BorgWarner Inc. reported its quarterly financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The company’s revenue increased 12% to $3.4 billion, driven by strong demand for its products in the automotive and commercial vehicle markets. Net income rose 15% to $343 million, or $1.56 per diluted share, compared to the same period last year. The company’s gross margin expanded 130 basis points to 18.1%, driven by pricing actions and cost savings initiatives. BorgWarner’s operating cash flow was $444 million, and the company ended the quarter with $2.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents. The company’s financial performance was driven by its strong product portfolio, operational efficiency, and strategic investments in emerging technologies.
Overview of Financial Performance
BorgWarner Inc. is a global leader in clean and efficient automotive technology solutions. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the company reported net sales of $3,515 million, a 2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. This was primarily driven by unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations, which decreased sales by $85 million. However, the company saw favorable volume, mix and net new business, which increased sales by $5 million.
Gross profit was $639 million, with a gross margin of 18.2% in Q1 2025, compared to $644 million and 17.9% in Q1 2024. The improvement in gross margin was due to purchasing savings and lower tariff expenses, partially offset by higher sales volume, mix and net new business.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased to $315 million, or 9.0% of net sales, in Q1 2025 compared to $329 million, or 9.2% of net sales, in Q1 2024. This was primarily driven by lower employee-related costs and research and development (R&D) expenses.
The company reported operating income of $237 million, or 6.7% of net sales, in Q1 2025 compared to $295 million, or 8.2% of net sales, in Q1 2024. This decrease was primarily due to higher restructuring expenses, impairment charges, and costs related to exiting the charging business.
Revenue and Profit Trends
BorgWarner’s revenue performance was mixed in Q1 2025. While the company saw favorable volume, mix and net new business growth, this was offset by unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations. The 4% decline in weighted average market production also put pressure on sales.
In terms of profitability, the company was able to improve its gross margin through purchasing savings and lower tariff expenses. However, higher restructuring costs, impairment charges, and exit costs related to the charging business negatively impacted operating income and margins.
The Turbos & Thermal Technologies and Drivetrain & Morse Systems segments saw relatively stable performance, with Segment Adjusted Operating Income margins of 16.2% and 17.9%, respectively, in Q1 2025. The PowerDrive Systems segment continued to struggle, with a Segment Adjusted Operating Loss margin of -7.7%, though this was an improvement from -14.2% in the prior year period. The Battery & Charging Systems segment also saw a decline in performance, with a Segment Adjusted Operating Loss margin of -14.7% in Q1 2025 compared to -8.5% in Q1 2024.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of BorgWarner’s key strengths is its diversified product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid and combustion vehicles. The company’s eProducts revenue grew to 18% of total revenue in Q1 2025, up from 14% in the prior year period. This demonstrates the company’s ability to capitalize on the shift towards electrification in the automotive industry.
Another strength is the company’s focus on operational efficiency, as evidenced by the purchasing savings and manufacturing efficiencies that helped offset some of the headwinds in Q1 2025. BorgWarner’s restructuring initiatives are also aimed at aligning its cost structure with current market dynamics, which should improve profitability in the long run.
However, the company’s performance continues to be impacted by external factors such as foreign currency fluctuations and volatility in global automotive production. The decision to exit the charging business also highlights the challenges the company faces in optimizing its product portfolio.
Additionally, the ongoing lawsuit against PHINIA regarding the recovery of value-added tax (VAT) refunds creates uncertainty and could impact the company’s cash flow if the outcome is unfavorable.
Outlook and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, BorgWarner expects global industry production to decrease year-over-year in 2025. However, the company believes its net new business-related sales growth and cost recovery actions will help mitigate the impact of this industry production decline. As a result, the company expects its sales to be flat to down modestly in 2025, excluding the impact of foreign currencies.
The company maintains a positive long-term outlook, driven by trends such as the adoption of electrified vehicle products and increasingly stringent global emissions standards. BorgWarner’s focus on strategic investments and new product development to enhance its technology leadership should support its long-term growth.
The company’s recent portfolio actions, such as the decision to exit the charging business and consolidate its North American battery systems business, are aimed at creating a more focused and cost-efficient operation. These actions are expected to eliminate approximately $50 million in annualized adjusted operating losses by 2026.
However, the company’s outlook remains subject to risks, including the potential for further changes in tariffs and retaliatory actions by the United States and other countries, which could adversely impact industry production and demand for BorgWarner’s products.
Overall, BorgWarner’s financial performance in Q1 2025 was mixed, with the company facing headwinds from external factors but also demonstrating its ability to adapt through operational improvements and strategic portfolio decisions. The company’s long-term prospects remain positive, driven by its technology leadership and focus on profitable growth across its diversified product portfolio.