Vicor (NasdaqGS:VICR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 19, 2026 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsJim Schmidt - CFOJon Tanwanteng - Managing DirectorPatrizio Vinciarelli - CEOPhil Davies - VP of Global Sales and MarketingConference Call ParticipantsJustin Clare - Managing Director and Senior Research AnalystQuinn Bolton - Managing Director and Equity Research AnalystRich Shannon - Senior Research AnalystNone - AnalystNone - AnalystOperatorGood day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Vicor Fourth Quar ...

Vicor (NasdaqGS:VICR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 19, 2026 05:00 PM ET Speaker5Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Vicor Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your questio ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company revenue for Q4 2025 was $440 million, reflecting an 11% quarter-over-quarter growth and a 14% year-over-year growth, meeting the target for sequential growth [3][4] - Full year revenue for 2025 was $1.566 billion, a $130 million or 9% increase compared to 2024 [4][23] - Net profit for Q4 2025 was $80 million, or an 18% net margin, up from 11% in Q1 2025, indicating a value-based growth driven by technology mix enrichment [4][22] - Gross profit for Q4 2025 was $118 million, a 26% increase compared to the prior quarter [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RF infrastructure revenue increased by 75% year-over-year, driven by the rapid adoption of silicon photonics [5] - Silicon germanium and silicon photonics revenues represented 27% of corporate revenues, totaling $421 million, up from $241 million in 2024 [6] - Power Management grew 20% year-over-year, representing 16% of corporate revenues in 2025 [13] - Sensors and displays grew 10% year-over-year, representing 16% of corporate revenue [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RF mobile represented 23% of corporate revenue in 2025, with a 15% year-over-year decline due to a shift towards higher value optical and RF mix [12] - The company is experiencing strong demand for silicon photonics, with over 70% of total SiPho capacity reserved or in the process of being reserved through 2028 [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is increasing its CapEx plan for 2026 to accommodate strong customer demand, with a total investment of $920 million aimed at expanding silicon photonics and silicon germanium capacity [9][26] - The updated financial model targets $2.84 billion in annual revenue by 2028, reflecting a significant increase from 2025 [20][29] - The company is focusing on partnerships with lead customers to enhance its technology offerings and manufacturing capabilities [8][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the revised financial model by 2028, citing strong customer demand and partnerships [19][62] - The company acknowledged potential concerns regarding memory shortages in the mobile market but emphasized proactive planning to mitigate risks [66] Other Important Information - The company announced a one-time tax benefit in Q4 2025, resulting in a 2% effective tax rate [22] - A lease extension for the Newport Beach facility was secured, extending the lease until the end of 2030 [81] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on NVIDIA collaboration - The company clarified that it does not ship directly to NVIDIA but through resellers, focusing on output parameters for photonics [32][42] Question: Capacity increase for silicon photonics - The company confirmed that the planned capacity increase includes demand from NVIDIA and partners [34] Question: Concerns about high voltage capabilities for AI servers - The company stated it does not currently have an 800-volt platform on an IC but has higher voltage IC capabilities [39] Question: Timeline for CapEx investments - Management indicated that the majority of the $920 million investment should be online by the third quarter of 2026, with some growth expected earlier [50][60] Question: Expectations for silicon photonics contribution - The company expressed confidence in meeting demand and operational execution for silicon photonics in 2026 and 2027 [56][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2026 increased by 18% to $41.8 million from $35.4 million in the same quarter last year, driven by higher shipment volumes to major export markets, including the U.S. and a new customer in Korea [10] - Gross profit rose by 31% to $7 million from $5.4 million year-over-year, with gross profit margin improving to 16.9% from 15.2% due to a favorable product mix and economies of scale [10][11] - Operating income nearly tripled to $1.9 million from $708,000 in the same quarter last year, while net income increased to $1.2 million or $0.09 per diluted share from $6,000 or $0.00 per diluted share [11] - Cash and restricted cash totaled $13.2 million, with net working capital at $36.4 million as of December 31, 2025 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its manufacturing capacity by acquiring a 184,000 sq ft facility in