6%
9.9%
9.6%
Table of Contents
(16) Financial Instruments
Debt Instruments
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The carrying values of the Notes vary from their fair values. The fair values of the Notes were determined by reference to the quoted market prices of these
securities (Level 2 input based on the GAAP fair value hierarchy). The carrying value of the Company’s Term Loan Facility approximates its fair value
(Level 3 input based on the GAAP fair value hierarchy). The estimated fair value, as well as the carrying value, of the Company's debt instruments are
shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Estimated aggregate fair value
(1) (2)
Aggregate carrying value
(1)
(1) Includes Term Loan Facility and Notes (excludes "other" debt).
(2) Excludes the impact of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized original issue premium (discount).
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
2020
2019
$
2,633.3 $
2,320.3
2,384.6
2,334.4
The Company has cash on deposit that is legally restricted as to use or withdrawal. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents reported on the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows is shown
below (in millions):
December 31,
Balance sheet — cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash included in other current assets
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets
Statement of cash flows — cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Accounts Receivable Factoring
2020
1,306.7 $
5.1
2.7
1,314.5 $
2019
1,487.7 $
15.9
6.8
1,510.4 $
2018
1,493.2
8.7
17.9
1,519.8
$
$
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company entered into an uncommitted factoring arrangement which provides for aggregate purchases of specified
customer accounts in North America. The factoring arrangement results in true sales of the factored receivables, which are excluded from amounts reported
in the consolidated balance sheets when the receivables are factored in accordance with ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing." There were no receivables
factored during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company cannot provide any assurances that the factoring arrangement will be available or
utilized in the future.
Marketable Equity Securities
Marketable equity securities, which the Company accounts for under the fair value option, are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as
shown below (in millions):
December 31,
Other current assets
Other long-term assets
2020
2019
$
$
9.3 $
49.4
58.7 $
17.1
42.1
59.2
Unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the marketable equity securities are recognized in other expense, net in the
accompanying consolidated statements of income. The fair value of the marketable equity securities is determined by reference to quoted market prices in
active markets (Level 1 input based on the GAAP fair value hierarchy).
Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values of $11.2 million and $15.2 million,
respectively, are included in other long-term assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Such investments are valued at cost, less any
impairment, and adjusted for changes resulting from observable, orderly transactions for identical or similar securities. For the years ended December 31,
2020 and 2019, the Company recognized impairment charges
100
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
of $4.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, related to investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Foreign Exchange
The Company uses forwards, swaps and other derivative contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on known foreign currency
exposures. Gains and losses on the derivative instruments are intended to offset gains and losses on the hedged transaction in an effort to reduce exposure
to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The principal currencies hedged by the Company include the Mexican peso, various European currencies, the
Japanese yen, the Philippine peso, the Chinese renminbi, the Thai baht and the Brazilian real.
Foreign currency derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments consist principally of hedges of cash transactions, intercompany loans and
certain other balance sheet exposures.
Net Investment Hedges
The Company uses cross-currency interest rate swaps which are designated as net investment hedges of the foreign currency rate exposure of its investment
in certain Euro-denominated subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, contra interest expense on net investment hedges of $6.5
million and $1.8 million, respectively, is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Balance Sheet Classification
The notional amount, estimated aggregate fair value and related balance sheet classification of the Company's foreign currency and net investment hedge
contracts are shown below (in millions, except for maturities):
December 31,
Fair value of foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges:
Other current assets
Other long-term assets
Other current liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
Notional amount
Outstanding maturities in months, not to exceed
Fair value of derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
Other long-term liabilities
Notional amount
Outstanding maturities in months, not to exceed
Fair value of foreign currency contracts not designated as hedge instruments:
Other current assets
Other current liabilities
Notional amount
Outstanding maturities in months, not to exceed
Total fair value
Total notional amount
101
2020
2019
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
49.7 $
13.0
(14.1)
(0.8)
47.8
1,353.3 $
24
(22.6) $
300.0 $
45
5.8 $
(6.1)
(0.3)
1,140.8 $
12
24.9 $
2,794.1 $
44.0
7.3
(4.5)
(0.2)
46.6
1,465.8
24
(4.4)
300.0
57
6.9
(3.2)
3.7
697.0
12
45.9
2,462.8
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss — Derivative Instruments and Hedge Activities
Pretax amounts related to foreign currency, interest rate swap and net investment hedge contracts that were recognized in and reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive loss are shown below (in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate swap contracts
Net investment hedges
(Gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to:
Net sales
Cost of sales
Interest expense
Other expense, net
Comprehensive income (loss)
2020
2019
2018
$
$
(5.7) $
—
(18.3)
(24.0)
(0.6)
7.6
2.4
(0.1)
9.3
(14.7) $
82.4 $
(9.2)
(4.4)
68.8
3.8
(52.6)
1.1
—
(47.7)
21.1 $
50.5
(14.7)
—
35.8
2.3
(21.6)
—
—
(19.3)
16.5
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, pretax net gains $4.7 million and $19.4 million, respectively, related to the Company’s derivative instruments and
hedge activities were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
During the next twelve month period, net gains (losses) expected to be reclassified into earnings are shown below (in millions):
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate swap contracts
Total
$
$
35.6
(2.4)
33.2
Such gains and losses will be reclassified at the time that the underlying hedged transactions are realized.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized tax expense of $0.8 million, $5.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively,
in other comprehensive income related to its derivative instruments and hedge activities.
Fair Value Measurements
GAAP provides that fair value is an exit price, defined as a market-based measurement that represents the amount that would be received to sell an asset or
paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value measurements are based on one or more of the following three
valuation techniques:
Market:
Income:
This approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or
liabilities.
This approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount based on current market
expectations.
Cost:
This approach is based on the amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost).
Further, GAAP prioritizes the inputs and assumptions used in the valuation techniques described above into a three-tier fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1:
Observable inputs, such as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement
date.
Level 2:
Inputs, other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, that are observable either directly or indirectly for the asset or liability.
Level 3:
Unobservable inputs that reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the exit price of the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs may be
used if there is little or no market data for the asset or liability at the measurement date.
102
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company discloses fair value measurements and the related valuation techniques and fair value hierarchy level for its assets and liabilities that are
measured or disclosed at fair value.
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Fair value measurements and the related valuation techniques and fair value hierarchy level for the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value
on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, are shown below (in millions):
Foreign currency contracts, net
Net investment hedges
Marketable equity securities
Foreign currency contracts, net
Net investment hedges
Marketable equity securities
Frequency
Recurring
Recurring
Recurring
Frequency
Recurring
Recurring
Recurring
$
$
Asset
(Liability)
Valuation
Technique
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2020
47.5 Market / Income
(22.6) Market / Income
58.7
Market
$
— $
—
58.7
47.5 $
(22.6)
—
Asset
(Liability)
Valuation
Technique
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2019
50.3 Market / Income
(4.4) Market / Income
59.2
Market
$
— $
—
59.2
50.3 $
(4.4)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
The Company determines the fair value of its derivative contracts using quoted market prices to calculate the forward values and then discounts such
forward values to the present value. The discount rates used are based on quoted bank deposit or swap interest rates. If a derivative contract is in a net
liability position, the Company adjusts these discount rates, if required, by an estimate of the credit spread that would be applied by market participants
purchasing these contracts from the Company’s counterparties. If an estimate of the credit spread is required, the Company uses significant assumptions
and factors other than quoted market rates, which would result in the classification of its derivative liabilities within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As
of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no derivative contracts that were classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In addition, there were no
transfers in or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during 2020 and 2019.
For further information on fair value measurements and the Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets, see Note 10, "Pension and Other Postretirement
Benefit Plans."
