Dauch Corporation (NYSE: DCH) shares were lower in early trading, with the stock last seen down about -1.5% following the release of fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results. DCH has traded in a 52-week range roughly between $8.10 and $9.30, with recent softness reflecting broader auto sector earnings pressures and integration costs from its recent acquisition of Dowlais.

Q4 2025 Results: Sales Flat, Loss Widens

Dauch reported fourth-quarter sales of $1.38 billion, unchanged from the year-ago period. The company posted a net loss of $75.3 million, equivalent to $0.63 per share, widening from a $13.7 million loss, or $0.12 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA improved to $169.0 million, or 12.2% of sales, up from $160.8 million (11.6% of sales) in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.07, swinging from a loss per share of $0.06 in the fourth quarter of 2024. Operating cash flow in Q4 was $120.5 million, with adjusted free cash flow of $70.1 million.

Full-Year Performance: Lower Sales, Narrowed Adjusted Profit

For full-year 2025, Dauch reported sales of $5.84 billion, down from $6.12 billion in 2024. The company posted a net loss of $19.7 million, or $0.17 per share, compared with net income of $35.0 million, or $0.29 per share, for full-year 2024. Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $743.2 million, or 12.7% of sales, slightly higher than the $749.2 million (12.2% of sales) recorded in 2024. Adjusted earnings per share for the full year were $0.53, up from $0.51 in 2024.

Full-year net cash provided by operating activities was $411.6 million, with adjusted free cash flow of $213.0 million, both modestly below 2024 levels.

Margins and Segment Details

The company’s adjusted EBITDA margin expanded on both a quarterly and full-year basis. Dauch attributed margin increases to improved mix and cost control, despite flat topline sales and higher interest expenses tied to acquisition-related financing. Operating cash flows remained positive.

Outlook and Guidance

Dauch provided 2026 financial targets that incorporate a partial-year contribution from the recently closed acquisition of Dowlais, including projected sales of $10.3 billion to $10.7 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion. Management expects synergy benefits and equity income from joint ventures to support growth. Capital expenditures are forecasted at about 4.5%–5% of sales.

Sector and Macro Context

Automotive parts suppliers like Dauch operate amid cyclical demand tied to vehicle production levels and macroeconomic conditions. The sector has faced headwinds from slower auto production, elevated input costs, and supply chain disruptions, which also influence margins and cash flows. By contrast, SaaS/software stocks have continued to feel pressure from higher interest rates and slowing enterprise spending, driving relative outperformance in some industrial and value sectors as investors rotate away from pure growth names.

52-Week Stock Trend

Over the past year, Dauch has seen its share price fluctuate within a narrow range. After peaking near its 52-week high around $9.30 late in 2025, the stock has softened amid earnings volatility and integration costs tied to its transformational acquisition. DCH’s current trading levels near the lower end of its yearly range reflect investor caution on near-term profitability and execution risks.

Summary

• Stock down after mixed Q4 and full-year results.
• Q4 sales were flat year-over-year; net loss widened.
• Full-year sales declined, and the adjusted EBITDA margin improved slightly.
• Guidance includes substantial sales and EBITDA expansion from acquisition.
• No major analyst rating changes tied to the report.