Lear Corp: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2023

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 global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, enabling superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world. We supply complete seat systems, key seat components, complete electrical distribution and connection systems, high-voltage power distribution products, including battery disconnect units ("BDUs"), low-voltage power distribution products, electronic controllers and other electronic products to all of the world's major automotive manufacturers. At Lear, we are Making every drive betterTM by providing technology for safer, smarter and more comfortable journeys, while adhering to our values — Be Inclusive. Be Inventive. Get Results the Right Way.

We have 265 manufacturing, engineering and administrative locations in 38 countries. We continue to grow our business in every major automotive producing region 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.

Lear is 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, as well as our 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 capital 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 portfolio across a number of component categories. Further, we continuously evaluate this portfolio, aligning it with industry trends while balancing risk-adjusted returns, which allows us to offer value-added solutions to our customers.

• Seating — Our Seating segment consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete seat systems and key seat components. Our capabilities in operations and supply chain management enable synchronized assembly and just-in-time delivery of complex complete seat systems at high volumes to our customers.

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; thermal comfort systems such as seat heating, ventilation, active cooling, pneumatic lumbar and massage products; and headrests. All of these products are compatible with traditional internal combustion engine ("ICE") architectures and electrified powertrains, including the full range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric architectures. Our thermal comfort systems are facilitated by our seat system, component and integration capabilities, together with our competencies in electronics, sensors, software and algorithms.

• E-Systems — Our E-Systems segment consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete electrical distribution and connection systems; high-voltage power distribution products, including BDUs; and low-voltage power distribution products, electronic controllers and other electronic products. These capabilities enable us to provide our customers with customizable solutions with optimized designs at competitive costs for both low-voltage and high-voltage vehicle architectures.

Electrical distribution and connection systems utilize low-voltage and high-voltage wire, 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 electrified powertrains that require management of higher voltage and power. Key components of our electrical distribution and connection systems portfolio include wire harnesses, terminals and connectors, high-voltage battery connection systems and engineered components. High-voltage battery connection systems include intercell connect boards, bus bars and main battery connection systems. High-voltage power distribution products control the flow and distribution of high-voltage power throughout electrified vehicles and include BDUs which control all electrical energy flowing into and out of high-voltage batteries in electrified vehicles. Low-voltage power distribution products, electronic controllers and other electronic products facilitate signal, data and/or power management within the vehicle and include the associated software required to facilitate these functions. Key components of our other electronic products portfolio include zone control modules, body domain control modules and low-voltage and high-voltage power distribution modules. Our software offerings include embedded control, cybersecurity software and software to control hardware devices. Our customers traditionally have sourced our electronic hardware together with the software that we embed in it.

We serve all of the world's major automotive manufacturers through both our Seating and E-Systems businesses, and we have automotive content on more than 475 vehicle nameplates worldwide. It is common for us to have both seating and electrical and/or electronic content on the same vehicle platform.

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, complex, global supply chain management, global engineering and program management, the agility to establish and/or transfer production between facilities quickly, and a unique, customer-focused culture. In select instances, we are able to manufacture both Seating and E-Systems components in the same facility. Our businesses also utilize proprietary, industry-specific processes and standards, leverage common low-cost engineering centers and share centralized operating support functions. These functions include health and safety, logistics, quality, supply chain management and all major administrative functions, such as corporate finance, executive administration, human resources, information technology and legal. We continue to build on our reputation for operational excellence through investment in Industry 4.0 technologies. Industry 4.0 refers to the current era of digital transformation in manufacturing. It involves the integration of new technologies, such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and advanced automation, into production facilities and business operations. These technologies enable smart and automated machines and smart factories to communicate, analyze and optimize processes and products, resulting in higher efficiency, quality and responsiveness to customers.

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, charters for the standing committees of our Board of Directors (the "Board") and other information related to the Company. We are not including the information contained on our website as 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 formed the basis for our current E-Systems segment.

We have subsequently augmented our organic growth plans with selective acquisitions and investments to expand our component capabilities and global footprint, as well as our Industry 4.0 technologies and automation capabilities, including the following:

• 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 April 2017, we acquired Grupo Antolin's automotive seating business for approximately $292 million.
• In March 2021, we acquired M&N Plastics, an injection molding specialist and manufacturer of engineered plastic components for automotive electrical distribution applications. This acquisition enabled the significant expansion of our footprint and capabilities with respect to engineered components and enhanced our vertical integration capabilities in connection systems.
• In February 2022, we acquired substantially all of Kongsberg Automotive's Interior Comfort Systems business unit ("Kongsberg ICS") for approximately $188 million. Kongsberg ICS specializes in thermal comfort systems, including seat massage, lumbar, heat and ventilation products. This acquisition enhances our seat component capabilities by adding specialized thermal comfort seating solutions and further differentiates our product offerings by improving the seat system's performance and packaging.
• In May 2022, we acquired Romanian-based Thagora Technology SRL ("Thagora") to access scalable smart-manufacturing technology. Thagora's proprietary solutions complement our sustainable manufacturing processes by improving the production yield of our Seating segment's surface materials operations and lowering energy usage during production. In addition, Thagora's Industry 4.0 technologies bring significant advances to our manufacturing operations through engineering and logistics enhancements, including improved material traceability and facility footprint utilization capabilities.
• In November 2022, we acquired InTouch Automation ("InTouch"), a supplier of Industry 4.0 technologies and complex automated testing equipment critical in the production of automotive seats. InTouch's product portfolio is aligned with our Industry 4.0 strategy to implement technologies designed to automate the testing and validation of seat components and complete seats.
• In April 2023, we completed the acquisition of I.G. Bauerhin ("IGB"), a privately held supplier of automotive seat heating, ventilation and active cooling, steering wheel heating, seat sensors and electronic control modules, headquartered in Grundau-Rothenbergen, Germany, for approximately $175 million. The acquisition furthers our comprehensive strategy to develop and integrate a complete portfolio of thermal comfort systems for automotive seating. IGB provides active cooling, as well as additional scale to our seat heating and ventilation capabilities and complements the lumbar and massage capabilities obtained with our acquisition of Kongsberg ICS.

Industry

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 the availability of raw materials and components, and our content per vehicle. In 2020, the automotive industry experienced a significant decline in global production volumes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, industry production recovered modestly, increasing 8% compared to 2021. In 2023, industry production increased 9% compared to 2022. This reflects a return to 2019 pre-pandemic production levels but remains 5% below 2017 peak levels. Since 2020, the global economy, as well as the automotive industry, have been influenced directly and indirectly by macroeconomic events resulting in unfavorable conditions, including shortages of semiconductor chips and other components, elevated inflation levels on commodities and labor, higher interest rates, and labor and energy shortages in certain markets. Beginning in the third quarter of 2023 and continuing into the fourth quarter of 2023, the automotive industry was impacted by labor strikes and related disruptions at certain facilities in the United States. Certain of these factors, among others, continue to impact consumer demand, as well as the ability of automotive manufacturers to produce vehicles to meet demand. Our strategy to mitigate these impacts encompasses our comprehensive cost management process, including cost technology optimization, actions to further align our manufacturing capacity to the current industry production environment and investments in Industry 4.0 technologies. This will allow us to enhance operational efficiencies, improve the utilization of existing facilities and equipment to reduce future expenditures, and streamline and automate administrative functions. For a description of risks related to macroeconomic events, see Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

Details on light vehicle production volumes in certain key regions for 2023 and 2022 are provided below. Our actual results are impacted by the specific volume mix of products within each market, as well as other factors described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

(In thousands of units)

(1) Production data based on S&P Global Mobility.

(2) Production data for 2022 has been updated from our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect actual production levels.

Details on our sales in certain key regions for 2023 and 2022 are provided below:

(In millions)

The automotive industry, and our business, continue to be shaped by the broad trend of electrification, which is likely to be at the forefront of the industry for the foreseeable future. Demand for, and regulatory developments related to, improved energy efficiency and sustainability (e.g., government mandates related to fuel economy and carbon emissions) are significant drivers of this trend.

In 2024, the battery electric vehicle market is expected to represent 15% of global light vehicle production (based on January 2024 S&P Global Mobility projections), as compared to 12% in 2023 and 10% in 2022. Battery electric vehicle production increased to 10.2 million units in 2023 from 8.1 million units in 2022, primarily driven by growth in China. Increasing demand for electrified vehicles is driven by numerous product offerings from both traditional and non-traditional automotive manufacturers, government requirements and incentives, automotive manufacturers' internal targets and a growing segment of end consumers who are seeking alternatives to vehicles with traditional ICE architectures. Meeting this demand 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 powertrains that facilitate electrification of the vehicle; and the use of lighter weight materials throughout the vehicle.

Our business is also influenced by vehicle segment trends that continue to experience a shift in consumer preference toward crossover and sport utility vehicles. This trend positively impacts our business as content per vehicle on such vehicles, especially within our Seating business, can be significantly higher. Crossover and sport utility vehicle production has grown to approximately 46% of total vehicle production in 2023, up from 33% five years ago.

Strategy

Through our products, technology and strategic initiatives, we are well positioned to capitalize on business growth opportunities. We are focused on profitably growing our businesses and have implemented a strategy designed to deliver industry-leading, long-term financial returns. This strategy is based on the following four pillars designed to drive growth and profitability in both of our business segments:

• Extend our market leadership position in Seating with priceable features;
• Transform our E-Systems business through accelerated growth in connection systems, vehicle architecture evolution and electrification, and the rationalization of our product portfolio to improve profitability;
• Build on our reputation for operational excellence through investment in Industry 4.0 technologies; and
• Prioritize people and the planet through our sustainability initiatives to drive business growth, cost reductions and improved employee retention.

In our Seating business, key attributes of the seat design are evolving as the market continues to pivot toward electrified vehicles, providing us with an opportunity to offer value added solutions to our customers through our products and to use our leading market position to capture additional market share. Our products include seat heating, ventilation, active cooling, pneumatic lumbar and massage products through INTUTM Thermal Comfort, the latest addition to our Intelligent Seating (INTUTM Seating) offerings, and seat reconfigurability through Configurable Seating Architecture (ConfigurE+TM). In thermal comfort systems, we are integrating our existing capabilities with those realized through our acquisitions of Kongsberg ICS and IGB. Further, we are enhancing product design through the integration of multiple thermal comfort features into a module which offers fewer parts, reduced complexity, improved packaging and significant performance improvements. Finally, we have leveraged our complete seat system and component expertise and capabilities to develop a complete thermal comfort solution that combines this thermal comfort module with FlexAirTM, our 100% recyclable non-foam alternative, and the seat trim cover. Our newly designed thermal comfort seat system can reduce sub-components by 50% and increase airflow directly to the occupant by 40%, as compared to currently available designs. Our design enables heating and ventilation of the occupant rather than the entire cabin, which can improve energy efficiency, resulting in improved battery range for electric vehicles. With our thermal comfort systems expertise, we are poised to capitalize on the market trends in electric vehicles, second and third row comfort, and ride sharing, while also providing greater design, cost, production and energy efficiency for our customers.