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis, which are not included in the table above. As these non-
recurring fair value measurements are generally determined using unobservable inputs, these fair value measurements are classified within Level 3 of the
fair value hierarchy.
In 2020 and 2019, the Company completed quantitative goodwill impairment analyses for selected reporting units (Note 3, "Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies — Impairment of Goodwill"). The Level 3 fair value estimate of the reporting units was based on a third-party valuation and/or
management's estimates, using a combination of the discounted cash flow method and guideline public company method.
In 2019, as a result of the acquisition of Xevo (Note 4, "Acquisition"), Level 3 fair value estimates of $90.1 million related to intangible assets are recorded
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The estimated fair values of these assets were based on third-party
valuations and management's estimates, generally utilizing the income and cost approaches.
In 2019, as a result of the deconsolidation of GACC (Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions"), the Company is accounting
for its investment in GACC under the equity method. The Level 3 fair value estimate related to the Company's equity interest was based on the present
value of future cash flows and reflects a discount for the lack of control and the lack of marketability associated with equity interests.
In 2018, as a result of the Lear FAWSN transaction (Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions"), Level 3 fair value estimates
related to property, plant and equipment of $11.0 million, intangible assets of $7.5 million and noncontrolling interests of $14.0 million are recorded in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. In addition, the Lear FAWSN transaction required a Level 3 fair value
estimate related to the Company's
103
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
previously held equity interest of $23.0 million. These Level 3 fair value estimates were determined as of the effective date of the transaction.
Fair value estimates of property, plant and equipment were based on independent appraisals, giving consideration to the highest and best use of the assets.
Key assumptions used in the appraisals were based on a combination of market and cost approaches, as appropriate. Fair value estimates of customer-based
intangible assets were based on the present value of future earnings attributable to the asset group after recognition of required returns to other contributory
assets. Fair value estimates of noncontrolling and equity interests were based on the present value of future cash flows and a value to earnings multiple
approach and reflect discounts for the lack of control and the lack of marketability associated with noncontrolling and equity interests.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no additional significant assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
(17) Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
(In millions, except per share data)
Net sales
Gross profit
Consolidated net income (loss)
Net income (loss) attributable to Lear
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Lear
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Lear
$
April 4,
2020
July 4,
2020
October 3,
2020
December 31,
2020
Thirteen Weeks Ended
4,457.7 $
334.2
83.6
76.4
1.26
1.26
2,444.5 $
(127.4)
(269.5)
(293.9)
(4.89)
(4.89)
4,900.1 $
442.8
197.1
174.4
2.90
2.89
5,243.2
459.3
222.7
201.6
3.35
3.33
In the first quarter of 2020, the Company recognized tax benefits of $10.6 million related to a loss on the extinguishment of debt, restructuring charges and
various other items. The Company also recognized a loss of $21.1 million related to the extinguishment of debt.
In the second quarter of 2020, the Company recognized tax expense of $22.8 million related to the establishment of a valuation allowance on deferred tax
assets of a foreign subsidiary and net tax benefits of $21.1 million related to restructuring charges and various other items.
In the third quarter of 2020, the Company recognized tax benefits of $9.8 million related to the release of a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and
$5.0 million related to an increase in our research and development tax credits resulting from the completion of a research and development tax credit study
and net tax expense of $10.2 million related to restructuring charges and various other items. The Company also recognized a pension benefit plan
settlement loss of $10.2 million related to its restructuring actions.
In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company recognized tax benefits of $8.1 million related to restructuring charges and various other items and
$15.5 million related to the U.S. deferred tax effect of our foreign branches and tax expense of $16.7 million related to a net increase in valuation
allowances on deferred tax assets. The Company also recognized pension benefit plan settlement losses of $2.7 million related to its restructuring actions
and an impairment charge of $4.0 million related to an investment.
For further information, see Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions," Note 7, "Debt," Note 9, "Income Taxes," and Note
10, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans."
104
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Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Net sales
Gross profit
Consolidated net income
Net income attributable to Lear
Basic net income per share attributable to Lear
Diluted net income per share attributable to Lear
March 30,
2019
June 29,
2019
September 28,
2019
December 31,
2019
Thirteen Weeks Ended
$
5,160.1 $
473.2
246.1
228.9
3.75
3.73
5,007.6 $
478.2
202.0
182.8
2.92
2.92
4,825.0 $
459.3
238.6
215.9
3.59
3.58
4,817.6
326.8
144.0
126.0
2.51
2.50
In the first quarter of 2019, the Company recognized tax benefits of $18.4 million related to changes in the tax status of certain affiliates, $3.2 million
related to share-based compensation and $15.6 million related to restructuring charges and various other items.
In the second quarter of 2019, the Company recognized tax benefits of $11.0 million related to restructuring charges and various other items and tax
expense of $10.4 million related to the establishment of a valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets of a foreign subsidiary. The Company also
recognized a loss of $10.6 million related to the extinguishment of debt.
In the third quarter of 2019, the Company recognized tax benefits of $28.6 million related to research and development tax credits and $9.1 million related
to restructuring charges and various other items. The Company also recognized a gain of $4.0 million related to the deconsolidation of an affiliate.
In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company recognized tax benefits of $14.1 million related to the U.S. tax impact of the foreign tax credit regulations and
$32.2 million related to restructuring charges and various other items. The Company also recognized curtailment gains of $12.9 million related to certain
foreign pension and postretirement benefit plans and an impairment charge of $5.0 million related to an investment.
For further information see, Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions," Note 7, "Debt," Note 9, "Income Taxes," and Note
10, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans ."
(18) Accounting Pronouncements
The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs issued by the FASB.
The Company considered the ASUs summarized below, effective for 2020:
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
See Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Accounts Receivable."
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
Effective January 1, 2020, the standard simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments and allows a goodwill impairment charge to be based on the
amount of a reporting unit's carrying value in excess of its fair value. This eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e.,
"Step 2" under current guidance).
Reference Rate Reform
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial
Reporting." The guidance provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting
to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank
offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance was effective upon issuance and generally can be applied to applicable contract modifications and
hedge relationships prospectively through December 31, 2022. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's
financial statements.
105
Table of Contents
Lear Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans
In December 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2018-14, "Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Defined Benefit Plans — General (Subtopic 715-20):
Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans," which provides minor changes to the disclosure
requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans. The adoption of this standard did not have a
significant impact on the Company's financial statements.
The Company considered the ASUs summarized below, effective after 2020:
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
See Note 3 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Income Taxes."
106
Table of Contents
LEAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In millions)
For the year ended December 31, 2020
Valuation of accounts deducted from related assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for deferred tax assets
Total
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Valuation of accounts deducted from related assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for deferred tax assets
Total
For the year ended December 31, 2018
Valuation of accounts deducted from related assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for deferred tax assets
Total
Balance
as of Beginning
of Period
Additions
Retirements
Other
Changes
Balance
as of End
of Period
36.0 $
344.8
380.8 $
7.0 $
81.4
88.4 $
(9.8) $
(43.5)
(53.3) $
2.1 $
15.0
17.1 $
35.3
397.7
433.0
Balance
as of Beginning
of Period
Additions
Retirements
Other
Changes
Balance
as of End
of Period
33.2 $
350.4
383.6 $
14.3 $
31.3
45.6 $
(10.9) $
(30.7)
(41.6) $
(0.6) $
(6.2)
(6.8) $
36.0
344.8
380.8
Balance
as of Beginning
of Period
Additions
Retirements
Other
Changes
Balance
as of End
of Period
41.8 $
402.2
444.0 $
11.4 $
24.5
35.9 $
(17.5) $
(56.7)
(74.2) $
(2.5) $
(19.6)
(22.1) $
33.2
350.4
383.6
$
$
$
$
$
$
107
Table of Contents
None.