Amman, Jordan, with an investment of approximately $5 million for renovations and equipment [4][5] - The new facility is expected to increase manufacturing capacity by at least 40%, supporting growing demand from existing customers and new business opportunities [5][9] - The company is also developing additional facilities in rural towns, which are expected to add 5%-10% to total production capacity [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen increased order projections from major customers for calendar year 2026, with facilities fully booked through July [9] - Jordan is being recognized as a preferred manufacturing hub, with many global brands diversifying their manufacturing footprint to the region [6][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The long-term strategy aims to more than double current production capacities in the next five years while diversifying the customer base and product mix [10] - The company is focused on cost control and operational efficiency as it implements its expansion strategy [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future prospects, expecting Q4 2026 revenue to increase by 23%-26% year-over-year, with gross margin targets of 14%-16% [13] - The company is closely monitoring the political situation in the region and has contingency plans in place to ensure stable operations [41][45] Other Important Information - The board of directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on February 20, 2026 [12] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was lower at 24%, with projections for future rates between 25%-30% as the company engages in tax planning [62][64] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will the expansions impact the income statement and balance sheet? - The $5 million for renovations and equipment will be financed by the Housing Bank, showing up as long-term debt on the balance sheet [16][18] Question: Can you provide details on the new facilities being developed? - The new satellite factories will help create job opportunities in rural areas and are expected to improve overall efficiency [21][22] Question: How quickly can the new capacity be ramped up? - Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with a ramp-up period of 1-2 years to fully utilize the new capacity [30] Question: What is the outlook for gross margins going forward? - Margins may decrease as the company returns to more complex styles, but efficiency improvements and new technology will help control costs [33] Question: What is the contingency plan regarding political instability in the region? - The company is monitoring the situation closely and has been assured that Jordan will remain stable, with efficient operations at key ports [41][45] Question: What are the plans for cash on the balance sheet? - The company is utilizing cash for growth and working capital, with plans to consider other financing alternatives once a comfortable level is reached [46][47] Question: How is the health of the largest customers affecting pricing? - There is pricing pressure due to tariffs, but the company maintains strong relationships with customers and is seen as a reliable manufacturer [50][51]

Financial Performance - In Q4, revenue increased by 9.9% to $1.5 billion, and adjusted EBITDA rose by 15.9% to $335.6 million, driven by 5.3% discharge growth and a 4.1% increase in net revenue per discharge [1][5] - For the full year 2025, revenue grew by 10.5%, with EBITDA increasing by 14.9%, supported by operating leverage and disciplined expense management [3][5] - Adjusted free cash flow for the full year was $818 million, reflecting an 18.5% increase [9] Labor and Operational Efficiency - Premium labor costs decreased significantly, down more than $21 million year-over-year in 2025, with Q4 premium labor at $23.8 million, the lowest since Q1 2021 [2][5][7] - The company added approximately 300 same-store registered nurses (RNs) during 2025, contributing to improved operational efficiency [7] Capacity Expansion and Growth Strategy - Management plans to add 517 beds in 2025 through new hospitals and expansions, with ongoing investments expected to meet a growing target demographic [12] - A new 24-bed small-format hospital prototype is set to launch in 2027 as part of a hub-and-spoke strategy [13] 2026 Guidance - For 2026, management guided net revenue of $6.365–6.465 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $1.34–1.38 billion, and adjusted EPS of $5.81–6.10, with a leverage target of approximately 1.83x [4][18] Regulatory and Payer Dynamics - The company reported a 93% affirmation rate for its Alabama hospitals under the RCD model, indicating effective engagement with CMS [16] - Management expressed concerns about challenges with a national Medicare Advantage payer, which affected conversion rates despite referral growth [20]

