Matthew J. Simoncini
Analyst
Thanks, Ed, and good morning. Despite a challenging industry environment in Europe, Lear had another solid quarter of operating performance with year-over-year improvements in sales, earnings and free cash flow. Sales in the third quarter were $3.5 billion, up 2% from 1 year ago, reflecting the benefit of new business, the Guilford acquisition and higher production in North America and China, partially offset by the adverse impact of foreign exchange and lower production in Europe. Adjusted earnings per share was $1.29 per share, up 19% from a year ago. Free cash flow was $88 million, up 37%. In addition to improved financial results, our earnings per share also benefited from our share repurchase program. Over the last 12 months, we reduced our shares outstanding by 6.9 million shares or approximately 7% of the total shares outstanding. Our Electrical business continues its rapid growth and achieved a quarterly record with sales of $877 million in the third quarter. Adjusted margins improved to 7.5% from 5.4% last year as the business continues to benefit from greater scale and previous restructuring actions. We continue to return cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. This year, we will return $214 million to shareholders, bringing the total to $544 million since these programs were initiated in the first quarter of 2011. We are increasing our 2012 guidance for net income by $15 million. Jeff will review the outlook in more detail a little later in the presentation. Also, during the quarter, we were recognized again by J.D. Power and Associates as the highest quality major independent seat manufacturer for the 11th time in 12 years in their annual study. Slide #5 provides your regional overview of Lear's business results in the third quarter. In North America and Asia, our business continues to perform well. And in Europe, both product groups are profitable despite lower auto production in the region. South America was slightly unprofitable in the third quarter, reflecting higher facility and product launch costs as well as increased infrastructure spending to support new business growth. On a consistent foreign exchange basis, our sales in South America are expected to increase by about 15% in 2012. For the next 18 to 24 months, we expect sales to increase by an additional 40%. We're also expanding component capabilities and seat structures, covers and foams as well as wire harnesses. We are confident that the investments we are making today in this emerging market will provide sales and earnings growth opportunities going forward. However, we expect that margins in the region will remain under pressure into next year during this ramp-up phase. At present margins, both Seating and EPMS businesses, are generating returns on invested capital in excess of Lear's cost of capital. Now I'll turn it over to Jeff, who will take you through our financial results and outlook.