ITEM 9 – CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9A – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s President and
Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"))
as of the end of the period covered by this Report. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of
achieving their objectives. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all
control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Based on the evaluation described above, the Company’s
President and Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the desired control objectives were achieved as of
the end of the period covered by this Report.
(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined
in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s President
and Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
The attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting is set forth
in Item 8, "Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," under the caption "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting" and incorporated herein by reference.
(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2020, that
has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
None.
ITEM 9B – OTHER INFORMATION
108
Table of Contents
PART III
ITEM 10 – DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by Item 10 regarding our directors and corporate governance matters is incorporated by reference herein to the Proxy Statement
sections entitled "Election of Directors" and "Directors and Corporate Governance." The information required by Item 10 regarding our executive officers
appears as a supplementary item following Item 4 under Part I of this Report. The information required by Item 10 regarding compliance with section 16(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is incorporated by reference herein to the Proxy Statement section entitled "Directors and Corporate
Governance — Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance."
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our executive officers, including our Principal Executive Officer, our Principal Financial Officer and our
Principal Accounting Officer. This code of ethics is entitled "Specific Provisions for Executive Officers" within our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics,
which can be found on our website at http://www.lear.com. We will post any amendment to or waiver from the provisions of the Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics that applies to the executive officers above on the same website and will provide it to stockholders free of charge upon written request by
contacting Lear Corporation at 21557 Telegraph Road, Southfield, Michigan 48033, Attention: Investor Relations.
ITEM 11 – EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference herein to the Proxy Statement sections entitled "Directors and Corporate Governance —
Director Compensation," "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Executive Compensation," "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation" and "Compensation Committee Report." Notwithstanding anything indicating the contrary set forth in this Report, the "Compensation
Committee Report" section of the Proxy Statement shall be deemed to be "furnished" not "filed" for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
ITEM 12 – SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Except as set forth herein, the information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference herein to the Proxy Statement section entitled "Directors and
Corporate Governance — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Management."
As of December 31, 2020
Equity compensation plans approved by security
holders
Equity compensation plans not approved by security
holders
Total
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
Number of securities
available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
1,534,501 (1)
$
—
1,534,501
$
9.90 (2)
—
9.90
1,624,471
—
1,624,471
(1)
Includes 616,584 of outstanding restricted stock units, 809,471 of outstanding performance shares and 108,446 of outstanding stock options. Outstanding performance shares are reflected at
the maximum possible payout that may be earned during the relevant performance periods.
(2) Reflects outstanding restricted stock units and performance shares at a weighted average price of zero. Reflects outstanding stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $140.09.
109
Table of Contents
ITEM 13 – CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference herein to the Proxy Statement sections entitled "Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions" and "Directors and Corporate Governance — Independence of Directors."
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference herein to the Proxy Statement section entitled "Fees of Independent Accountants."
ITEM 14 – PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
PART IV
ITEM 15 – EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K.
(a) 1. Consolidated Financial Statements:
Reports of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other financial statement schedules are omitted because such schedules are not required or the information required has been presented in
the aforementioned financial statements.
3. The exhibits listed on the "Index to Exhibits" are filed with this Form 10-K or incorporated by reference as set forth below.
(b) The exhibits listed on the "Index to Exhibits" are filed with this Form 10-K or incorporated by reference as set forth below.
(c) Additional Financial Statement Schedules
None.
None.
ITEM 16 – FORM 10-K Summary
110
Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
Index to Exhibits
Exhibit Name
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2009).
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2009).
Indenture, dated August 17, 2017, among the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2017).
First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 17, 2017, among the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17,
2017).
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated May 1, 2019, among the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2019).
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated May 1, 2019, among the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2019).
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated February 24, 2020, among the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24,
2020).
Description of Lear Corporation's securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019).
Lear Corporation 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2014 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013).
Lear Corporation Pension Equalization Program, as amended through August 15, 2003 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
First Amendment to the Lear Corporation Pension Equalization Program, dated as of December 21, 2006 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006).
Second Amendment to the Lear Corporation Pension Equalization Program, dated as of May 9, 2007 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007).
Third Amendment to the Lear Corporation Pension Equalization Program, effective as of December 18, 2007
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007).
Lear Corporation Outside Directors Compensation Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2016 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015).
Lear Corporation Outside Directors Compensation Plan - Form of Cash Retainer Deferral Election, effective as of
September 13, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2017).
Form of 2019 Performance Share Terms and Conditions under the Lear Corporation 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 30, 2019).
Form of 2019 Restricted Stock Unit Terms and Conditions under the Lear Corporation 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 30, 2019).
Form of 2018 Restricted Stock Unit "Career Shares" Award Agreement under the Lear Corporation 2009 Long-Term
Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2017).
Form of 2019 Restricted Stock Unit “Career Shares” Award Agreement under the Lear Corporation 2019 Long-Term
Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2019).
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
111
Table of Contents
10.12
** 10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
** 10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.30
10.31
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Lear Corporation Salaried Retirement Restoration Program (f/k/a Lear Corporation PSP Excess Plan), amended and
restated effective December 29, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017).
First Amendment to the Lear Corporation Salaried Retirement Restoration Program (amended and restated effective
December 29, 2017), effective as of November 18, 2020.
Form of 2016 Restricted Stock Unit "Career Shares" Award Agreement under the Lear Corporation 2009 Long-Term
Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2015).
Form of 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Terms and Conditions under the Lear Corporation 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2017).
Lear Corporation Outside Directors Compensation Plan, amended and restated effective May 16, 2019 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2019).
Lear Corporation 2019 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on July 26, 2019).
Form of RSU Grant Deferral Election under the Lear Corporation Outside Directors Compensation Plan, effective as of
May 16, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 29, 2019).
Form of 2019 Restricted Stock Unit Terms and Conditions for Non-Employee Directors under the Lear Corporation
2019 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2019).
Form of 2020 Performance-Based Career Shares Award Agreement under the Lear Corporation 2019 Long-Term Stock
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
November 19, 2020).
Form of 2021 Performance Share Terms and Conditions under the Lear Corporation 2019 Long-Term Stock Incentive
Plan.
Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 14, 2018, between the Company and Raymond
E. Scott (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 14,
2018).
Waiver Agreement, dated April 10, 2020, between Lear Corporation and Raymond E. Scott (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2020).
Employment Agreement, dated September 27, 2019, between Lear Corporation and Jason M. Cardew (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 1, 2019).
Waiver Agreement, dated April 10, 2020, between Lear Corporation and Jason M. Cardew (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2020).
Employment Agreement, dated April 2, 2012, between the Company and Thomas A. DiDonato (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018).
Waiver Agreement, dated April 10, 2020, between Lear Corporation and Thomas A. DiDonato (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2020).
Employment Agreement, dated August 8, 2019, between Lear Corporation and Carl A. Esposito (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 14, 2019).
Waiver Agreement, dated April 10, 2020, between Lear Corporation and Carl A. Esposito (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2020).
Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 2018, between the Company and Frank C.
Orsini (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 1,
2018).
Waiver Agreement, dated April 10, 2020, between Lear Corporation and Frank C. Orsini (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2020).
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10.32
10.33
10.34
10.35
10.36
10.37
10.38
10.39
10.40
10.41
10.42
10.43
10.44
** 21.1
** 23.1
** 31.1
** 31.2
** 32.1
** 32.2
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Employment Agreement, dated June 25, 2019, between Lear Corporation and Harry A. Kemp (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2019).
Lear Corporation Annual Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2014) (incorporated by reference to
Appendix B to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 1, 2014).
First Amendment to the Lear Corporation 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (amended and restated as of January 1,
2014), effective as of January 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2017).
