BorgWarner Expects 2011 Earnings Growth of 35% to 40%

BorgWarner Inc. BWA today provided 2011 earnings guidance of $3.85 to $4.15 per diluted share, which implies earnings growth of 35% to 40% as compared to 2010 earnings guidance of $2.85 to $2.95 per diluted share. "In 2011, we expect another record year for sales and earnings," said Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO. "Robust growth in global vehicle production is expected in 2011, and we expect our sales growth to significantly outpace the market. As market demand for efficient powertrains continues to accelerate, adoption of our product technologies that improve fuel economy, emissions and performance, continues to accelerate as well." BorgWarner's strong backlog of net new business is expected to drive sales growth of 16% to 20% in 2011 compared with 2010 while global light vehicle production is expected to grow 6% during the same period. From a regional perspective, light vehicle production is expected to be approximately 13 million units in North America, 19 million units in Europe and 16 million units in China. The impact of foreign currencies in 2011 versus 2010 is expected to be minimal. The company expects 2011 operating margins to be 10.5% or better, which is higher than its historical operating margin guidance range of 8.5% to 9.0%. The expectation of improved margins can be largely attributed to restructuring actions taken in 2008 and 2009, incremental income from higher sales and an ongoing focus on cost reductions. These positives are expected to more than offset the costs of global growth, higher raw material costs and other inflationary cost pressures.