HPE(HPE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 revenue of $7.9 billion, representing a 17% year-over-year growth, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of accelerated revenue growth [36][38] - Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share were 49 cents, consistent with the company's outlook range [41] - Non-GAAP gross margin was 29.4%, down 680 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to a higher mix of server revenue and lower contributions from Intelligent Edge [39] - Free cash flow was negative$ 877 million, in line with normal seasonal patterns [54] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Server revenue reached $4.3 billion, up 30% year-over-year, although it fell sequentially due to the timing of AI systems deals [42] - Intelligent Edge revenue was$ 1.1 billion, up 2% quarter-over-quarter but down 4% year-over-year [48] - Hybrid cloud revenue grew 11% year-over-year to $1.4 billion, although it declined 12% sequentially [50] - Financial services generated$ 873 million in revenue, up 2% year-over-year and flat quarter-over-quarter [53] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced double-digit year-over-year orders growth across all key geographies and products, including campus switching [20] - AI systems revenue was $900 million in Q1, up from about$ 400 million last year, but down sequentially as expected due to chip availability and customer readiness [44][24] - The AI systems backlog was $3.1 billion, up 29% quarter-over-quarter [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to reduce its employee base by 5% over the next twelve to eighteen months, targeting approximately 2,500 positions to better align its cost structure with its business mix and long-term strategy [16] - The company is committed to closing the Juniper acquisition, which is expected to deliver at least$ 450 million in gross annual run rate synergies to shareholders within three years [10] - The company aims to leverage its global supply chain to mitigate the impact of recent tariff policies [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that while Q1 performance met expectations, execution could have been better, particularly in the server segment [13][33] - The company expects continued pressure on server operating margins in the near term but anticipates improvements in the back half of fiscal 2025 [15][34] - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue growth of 7% to 11% for fiscal 2025, with a significant portion weighted towards the second half [60] Other Important Information - The company is implementing cost-saving measures, targeting discretionary spending, and has reduced non-GAAP operating expenses to a record low of 19% of revenue [40] - The company expects to achieve at least $350 million in gross savings by fiscal 2027, with about 20% of the savings expected by the end of this year [57] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the operating profit dollar headwind is from tariff assumptions? - Management indicated that the guidance includes a seven cents impact from tariffs for the year, with four cents expected in Q2, primarily affecting the server business [91][92] Question: What gives confidence in revenue growth and operating margin expansion in the back half of the year? - Management highlighted three critical areas: improved server execution, mitigation of tariffs, and the impact of the cost efficiency program as drivers for profitability [122] Question: How is the customer mix changing? - Management noted a balanced approach targeting both service provider model builders and enterprise customers, with a focus on maintaining a solid pipeline and addressing the needs of various segments [110][112]