In our E-Systems business, our broad capabilities in electrical distribution and connection systems; high-voltage power distribution products, including BDUs; and low-voltage power distribution products, electronic controllers and other electronic products support the trend toward electrification, as well as the evolution toward zone-based vehicle electrical architectures for both ICE and electrified powertrains. We are investing in and expanding our electrical distribution and connection systems business. This business is benefiting from expanded content per vehicle in line with higher circuit counts supporting high-speed data movement within the vehicle, as well as high-voltage wire harnesses and high-voltage battery components such as intercell connect boards on electrified powertrains. In addition, we have enhanced our vertical integration capabilities in connection systems through the acquisition of M&N Plastics. Our high-voltage power distribution business, including our BDU business, and our low-voltage power distribution business are benefiting from the increased adoption of electrified powertrains and the expansion of longer range, larger format (trucks and SUVs) and higher performance electrified vehicles, where we provide market-leading solutions. Differentiation through higher power management capacity, lighter weight solutions, and optimized and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions provide us with a competitive advantage in the electrification market. Our electronic controllers and other electronic products business is benefiting from the adoption of new vehicle electrical architectures with more integrated power management and control, which is aligned with our strong history of providing highly complex and integrated electronics to our customers. We have rationalized our electronics product portfolio to align with this trend, focusing future investments on those products where we believe that we have a competitive advantage and we can achieve industry-leading financial returns. Further, we are de-emphasizing and exiting those product lines where we do not see a path to sustainable risk-adjusted financial returns.

We are building on our reputation for operational excellence within the automotive industry with the establishment of our Lear Forward Plan, which will enhance operational efficiencies across our business, and our investments in Industry 4.0 technologies, including the 2022 acquisitions of Thagora and InTouch. Our acquisition of Thagora provides us with scalable smart-manufacturing technology that improves the production yield of our Seating segment's surface materials operations and lowers energy usage during production. Our acquisition of InTouch provides us with complex testing equipment that automates the testing and validation of seat components and complete seats.

We continue to embed responsible and sustainable principles into our key business processes and operations. We have developed products such as FlexAirTM, ReNewKnitTM, a sustainable sueded alternative material that is fully recyclable at its end of life and composed of 100% recycled plastic bottles, and SoyFoamTM, a substitute for certain petroleum-based products. We also have improved energy efficiency in our operations and established climate goals to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy.

Seating Segment

Lear is a recognized global leader in complete seat systems. Based on independent market studies and management estimates, we believe that we hold the #2 position in complete seat systems globally on the basis of revenue with strong positions in all major markets and a 25% global market share in 2023. We are also a recognized leader in key individual seat components produced for complete seat systems.

Our Seating segment consists of the design, development, engineering, assembly and just-in-time delivery of complete seat systems, as well as all major seat components, including seat trim covers; surface materials such as leather and fabric; seat mechanisms; seat foam; thermal comfort systems such as seat heating, ventilation, active cooling, pneumatic lumbar and massage products; and headrests. Our extensive system-level knowledge and component-level capabilities, including internal development of sensor and control algorithms, have provided a strong foundation for innovation and commercialization of thermal comfort systems and convenience features. We believe that with our comprehensive set of component offerings, we are a leader in the global market. Overall, our global manufacturing and engineering expertise, low-cost footprint, complete component capabilities, quality leadership and strong customer relationships provide us with a catalyst for both organic and inorganic growth opportunities to enable us to reach our mid-term target global market share of 29% in complete automotive seat systems.

We produce seat systems that are fully assembled and ready for installation in light vehicles globally. 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 and vehicles, including those produced by Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ferrari, GMC, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, NIO, Polestar, Porsche and Volvo.

We are executing on our strategy to extend our leadership position in the market through unique product offerings and selective vertical integration. Our acquisition of Kongsberg ICS provided us with capabilities in seat massage, lumbar, heating and ventilation. Our acquisition of IGB provided us with capabilities in seat heating, ventilation and active cooling, steering wheel heating, seat sensors and electronic control modules. ConfigurE+ is a wireless powered rail system that allows for easy repositioning of seats within vehicles. Further, selective vertical integration of key seat components is enhancing growth and increasing profitability, as well as improving quality. In this regard, we have developed standardized seat mechanisms that can be used across multiple vehicle programs to minimize investment costs. Our seat mechanisms are developed and manufactured in key locations to supply every major automotive producing region in the world. We believe that our precision-engineered seat mechanism expertise and low-cost manufacturing footprint provide us with a competitive advantage.

Our seat cover operations have continued to expand in low-cost markets, including precision cutting, assembly, sewing and lamination. Our acquisition of Eagle Ottawa provided 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. Our acquisition of Guilford Mills provided us with Guilford Performance Textiles, a line of automotive seat and interior fabrics. 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 seat surface materials differentiates us and provides us with a competitive advantage facilitating our leadership position in the industry.

We are committed to reducing the environmental footprint of our products, operations and supply chain as a means to drive business growth and reduce costs. We are working 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 replace certain petroleum-based products with more sustainable alternatives, such as SoyFoamTM and, more recently, FlexAirTM, our 100% recyclable non-foam alternative that is anticipated to reduce both CO2 emissions and mass as compared to traditional foam offerings, as well as improve breathability, resulting in better performance. In addition, we have focused development efforts on commercializing a range of fabrics that contain recycled, renewable or recyclable yarns that reduce our environmental impact. These fabrics include our ReNewKnitTM sustainable sueded alternative material, which is a first-to-market automotive textile that is fully recyclable at its end of life and composed of 100% recycled plastic bottles. ReNewKnitTM fibers are spun from polyester yarn and finished with a foam-free recycled fleece backing.

Thermal Comfort Systems

Our thermal comfort systems consist largely of seat heating, ventilation, active cooling, pneumatic lumbar and massage products, together with other thermal products such as panel and steering wheel heating. Our thermal comfort systems strategy consists of three phases: business integration, component modularity and delivery of the most efficient and feature-packed seat in the industry. Over the past decade, we have dedicated significant engineering resources to designing, developing and advancing the future of thermal comfort systems. Our recent acquisitions of Kongsberg ICS and IGB further expanded our unique capabilities with experienced engineering and manufacturing leaders to accelerate the execution of our thermal comfort systems strategy and provide purchasing, logistics, administrative and footprint synergies to improve our cost competitiveness. Through component modularity efforts, we are innovating and enhancing product design by combining multiple functions that were previously provided across multiple components into modular solutions. Traditionally, heating, ventilation, lumbar and massage products have been designed as independent systems in a multi-layered model. We have designed a single module that combines these thermal comfort features and uses fewer parts. This module provides a more efficient system, reduces complexity, improves packaging size and delivers significant performance improvements. Finally, we have leveraged all of our complete seat systems and seat component expertise and capabilities to develop a complete thermal comfort system that combines our thermal comfort module, FlexAirTM and the seat trim cover. This revolutionary design further reduces part complexity, mass and package size (allowing for easier adoption in second and third rows) and significantly improves the final seat assembly process while providing a more efficient system with improved performance (including reduced time to sensation) and enhanced comfort for the occupant. In addition, our complete thermal comfort module can be supplied to any seat supplier and is compatible with any seat structure with traditional foam or FlexAirTM. We believe that we are the only supplier with the complete capabilities necessary to realize these modular concepts, providing a unique value proposition to our customers.

Advanced Seating Craftsmanship and Innovation

We believe that our broad capabilities, including advanced design and material integration skills, provide us with a competitive advantage. Our team of experts at our Center for Craftsmanship in Southfield, Michigan has developed a portfolio of technologies that deliver sustainable products, differentiated design, craftsmanship and comfort. Through this dedicated studio, we are leveraging our unique position to be an industry leader in 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 allows us to better integrate all seat components and bring innovative designs into production with the highest level of craftsmanship, providing differentiated design comfort, quality and overall value to the end consumer. We believe that our unmatched component capabilities, design expertise, global manufacturing presence, and portfolio of enabling and sustainable technologies provide a unique value proposition to our customers and will drive market share gains for our business.

We believe that we are the only fully integrated seat supplier with global capabilities in critical seat components, together with 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 trends and early customer engagement. The result is a broad portfolio of innovative, sustainable solutions enabling our intelligent seating offerings for consumers.

Intelligent Seating (INTUTM Seating)

The seat offers a direct connection between the driver, passengers and vehicle systems. Our development of INTUTM technologies provides the driver and passengers with intelligent, intuitive seat system options that offer advanced comfort solutions, including thermal products, as well as configurable seating product technologies. Our extensive knowledge in consumer ergonomics and comfort, in combination with our electronics capabilities, facilitated the development of our INTUTM 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 INTUTM Comfort features were developed to improve comfort throughout long drives. Derived from our research, INTUTM 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. We have developed and designed efficiencies into individual seat components and full system integration to outperform existing systems. Continued advancements in INTUTM Thermal Comfort are targeted to optimize the overall thermal performance of the vehicle interior, which may reduce energy consumption for vehicles with ICE architectures, as well as those with electrified powertrains.

Configurable Seating Architecture (ConfigurE+TM)

Through our ConfigurE+TM configurable seating architecture, we are able to provide flexible seat positioning while offering consumers advanced seat features and functions. Winner of an Automotive News PACE Award in 2019, ConfigurE+TM with its configurable powered rail system enables selective seat positioning and seat 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 for cargo management, and vehicle cabins can be quickly customized, providing flexibility for personal, autonomous, ride-share and public transportation needs. Further, the potential market for ConfigurE+TM includes commercial trucks as well as light vehicles.

Other Core Capabilities

With capabilities unmatched by any seat supplier in the industry, we consistently produce world-class seat systems to meet or exceed the expectations of every type of driver and passenger. Our designs incorporate intelligent features, and our patented modular sub-assemblies with embedded technologies have the potential to transform the seating market.

We maintain state-of-the-art testing, instrumentation and data analysis capabilities. We have in-house, industry-leading seat validation test centers featuring crash worthiness, 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 to facilitate a more efficient design process.

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 promoting 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, in both Europe and North America, 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 enabling the necessary air flow for ventilated seats. Additionally, our proprietary anti-soiling performance leather finishing technology, AnsoléTM, improves durability and protects against staining and fading.

With respect to fabrics, we have focused development efforts on commercializing a range of fabrics that contain recycled, renewable or recyclable yarns that reduce our environmental impact. These fabrics include our ReNewKnitTM sustainable sueded alternative material that is fully recyclable at its end of life and composed of 100% recycled plastic bottles, which is scheduled to launch with a global automotive manufacturer in 2024. Our branded TeXstyleTM 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 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 folding adjustment mechanism that delivers premium convenience while maintaining leading safety and comfort benefits. Our mini recliners and micro adjust tracks are seat mechanisms that 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.

• Zero Gravity Seat – Zero gravity seats (i.e., seats designed to replicate the sensation of weightlessness) have become increasingly more important in the local China market as they provide an enhanced comfort experience for the second row occupants. We have developed a zero gravity seat for second row occupants that includes a 65 degree recline, a raising calf rest for lower leg support, an adaptive arm rest and occupant body pressure distribution, together with various comfort features, including integrated pneumatic neck support and heated back massage. Production for our first award is expected to launch in 2024.
• Foam and Comfort – Our highly engineered low-profile foam, low-emission foam and our first-to-market, U.S.-sourced SoyFoamTM are break-through innovations in comfort, safety and sustainability. Our FlexAirTM technologies offer a 100% recyclable non-foam alternative to traditional foam.

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 seat assembly. Typically located adjacent to or near our customers' manufacturing and assembly sites, our just-in-time facilities deliver assembled seats 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.

We believe that we are the world's most vertically integrated manufacturer of complete seat systems, providing us with a competitive advantage in terms of cost and quality. We utilize the latest industry innovations and automated technologies to facilitate our continuous improvement efforts. Our recent investments in Industry 4.0, including the 2022 acquisitions of Thagora and InTouch, have resulted in operational efficiencies in the manufacturing process. Moreover, we have continued to expand our employee engagement initiatives, achieving global scalability and successfully driving cultural advances. Our initiatives have resulted in improvements in quality, lower employee absenteeism, material cost savings and a reduction in average assembly build times per seat set.