Credit Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2017, among the Company, the foreign subsidiary borrowers from time to time
party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as syndication agent, Barclays
Bank PLC, Citibank N.A. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as co-documentation agents, and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 8, 2017).
Extension Agreement, dated March 27, 2019, related to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2017, among the
Company, the foreign subsidiary borrowers from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto,
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as syndication agent, Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank N.A. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as co-documentation agents, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2019).
Extension Agreement and Amendment No. 2, dated February 20, 2020, related to the Credit Agreement, dated as of
August 8, 2017 (as amended by that certain Extension Agreement dated as of March 27, 2019), among Lear
Corporation, the foreign subsidiary borrowers from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party
thereto, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as syndication agent, Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank N.A. and Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as co-documentation agents, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative
agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24,
2020).
First Amendment to the Lear Corporation Annual Incentive Plan (amended and restated as of January 1, 2014), effective
February 9, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended April 1, 2017).
Second Amendment to the Lear Corporation Annual Incentive Plan (amended and restated January 1, 2014), effective
December 19, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2019).
Statement on Confidential Information, effective as of August 9, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017).
First Amendment to the Lear Corporation Outside Directors Compensation Plan, effective September 13, 2017
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2017).
Lear Corporation Outside Directors Compensation Plan - Form of Stock Grant Deferral Election, effective as of
September 13, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2017).
Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy, amended and restated as of September 13, 2017 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017).
Lear Corporation 2019 Inducement Grant Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-8 filed on April 17, 2019).
List of subsidiaries of the Company.
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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99.1
*** 101.INS
**** 101.SCH
**** 101.CAL
**** 101.LAB
**** 101.PRE
**** 101.DEF
*** 104
Debtors’ First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code dated September 18,
2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5,
2009).
XBRL Instance Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
Cover Page Interactive Data File
______________________
* Compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Filed herewith.
*** The XBRL Instance Document and Cover Page Interactive Data File do not appear in the Interactive Data
File because their XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
**** Submitted electronically with the Report.
114
Table of Contents
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on February 10, 2021.
Signatures
Lear Corporation
By:
/s/ Raymond E. Scott
Raymond E. Scott
President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director (Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
Lear Corporation and in the capacities indicated on February 10, 2021.
/s/ Raymond E. Scott
Raymond E. Scott
President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Jason M. Cardew
Jason M. Cardew
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Amy A. Doyle
Amy A. Doyle
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Thomas P. Capo
Thomas P. Capo
a Director
/s/ Mei-Wei Cheng
Mei-Wei Cheng
a Director
/s/ Jonathan F. Foster
Jonathan F. Foster
a Director
/s/ Bradley M. Halverson
Bradley M. Halverson
a Director
/s/ Mary Lou Jepsen
Mary Lou Jepsen
a Director
/s/ Roger A. Krone
Roger A. Krone
a Director
/s/ Patricia L. Lewis
Patricia L. Lewis
a Director
/s/ Kathleen A. Ligocki
Kathleen A. Ligocki
a Director
/s/ Conrad L. Mallett, Jr.
Conrad L. Mallett, Jr.
a Director
/s/ Gregory C. Smith
Gregory C. Smith
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and
a Director
115
Exhibit 10.13
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
LEAR CORPORATION SALARIED RETIREMENT RESTORATION PROGRAM
(As Amended and Restated December 29, 2017)
This First Amendment (this “Amendment”) to the Lear Corporation Salaried Retirement Restoration Program, as amended and
restated as of December 29, 2017 (the “Program”), was adopted by the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of
Directors (the “Board”) of Lear Corporation (the “Company”) on November 18, 2020. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in
this Amendment shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Program.
WHEREAS, the Company maintains the Program;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.2 of the Program, the Company may, by action of the Committee, amend the Program at any time
and from time to time;
WHEREAS, as a result of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic during calendar year 2020, the Company undertook certain cost-
savings measures, including mandatory salary reductions for certain executives of the Company (the “COVID-19 Pay Actions”);
WHEREAS, other than with respect to salary payments, the COVID-19 Pay Actions were not intended to impact any other
compensation or benefits to be paid or provided by the Company to its employees; and
WHEREAS, the Committee deems it to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to amend the Program in order
to clarify that matching Company Contributions to be made pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Program and Non-Elective Contributions to be
made pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Program shall not be impacted by the COVID-19 Pay Actions.
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue and in exercise of the amending power reserved to the Committee, the Program is hereby amended
in the following particulars, effective as of the date hereof:
1. For purposes of calculating the amount of matching Company Contributions pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Program, with respect to
calendar year 2020, each Participant whose salary has been reduced by the Company pursuant to the COVID-19 Pay Actions (an
“Affected Participant”) shall receive matching Company Contributions under the Program based on an assumed six percent (6%)
deferral election under the Savings Plan, taking into account salary that would have been reflected in such deferral election but for
the COVID-19 Pay Actions.
2. For purposes of calculating the amount of Non-Elective Contributions pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Program, with respect to
calendar year 2020, each Affected Participant’s Non-Elective Contribution, if any, shall be determined by taking into account salary
that would have been included for purposes of calculating the Non-Elective Contribution but for the COVID-19 Pay Actions.
3. To the extent not preempted by ERISA, the laws of the State of Michigan shall govern the construction and administration of the
Program.
4. All other terms and conditions of the Program not otherwise amended or modified by this Amendment, either expressly or by
necessary implication, shall remain in full force and effect.
* * *
LEAR CORPORATION
2019 LONG-TERM STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
2021 PERFORMANCE SHARE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Exhibit 10.21
1. DEFINITIONS. Any term capitalized herein, but not defined, shall have the meaning set forth in the Lear Corporation
2019 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan").
2. GRANT. In accordance with the terms of the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Participant identified above a
Performance Share Award (in the amount set forth in Section 5 hereof) subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein
(the "Terms").
3. PERFORMANCE PERIOD. The Performance Period for this Award shall be the three-year period commencing on
January 1, 2021 and ending on December 31, 2023.
4. PERFORMANCE MEASURES. The Award shall be earned based on two performance measures for the Performance
Period: Adjusted Annual Pretax Income for each of fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, and Relative TSR (Adjusted
Annual Pretax Income and Relative TSR, collectively, the “Performance Measures”). Two-thirds (2/3) of the Award shall
be primarily based on Adjusted Annual Pretax Income (as set forth in Section 5 below) and the remaining one-third (1/3)
shall be primarily based on Relative TSR. Adjusted Annual Pretax Income is the Company’s net income for a given year
during the Performance Period before a provision for income taxes, adjusted for unusual or non-recurring items, including
restructuring costs, asset impairment charges, certain litigation costs, insurance recoveries, costs related to proxy contests,
acquisitions, divestitures, financing activities, transactions with affiliates and the adoption of new accounting
pronouncements.
For purposes of these Terms, “Relative TSR” is determined as follows:
a. “Absolute TSR” means the Company’s TSR during the Performance Period.
b. “Beginning Stock Price” means the average closing price of a Share or a share of the common stock of the
Company or a member of the Peer Group, as applicable, for the period of twenty (20) trading days ending the last
trading day to occur before the first day of the Performance Period.
c. “Ending Stock Price” means the average closing price of a Share or a share of the common stock of the Company
or a member of the Peer Group for the last twenty (20) trading days during the Performance Period, with all
dividends deemed reinvested as of the applicable ex-dividend date.
d. “Peer Group” means the companies listed on Exhibit A attached hereto. In the event that, during the Performance
Period, a company in the Peer Group (i) (x) is acquired by another company or entity or (y) is otherwise no longer
publicly traded, such company will be removed from the Peer Group for the Performance Period, or (ii)
commences bankruptcy proceedings, such company will remain in the Peer Group and such company’s Ending
Stock Price shall be deemed to be $0.
