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

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, the company reported sales of $193 million, exceeding the high end of guidance, with non-GAAP EPS of$ 0.06, above the midpoint of guidance [18] - Gross margin was 45.6%, operating margin was 9%, and adjusted EBITDA was 14.8% of sales [26] - For the full fiscal year 2025, total sales were $725 million, a decline of 31% year-over-year, with a gross margin of 48% [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive sales increased by 8% sequentially in Q4, led by e-mobility sales which rose 16% sequentially, but declined 23% year-over-year [26] - Industrial and other sales increased by 9% sequentially, driven by growth in data center and robotics, but declined 11% year-over-year [26] - Magnetic sensor sales accounted for 61% of total sales, increasing by 3% sequentially, while power product sales increased by 19% sequentially [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales by geography were well balanced: 27% in China, 24% in the rest of Asia, 20% in Japan, 16% in the Americas, and 13% in Europe [28] - The company noted a 25% decline in distributor inventory levels exiting Q4 compared to the beginning of FY 2025, indicating a positive trend [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate new product development and expand its serviceable addressable market (SAM) to target a$ 12 billion market opportunity [10] - Focus areas include automotive and industrial markets, with a commitment to double-digit sales growth and maintaining gross margins of 58% or greater [17] - The company is implementing operational efficiency initiatives to enhance gross margins and profitability, including a restructuring program expected to yield annualized cost savings of at least $15 million [30] 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 [24] - The CEO emphasized the importance of innovation and operational efficiency to drive growth and shareholder value [17][65] - Management noted that there are no abnormal pricing pressures from automotive customers related to tariffs, maintaining a normal annual cadence in negotiations [92][95] Other Important Information - The company received proposals from Onsemi for potential acquisition, which were ultimately withdrawn after the board considered them [20] - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 4%, with a full-year effective tax rate of 3%, primarily due to research and development credits [31] 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 start shipping later in the year [41][42] Question: Gross margin outlook - The company expects to see benefits from cost reductions and restructuring initiatives impacting gross margins in Q1, with a long-term target of 58% [44][60] Question: Backlog growth and design wins - The company is seeing strong design wins in e-mobility and industrial sectors, contributing to backlog growth [50][51] Question: Inventory levels and distribution channel - Distribution channel inventories declined by 25% year-over-year, indicating a healthy inventory situation [57] Question: Competition in China - The company continues to see positive growth in China despite competition, with strong customer momentum and design wins [86][87]