Customers

The top five customers of our Seating segment are: General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volkswagen and Ford.

Competition

Our primary competitors in this segment globally are Adient plc, Forvia SE, Magna International Inc., Toyota Boshoku Corporation, TS Tech Co., Ltd. and Yanfeng Automotive Systems Co., Ltd., which have varying market presence depending on the region, country or automotive manufacturer. Toyota Motor Corporation and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. hold equity ownership positions in Toyota Boshoku Corporation and TS Tech Co., Ltd., respectively. A limited number of other automotive manufacturers maintain a presence in the seat system market through wholly owned subsidiaries or in-house operations. In seat components, we compete with the seat system 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

Our E-Systems segment consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete electrical distribution and connection systems; high-voltage power distribution products, including BDUs; and low-voltage power distribution products, electronic controllers and other electronic products 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 electrified powertrains. Our expertise and product portfolio support new vehicle electrical architectures, including the adoption of high-voltage electrified vehicle architectures and the transition to zone-based vehicle electrical architectures. We are expanding our capabilities and introducing new product lines, primarily within our electrical distribution and connections systems business and including intercell connect boards, BDUs, engineered components, high-voltage wire, high-speed data cables and zone control modules. Further, we are de-emphasizing and exiting certain electronics product lines, including audio modules, lighting modules, on-board chargers, telematics control units and niche electronic controllers, where we do not see a path to sustainable risk-adjusted financial returns.

In our E-Systems business, the electrification of the vehicle powertrain adds significant content per vehicle for our products, including high-voltage wire harnesses, high-voltage battery connection systems (intercell connect boards, bus bars and main battery connection systems) and BDUs. Higher performance and larger format electrified vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, as well as electrified vehicles with longer range, further increase content per vehicle and aligns favorably with our products, including high power-to-size ratio terminal systems, high performance BDUs and intercell connect boards.

In addition, the continuing evolution of the vehicle electrical architecture is introducing more highly integrated power management and control electronics (or zone control modules) and greatly expanding the use of high-speed data within the vehicle. Our customers are adopting these new architectures on both ICE and electrified powertrains to enable continued integration of more electrical and electronic content and to enable future software-defined functionality. These market demands align favorably with our expertise in zone control modules and high-speed data cables.

Our product portfolio strategy enables increased leverage of our investments across a focused product portfolio and creates a competitive advantage as we are able to offer our customers customized solutions optimized to provide complete architecture benefits. Our component designs consider the performance of the complete architecture, creating superior value for our customers. Our investments in electrification over the past fifteen 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.

Electrical Distribution and Connection Systems

Electrical distribution and connection systems route network and electrical signals and manage electrical power within the vehicle for all types of powertrains, including traditional ICE architectures and the full range of electrified powertrains, supporting the current industry trend toward electrification. Key components of electrical distribution and connection systems include wire harnesses, terminals and connectors, high voltage battery connection systems and engineered components for both ICE architectures and electrified powertrains that require management of higher voltage and power.

Wire harness assemblies, together with connection systems, 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 and 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 vehicles with electrified powertrains. 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 terminals and connectors, high-voltage battery connection systems and engineered components that join wire harnesses together at their respective end points or connect electronic devices to wire harnesses. 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. Connection systems support both low-voltage and high-voltage power distribution. Low-voltage connection systems are used on all light duty vehicles and high-voltage connection systems are used on vehicles with electrified powertrains. Our connection systems are produced using highly automated processes, including stamping, injection molding and automated assembly processes. In 2021, we entered into a partnership with Hu Lane Associate Inc., a world-class manufacturer of automotive connector products, to expand our business opportunities in connection systems through access to a broader catalog of product-enabling solutions for our customers. Our connection systems are currently manufactured in Germany, the Czech Republic, Morocco, China and the United States. Key material inputs to our connection systems business include metals, such as copper and aluminum, and various resins.

High voltage battery connection systems consist of stamped and molded components and assemblies that provide connections between battery cells, from the battery pack to the vehicle electrical architecture, and between other electrical components within the high-voltage battery pack. High-voltage battery connection systems can vary in size and design to accommodate various high-voltage battery architectures and enable safe and efficient electrified powertrain battery packs. Specific products include intercell connect boards, bus bars and main battery connection systems. These products are produced using highly automated processes, including stamping, bending, molding and assembly. We leverage our metal stamping capabilities in our Seating business to provide a competitive advantage for these products through vertical integration and supply chain management. Our established capabilities in connection systems and engineered components facilitate our ability to produce these products. Our high-voltage battery connection systems are produced in Germany, the United States, the Czech Republic, Mexico and China. Key material inputs to our high-voltage battery connection systems business include metals, such as copper, aluminum, and steel, and various resins.

Engineered components consist of molded components included in wire harness assemblies. These components perform specific functions, such as protection, routing, sealing or covering, to ensure that the wire harness assembly properly performs its function. In 2021, we acquired M&N Plastics, a privately owned injection molding specialist and manufacturer of engineered plastic components for automotive electrical distribution applications, which enabled the significant expansion of our footprint and capabilities with respect to engineered components. Engineered component capabilities are a significant contributor to vertically integrated product assemblies and enable business growth across electrical distribution and connection systems and our Seating business due to increased control of product cost and quality, as well as the supply chain. Engineered components are applicable to all vehicle architectures and are produced using molding processes. Our engineered components are currently manufactured in Germany, the Czech Republic, Morocco, China and the United States. Key material inputs to our engineered components are various resins.

High-Voltage Power Distribution Products, including BDUs

In our E-Systems segment, we also design, develop, engineer and manufacture high-voltage power distribution products, including BDUs. These products control the flow and distribution of high-voltage power throughout electrified vehicles and include BDUs which control all electrical energy flowing into and out of high-voltage batteries in electrified vehicles. More than fifteen years of experience in high-voltage power distribution products, together with our expertise in areas integral to the performance of BDUs, such as power and thermal management and electrical architecture integration, have contributed to our well-established market position and our ability to effectively and competitively supply BDUs. High-voltage power distribution products are applicable to all electrified powertrain vehicles, but the size, complexity and configuration can vary widely dependent upon the power requirements of individual vehicle platforms. Our high-voltage power distribution products are currently manufactured in Mexico, China, Spain and Morocco. Key material inputs to our high-voltage power distribution products include metals, including copper and aluminum, various resins, and power components, such as fuses, e-fuses and contactors.

Low-Voltage Power Distribution Products, Electronic Controllers and Other Electronic Products

In our E-Systems segment, we also design, develop, engineer and manufacture low-voltage power distribution products, electronic controllers and other electronic products that control various functions and power distribution within the vehicle. Our electronic product offerings include zone control modules, body domain modules and low-voltage power distribution units. These units are typically purchased with embedded software to manage vehicle functions, control power distribution and ensure vehicle network connection. We assemble these modules using specialized, high-speed surface mount placement equipment and assembly processes in Mexico, Europe, Northern Africa and China.

Technology

Our complete electrical distribution and connection system design capabilities, coupled with market-leading component technologies, allow early access to our customers' product development teams, which provides an indication of our customers' product needs and enables us to develop system design efficiencies. Our expertise is developed and delivered by approximately 2,200 engineers across fourteen countries and is led by four global technology centers of excellence in China, Germany, Spain and the United States for each of our major product lines in this segment.

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 connection system 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 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. In high-voltage battery connection systems, we have established a leading capability in power density (power per packaging size) that is being adopted by multiple automotive manufacturers. In addition, we have developed highly integrated and highly automated solutions to improve the performance of high-voltage batteries. 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 design, development and validation testing time and expense. Our ongoing and accelerating investments in Industry 4.0 technologies, including the automation of wire harness manufacturing, design for automation and digital transformation, will yield future efficiencies and flexibility to our operations.

In high-voltage power distribution products, including BDUs, and low-voltage power distribution products, we have developed many patented or patent pending technologies that enable management of higher power levels and efficient thermal management. Our technology and capabilities were awarded an Automotive News PACE Award for technological excellence in 2021. In addition, we partnered with BASF and General Motors to develop the BDU in the 2022 GMC Hummer EV and won the Society of Plastics Engineers Automotive Innovation Award for the electric and autonomous vehicle systems category in 2023. Our BDU capabilities enable the highest power large-format vehicles by utilizing innovative technologies, including flat-flex wires to quickly dissipate heat. Our product achieves a 20% weight reduction, 32% size reduction and 135% gain in current-carrying capability across 400 volt and 800 volt architectures, as compared to currently available architecture offerings. These technologies are also scalable to achieve superior performance for vehicles with lower power requirements.

In our electronic controllers and other electronic products, we are a market leader in zone control, body domain control and power distribution technology and began production of our Automotive News PACE Award-winning Solid State Smart Junction BoxTM in 2016. Further, our expertise in e-fuse technology is leading to new power distribution business awards as new architectures are adopted and functional safety requirements increase. Software is a critical element of our other electronic products business. Software capabilities are becoming more important in the management of complex and highly sophisticated electronic 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.

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

The top five customers of our E-Systems segment are: Ford, Geely (including Polestar and Volvo), Renault-Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen.

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 BDUs include Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited, Delta Electronics, Inc., LG Energy Systems, Ltd., Panasonic Holdings Corporation and Yazaki Corporation. Our major competitors in other electronic products include Aptiv PLC,

Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Harman International Industries, Incorporated (a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.), Hella (a subsidiary of Forvia SE), Robert Bosch GmbH, Valeo S.A. and Visteon Corporation.

Sustainability

Sustainability initiatives provide the opportunity to gain competitive advantages. For example, we believe that growing customer and consumer demand for sustainable products provides opportunities for growth, and the more efficient use of energy and natural resources provides the potential to lower our operating costs while reducing our impact on the environment. We are continuously working to embed responsible and sustainable principles into our key business processes and operations, including enterprise risk management, innovation, procurement, product and process development, and sales. Our sustainability 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 Governance and Sustainability Committee of our Board. We actively communicate our goals and activities to our investors in our public disclosures available on our website and in our SEC filings. Our sustainability efforts demonstrate how we live our core value to Get Results the Right Way, which we have reinforced by recommitting to the United Nations Global Compact each year since becoming a participant in 2020.

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction Efforts at Lear

• How We Are Driving Sustainability in Our Production Processes

We employ standardized processes globally that are designed to drive the efficient use of energy to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, prevention of pollution and use of safe and sustainable production processes. We have published carbon reduction goals that we intend to achieve by 2030, including 100% usage of renewable energy for our electricity consumption and a 50% reduction in carbon emissions at our sites globally, as well as an aspiration to be carbon neutral by 2050.

We are implementing a multifaceted approach to achieve these goals. In our internal operations, we are focused in large part on increasing our usage of renewable energy, as well as on efforts to reduce energy consumption and use energy more efficiently. In particular, we have developed, and are implementing, a comprehensive renewable energy strategy which includes the following:

• On-site renewable energy generation at certain sites (we currently have solar arrays operating at 14 sites in Europe, South America and China);
• Virtual power purchase agreements, where viable, to support new renewable energy projects; and
• Purchasing energy attribution certifications from energy providers, whether bundled with existing energy purchases or unbundled in certain regions.

Our operations globally use our Energy Efficiency, Water Usage and Waste Generation Playbooks to promote sustainable practices within our facilities, while at the same time increasing operational efficiency and reducing costs. As an example, leveraging the best practices outlined in our Energy Efficiency Playbook, our global teams completed 170 energy efficiency projects, potentially saving nearly 6 million kWh of energy globally. In addition, our facilities' specifications for new construction and significant building refurbishments require the consideration of more energy efficient systems, such as heating and cooling systems, wherever practicable.