1
e. “Relative TSR” means the Company’s Absolute TSR, relative to the TSR of the members of the Peer Group
during the Performance Period, expressed as a percentile ranking.
f. “TSR” means (Ending Stock Price minus Beginning Stock Price) divided by Beginning Stock Price.
5. PERFORMANCE GOALS.
Performance At
Maximum (200%)
Within Target Range (100%)
Threshold (50%)
Adjusted Annual Pretax Income (millions)
2023
2022
2021
** The Adjusted Annual Pretax Income goals in respect of each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023 will be determined on
or prior to March 1 of the applicable year and communicated to the Participant at such time.
st
Relative TSR
Performance At
Maximum (200%)
Target (100%)
Threshold (50%)
a. The Participant has been credited with a target number of Performance Shares specified on the letter that
accompanies these Terms (the “Target Performance Shares”). The number of Performance Shares actually earned,
if any, will be based on the Company’s performance and may range from 50% of the target award level for
achievement of the performance goals (set forth in Section 5 above) at “threshold” to 200% of the target award
level for achievement of the performance goals at “maximum”. Two-thirds (2/3) of the Performance Shares may
be earned during the Performance Period based on the Average Annual Pretax Income Payout Factor, determined
by reference to the Company’s Adjusted Annual Pretax Income performance for each of fiscal years 2021, 2022,
and 2023, and one-third (1/3) of the Performance Shares may be earned based on the Company’s Relative TSR
performance.
b. The Adjusted Annual Pretax Income results for fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 will be assessed separately
following the end of each year, and the results as a percentage of the target for each year (each an “Annual Pretax
Income Payout Factor”) will be averaged together after the end of the Performance Period to determine the
performance as a percentage of target (the “Average Annual Pretax Income Payout Factor”) for the purpose of
calculating the payout of Performance Shares for the Performance Period. If the Adjusted Annual Pretax Income
for a given year is between "threshold" and the bottom of the “target range” or between the top of the “target
range” and “maximum,” the Annual Pretax Income Payout Factor for that year shall be determined using linear
interpolation. If the Adjusted Annual Pretax Income for a year is within the “target range” for that year, the
Annual Pretax Income Payout Factor for that year will be 100%. If the Adjusted Annual Pretax Income for a given
year is below the “threshold” for that year, the Annual Pretax Income Payout Factor for that year will be 0%. If the
Adjusted Annual Pretax Income for a given year is above the “maximum” for that year, the Annual Pretax Income
Payout Factor for that year will be 200%.
2
c.
In the event that the Company's actual performance with respect to Relative TSR does not meet the threshold level
of performance, the Performance Shares with respect to Relative TSR shall not be earned.
d. If the Company's actual performance with respect to Relative TSR is between "threshold" and “target” or between
“target” and “maximum,” the Performance Shares earned with respect to Relative TSR shall be determined using
linear interpolation.
e. If the Company's actual performance with respect to Relative TSR exceeds the "maximum," the Performance
Shares earned shall equal the maximum Performance Shares with respect to Relative TSR.
f. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Company’s Absolute TSR over the Performance Period is
negative, the payout of the Performance Shares that are eligible to vest based on Relative TSR shall not exceed the
Target Performance Shares attributable to Relative TSR.
6. TIMING AND FORM OF PAYOUT.
a. Except as hereinafter provided, after the end of the Performance Period, the Participant shall be entitled to receive
a number of Shares equal to his or her total number of Performance Shares determined under Section 5. Delivery
of such Shares shall be made in the calendar year next following the end of the Performance Period, as soon as
administratively feasible after the Performance Measure results are approved and certified by the Compensation
Committee, but in no event later than December 31 of that year. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, or
pursuant to the terms and conditions of any Award made to the Participant prior to the Grant Date, to the contrary,
the right of the Participant to receive the Shares described in this Section 6(a) and any other amounts payable to
the Participant pursuant to any Award granted to him or her under the Plan, including, without limitation, any
amounts credited to an Account pursuant to Section 6(b), that have not yet been distributed or paid will be
forfeited if (i) the Participant has been discharged from employment with the Company or an Affiliate for Cause;
or (ii) the Participant violates any of the restrictive covenants contained in Section 9 hereof, as applicable, or any
similar covenants in any other Award Agreement to which the Participant is subject or in any written employment
or severance agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate thereof.
b.
If the Company declares a cash dividend on its Shares, then, on the payment date of the dividend, the Participant
will be credited with dividend equivalents equal to the amount of cash dividend per Share multiplied by the
number of Target Performance Shares credited to the Participant through the record date. The dollar amount
credited to the Participant under the preceding sentence will be credited to an account ("Account") established for
the Participant for bookkeeping purposes only on the books of the Company. The amounts credited to the Account
will be credited as of the last day of each month with interest, compounded monthly, until the amount credited to
the Account is paid to the Participant. The rate of interest credited under the previous sentence will be the prime
rate of interest as reported by the Midwest edition of the Wall Street Journal for the second business day of each
quarter on an annual basis. The balance in the Account will be subject to the same terms regarding levels of
payment and forfeiture as the Participant's Performance Shares awarded under the accompanying letter and these
Terms, and will be paid in cash in a single sum at the time that any Shares associated with the Participant's
Performance Shares
3
are delivered (or forfeited at the time that the Participant's Performance Shares are forfeited). For purposes of
clarity, if the performance goal is achieved at the maximum level of performance, the dividend Account will be
paid at twice the amount of the Account at the target level of performance, and if the performance goal is only
achieved at the threshold level of performance, the dividend Account will be paid at half the amount of the
Account at the target level. The dividend Account for levels of performance in between the foregoing levels of
performance will be paid at interpolated amounts in the proportions identified in Section 5 hereof. If no
Performance Shares are earned, no amount in the Account will be paid.
7. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DUE TO END OF SERVICE, DEATH, DISABILITY, BY THE COMPANY
WITHOUT CAUSE, OR BY THE PARTICIPANT FOR GOOD REASON. Subject to the forfeiture provisions of Section
6(a), if the Participant ceases to be an employee prior to the end of the Performance Period by reason of End of Service,
death, Disability, or termination by the Company for any reason other than Cause, the Participant (or in the case of the
Participant's death, the Participant's beneficiary) shall be entitled to receive a number of Shares the Participant would have
been entitled to under Section 5 if he or she had remained employed until the last day of the Performance Period
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of full calendar months during the period of January
1, 2021 through the date the Participant's employment terminated and the denominator of which shall be 36, the total
number of months in the Performance Period; provided, however, that in the case a termination of the Participant’s
employment by the Company for any reason other than Cause, any such Shares will only be deliverable if the Participant
executes and delivers to the Company a general release agreement (a “Release”) in form and substance reasonably
acceptable to the Company in connection with the Participant’s termination of employment (and any revocation period
expires) no later than forty-five (45) calendar days after the Participant’s termination of employment, and such Shares
shall not become deliverable until the later of (i) forty-five (45) calendar days after the termination of employment,
regardless of when the Release is returned to the Company, or (ii) the date on which all other participants receive Shares
in accordance with the terms of the Award. Delivery of such Shares shall be made in the calendar year next following the
end of the Performance Period, as soon as administratively feasible after Performance Measure results are approved and
certified by the Compensation Committee and the number of Performance Shares earned is determined, but in no event
later than December 31 of that year. If the Participant is a party to a written employment or severance agreement signed
on behalf of the Company or its Affiliate and his or her employment is terminated by the Company or its Affiliate for any
reason other than Cause or by the Participant for Good Reason (as defined therein), the foregoing provisions relating to
such termination scenarios shall not apply if they conflict with the provisions of such employment or severance agreement
and the terms of the employment or severance agreement applicable thereto shall govern instead. If the Participant is a
party to a written employment or severance agreement signed on behalf of the Company or its Affiliate, for purposes of
this Section 7, the term "Disability" shall mean "Incapacity" as defined in the Participant's employment or severance
agreement, as applicable. “End of Service” shall mean the date of the Participant’s retirement after attaining a
combination of years of age and service with the Company and its Affiliates (including service with another company
prior to it becoming an Affiliate) of at least 65, with a minimum age of 55 and at least five years of service with the
Company and its Affiliates (only if an Affiliate at the time of service).
