Magna International (NYSE:MGA) released an impressive report detailing a 9% surge in sales to $10.5B in Q4 compared to the previous year. The company outpaced the 7% growth in global light vehicle production. Magna attributed its sales boost to the introduction of new programs and acquisitions, mitigated partly by the adverse impact of the United Auto Workers (UAW) labor strikes at certain customers, resulting in approximately $275M negative sales impact during the quarter. Excluding the influence of foreign currency translation and acquisitions, sales still saw a commendable 4% uptick in Q4.

The company’s adjusted EBIT soared to $558M, a significant rise from $367M in the preceding year. Magna credited this remarkable upswing to its persistent emphasis on operational excellence and cost efficiencies, which drove substantial earnings amidst soaring sales. The upturn in adjusted EBIT delineated gains from productivity and efficiency enhancements, encompassing reduced costs at previously underperforming facilities, amplified tooling contributions, augmented customer recoveries net of higher production input expenses, diminished net warranty costs, and reduced provisions against certain accounts receivable and other balances. However, these positives were partially offset by the adverse impact of the UAW labor strikes, elevated launch, engineering and other costs related to new assembly business, and higher restructuring expenditures.

Despite the resounding success, the reported earnings per share (EPS) stood at $1.33 compared to the $1.46 consensus and $0.94 from the previous year.

During the fourth quarter, Magna International generated $660M in cash from operations before changes in operating assets and liabilities. On the other hand, the company utilized $918M due to operating assets and liabilities. Noteworthy investment activities for the quarter comprised fixed asset additions amounting to $944M, investments in other assets and intangible assets totalling $189M, and $1M in private equity investments.

For the future, the company expects sales to range between $43.8B and $45.4B for 2024, as opposed to the consensus of $44.9B. Additionally, they anticipate an adjusted net income falling within the $1.6B to $1.8B bracket.

Shares of Magna International declined by 1.16% in premarket trading, falling to $58.00.