While the foregoing efforts will help us drive toward the elimination of carbon emissions in those areas we directly control (Scope 1 and 2 emissions), we are also progressing toward our longer-term overall goal of carbon neutrality across our value chain (including Scope 3 emissions). In terms of our supply chain, we are communicating our carbon and renewable energy goals, as well as our expectation that our suppliers have, and follow, their own internal policies regarding the conservation and efficient use of natural resources, including energy.

• How We Are Driving Sustainable Products

The automotive industry remains focused on the development of sustainable transportation solutions, particularly in light of the continued focus on climate change and environmental sustainability among governments, non-governmental organizations, consumers and other stakeholders. This focus is increasing the expectations, and in some cases, leading to regulatory requirements, that the automotive industry reduce the carbon emissions generated by vehicles, which is expected to increase the adoption of electric vehicles in the coming years.

Certain of our product offerings are designed to capitalize on these evolving regulatory requirements and consumer preferences, such as electrical distribution and connection systems and BDUs designed for high-voltage applications, providing growth opportunities for our business. Our thermal comfort systems can increase the efficiency of a vehicle's HVAC system and, in turn, potentially facilitate an increased range for electric vehicles. In addition, our lightweight components and vertical integration capabilities can facilitate weight reductions and other performance efficiencies in our products, in turn enabling lower emissions and increased battery driving range.

Our customers' focus on sustainability is aligned with our efforts to develop products that are more environmentally sustainable. These products include, without limitation, FlexAirTM, our 100% recyclable non-foam alternative, ReNewKnitTM, our sustainable sueded alternative material that is fully recyclable at its end of life and composed of 100% recycled material, and SoyFoamTM, a substitute for certain petroleum-based products.

We are also committed to working with our suppliers and customers to source raw materials, including leather, in a sustainable manner. Our leather operations source cattle hides as a byproduct of the beef industry and are helping to protect forests by working to eliminate purchases of such hides from cattle farms involved in deforestation and forest degradation. Our No Deforestation Policy aligns with industry standards and requires of our suppliers:

• Supply chain transparency, so that all materials supplied to us are from legal sources;
• Land is not clear-cut or burned for production or development; and
• Compliance with governmental laws, regulations and guidelines regarding deforestation.

With respect to the Amazon rainforest, 100% of the direct Brazilian suppliers to our leather operations use georeferencing technology to confirm that their suppliers did not directly buy cattle from farms involved in deforestation, invasion of indigenous and protected areas or other human rights violations. To monitor our suppliers' compliance with these requirements, we may conduct audits or assessments and/or require third-party verification.

Other Sustainability And Governance Initiatives

We are especially proud of our employees’ efforts to support our global communities. Through our Operation GIVE campaign at our Southfield, Michigan headquarters, nearly $1 million in employee contributions benefited local programs focused on economic well-being, education and the environment in 2023. In addition, our teams completed numerous volunteer projects to support the global communities where we live and work.

Our commitment to human rights is set forth in our Human Rights Policy which clearly defines how we approach, govern and defend the dignity of people throughout our operations, our global supply chain and our communities.

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. Our Board and its Audit and Governance and Sustainability 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 Global Requirements Manual and Code of Conduct for Suppliers. We monitor and assess their compliance both internally and through the use of a third party.

Human Capital Management

Our human capital management strategy is based on our belief that an important factor in delivering the highest quality products and services is to maintain a work environment that prioritizes safety and fosters collaboration, inclusion, tolerance and respect for our 186,600 employees around the world. Our Board and its People and Compensation Committee oversee this strategy.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our employment levels worldwide were approximately as follows:

Our compensation and benefits strategy is designed to be competitive in the countries in which we operate to motivate our employees to perform to the best of their abilities, to achieve our objectives and to align the interests of our employees with the interests of our stakeholders. Our compensation package includes salary and both performance-based and long-term incentive programs, as appropriate for each role. We also provide a multitude of market-competitive benefits, which may include medical, life and disability insurance, contributory retirement savings plan, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.

A substantial number of our employees are members of industrial trade 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. 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. The majority of our employees in Mexico and Europe are members 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 infrequently experienced labor disputes at our plants. We have been able to resolve all such labor disputes and believe that 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."

Ethics and Compliance

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 we have established a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to assist employees in this regard. In 2022, we updated our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to include additional or enhanced sections on certain of these topics, as well as on topics such as social media, human rights, and diversity and inclusion. We encourage employees to report concerns through a variety of channels, including a compliance and ethics toll-free number, an online form and a mobile app, each of which allows for anonymous reporting. Our ethics and compliance team reviews every report and, when appropriate, conducts an investigation. 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. Our health and safety management system is compliant with the International Organization for Standardization ("ISO") 45001 standard, and we are currently implementing a more comprehensive program which combines ISO 14001 and 45001 requirements to improve efficiency and performance. 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.

Our employees also support healthier lifestyles through our Driving Wellness campaign. Local teams around the world plan activities, such as mental health awareness events, first aid training and on-site physical fitness initiatives, that are focused on promoting increased physical, emotional and mental wellness. This program has been expanded globally since its inception in 2022.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ("DEI")

We strive to build a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion not only through our human resource policies and practices but also by actively monitoring pay equity and working to eliminate discrimination and harassment in all of its forms. Since 2022, our employees participated in more than 200,000 hours of DEI and anti-harassment training. In addition, our global executives and U.S. managers at our Southfield, Michigan headquarters have completed our Connecting with Others DEI training, which helps our employees identify barriers to inclusion and learn behaviors that both promote inclusion and establish stronger connections. Our Together We Belong program continues to help our employees learn to navigate difficult conversations, support our colleagues and celebrate the many facets of diversity.

In 2021, we introduced Together We Grow, a merit-based program designed to help future leaders from historically underrepresented groups build their careers at Lear. This program provides participants with meaningful development and proactive career management. With an emphasis on engagement and relationship building, this program continues to support our next generation of leaders, maximizing their full potential. We are currently working to expand the program globally.

In 2023, we launched our JumpStart program, attracting mid-career professionals who had previously chosen to pause their careers for a variety of personal reasons. Leveraging our internal referral process, we found participants that were eager to update their skills and, with support, ready to return to full-time employment. During the 12-week program, participants receive custom onboarding, attend professional development and technical training workshops, and are assigned a job coach.

We are also proud of our six employee resource groups, representing 15 countries. Each employee-led resource group is supported by an executive sponsor and is open to all employees, with a goal of fostering a culture where everyone in our diverse and global workforce feels engaged, accepted and valued. Over the last two years, the employee resource groups have held over 1,300 events, including lunch and learns, trainings, and volunteer and social activities.

Talent, Education and Development

We are committed to the continued development of our employees. In 2023, we delivered more than seven million hours of safety, development, leadership, quality, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and ISO and IATF certification training. We offer several professional development and leadership programs in the United States, Europe, Asia, Mexico and South America. 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.

Employee Engagement and Culture

Launched in 2017, Together We Win ("TWW") is Lear's global employee engagement program focused on driving cultural change in our operations. Plants advance through four segments — leadership, work environment, employee involvement and team empowerment. TWW unites manufacturing employees across the globe in achieving excellence based on key operations and employee engagement metrics, such as quality, absenteeism, health and safety performance, and operational efficiency. Our approach towards employee engagement has evolved into an employee experience framework based on three main chapters of the employee lifecycle: attract and recruit, learn and grow, and perform and reward.

Champions of Lear celebrates our global operations and our hourly and salaried employees who represent the best-of-the-best in our company. Individuals, teams or plants submit an application which is reviewed by a diverse panel of judges, including Lear leadership. Award categories honor achievements in engagement, customer appreciation, innovation, supply chain, quality, safety, operational excellence, sustainability and continuous improvement.

Customers

In 2023, General Motors, one of the largest automotive and light truck manufacturers in the world, accounted for 20% of our net sales. In addition, Ford and Volkswagen each accounted for 11%, and Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis each accounted for 10%, of our 2023 net sales. Through acquisitions and organic growth, we strive to diversify our customer base to be reflective of the evolving regional markets in which we operate. 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 selectively expanded certain of our product offerings and component capabilities and continue to invest in manufacturing capacity in low-cost regions to enhance our cost structure and increase our vertical integration opportunities and participation in our customers' direct component sourcing.

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 core 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 and the impact of the wind down of non-core products in our E-Systems business. As of January 2024, our 2024 to 2026 sales backlog is $2.8 billion. Our current sales backlog reflects $1.2 billion related to 2024, of which 58% and 42% is related to our Seating and E-Systems segments, respectively. In addition, our 2024 to 2026 sales backlog at our non-consolidated joint ventures is approximately $650 million. Our current sales backlog assumes volumes based on the independent industry projections of S&P Global Mobility as of December 2023 and internal estimates, a Euro exchange rate of $1.09/Euro and a Chinese renminbi exchange rate of 7.15/$. 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 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, 2023, consisted of 27% passenger cars, 54% crossover and sport utility vehicles and 19% 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, commodity, product component and labor costs can be volatile. Although we have developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of such 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 price environment. In addition, we are exposed to 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 Capital Resources — Commodity Prices" and Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk — Market Risk Sensitivity — Foreign Exchange."

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 holidays and/or model year changeovers, as well as in December when many customer plants close for the holidays.

Raw Materials

The principal raw materials used in our seat systems, electrical distribution and connection systems, BDUs and other electronic products are generally available and obtained from multiple suppliers under various types of supply agreements. Components such as seat trim covers, surface materials such as leather and fabric, seat mechanisms, seat foam, thermal comfort systems such as seat heating, ventilation, active cooling, pneumatic lumbar and massage products, headrests, connection systems and certain other components are either manufactured by us internally or purchased from multiple suppliers under various types of supply agreements (certain of which are sourced by our customers and certain of which are sourced by us). 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 connection systems, 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.

Intellectual Property

Worldwide, we have approximately 2,600 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.

Advanced technology development is conducted worldwide at our seven 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 GUILFORD® and EAGLE OTTAWA®. ConfigurE+TM seating, FlexAirTM non-foam alternative, INTUTM seating, ProTec® active head restraints, ReNewKnitTM fabrics, SMART JUNCTION BOXTM technology, SoyFoamTM foam substitute, STRUCSURETM systems and TeXstyleTM fabrics are some of our other trademarks used in connection with certain of our product lines.

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 our 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, "Legal and Other 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 that advance sustainability, such as ReNewKnitTM, FlexAirTM and SoyFoamTM, 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.

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 and used to expand our customer relationships.

As of December 31, 2023, we had sixteen operating joint ventures located in five countries. Of these joint ventures, six are consolidated, and ten are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Fourteen 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 7% of our net sales in 2023. As of December 31, 2023, our investments in non-consolidated joint ventures totaled $217 million.

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.

20

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 the availability of raw materials and components, and our content per vehicle. The automotive industry is cyclical and sensitive to general economic conditions, including interest rates, inflation, consumer spending levels and geopolitical issues. Automotive sales and production can also be affected by the age of the vehicle fleet and related scrappage rates, labor relations issues and shortages, fuel prices, regulatory requirements, government initiatives, trade agreements, tariffs and other non-tariff trade barriers, the availability and cost of credit, the availability and cost of critical components needed to complete the production of vehicles, logistics issues, restructuring actions of our customers and suppliers, facility closures and increased competition, as well as consumer preferences regarding vehicle powertrains (including preferences regarding hybrid and electric vehicles), size, configuration and features, among other factors.

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.

