Allegro MicroSystems(ALGM) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, the company reported sales of $193 million, which was above the high end of guidance, and non-GAAP EPS of$ 0.06, also above guidance midpoint [17][24] - Gross margin for Q4 was 45.6%, which was below expectations due to a combination of product mix and lower absorption [27] - For the full fiscal year 2025, total sales were $725 million, reflecting a decline of 31% year over year, with a gross margin of 48% [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive sales increased by 8% sequentially in Q4, led by e-mobility sales which rose 16% sequentially, but declined 23% year over year [24][31] - Industrial and other sales increased by 9% sequentially, driven by growth in data center and robotics, but declined 11% year over year [25][31] - Magnetic sensor sales increased by 3% sequentially, accounting for 61% of total sales, while power product sales increased by 19% sequentially [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales by geography were well balanced, with 27% in China, 24% in the rest of Asia, 20% in Japan, 16% in the Americas, and 13% in Europe [27] - The company noted a decline in distributor inventory levels by 25% exiting Q4 compared to the beginning of FY 2025, indicating a positive trend [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate new product development and expand its serviceable addressable market (SAM), targeting a$ 12 billion market opportunity [8] - Focus on relentless innovation to drive leadership in existing and new markets, particularly in automotive and industrial sectors [8][10] - Plans to execute operational efficiency initiatives to enhance gross margins and profitability, including a restructuring program expected to yield annualized cost savings of at least $15 million [29][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in entering an upcycle, with positive indicators such as declining customer inventories and increasing bookings [22] - The company anticipates first-quarter sales in the range of$ 192 million to $200 million, representing an 18% year-over-year increase [33] - Management remains optimistic about achieving double-digit sales growth and maintaining gross margins of 58% or greater in the long term [16] Other Important Information - The company received proposals from Onsemi for potential acquisition, but Onsemi ultimately withdrew its interest [19] - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 4%, with a full-year effective tax rate of 3%, primarily due to R&D credits [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on China for China strategy - The company is making significant progress on its China for China supply chain initiative, with expectations for meaningful revenues to ship later in the year [39][40] Question: Gross margin outlook - The company expects to see benefits from cost reductions and restructuring initiatives impacting gross margins in Q1, with a target to return to 50% gross margin in the near term [41][44] Question: Backlog growth and design wins - The company reported strong design wins, with over 70% in strategic focus areas, indicating a positive trend in backlog growth [47] Question: Inventory levels and distribution channel - Distribution channel inventories declined by 25% year over year, and the company is optimistic about inventory levels normalizing [55] Question: Pricing pressures and tariff impacts - The company has not seen abnormal pricing pressures or requests for additional price declines from automotive customers due to tariffs [92][93] Question: Signs of potential shortages - The company is observing potential shortages in longer lead raw materials, particularly for data center products, as demand increases [96]