Core Insights - Cabot Corporation has successfully acquired Mexico Carbon Manufacturing S.A. de C.V. from Bridgestone Corporation, finalizing a transaction valued at approximately $70 million [1][3][7] - The acquisition enhances Cabot's global production network and operational flexibility, particularly in the tire and industrial rubber sectors, by leveraging efficiencies from the proximity to existing operations in Altamira, Mexico [2][4][7] - This strategic move supports Cabot's goal to expand capacity in key markets and strengthens its long-standing commercial relationship with Bridgestone [3][4] Company Performance - Shares of Cabot Corporation (CBT) have experienced a decline of 10.4% over the past year, which is comparatively better than the industry's decline of 17.4% [4] - CBT currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), while other companies in the Basic Materials sector, such as Albemarle Corporation, Novozymes A/S, and Methanex Corporation, have higher rankings [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the second quarter reached a record $1.13 billion, representing a 36% increase year-over-year and a 16% increase from the prior quarter [4][9] - Non-GAAP EPS was $3.36, exceeding guidance despite a $3 million foreign exchange revaluation loss [9][11] - Gross margin improved to 12.4%, and operating margin reached 10.9%, reflecting strong top-line growth [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Optical Communications revenue grew 29% year-over-year and 11% sequentially, totaling $833 million [9][10] - Telecom revenue surged 59% year-over-year and 17% from Q1, reaching $554 million, with DCI revenue increasing 42% year-over-year [4][10] - Non-Optical Communications revenue was $300 million, up 61% year-over-year and 30% sequentially, driven by high-performance computing products [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Datacom revenue was $278 million, showing a 2% sequential increase, while the year-over-year decline narrowed to 7% [10] - Automotive revenue grew 12% year-over-year but slightly declined sequentially as anticipated [5][11] - Industrial Laser revenue increased 10% year-over-year and 4% sequentially, contributing $41 million [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic capacity expansion, with the construction of Building 10, a 2 million sq ft facility, on track for completion by the end of 2026 [6][8] - The company is pursuing new opportunities across all business areas, particularly in telecom and high-performance computing [5][6] - The company aims to maintain execution excellence while scaling operations to meet increasing demand [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining growth trends across all major business areas, with expectations for continued strong performance in Q3 [8][13] - The company anticipates revenue growth in telecom, datacom, and HPC, while expecting a modest decline in automotive revenue [13] - Management highlighted the importance of executing well to capture growth opportunities and maintain competitive advantages [17][52] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with cash and short-term investments of $961 million, with capital expenditures of $52 million reflecting ongoing construction and capacity enhancements [12] - The company repurchased over 12,000 shares at an average price of $387 per share during the quarter [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: HPC customer ramp and production lines - Management indicated they are a little more than halfway to fully ramping the HPC program, expecting revenue to exceed $150 million when fully ramped [16][17] Question: Co-packaged optics and optical circuit switches - Management confirmed they are working on co-packaged optics with three different customers and are excited about the potential of optical circuit switches [19][22] Question: Datacom transceivers supply constraints - Management acknowledged supply constraints in Datacom but noted progress with a second source for lasers, which should alleviate some issues [27] Question: Telecom revenue growth drivers - Management stated that the growth in telecom was primarily driven by DCI, with optimism about both satellite communications and core telecom systems [30][31] Question: New customer opportunities in telecom - Management is pursuing both existing and new customers, emphasizing their role as a pure contract manufacturer without competing products [43][44] Question: Capacity additions and timelines - Management confirmed that the Pinehurst campus is being repurposed to add 120,000 sq ft of manufacturing space, with strong demand from legacy customers [91][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Northrop Grumman ended 2025 with over $95 billion in backlog, a new company record, driven by over $46 billion in net awards in 2025 [4] - Free cash flow for the year was $3.3 billion, representing a 26% increase compared to 2024, marking the third consecutive year of at least 25% growth [4][21] - Fourth quarter sales were $11.7 billion, up 10% compared to the prior year, with Q4 sales accelerating 12% sequentially [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aeronautics Systems segment sales were $3.9 billion, up 18% year-over-year, driven by the F-35 program and B-21 program ramp-up [17] - Defense Systems (DS) saw Q4 sales