• Increases in the costs and restrictions on the availability of raw materials, energy, commodities, product components and labor could adversely affect our financial performance.

Raw material, energy, commodity, product component and labor costs can be volatile. Although we have developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of such costs, these strategies, together with commercial negotiations with our customers and suppliers, do not typically offset all of the adverse impact. Certain of these strategies also may limit our opportunities in a declining price environment. In addition, the availability of raw materials, energy, commodities, product components and labor fluctuates from time to time due to factors outside of our control, including trade laws and restrictions, natural disasters and other supply chain disruptions, which may impact our ability to meet the production demands of our customers. Increases in the costs of raw materials, energy, commodities, product components and labor, or restrictions on the availability thereof, could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

• 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 adversely affect our financial performance.

We receive purchase orders from our customers, which generally provide for the supply of a customer's requirements for a particular vehicle model and assembly plant for the life of a particular vehicle program, rather than for the purchase of a specific quantity of products. It is possible that a particular vehicle model is not successful with consumers or that our customers elect to manufacture our products internally, purchase our products from other suppliers 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 enhancements 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 and preferences of our customers and consumers. We continually evaluate operational and strategic alternatives to improve our business structure by investing in vertical integration opportunities globally and rationalizing our product portfolio to improve profitability. Our inability to achieve product cost reductions that offset customer-imposed price reductions 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 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 or other significant disruptions. 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.

• 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 88,000 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 86% of our global unionized work force, including labor agreements in the United States and Canada covering approximately 2% of our global unionized workforce, are scheduled to expire in 2024. There can be no assurances that these upcoming negotiations or any other 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, the 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 financial condition and operating results.

• Our ability to attract, develop, engage and retain qualified employees could affect our ability to execute our strategy.

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to identify and attract qualified candidates with the requisite education, background and experience, as well as our ability to develop, engage and retain qualified employees. Failure to attract, develop, engage and retain qualified employees, whether as a result of an insufficient number of qualified applicants, difficulty in recruiting new employees or inadequate resources to train, integrate and retain qualified employees, could impair our ability to execute our business strategy and could adversely affect our business. In addition, while we strive to reduce the impact of the departure of employees, our operations and our ability to execute our business strategy and meet our business objectives may be affected by the loss of employees, particularly when departures involve larger numbers of employees. Higher rates of employee separations may adversely affect us through decreased employee morale, the loss of knowledge of departing employees and the devotion of resources to recruiting and onboarding new employees.

• Our substantial international operations make us vulnerable to risks associated with doing business in foreign countries.

We have substantial international operations, with manufacturing and distribution facilities in many foreign countries, including Mexico and countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and Europe. Some of the markets in which we do business may have volatile economic and/or political environments. This may expose us to heightened risks as a result of economic, geopolitical or other events, 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, such as the actions taken by Russia in Ukraine);
• labor unrest;
• expropriation, governmental takeover 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;
• trade wars;
• 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 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.

• Certain of our operations are conducted through joint ventures which have unique risks.

Certain of our operations, particularly in Asia, 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, which may require additional organizational formalities, as well as the sharing of information and decision making. Additional risks associated with joint ventures include one or more partners failing to satisfy contractual obligations, the ability to enforce such 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 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 strategy is based on four pillars designed to drive growth and profitability: (1) extend our market leadership position in Seating with priceable features; (2) transform our E-Systems business through accelerated growth in connection systems, vehicle architecture evolution and electrification, and the rationalization of our product portfolio to improve profitability; (3) build on our reputation for operational excellence through investment in Industry 4.0 technologies; and (4) prioritize people and the planet through our sustainability initiatives to drive business growth, cost reductions and improved employee retention. 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.

• 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. 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.

• 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 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 the increasing adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles. 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 may be 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.

• If we do not respond appropriately, the evolution of the global transportation industry toward electrification could adversely affect our business.

The global transportation industry is increasingly focused on the development of more fuel-efficient solutions to meet demands from consumers and governments worldwide to address climate change and an increased desire for environmentally sustainable solutions. The impacts of these changes on us are uncertain and could ultimately prove dramatic. If we do not respond appropriately, the evolution toward electrification and other energy sources could adversely affect our business. The increased adoption of electrified and other non-internal combustion-based powertrains, such as fuel cells, may result in lower demand for some of our products. The evolution of the industry toward electrification has also attracted increased competition from entrants outside of the traditional light vehicle industry, some of whom may seek to provide products which compete with ours. Failure to innovate and to develop or acquire new and compelling products that capitalize upon new technologies in response to these evolving consumer preferences and demands could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

• A disruption in our information technology systems, or those of our customers, suppliers, sub-suppliers or other contract parties, 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, if not increase, 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. For this reason, we maintain cyber liability insurance to provide additional support during significant events, as well as a level of financial protection in the event of certain cybersecurity-related losses. 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 operations, damage our reputation or cause a loss of confidence in our products or services, any of which could adversely affect our financial performance.

• Pandemics, epidemics, disease outbreaks and other public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have disrupted our business and operations, and future public health crises could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

Pandemics, epidemics or disease outbreaks in the United States or globally, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have disrupted, and may disrupt in the future, our business, which could materially affect our financial condition including liquidity, operating results and future expectations. Any such events may adversely impact our global supply chain and global manufacturing operations and cause us to again suspend our operations. In particular, we could experience among other things: (1) continued or additional global supply disruptions, including component and material shortages; (2) labor disruptions; (3) an inability to manufacture; (4) a decline in consumer demand; and (5) an impaired ability to access credit and capital markets. Any future public health crises, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows going forward.

• Perspectives on global climate change and other sustainability matters by various stakeholders could adversely affect our business.

Customer, investor, employee and other stakeholder expectations of us and our supply base in areas such as the environment, social matters and corporate governance continue to evolve. The enhanced stakeholder focus on sustainability requires continuous monitoring of various and evolving standards and their associated requirements, and may result in potentially differing perspectives on these topics among stakeholders. Our failure, or that of our supply base, to adequately meet stakeholder expectations or address stakeholder concerns, including concerns about environmental impacts and similar matters, may result in, among other things, negative sentiment toward us or our products, the loss of business, diluted market valuation, an inability to attract customers or an inability to attract and retain top talent.

• Global climate change could adversely affect our business.

The effects of climate change, such as extreme weather conditions, could impact our business. Such effects could disrupt our operations by, among other things, impacting the availability and cost of materials needed for manufacturing and could increase insurance and other operating costs. These factors may impact our decisions to construct new facilities or maintain existing facilities in areas most prone to physical climate risks, as well as our decisions regarding business strategy, capital allocation and innovation. We could also experience indirect financial risks passed through the supply chain and disruptions that could result in increased prices for our products and the resources needed to produce them.

• 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.

• Significant changes in discount rates, the actual return on pension assets and other factors related to our global defined benefit plans 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.

• Unanticipated changes in our effective tax rate, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could adversely affect our profitability.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate and cash tax liability in the future could be adversely affected by the enactment of new tax legislation, changes in the level and mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax holiday status. The carrying value of deferred tax assets, which are predominantly in the United Sates, is dependent on our ability to generate future taxable income in the United States. We are also subject to ongoing tax audits globally. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve and can be highly judgmental. Tax authorities may disagree with certain of our tax reporting positions and, as a result, assess additional taxes against us. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of these audits to determine the appropriateness of our gross unrecognized tax benefits. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of current and future tax audits could be materially different from the amounts previously included in our income tax provision and, therefore, could have a material impact on our income tax provision.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ("OECD") issued new guidelines, known as "Pillar Two," to implement a 15% global corporate minimum tax to address gaps in current tax laws and ensure that large multinational enterprises pay a minimum level of tax in the countries in which they operate. Countries may implement the OECD Pillar Two model rules as issued, in a modified form or not at all. A number of countries have passed legislation enacting certain parts of the OECD’s Pillar Two framework effective in 2024. As a result of the uncertainty, OECD Pillar Two could have a material impact on our effective tax rate and result in higher cash tax liabilities depending on which countries enact minimum tax legislation and in what manner.

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, 2023, we had approximately $2.7 billion of outstanding indebtedness, as well as $2.0 billion available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2023, 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.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

• 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. Our customers may also pursue claims against us for contribution of all or a portion of the amounts sought in connection with product liability, warranty and recall claims related to our products. We carry insurance for certain product liability claims, but such coverage may be limited. We do not maintain insurance for 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.

• The continuing focus on human rights and environmental laws and regulations, as well as related customer requirements, globally could cause us to incur significant costs.

Concerns over human rights, environmental pollution and climate change have produced significant legislative and regulatory efforts globally. In addition, our customers have imposed various requirements on their suppliers, including us, in response to these concerns. We expect that these regulatory and customer requirements will continue to increase in number and breadth of scope for the foreseeable future, thereby affecting our business. Complying with these requirements will likely require us to incur costs, make investments in new innovations and/or change product and production processes, certain of which could be significant. If we fail to comply with these requirements, we could be subject to lost business opportunities and/or future liabilities, which could adversely affect our reputation, business, 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, increasingly, sustainability matters. Governmental regulations also affect taxes and levies, capital markets, healthcare costs, energy usage, data privacy, international trade and immigration, human rights and other labor issues (including labor costs), 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 may incur fines or penalties, damage to our reputation or other adverse consequences if our employees, suppliers, sub-suppliers or other contract parties, agents or business partners violate anti-bribery, competition, export and import, trade sanctions, data privacy, environmental, human rights or other laws.

We are subject to regulation under a wide variety of U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. laws, regulations and policies, including laws related to anti-corruption, human rights, anti-bribery, export and import compliance, trade sanctions, data privacy, anti-trust and money laundering, due to our domestic and global operations. In particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and we operate in many parts of the world that have experienced government corruption to some degree. We cannot provide assurance our internal controls will always protect us from the improper conduct of our employees, suppliers, sub-suppliers or other contract parties, agents and business partners. Violations of these laws, which are complex, may conflict with laws of other jurisdictions and often are difficult to interpret and apply, could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the United States and other jurisdictions, could lead to substantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties and related stockholder lawsuits, could lead to increased costs of compliance and could damage 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.

• International trade policies, including protectionist trade policies, such as tariffs and sanctions, could adversely affect our financial performance.

Because of the interconnectedness of the global economy, policy changes in one area of the world can have an immediate and material adverse impact on markets around the world. Changes in international trade policies, including: (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, can adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ("USMCA"), which serves as the successor agreement to the North American Free Trade Agreement, became effective on July 1, 2020. There can be no assurance that the ongoing transition to the higher North American automotive content requirements in the USMCA will not adversely affect our business. In addition, China presents unique risks to U.S. automotive manufacturers due to the strain in U.S.-China relations, China’s unique regulatory landscape and the level of integration with key components in our global supply chain. It remains unclear what specific actions the current U.S. administration may take to resolve trade-related issues with China and other countries.

Further, the U.S. government, other governments and international organizations could impose additional tariffs, sanctions or export controls that could restrict us from doing business directly or indirectly in or with certain countries or parties, which could include affiliates. Any of the above could impact our supply chain, as well as our operations, and adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.

Risk Management and Strategy

We have implemented and maintain multiple layers of physical, administrative and technical security processes designed to protect our manufacturing facilities from disruptions that may result from cybersecurity incidents, as well as safeguard the confidentiality of our critical systems, and data residing on those systems, including employee data, customer data and intellectual property. Our risk assessment and management of material risks from cybersecurity threats is integrated into our overall enterprise risk management process, as well as our information systems processes. Our strategy includes regular formal risk assessments, dynamic risk and threat analysis, utilization of security tools, regular cybersecurity-related tabletop and phishing exercises designed to simulate cybersecurity incidents, and frequent security awareness and technical security trainings. We conduct periodic internal and third-party assessments to evaluate our cybersecurity posture and test and assess our incident response program, incident roles and responsibilities, material impact evaluation, and decision-making processes in the event of a cybersecurity incident. We use our risk and security assessments to enhance our information security capabilities. We also have an internal employee network of hundreds of security awareness ambassadors from diverse functions throughout our global locations who inform our personnel concerning threat awareness and cybersecurity risk mitigation.