Any distribution made with respect to a Participant who has died shall be paid to the beneficiary designated by the
Participant pursuant to Article 11 of the Plan to receive amounts payable under this Award. If the Participant's beneficiary
predeceases the Participant or no beneficiary has been
4
properly designated, distribution of any amounts payable to the Participant under this Award shall be made to the
Participant's surviving spouse and if none, to the Participant's estate.
8. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR ANY OTHER REASON. Except as provided in Section 7, the Participant
must be an employee of the Company and/or an Affiliate continuously from the date of this Award until the last day of the
Performance Period to be entitled to receive any amounts with respect to any Performance Shares he or she may have
earned hereunder. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if prior to the end of the Performance Period, or after
the end of the Performance Period but prior to a payout of the Performance Shares pursuant to Section 6, (a) the
Participant’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or (b) the Participant violates any of the restrictive
covenants contained in Section 9 hereof, as applicable, or any similar covenants in any other Award Agreement to which
the Participant is subject or in any written employment or severance agreement between the Participant and the Company
or an Affiliate thereof, all Performance Shares awarded hereunder shall immediately be cancelled and forfeited, and the
Participant shall have no further rights with respect thereto.
9. NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION.
a. The Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in any Competitive Activity during the period of his or her
employment with the Company or its Affiliates and for a period of one (1) year following the termination of the
Participant’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates for any reason. For purposes hereof, “Competitive
Activity” shall mean the Participant’s (i) participation as an employee, director, consultant, owner, manager or
advisor of, or (ii) otherwise rendering services to, any business enterprise anywhere in the world if such enterprise
engages or is planning to engage in competition with any product or service of the Company and specifically
including, without limitation, Adient, Aptiv, BorgWarner, Continental, Faurecia, GST AutoLeather Co. Ltd.,
Magna, Sumitomo, TE Connectivity, Yazaki, and any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates and successors or
assigns of all or a portion of such companies’ businesses that engage in competition with any product or service of
the Company. “Competitive Activity” shall not include the mere ownership of, and exercise of rights appurtenant
to, securities of a publicly-traded company representing five percent (5%) or less of the total voting power and
five percent (5%) or less of the total value of such an enterprise. The Participant agrees that the Company is a
global business and that it is appropriate for this Section 9(a) to apply to Competitive Activity conducted
anywhere in the world.
b. During the period of his or her employment with the Company or its Affiliates and for a period of two (2) years
following the termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates for any reason, the
Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, either on his or her own account or with or for anyone else, solicit or
attempt to solicit for any business endeavor or hire, attempt to hire or participate in any manner in the hiring or
attempted hiring of any employee of or individual serving as an independent contractor to the Company or its
Affiliates, who is, or during the six (6) month period preceding the date of any such solicitation or hiring was,
engaged in connection with the business of the Company or an Affiliate thereof, or otherwise divert or attempt to
divert from the Company or its Affiliates any business whatsoever or interfere with any business relationship
between the Company or an Affiliate thereof and any other person. The prohibitions of this subsection (b) shall
include responding to contact initiated by the employee of or individual serving as an independent contractor to
the Company or its Affiliates.
5
c. During the period of his or her employment with the Company or its Affiliates and for a period of one (1) year
following the termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates for any reason, the
Participant shall not contact any then-current customer of the Company or its Affiliates with which the Participant
had any contact or association during his or her employment with the Company or its Affiliates or whose identity
was learned by the Participant during his or her employment with the Company or its Affiliates, or prospective
customer with whom the Company or its Affiliates is negotiating or preparing a proposal for products or services
(collectively, “Customers”) for the purposes of: (i) inducing any such Customer to terminate its business
relationship with the Company or its Affiliates, (ii) discouraging any such Customer from doing business with the
Company or its Affiliates, and (iii) offering products or services that are similar to or competitive with those of the
Company or its Affiliates. The Participant also agrees during such period not to accept, with or without
solicitation, any business from any Customers involving products or services that are similar to or competitive
with those of the Company or its Affiliates. “Contact” with any Customers includes responding to contact initiated
by Customers.
d. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that damages in the event of a breach or threatened breach of the
covenants in this Section 9 will be difficult to determine and will not afford a full and adequate remedy, and
therefore agrees that the Company, in addition to seeking actual damages, may seek specific enforcement of such
covenants in any court of competent jurisdiction, including, without limitation, by the issuance of an injunction,
without the necessity of a bond. The Participant and the Company agree that the provisions of this Section 9 are
reasonable. However, should any court or arbitrator determine that any provision of the covenants of this Section 9
are unreasonable, either in period of time, geographical area, or otherwise, the parties agree that this Section 9
should be interpreted and enforced to the maximum extent which such court or arbitrator deems reasonable.
e. The Participant agrees that while employed by the Company or its Affiliates and for twenty-four (24) months
thereafter, he or she will communicate in writing the contents of the restrictions contained in this Section 9 to any
person, firm, association, partnership, corporation or other entity which he or she intends to be employed by,
associated with or represent. The Participant also agrees to promptly notify the General Counsel and the Chief
Human Resources Officer or other lead human resources executive of the Company if, at any time during the
Participant’s employment with the Company or its Affiliates or within twenty-four (24) months following the
termination thereof, the Participant accepts a position to be employed by, associated with or represent any person,
firm, association, partnership, corporation or other entity. The Participant further agrees that he or she will provide
the Company with such information as the Company may request about the Participant’s new position to allow the
Company to determine whether such position and duties would likely lead to a violation of this Section 9 (except
that the Participant need not provide any information that would constitute confidential or trade secret information
of the entity which he or she intends to be employed by, associated with or represent).
f. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if the Participant is a party to a written employment or
severance agreement signed on behalf of the Company or its Affiliate that contains restrictive covenants that
conflict with the covenants set forth in this Section 9, such conflicting provisions of this Section 9 shall not apply.
6
10. COMPANY OPTION TO WAIVE NON-COMPETITION PROVISION.
a.
If the Participant's employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause
or due to death or Disability and as a result of such termination, the Participant is not entitled to the payment of
severance benefits pursuant to either (i) a written agreement signed on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate
thereof or (ii) applicable local law, then the Company shall provide written notice to the Participant within ten (10)
business days of the date of termination as to whether it will waive the restrictions contained in Section 9(a), if
applicable. If the Company elects, in its sole discretion, not to waive such restrictions, the Company will pay the
Participant severance equal to the product of one month’s base salary at his or her then-current base salary rate,
less applicable withholdings, and the number of months that the Company wishes the restrictions in Section 9(a) to
apply following the date of termination, not to exceed twelve (12) months, provided that the Participant executes
and delivers the Release (and any revocation period expires) to the Company no later than forty-five (45) calendar
days after the Participant’s termination of employment (the “Severance”), and provided further that the Company
will notify the Participant within ten (10) business days of the date of termination as to the number of months post-
termination during which such provision will apply. The Severance will be paid in accordance with the Company’s
customary local payroll practices, in equal installments (with respect to employees located outside of the United
States, to the extent administratively practicable in the jurisdiction in which the Participant works) beginning on
the first payroll payment date following the forty-fifth (45 ) calendar day after the termination of employment,
regardless of when the Release is returned to the Company, and ending on the payroll payment date that is nearest
to the date as of which the restrictions in Section 9(a) no longer apply.
th
b. Notwithstanding anything herein, or in any other Award Agreement to which the Participant is subject, to the
contrary, to the extent that (i) the Company elects to pay the Severance described in Section 10(a) in lieu of
waiving the provisions of Section 9(a) hereof, if applicable, and (ii) the Participant is subject to more than one
Award Agreement that provides for the possibility of severance benefits upon a termination of the Participant’s
employment in exchange for post-employment compliance with a restrictive covenant provision, then the payment
by the Company of severance benefits under the Award Agreement with severance benefits most favorable to the
Participant shall be deemed to satisfy the Company’s obligation to pay severance in exchange for post-
employment compliance with a restrictive covenant under such provisions in all such Award Agreements, and the
Participant will not be entitled to receive any additional severance.
11. ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFERS. The rights and interests of the Participant under this Award may not be assigned,
encumbered or transferred except, in the event of the death of the Participant, by will or the laws of descent and
distribution. The Company may assign any of its rights and interests hereunder.
12. WITHHOLDING TAX. The Company and any Affiliate shall have the right to retain any amounts that are distributable to
the Participant hereunder to the extent necessary to satisfy any required withholding taxes, whether federal, state or local,
triggered by the payment of any amounts under this Award.
13. NO LIMITATION ON RIGHTS OF THE COMPANY. The grant of this Award shall not in any way affect the right or
power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassification, or changes in
7
its capital or business structure, or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business
or assets.
14. PLAN AND TERMS NOT A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT. Neither the Plan nor these Terms is or are a contract of
employment, and no terms of employment of the Participant shall be affected in any way by the Plan, these Terms or
related instruments except as specifically provided therein. Neither the establishment of the Plan nor these Terms shall be
construed as conferring any legal rights upon the Participant for a continuation of employment, nor shall it interfere with
the right of the Company or any Affiliate to discharge the Participant and to treat him or her without regard to the effect
that such treatment might have upon him or her as a Participant.
15. NOTICE. Any notice or other communication required or permitted hereunder must be in writing and must be delivered
personally, or sent by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid. Any such notice will be deemed given when
so delivered personally or, if mailed, three days after the date of deposit in the United States mail, in the case of the
Company to 21557 Telegraph Road, Southfield, Michigan, 48033, Attention: General Counsel and, in the case of the
Participant, to the last known address of the Participant in the Company's records.
16. GOVERNING LAW. These Terms shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the
State of Michigan, determined without regard to its conflict of law rules.
17. Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan or in these Terms to the contrary,
the Award is subject to the Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy established by the Company, as amended from
time to time.
18. PLAN DOCUMENT CONTROLS. The rights herein granted are in all respects subject to the provisions set forth in the
Plan to the same extent and with the same effect as if set forth fully herein. In the event that the terms of these Terms
conflict with the terms of the Plan document, the Plan document shall control.
19. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS. The Company’s issuance to the Participant of the Performance Shares hereunder is
conditioned upon the Participant’s timely electronic acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth in these Terms, in no
event later than sixty (60) days following the Grant Date (the “Acceptance Deadline”). Failure to accept these Terms by
the Acceptance Deadline will result in cancellation of the Performance Shares, and the Participant shall have no rights to
the Performance Shares if he or she does not accept these Terms by the Acceptance Deadline.
8
EXHIBIT A
Peer Group
9
List of Subsidiaries of the Company
(1)
Exhibit 21.1
AccuMED Corp. (Delaware)
AccuMED Holdings Corp. (Delaware)
Autotech Fund II, L.P. (Delaware) (3.33%)
Beijing BAI Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (China) (50%)
Beijing BHAP Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (China) (50%)
Beijing Lear Hyundai Transys Co., Ltd. (China) (40%)
CelLink Corporation (Delaware) (0.79%)
Changchun Lear FAWSN Automotive Electrical Co., Ltd. (China) (69%)
Changchun Lear FAWSN Automotive Seat Systems Co., Ltd. (China) (49%)
Chihuahua Electrical Wiring Systems S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico) (49%)
Consorcio Industrial Mexicano de Autopartes S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico)
Cordelia Autoparts Sweden AB (Sweden)
Durango Automotive Wiring Systems, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico) (49%)
Eagle Ottawa (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand)
Eagle Ottawa China Ltd. (China)
Eagle Ottawa Fonseca S.A. (Argentina) (70%)
Eagle Ottawa Foreign Holdings ApS (Denmark)
Eagle Ottawa Hungary Kft. (Hungary)
Eagle Ottawa North America, LLC (Delaware)
Evolved by Nature Inc. (Delaware) (5%)
EXO Technologies Ltd. (Israel)
Foshan Lear FAWSN Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (China) (49%)
Gill Industries of Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico)
Gill Management of Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico)
Gill Management Queretaro, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico)
Gill Queretaro, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico)
Guangzhou Lear Automotive Components Co., Ltd (China) (50%)
Guilford Europe Limited (United Kingdom)
Guilford Europe Pension Trustees Limited (United Kingdom)
Guilford Mills Europe Limited (United Kingdom)
Guilford Mills Limited (United Kingdom)
HB Polymer Company, LLC (Delaware) (10%)
Honduras Electrical Distribution Systems S. de R.L. de C.V. (Honduras) (49%)
Hyundai Transys Lear Automotive India Private Limited (India) (35%)
Industrias Lear de Argentina SrL (Argentina)
Insys - Interior Systems SA (Argentina) (5%)
Jiangxi Jiangling Lear Interior Systems Co. Ltd. (China) (50%)
Kyungshin-Lear Sales and Engineering LLC (Delaware) (49%)
Lear (China) Holding Limited (China)
Lear (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l. (Luxembourg)
Lear (Shanghai) Auto Parts Technology Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Automotive (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)
Lear Automotive (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand)
Lear Automotive EEDS Honduras, S.A. (Honduras)
Lear Automotive Electronics and Electrical Products (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Automotive Fabrics (Rui’An) Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Automotive India Private Limited (India)
Lear Automotive Interior Materials (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Automotive Manufacturing, L.L.C. (Delaware)
Lear Automotive Metals (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Automotive Morocco SAS (Morocco)
Lear Automotive Operations Netherlands B.V. (Netherlands)
Lear Automotive Services (Netherlands) B.V. (Netherlands)
Lear Corporation Gothenburg AB (Sweden)
Lear Corporation Holding Spain S.L. (Spain)
Lear Corporation Hungary Automotive Manufacturing Kft. (Hungary)
Lear Corporation Ingenierie, S.A.S. (France)
Lear Corporation Italia S.r.l. (Italy)
Lear Corporation Japan K.K. (Japan)
Lear Corporation Jarny, S.A.S. (France)
Lear Corporation Loire, S.A.S. (France)
Lear Corporation Macedonia DOOEL Tetovo (Macedonia)
Lear Corporation Martorell, S.L. (Spain)
Lear Corporation Meknes S.a.r.l., AU (Morocco)
Lear Corporation Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico)
Lear Corporation Pension Scheme Trustees Limited (United Kingdom)
Lear Corporation Poland II Sp. z.o.o. (Poland)
Lear Corporation Pontevedra, S.L. (Spain)
Lear Corporation Romania S.r.L. (Romania)
Lear Corporation S.r.L. (Moldova)
Lear Corporation Seating France Feignies SAS (France)
Lear Corporation Seating France SAS (France)
Lear Corporation Seating Slovakia s.r.o. (Slovak Republic)
Lear Corporation South East Asia Co., Ltd. (Thailand)
Lear Corporation Spain Alava, S.L. (Spain)
Lear Corporation UK Holdings Limited (United Kingdom)
Lear Corporation UK Interior Systems Limited (United Kingdom)
