📊 LEA Key Takeaways
Is Lear Corp. (LEA) a Good Investment?
Lear Corp faces fundamental headwinds with flat revenue growth (0.0% YoY) coupled with deteriorating profitability (net income -17.1% YoY), indicating operational underperformance beyond cyclical market pressures. Extremely thin margins (net 1.9%, operating 3.3%) and low returns on capital (ROE 8.7%, ROA 2.9%) characterize a mature, commoditized supplier with limited growth visibility.
Fundamentals show stable revenue but compressed profitability, with net income declining despite flat sales and thin margins. Balance sheet strength (moderate leverage, strong interest coverage) and consistent positive free cash flow support resilience and reinvestment, but cyclical exposure and margin pressure limit near-term upside. A sustained improvement in operating margin and durable cash conversion would warrant a more positive stance.
Why Buy Lear Corp. Stock? LEA Key Strengths
- Strong debt service capacity with 29.8x interest coverage ratio
- Positive free cash flow generation of $527.2M supporting potential dividends/debt paydown
- Conservative leverage position with 0.54x debt-to-equity ratio
- Strong interest coverage and moderate leverage (29.8x, 0.54x)
- Adequate liquidity with 1.35x current and 1.05x quick ratios plus $1.03B cash
- Consistent positive FCF and solid cash conversion (OCF > net income)
LEA Stock Risks: Lear Corp. Investment Risks
- Zero organic revenue growth in a stagnant market signals lost competitiveness or market share erosion
- Net income declining 17% while revenue flat indicates margin compression and operational deterioration
- Tight quick ratio of 1.05x limits financial flexibility amid cyclical automotive sector downturns
- Extremely thin margins leave no cushion for cost inflation or demand disruptions
- Margin compression from OEM pricing pressure and input cost inflation
- Cyclical auto demand and production volatility impacting volumes and mix
- Execution needs and investments (e.g., technology/EV content) may weigh on margins and cash flow
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating margin trend and gross margin recovery drivers
- Year-over-year revenue growth acceleration
- Free cash flow sustainability relative to capital intensity and debt service obligations
- Operating margin
- Free cash flow margin
Lear Corp. (LEA) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 2.3% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility.
LEA Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
LEA vs Automotive Sector: How Lear Corp. Compares
How Lear Corp. compares to Automotive sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Lear Corp. Stock Overvalued? LEA Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Lear Corp. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Automotive sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Lear Corp. Balance Sheet: LEA Debt, Cash & Liquidity
LEA Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Lear Corp.'s revenue has grown significantly by 18% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $9.68 reflects profitable operations.
LEA Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
LEA Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $5.6B | $108.2M | $2.02 |
| Q2 2025 | $6.0B | $165.2M | $3.02 |
| Q1 2025 | $5.6B | $80.7M | $1.49 |
| Q3 2024 | $5.6B | $132.9M | $2.25 |
| Q2 2024 | $6.0B | $168.7M | $2.84 |
| Q1 2024 | $5.8B | $109.6M | $1.90 |
| Q3 2023 | $5.2B | $92.3M | $1.54 |
| Q2 2023 | $5.1B | $68.5M | $1.14 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Lear Corp. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
LEA SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Lear Corp. (CIK: 0000842162)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about LEA
What is the AI rating for LEA?
Lear Corp. (LEA) has a Combined AI Rating of SELL from Claude (SELL) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 72% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are LEA's key strengths?
Claude: Strong debt service capacity with 29.8x interest coverage ratio. Positive free cash flow generation of $527.2M supporting potential dividends/debt paydown. ChatGPT: Strong interest coverage and moderate leverage (29.8x, 0.54x). Adequate liquidity with 1.35x current and 1.05x quick ratios plus $1.03B cash.
What are the risks of investing in LEA?
Claude: Zero organic revenue growth in a stagnant market signals lost competitiveness or market share erosion. Net income declining 17% while revenue flat indicates margin compression and operational deterioration. ChatGPT: Margin compression from OEM pricing pressure and input cost inflation. Cyclical auto demand and production volatility impacting volumes and mix.
What is LEA's revenue and growth?
Lear Corp. reported revenue of $23.3B.
Does LEA pay dividends?
Lear Corp. pays dividends, with $164.8M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find LEA SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Lear Corp. (CIK: 0000842162) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is LEA's EPS?
Lear Corp. has a diluted EPS of $8.15.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is LEA a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Lear Corp. has a SELL rating with 72% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is LEA stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for LEA: ROE of 8.7% (sector avg: 12%), net margin of 1.9% (sector avg: 6%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy LEA stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Lear Corp. a combined SELL rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is LEA's free cash flow?
Lear Corp.'s operating cash flow is $1.1B, with capital expenditures of $561.6M. FCF margin is 2.3%.
How does LEA compare to other Automotive stocks?
Vs Automotive sector averages: Net margin 1.9% (avg: 6%), ROE 8.7% (avg: 12%), current ratio 1.35 (avg: 1.2).