Depending on the environment, we implement and maintain various technical, physical and organizational measures, processes, standards and policies designed to manage and mitigate material risks from cybersecurity threats to our information systems and data, including an incident response policy, plan, procedures and scenario-based playbooks, an incident detection and response program, a vulnerability management program, disaster recovery and business continuity plans, risk assessment processes, security standards, network security controls, access controls, systems monitoring, employee awareness training and cybersecurity insurance. We have obtained Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX) certification labels at multiple global locations.

Our internal information security team oversees and works collaboratively with various information security service providers. Our cybersecurity program incorporates external guidance and expertise through the use of third-party service providers to assist in the identification, assessment and management of risks specific to cybersecurity threats, including vendors providing threat intelligence, risk mitigation, dark web monitoring, external scanning and scoring, threat and reputation monitoring, forensics, cyber-insurance, advisory services and legal counsel. We use a managed security service provider to augment our internal information security team and to provide additional monitoring capabilities. We also have a vendor management program addressing cybersecurity risk associated with application providers, hosting services and information technology support services we may retain. This program includes security questionnaires, review of vendor security programs, review of security assessments and assurance reports, vulnerability scans, and direct inquiries and collaboration with our vendors’ security personnel. Our vendor management process involves different levels of assessment depending on the services provided by the vendor, the sensitivity of the related information systems and data, and the identity of the provider. It is designed to help identify cybersecurity risks associated with a provider and impose contractual obligations related to cybersecurity on the provider.

We have an incident response plan that includes scenario-based playbooks for managing cybersecurity incidents and associated crisis communication procedures designed to facilitate coordination across the Company and with our partners, customers, the public and others.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, there have been no risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For a description of risks related to our information technology systems, including cybersecurity threats, see Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

In addition, we have product cybersecurity risk assessment and management processes in place within our E-Systems business, where our products are more susceptible to cybersecurity threats, that align our internal policies, standards and development practices with customer requirements and industry standards, including the International Organization for Standardization ("ISO") 21434 control framework specific to road vehicle cybersecurity engineering. We received our ISO 21434 Road Vehicle Cybersecurity Engineering certification in 2023.

Governance

Our Board of Directors (the "Board") addresses our cybersecurity risk management as part of its general oversight function. The Audit Committee of the Board (the "Audit Committee") is responsible for overseeing our cybersecurity risk management processes, including our assessment and mitigation of material risks from cybersecurity threats. The Audit Committee receives regular reports, summaries or presentations related to cybersecurity threats, risk, mitigation and related processes from the Chief Information Officer ("CIO") and Chief Information Security Officer ("CISO"). In addition, on at least an annual basis, the Board receives reports, summaries or presentations related to cybersecurity threats, risk, mitigation and related processes.

Our cybersecurity risk assessment and management processes are implemented and maintained by our CIO and CISO, who are supported by other members of management, as necessary. Our CIO and CISO are responsible for approving budgets, cybersecurity incident preparedness, approving cybersecurity processes, reviewing security assessments and other security-related reports, and providing the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") with regular updates on cybersecurity-related matters. Our CIO has served in this role for three years and has more than 28 years of relevant experience, including previous roles as the CIO for two companies and the divisional information technology leader for two companies. Our CISO, who reports to the CIO, has served in this role for two years and has more than 28 years of relevant experience, including a focus on information security and cybersecurity for the last 15 years. Our CISO was previously the CISO for another automotive supplier. In addition, our CISO is very engaged in the cybersecurity community through current and past involvement with organizations such as the chair of General Motors Supplier Automotive Community and a member of Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center, Michigan Infragard, Domestic Security Alliance Council and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers cybersecurity workgroup. In addition, we have an information security team comprised of dozens of employees dedicated to cybersecurity with extensive experience and relevant certifications. The CIO and CISO are responsible for hiring appropriate personnel, assisting with the integration of cybersecurity risk considerations into our overall risk management strategy, communicating key priorities to relevant personnel, and mitigating and remediating in the event of a cybersecurity incident. Our product cybersecurity risk assessment and management processes are implemented and maintained by E-Systems management, including the Division President; Vice President of Global Strategy, Product Management and Electronics Engineering; and Vice President of Product Integrity and Technology. Our product security team within our E-Systems business consists of a team of employees dedicated to product cybersecurity engineering.

Our cybersecurity incident response and vulnerability management programs are designed to escalate certain cybersecurity incidents to various levels of management depending on the circumstances, including our CIO, CISO, General Counsel, Division Presidents, CFO and/or Chief Executive Officer (collectively, "Senior Management") and, in the instance of product cybersecurity, our E-Systems Safety Committee. Senior Management works with our incident response team to help mitigate and remediate certain escalated cybersecurity incidents. In addition, our incident response and vulnerability management programs include reporting certain cybersecurity incidents to the Audit Committee and, in certain circumstances, to the Board.

As of December 31, 2023, our properties include just-in-time manufacturing facilities, component manufacturing facilities, sequencing and distribution sites, and dedicated administrative/technical support facilities in 38 countries. A summary of these properties by operating segment and by region is shown below:

In addition, we have 13 general administrative/technical support facilities. Our properties include seven advanced technology centers (one at our corporate headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, one additional in North America, two in Europe and three in Asia). Of our 265 total properties, 96 are owned and 169 are leased.

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, "Legal and Other Contingencies," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Executive Overview

Lear Corporation is a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, enabling superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world. We supply complete seat systems, key seat components, complete electrical distribution and connection systems, high-voltage power distribution products, including battery disconnect units ("BDUs"), low-voltage power distribution products, electronic controllers and other electronic products to all of the world's major automotive manufacturers.

Lear is 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, as well as our global reach and competitive manufacturing footprint, to achieve our financial goals and objectives. These include 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 capital to our stockholders. Further, we have aligned our strategy with key trends affecting our business — primarily electrification. At Lear, we are Making every drive betterTM by providing technology for safer, smarter and more comfortable journeys, while adhering to our values — Be Inclusive. Be Inventive. Get Results the Right Way.

Our business is organized under two reporting segments: Seating and E-Systems. Each of these segments has a varied product and technology portfolio across a number of component categories.

Our Seating business consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete seat systems and key seat components. Our capabilities in operations and supply chain management enable synchronized assembly and just-in-time delivery of complex complete seat systems at high volumes to our customers. 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; thermal comfort systems such as seat heating, ventilation, active cooling, pneumatic lumbar and massage products; and headrests. All of these products are compatible with traditional internal combustion engine ("ICE") architectures and electrified powertrains, including the full range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric architectures. Our thermal comfort systems are facilitated by our seat system, component and integration capabilities, together with our competencies in electronics, sensors, software and algorithms.

Our E-Systems business consists of the design, development, engineering and manufacture of complete electrical distribution and connection systems; high-voltage power distribution products, including BDUs; and low-voltage power distribution products, electronic controllers and other electronic products. These capabilities enable us to provide our customers with customizable solutions with optimized designs at competitive costs for both low-voltage and high-voltage vehicle architectures. Electrical distribution and connection systems utilize low-voltage and high-voltage wire, 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 electrified powertrains that require management of higher voltage and power. Key components of our electrical distribution and connection systems portfolio include wire harnesses, terminals and connectors, high-voltage battery connection systems and engineered components. High-voltage battery connection systems include intercell connect boards, bus bars and main battery connection systems. High-voltage power distribution products control the flow and distribution of high-voltage power throughout electrified vehicles and include BDUs which control all electrical energy flowing into and out of high-voltage batteries in electrified vehicles. Low-voltage power distribution products, electronic controllers and other electronic products facilitate signal, data and/or power management within the vehicle and include the associated software required to facilitate these functions. Key components of our other electronic products portfolio include zone control modules, body domain control modules and low-voltage and high-voltage power distribution modules. Our software offerings include embedded control, cybersecurity software and software to control hardware devices. Our customers traditionally have sourced our electronic hardware together with the software that we embed in it.

We serve all of the world's major automotive manufacturers through both our Seating and E-Systems businesses, and we have automotive content on more than 475 vehicle nameplates worldwide. It is common for us to have both seating and electrical and/or electronic content on the same vehicle platform.

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, complex, global supply chain management, global engineering and program management, the agility to establish and/or transfer production between facilities quickly, and a unique, customer-focused culture. In select instances, we are able to manufacture both Seating and E-Systems components in the same facility. Our businesses also utilize proprietary, industry-specific processes and standards, leverage common low-cost engineering centers and share centralized operating support functions. These functions include health and safety, logistics, quality, supply chain management and all major administrative functions, such as corporate finance, executive administration, human resources, information technology and legal. We continue to build on our reputation for operational excellence through investment in Industry 4.0 technologies. Industry 4.0 refers to the current era of digital transformation in manufacturing. It involves the integration of new technologies, such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and advanced automation, into production facilities and business operations. These technologies enable smart and automated machines and smart factories to communicate, analyze and optimize processes and products, resulting in higher efficiency, quality and responsiveness to customers.

Industry Overview

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 the availability of raw materials and components, and our content per vehicle. In 2020, the automotive industry experienced a significant decline in global production volumes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, industry production recovered modestly, increasing 8% compared to 2021. In 2023, industry production increased 9% compared to 2022. This reflects a return to 2019 pre-pandemic production levels but remains 5% below 2017 peak levels. Since 2020, the global economy, as well as the automotive industry, have been influenced directly and indirectly by macroeconomic events resulting in unfavorable conditions, including shortages of semiconductor chips and other components, elevated inflation levels on commodities and labor, higher interest rates, and labor and energy shortages in certain markets. Beginning in the third quarter of 2023 and continuing into the fourth quarter of 2023, the automotive industry was impacted by labor strikes and related disruptions at certain facilities in the United States. Certain of these factors, among others, continue to impact consumer demand, as well as the ability of automotive manufacturers to produce vehicles to meet demand. Our strategy to mitigate these impacts encompasses our comprehensive cost management process, including cost technology optimization, actions to further align our manufacturing capacity to the current industry production environment and investments in Industry 4.0 technologies. This will allow us to enhance operational efficiencies, improve the utilization of existing facilities and equipment to reduce future expenditures, and streamline and automate administrative functions. For a description of risks related to macroeconomic events, see Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

Global automotive industry production volumes in 2023, as compared to 2022, are shown below (in thousands of units):

(1) Production data based on S&P Global Mobility.

(2) Production data for 2022 has been updated from our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect actual production levels.

Automotive sales and production can also be affected by the age of the vehicle fleet and related scrappage rates, labor relations issues and shortages, fuel prices, regulatory requirements, government initiatives, trade agreements, tariffs and other non-tariff trade barriers, the availability and cost of credit, the availability and cost of critical components needed to complete the production of vehicles, logistics issues, restructuring actions of our customers and suppliers, facility closures and increased competition, as well as consumer preferences regarding vehicle powertrains (including preferences regarding hybrid and electric vehicles), size, configuration and features, among 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, including the level of vertical integration, 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 2023 and 2022 is shown below:

Our ability to reduce the risks inherent in certain concentrations of our 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.

