Lear Reports Highest EPS Since 2021 in Q1 2026, Adjusted EPS Highest Since 2019
Lear Corporation posted first-quarter 2026 earnings per share of $3.34, the highest since 2021, and adjusted EPS of $3.87, the highest since 2019.
- $5.8 billion
- $172 million
- $3.87
What Happened
Lear Corporation reported first-quarter 2026 sales of $5.8 billion, up 5% year-over-year. Net income more than doubled to $172 million, and core operating earnings rose to $297 million. The company repurchased 630,804 shares for $75 million during the quarter and reaffirmed its full-year 2026 financial outlook.
- 6.3% in Q1 2026 vs 5.2% in Q1 2025
- 5.2% in Q1 2026 vs 3.9% in Q1 2025
$3.87USD
Highest since 2019, up 24% year-over-year
“Lear started 2026 strong in a dynamic operating environment, delivering the highest quarterly adjusted earnings per share since 2019 and improved year-over-year margins in both segments.”
Why this matters
The results show Lear's financial recovery and its ability to generate strong cash flow, enabling share repurchases and investment in growth programs despite a dynamic operating environment.
Terms in This Story
- Core operating earnings
- A non-GAAP measure that excludes certain items like restructuring costs and special items to show underlying business performance.
- Adjusted EPS
- Earnings per share adjusted for one-time items, providing a clearer view of ongoing profitability.
- Free cash flow
- Cash from operations minus capital expenditures, indicating a company's ability to generate cash for growth or shareholder returns.
- Share repurchase
- When a company buys back its own shares from the market, reducing outstanding shares and often boosting earnings per share.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.