Lear Corporation Valenca, Lda. (Portugal)
Lear DFM Automotive Seating (Yancheng) Co., Ltd. (China) (50%)
Lear DFM Tachi-S Automotive Seating (Dalian) Co., Ltd. (China) (25.5%)
Lear do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Interiores Automotivos Ltda. (Brazil)
Lear Dongfeng Automotive Seating Co., Ltd. (China) (50%)
Lear Dongshi Tachi-S Automotive Seating (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. (China) (25.5%)
Lear East European Operations S.a.r.l. (Luxembourg)
Lear EEDS and Interiors, LLC (Delaware)
Lear Electrical Systems de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico)
Lear European Holding S.L. (Spain)
Lear Financial Services (Netherlands) B.V. (Netherlands)
Lear Global Operations S.a.r.l. (Luxembourg)
Lear Global Technology Corporation France (Delaware)
Lear Global Technology Corporation Germany (Delaware)
Lear Global Technology Corporation Spain (Delaware)
Lear Global Technology Corporation UK (Delaware)
Lear Holdings, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico)
Lear India Engineering, LLC (Delaware)
Lear India Engineering, LLP (India)
Lear Israel Engineering, LLC (Delaware)
Lear Japan Engineering, LLC (Delaware)
Lear Korea Engineering Yuhan Hoesa (Korea)
Lear Korea Engineering, LLC (Delaware)
Lear Korea Yuhan Hoesa (Korea)
Lear Mexican Seating Corporation (Delaware)
Lear Mexican Trim Operations, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico)
Lear Morocco Engineering, LLC (Delaware)
Lear Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Turkey)
Lear Philippines Engineering, LLC (Delaware)
List of Subsidiaries of the Company
(Continued)
(1)
Exhibit 21.1
Lear Automotive Systems (Changshu) Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Automotive Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Automotive Systems (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Automotive Systems (Shenyang) Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Automotive Systems (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Canada (Canada)
Lear Canada Holding S.a.r.l. (Luxembourg)
Lear Canada Investments ULC (Canada)
Lear Chang’an (Chongqing) Automotive System Co., Ltd. (China) (55%)
Lear Chang’an (Hangzhou) Automotive Seating Co., Ltd. (China) (55%)
Lear China Engineering, LLC (Delaware)
Lear Corporation (Mauritius) Limited (Mauritius)
Lear Corporation (UK) Limited (United Kingdom)
Lear Corporation (Vietnam) Limited (Vietnam)
Lear Corporation Ara, S.L. (Spain)
Lear Corporation Ardasa, S.L. (Spain)
Lear Corporation Asientos S.L. (Spain)
Lear Corporation Belgium B.V. (Belgium)
Lear Corporation Beteiligungs GmbH (Germany)
Lear Corporation Canada ULC (Canada)
Lear Corporation Changchun Automotive Interior Systems Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear Corporation China Ltd. (Mauritius)
Lear Corporation Czech Republic s.r.o. (Czech Republic)
Lear Corporation d.o.o. Novi Sad (Serbia)
Lear Corporation Engineering (UK) Limited (United Kingdom)
Lear Corporation Engineering Belgium B.V. (Belgium)
Lear Corporation Engineering Czech Republic s.r.o. (Czech Republic)
Lear Corporation Engineering GmbH (Germany)
Lear Corporation Engineering Hungary Kft. (Hungary)
Lear Corporation Engineering Italy S.r.l. (Italy)
Lear Corporation Engineering Morocco S.a.r.l. (Morocco)
Lear Corporation Engineering Poland Sp. z.o.o. (Poland)
Lear Corporation Engineering Slovakia s.r.o. (Slovak Republic)
Lear Corporation Engineering Spain S.L. (Spain)
Lear Corporation France SAS (France)
Lear Corporation GmbH (Germany)
(1)
All subsidiaries are wholly owned unless otherwise indicated.
Lear Seating (Thailand) Corp. Ltd. (Thailand)
Lear Sewing (Pty.) Ltd. (South Africa)
Lear Shanghai Automotive Metals Co., Ltd. (China)
Lear UK Acquisition Limited (United Kingdom)
Liuzhou Lear DFM Fangsheng Automotive Seating Co., Ltd. (China) (25.5%)
Maniv Mobility II A, LP (Delaware) (7.67%)
Markol Otomotiv Yan Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (Turkey) (35%)
Martur Sunger ve Koltuk Tesisleri Ticaret A.S. (Turkey) (0.7%)
Mezed Inversiones S.r.l. (Dominican Republic)
MSeat Inc. (Korea) (0.186%)
Navmatic, Inc. (Delaware) (20%)
OOO Lear (Russia)
PT Lear Automotive Indonesia (Indonesia)
PT Lear Corporation Indonesia (Indonesia) (51%)
Qingdao Lear FAWSN Automotive Seat Systems Co., Ltd. (China) (49%)
RevoLaze, LLC (Delaware) (20%)
Shanghai Lear Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (China)
Shanghai Lear STEC Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. (China)
Shenyang Lear Automotive Seating and Interior Systems Co., Ltd. (China)
Silk Medical Aesthetics, Inc. (Delaware) (3.6%)
Softwear Automation, Inc. (Georgia) (7.71%)
Tachi-S Lear DFM Automotive Seating (Xiangyang) Co., Ltd. (China) (24.5%)
Tacle Guangzhou Automotive Seat Co., Ltd. (China) (20%)
Tacle Seating UK Limited (United Kingdom)
Techstars Corporate Partners 2017 LLC (Delaware) (1.44%)
Tempronics, Inc. (Delaware) (9.8%)
The Nanosteel Company, Inc. (Delaware) (3.01%)
Tianjin FAWSN Lear Automotive Electrical & Electronics Co., Ltd. (China) (69%)
Trucks Venture Fund 2, LP (Delaware) (11.81%)
Wuhan Lear DFM Yunhe Automotive Seating Co., Ltd. (China) (40%)
Wuhan Lear-DFM Auto Electric Company, Limited (China) (75%)
Xevo Inc. (Delaware)
Xevo Japan, LLC (Delaware)
Xevo K.K. (Japan)
Zhengzhou Lear DFM Taixin Automotive Seating Co., Ltd. (China) (25.5%)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Exhibit 23.1
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
1. Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-246087) of Lear Corporation;
2. Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-232856) pertaining to the 2019 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan of Lear Corporation;
3. Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-230922) pertaining to the Lear Corporation 2019 Inducement Grant Plan; and
4. Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-163009) pertaining to the 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan of Lear Corporation
of our reports dated February 10, 2021, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Lear Corporation and the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting of Lear Corporation included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 10, 2021
Exhibit 31.1
I, Raymond E. Scott, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Lear Corporation;
CERTIFICATION
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-
15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Date:
February 10, 2021
By:
/s/ Raymond E. Scott
Raymond E. Scott
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
I, Jason M. Cardew certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Lear Corporation;
CERTIFICATION
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-
15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Date:
February 10, 2021
By:
/s/ Jason M. Cardew
Jason M. Cardew
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.1
In connection with the Annual Report of Lear Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), the undersigned, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to his knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date:
February 10, 2021
Signed:
/s/ Raymond E. Scott
Raymond E. Scott
Chief Executive Officer
This written statement accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished
to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.2
In connection with the Annual Report of Lear Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), the undersigned, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to his knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: February 10, 2021
Signed:
/s/ Jason M. Cardew
Jason M. Cardew
Chief Financial Officer
This written statement accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished
to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.