The automotive industry, and our business, continue to be shaped by the broad trend of electrification, which is likely to be at the forefront of the industry for the foreseeable future. Demand for, and regulatory developments related to, improved energy efficiency and sustainability (e.g., government mandates related to fuel economy and carbon emissions) are significant drivers of this trend.

Through our products, technology and strategic initiatives, we are well positioned to capitalize on business growth opportunities. We are focused on profitably growing our businesses and have implemented a strategy designed to deliver industry-leading, long-term financial returns. This strategy is based on the following four pillars designed to drive growth and profitability in both of our business segments:

• Extend our market leadership position in Seating with priceable features;
• Transform our E-Systems business through accelerated growth in connection systems, vehicle architecture evolution and electrification, and the rationalization of our product portfolio to improve profitability;
• Build on our reputation for operational excellence through investment in Industry 4.0 technologies; and
• Prioritize people and the planet through our sustainability initiatives to drive business growth, cost reductions and improved employee retention.

For further information related to 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 offset these price reductions with product cost reductions through product design enhancement, supply chain management, 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 and anticipate 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.

Our material cost as a percentage of net sales was 65.2% in 2023, as compared to 66.1% in 2022 and 65.4% in 2021. Raw material, energy, commodity and product component costs can be volatile, reflecting, among other things, changes in supply and demand, logistics issues, global trade and tariff policies, and geopolitical issues. Our primary commodity cost exposures relate to steel, copper and leather. We have developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of such costs through the selective in-sourcing of components, the continued consolidation of our supply base, longer-term purchase commitments, contractual recovery mechanisms and the selective expansion of low-cost country sourcing and engineering, as well as value engineering and product benchmarking. Further, our exposure to changes in steel prices is primarily indirect, through purchased components, and a significant portion of our copper, leather and direct steel purchases are subject to price index agreements with our customers and suppliers. Certain of these strategies also may limit our opportunities in a declining price environment. In the current environment of elevated raw material, energy, commodity and product component costs, these strategies, together with commercial negotiations with our customers and suppliers, have offset a significant portion of the adverse impact. In addition, the availability of raw materials, energy, 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, product components and labor 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. Our strategy includes expanding our business with new and existing customers globally through new products, including those aligned with the trend toward electrification. We have also increased our vertical integration capabilities globally, as well as expanded our component manufacturing capacity in Asia, Eastern Europe, Mexico and Northern Africa and 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 supplier payment terms with our customer payment terms. However, our ability to continue to do so may be impacted by adverse automotive industry conditions, including inconsistent production schedules due to supply shortages, changes to our customers' payment terms and the financial condition of our suppliers. 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.

Acquisitions

2023

In April 2023, we completed the acquisition of I.G. Bauerhin ("IGB"), a privately held supplier of automotive seat heating, ventilation and active cooling, steering wheel heating, seat sensors and electronic control modules, headquartered in Grundau-Rothenbergen, Germany. IGB has more than 4,600 employees at nine manufacturing plants in seven countries. The acquisition furthers our comprehensive strategy to develop and integrate a complete portfolio of thermal comfort systems for automotive seating. IGB provides active cooling, as well as additional scale to our seat heating and ventilation capabilities and complements the lumbar and massage capabilities obtained with our acquisition of Kongsberg Automotive's Interior Comfort Systems business unit ("Kongsberg ICS") in February 2022. Further, the vertical integration opportunities provided by this acquisition help support our goal of achieving global market share gains in seat systems. We paid approximately $175 million, net of cash acquired, in connection with the acquisition. On May 1, 2023, we borrowed $150 million under our delayed-draw term loan facility (the "Term Loan") to finance, in part, the acquisition of IGB. For further information, see Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

2022

In February 2022, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of Kongsberg ICS, which specializes in thermal comfort systems. With almost 50 years of experience in thermal comfort systems, Kongsberg ICS has leading technology, a well-balanced customer portfolio built on longstanding relationships with leading premium automotive manufacturers, and an experienced team. The Kongsberg ICS acquisition is advancing our seat component capabilities into specialized thermal comfort systems, such as seat heating, ventilation, lumbar and massage products that further differentiate our product offerings and improve vehicle performance and packaging — important features across various vehicle segments. We paid approximately $188 million, on a cash and debt free basis, in connection with the acquisition. For further information, see Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

In May 2022, we completed the acquisition of Thagora Technology SRL ("Thagora"), a privately held company based in Iasi, Romania, to access scalable smart-manufacturing technology. Thagora's proprietary solutions complement our sustainable manufacturing processes by improving the production yield of our Seating segment's surface materials operations and lowering energy usage during production. In addition, Thagora's Industry 4.0 technologies bring significant advances to our manufacturing operations through engineering and logistics enhancements, including improved material traceability and facility footprint utilization capabilities. The acquisition is not material to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

In November 2022, we completed the acquisition of InTouch Automation ("InTouch"), a privately held supplier of Industry 4.0 technologies and complex automated testing equipment critical in the production of automotive seats. InTouch's product portfolio is aligned with our Industry 4.0 strategy to implement technologies designed to automate the testing and validation of seat components and complete seats. The acquisition is not material to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Operational Restructuring

In 2023, we incurred pretax restructuring costs of $133 million and related manufacturing inefficiency charges of approximately $1 million, as compared to pretax restructuring costs of $154 million and related manufacturing inefficiency charges of approximately $5 million in 2022. None of the individual restructuring actions initiated in 2023 were material.

Further, there have been no changes in previously initiated restructuring actions that have resulted (or will result) in a material change to our restructuring costs.

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. We expect to incur approximately $76 million of additional restructuring costs related to activities initiated as of December 31, 2023, all of which are expected to be incurred in the next twelve months. 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.

For further information, see Note 5, "Restructuring," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Financing Transactions

In May 2023, we borrowed $150 million under our Term Loan to finance, in part, the acquisition of IGB.

In November 2023, we extended the maturity date of our revolving credit facility by one year to October 28, 2027.

For further information related to our acquisition of IGB, see Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the consolidated financial statement included in this Report. For further information related to our Term Loan and our revolving credit facility, see "— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capitalization — Credit Agreement" and "— Term Loan" below and Note 7, "Debt," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Share Repurchase Program and Quarterly Cash Dividends

We may implement 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 may repurchase our outstanding common stock and the timing of such repurchases will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors. (see "— Forward-Looking Statements" below).

Since the first quarter of 2011, our Board of Directors (the "Board") has authorized $6.1 billion in share repurchases under our common stock share repurchase program. In 2023, we repurchased $313 million of shares. As of December 31, 2023, we have a remaining repurchase authorization of $916 million, which expires on December 31, 2024.

In 2023 and 2022, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.77 per share of common stock in all quarters. In 2021, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock in the first and second quarters, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock in the third quarter and a quarterly cash dividend of $0.77 per share of common stock in the fourth quarter.

For further information related to our common stock share repurchase program and our quarterly cash dividends, see Item 5, "Market for the Company's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities," "— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capitalization" below and Note 12, "Capital Stock, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Equity," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Other Matters

In 2023, we recognized net tax benefits of $35 million related to restructuring charges, the release of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets of foreign subsidiaries, the release of tax reserves at several foreign subsidiaries and various other items.

In 2022, we recognized net tax benefits of $34 million related to restructuring charges and various other items.

In 2021, we recognized tax benefits of $39 million related to restructuring charges and various other items, partially offset by tax expense of $17 million related to the net increase in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets of foreign subsidiaries and $8 million on a $45 million gain related to a favorable indirect tax ruling in a foreign jurisdiction.

As discussed above, our results for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, reflect the following items (in millions):

For further information regarding these items, see Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," Note 4, "Acquisitions," Note 5, "Restructuring," Note 6, "Investments in Affiliates and Other Related Party Transactions," Note 7, "Debt," Note 8, "Leases," and Note 9, "Income Taxes," 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.

Results of Operations

A summary of our operating results in millions of dollars and as a percentage of net sales is shown below:

40

Year Ended December 31, 2023, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2022

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $23.5 billion, as compared to $20.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $2.6 billion or 12%. Higher production volumes on Lear platforms and new business in every region favorably impacted net sales by $1.4 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively.

(in millions)

Cost of sales in 2023 was $21.8 billion, as compared to $19.5 billion in 2022. Higher production volumes on Lear platforms and new business in every region increased cost of sales.

Gross profit and gross margin were $1.7 billion and 7.3% of net sales in 2023, as compared to $1.4 billion and 6.7% of net sales in 2022. Higher production volumes on Lear platforms and new business positively impacted gross profit by $308 million. The impact of favorable operating performance, including the benefit of restructuring actions, was offset by selling price reductions. These factors had a corresponding impact on gross margin.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including engineering and development expenses, were $715 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $685 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily reflecting higher sales and our acquisition of IGB in 2023. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 3.0% in 2023, as compared to 3.3% in 2022.

Amortization of intangible assets was $63 million in 2023, including an impairment charge of $2 million, as compared to $71 million in 2022, including an impairment charge of $9 million.

Interest expense, net was $101 million in 2023, as compared to $99 million in 2022.

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, gains and losses on the disposal of fixed assets, the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost and other miscellaneous income and expense, was $55 million in 2023, as compared to $46 million in 2022. In 2023, we recognized foreign exchange losses of $53 million, including $31 million related to the hyper-inflationary environment and significant currency devaluation in Argentina, and losses of $7 million related to impairments of affiliates. In 2023, we also recognized gains of $18 million related to the sales of fixed assets and $4 million related to insurance recoveries. In 2022, we recognized foreign exchange losses of $30 million, including losses of $10 million related to foreign exchange rate volatility in Russia and gains of $2 million related to foreign exchange contracts on the €140 million IGB purchase price. In 2022, we also recognized a gain of $1 million related to insurance recoveries.

In 2023, the provision for income taxes was $181 million, representing an effective tax rate of 23.3% on pretax income before equity in net income of affiliates of $777 million. In 2022, the provision for income taxes was $134 million, representing an effective tax rate of 26.3% on pretax income before equity in net income of affiliates of $509 million.

In 2023 and 2022, the provision for income taxes was primarily impacted by the level and mix of earnings among tax jurisdictions. In 2023, we recognized net tax benefits of $35 million related to restructuring charges, the release of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets of foreign subsidiaries, the release of tax reserves at several foreign subsidiaries and various other items. In 2022, we recognized net tax benefits of $34 million related to restructuring charges and various other items.

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 $49 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $33 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily reflecting the higher earnings of certain of our joint ventures in Asia.

Net income attributable to Lear was $573 million, or $9.68 per diluted share, in 2023, as compared to $328 million, or $5.47 per diluted share, in 2022. Net income and diluted net income per share increased for the reasons described above.

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, net 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):

(1) See definition above.

Seating net sales were $17.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $15.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $1.8 billion or 12%. Higher production volumes on Lear platforms and new business favorably impacted net sales by $1.0 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively. Our acquisitions of IGB and Kongsberg ICS also increased net sales $0.2 billion.

Segment earnings, including restructuring costs, and the related margin on net sales were $1.1 billion and 6.1% in 2023, as compared to $893 million and 5.7% in 2022. Higher production volumes on Lear platforms and new business positively impacted segment earnings by $215 million. The impact of selling price reductions and higher restructuring costs were offset by favorable operating performance, including the benefit of commodity recoveries and operational restructuring actions.

E-Systems —

A summary of financial measures for our E-Systems segment is shown below (dollar amounts in millions):

(1) See definition above.

E-Systems net sales were $5.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $5.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $738 million or 14%. Higher production volumes on Lear platforms and new business favorably impacted net sales by $0.4 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively.

Segment earnings, including restructuring costs, and the related margin on net sales were $229 million and 3.9% in 2023, as compared to $74 million and 1.4% in 2022. Higher production volumes on Lear platforms and new business positively impacted segment earnings by $93 million. The impact of favorable operating performance, including the benefit of operational restructuring actions, and lower restructuring costs was partially offset by selling price reductions.

Other —

A summary of financial measures for our other category, which is not an operating segment, is shown below (dollar amounts in millions):

(1) See definition above.

Segment earnings related to our other category were ($363) million in 2023, as compared to ($313) million in 2022, primarily reflecting higher compensation-related costs and costs related to our efficiency initiatives including investments in information technology.

Year Ended December 31, 2022, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2021

For a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with the year ended December 31, 2021, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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.

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, 2023 and 2022, cash and cash equivalents of $803 million and $790 million, respectively, were held in foreign subsidiaries and can be repatriated, primarily through the repayment of intercompany loans and the payment of dividends. There are no material 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" below and Note 9, "Income Taxes," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Adequacy of Liquidity Sources

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $1.2 billion of cash and cash equivalents on hand and $2.0 billion in available borrowing capacity under our credit agreement. 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 addition, we expect to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends and repurchase shares of our common stock pursuant to our authorized common stock share repurchase program, although such actions are at the discretion of our Board and will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors that our Board may consider at its discretion.

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, as well as restructuring activities, automotive industry conditions, the financial condition of our customers and suppliers, supply chain disruptions and other related factors. Additionally, an economic downturn or further 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 Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2023, Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022

A summary of net cash provided by operating activities is shown below (in millions):

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.2 billion in 2023, as compared to $1.0 billion in 2022. The overall increase in operating cash flow primarily reflects our higher earnings in 2023 as compared to 2022.

Net cash used in investing activities was $762 million in 2023, as compared to $830 million in 2022. In 2023, we paid $175 million for our IGB acquisition. In 2022, we paid $188 million for our Kongsberg ICS acquisition and $15 million related to investments in affiliates. In 2023, capital spending was $627 million, as compared to $638 million in 2022. Capital spending is estimated to be approximately $675 million in 2024.

Net cash used in financing activities was $420 million in 2023, as compared to $387 million in 2022. In 2023, we borrowed $150 million under our Term Loan and paid $297 million for repurchases of our common stock, $182 million in dividends to Lear stockholders and $79 million in dividends to noncontrolling interest holders. In 2022, we paid $100 million for repurchases of our common stock, $186 million in dividends to Lear stockholders and $85 million in dividends to noncontrolling interest holders.

For further information regarding our 2023 and 2022 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, 2022, Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2021

For a discussion of our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with the year ended December 31, 2021, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Capitalization

Short-Term Borrowings

We utilize uncommitted lines of credit as needed for our short-term working capital fluctuations. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had lines of credit from banks totaling $338 million and $298 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had short-term debt balances outstanding related to draws on our lines of credit of $28 million and $10 million, respectively.

The availability of uncommitted lines of credit may be affected by our financial performance, credit ratings and other factors.

Senior Notes

As of December 31, 2023, our senior notes (collectively, the "Notes") consist of the amounts shown below (in millions, except stated coupon rates):

The issue, maturity and interest payment dates of the Notes are shown below:

In 2021, we issued $350 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 2032 Notes and $350 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of 2052 Notes. The 2032 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 2.6% and were issued at 99.782% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 2.624%. The 2052 Notes have a stated coupon rate of 3.55% and were issued at 99.845% of par, resulting in a yield to maturity of 3.558%.

The net proceeds from the offering of $699 million, after original issue discount, were used, in part, to fund the tender of $200 million in aggregate principal amount of 2027 Notes and the repayment in full of $206 million outstanding on our term loan facility under our credit agreement (see "— Credit Agreement" below). The remaining net proceeds were used to finance the 2022 acquisition of Kongsberg ICS and for general corporate purposes. For further information related to the Kongsberg ICS acquisition, see Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

In connection with these transactions, we recognized a loss of $24 million on the extinguishment of debt and paid related issuance costs of $7 million.

The indentures governing the Notes contain certain restrictive covenants and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2023, 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 unsecured credit agreement, dated August 8, 2017, consisted of a $1.75 billion revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") and a $250 million term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility").

In October 2021, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") that increased the Revolving Credit Facility to $2.0 billion and extended the maturity date to October 28, 2026. In November 2021, we repaid in full $206 million outstanding on the Term Loan Facility. In connection with these transactions, we recognized a loss of approximately $1 million on the extinguishment of debt and paid related issuance costs of approximately $3 million.

In November 2023, we extended the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility by one year to October 28, 2027.

In 2023 and 2021, there were no borrowings or repayments under the Revolving Credit Facility. In 2022, aggregate borrowings and repayments under the Revolving Credit Facility were $65 million. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Credit Agreement contains various financial and other covenants that require us to remain below a maximum leverage coverage ratio. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.

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 Credit Agreement, which has been incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this Report.

Term Loan

In May 2023, we borrowed $150 million under our Term Loan to finance, in part, the acquisition of IGB.

The Term Loan contains the same covenants as the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Term Loan.

For further information related to our acquisition of IGB, see Note 4, "Acquisitions," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report. For further information related to our Term Loan, see Note 7, "Debt," 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."

Dividends

In 2023 and 2022, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.77 per share of common stock in all quarters. In 2021, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock in the first and second quarters, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock in the third quarter and a quarterly cash dividend of $0.77 per share of common stock in the fourth quarter.

We expect to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future, although such payments are at the discretion of our Board and will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors that our Board may consider at its discretion. See "— Forward-Looking Statements" below and Note 7, "Debt," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Commodity Prices

Raw material, energy and commodity costs can be volatile, reflecting, among other things, changes in supply and demand, logistics issues, global trade and tariff policies, and geopolitical issues. We have commodity price risk with respect to purchases of certain raw materials, including steel, copper, diesel fuel, chemicals, resins and leather. Our primary commodity cost exposures relate to steel, copper and leather. We have developed and implemented strategies to mitigate the impact of such costs through the selective in-sourcing of components, the continued consolidation of our supply base, longer-term purchase commitments, contractual recovery mechanisms and the selective expansion of low-cost country sourcing and engineering, as well as value engineering and product benchmarking. Further, 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 purchased components. Additionally, approximately 91% of our copper purchases and a significant portion of our leather and direct steel purchases are subject to price index agreements with our customers and suppliers. Certain of these strategies also may limit our opportunities in a declining commodity price environment. In the current environment of elevated raw material, energy and commodity costs, these strategies, together with commercial negotiations with our customers and suppliers, have offset a significant portion of the adverse impact. 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, product components and labor could adversely affect our financial performance," and "— Forward-Looking Statements" below.

For further information related to the financial instruments described above, see Note 16, "Financial Instruments," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Contractual Obligations and Cash Requirements

Our material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations:

Debt obligations and interest expense associated with debt obligations

As of December 31, 2023, we had $2.6 billion of outstanding senior unsecured notes maturing in 2027 through 2052 and a $150 million outstanding Term Loan maturing in 2026, as well as $2.0 billion in available borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility maturing in 2027.

Interest on the Notes is due biannually at varying dates. Scheduled interest payments are shown below (in millions):

For further information related to our debt, see "— Capitalization — Senior Notes," "— Credit Agreement" and "— Term Loan" above and Note 7, "Debt," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Purchase obligations

We enter into agreements with our customers to produce products at the beginning of a vehicle's life cycle. Although these agreements do not provide for a specified quantity of products, once entered into, 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 agreement, 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 agreements.

Leases

The Company has operating leases for production, office and warehouse facilities, manufacturing and office equipment, and vehicles with future lease obligations ranging from 2024 through 2047. Maturities of operating leases obligations are shown below (in millions):

For further information related to our lease obligations, see Note 8, "Leases," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Taxes

We may be required to make significant cash outlays related to our unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties. As of December 31, 2023, we had unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, of $45 million. 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.

For further information related to our unrecognized tax benefits, see Note 9, "Income Taxes," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Pension and postretirement obligations

We have minimum funding requirements with respect to certain of our pension benefit obligations. 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 2024 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. Contributions to our defined benefit pension plans are expected to be approximately $2 million in 2024.

We do not fund our postretirement benefit obligations and certain of our pension benefit obligations. Rather, benefit payments are made to eligible participants as incurred. We expect benefit payments related to our unfunded pension and postretirement benefit obligations to be approximately $7 million and $4 million, respectively, in 2024.

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.

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, 2023, we had recorded reserves for pending legal disputes, including commercial and contractual disputes, product liability claims and other legal matters, of $14 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, we had recorded reserves for warranty and recall matters of $32 million and environmental matters of $5 million. 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, "Legal and Other Contingencies," to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report.

Critical Accounting Estimates

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.

Revenue Recognition

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 current 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.

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 for 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), 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, 2023, we had a valuation allowance related to tax loss and credit carryforwards and other deferred tax assets of $31 million in the United States and $398 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 2023, 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, and warranty and environmental remediation costs. Actual results may differ significantly from our estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For information on the impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 17, "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;
• 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;
• increases in the costs and restrictions on the availability of raw materials, energy, commodities, product components and labor and our ability to mitigate such costs and insufficient availability;
• disruptions in relationships with our suppliers;
• the financial condition of and adverse developments affecting our customers and suppliers;
• risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, including the risk of war or other geopolitical conflicts;
• 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, including disruptions, involving us or our significant customers or suppliers or that otherwise affect us;
• the consequences of violations of law by our employees, agents or business partners, including violations related to anti-bribery, competition, export and import, trade sanctions, data privacy, environmental, human rights and other laws;
• the operational and financial success of our joint ventures;
• our ability to attract, develop, engage and retain qualified employees;
• our ability to respond to the evolution of the global transportation industry;
• the outcome of an increased emphasis on global climate change and other sustainability matters by stakeholders;
• the impact of global climate change;
• the impact of pandemics, epidemics, disease outbreaks and other public health crises on our business;
• 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;
• 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 changes in our effective tax rate, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional income tax liabilities on our profitability;
• the impact of administrative policy, including protectionist trade policies, in the United States and related actions by countries in which we do business; 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 other 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.

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):

Currently, our most significant foreign currency transactional exposures relate to the Mexican peso, various European currencies, the Chinese renminbi, the Honduran lempira, the Brazilian real and the Japanese yen. A sensitivity analysis of our net transactional exposure is shown below (in millions):

(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):

(2) Relative to all other currencies to which it is exposed.

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 2023, 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.

Interest Rates

Our variable rate obligations are sensitive to changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2023, we had $150 million outstanding under our Term Loan. Advances under the Term Loan generally bear interest based on the Daily or Term SOFR (as defined in the Term Loan agreement) plus a margin, determined in accordance with a pricing grid, that ranges from 1.00% to 1.525%. As of December 31, 2023, the interest rate was 6.575%.

A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the interest rate on our Term Loan would increase annual interest expense and related cash interest payments by approximately $2 million.

(a) Disclosure 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). In April 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of I.G. Bauerhin ("IGB") and is currently integrating IGB into its operations, compliance programs and internal control processes. IGB constituted less than 2% of the Company's total assets as of December 31, 2023, including goodwill and intangible assets recorded as part of the purchase price allocations, and less than 1% of the Company's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023. Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations allow companies to exclude acquisitions from their assessment of internal control over financial reporting during the first year following an acquisition while integrating the acquired company. The Company has excluded the acquired operations of IGB from its assessment of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.

(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, 2023, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.