grow by 7% on a GAAP basis and 12% organically, with higher volume in solid rocket motors and missile defense [18] - Mission Systems achieved double-digit growth in Q4, driven by strong production volume on restricted programs and international radar systems [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International sales grew by 20% in 2025, with strong momentum as allied nations invest in enhancing their national security capabilities [12] - The company received formal requests to acquire IBCS from over 20 countries, indicating robust global demand for its technology [13] - The U.S. defense budget recommendation of $1.5 trillion for FY 2027 indicates potential for historic growth in defense spending [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Northrop Grumman's strategy focuses on technology leadership and capital deployment in value-creating growth opportunities [3] - The company is transforming to meet customer demands for faster delivery of capabilities, balancing performance with affordability [34] - Investments are being made to expand production capacity, particularly in munitions and solid rocket motors, to meet increasing demand [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued solid growth, supported by a strong backlog and favorable market conditions [4][12] - The company anticipates broad-based growth across all business segments in 2026, with sales expected between $43.5 billion and $44 billion [22] - Management highlighted the importance of aligning with U.S. government priorities and the need for speed and capacity in defense capabilities [11][12] Other Important Information - The company plans to increase capital expenditures in 2026 to $1.65 billion, approximately 4% of total sales, to support growth initiatives [26] - Northrop Grumman's pension funding status improved to 106% due to asset returns of 11.3% [26] - The transition to a new CFO, John Green, was noted, with appreciation for the contributions of former CFO Ken Crews [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is Northrop Grumman transforming to meet customer needs? - Management emphasized the need for speed and affordability in delivering capabilities, directing engineering talent to design products that can be fielded quickly [34][35] Question: What are the biggest opportunities for acceleration in 2026? - Management indicated that opportunities exist in programs like B-21 and APEX, but current guidance reflects only what is expected to be contracted [39][40] Question: What is driving the conservatism in the 2026 revenue outlook? - Management described a balanced approach, incorporating clear funding and backlog into guidance while acknowledging the dynamic environment [46] Question: What is the outlook for international growth in 2026? - Management expects strong international awards in 2026, particularly for IBCS, with several countries anticipated to announce contracts [68]

Core Insights - Park Aerospace reported stronger profitability in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, with sales of $17.333 million and adjusted EBITDA of $4.228 million, slightly exceeding previous estimates [2][3] - The company is planning a significant capacity expansion to meet unprecedented demand in defense and commercial sectors, with a new plant expected to double composite capacity [4][18] - Management provided a fourth-quarter sales forecast of $23.5 million to $24.5 million, influenced by low-margin fabric sales, and a full-year fiscal 2026 sales projection of $72.5 million to $73.5 million [5][14] Financial Performance - For the third quarter, Park reported a gross profit of $5.903 million and a gross margin of 34.1%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 24.4% [2] - The company experienced missed shipments worth approximately $740,000 due to supply chain issues, which are expected to stabilize [6] - Park ended the third quarter with $63.6 million in cash and zero long-term debt, highlighting strong liquidity [20] Capacity Expansion and Financing - Park plans to invest approximately $50 million in a new 120,000 square foot manufacturing plant to increase composite capacity, with spending spread over fiscal years 2027 to 2029 [4][18] - The company filed a Form S-3 for a $50 million at-the-market offering to support the new plant and future opportunities [19] - Park has committed EUR 4,587,000 to ArianeGroup for C2B expansion and EUR 350,000 for a study on a potential U.S. manufacturing facility [17] Market Opportunities - Park is involved in significant aerospace programs, including GE Aerospace/CFM engine nacelle-related programs, with projected sales of $29.0 million to $29.5 million for the year [12] - The company is also positioned to benefit from increased defense demand, particularly in missile systems, as stockpiles are depleted due to ongoing conflicts [15] - Park's participation in the A320neo aircraft family and its relationship with Airbus and Boeing positions it well for future growth in commercial aerospace [9][11]

Core Viewpoint - Nicola Mining Inc. has successfully upsized its non-brokered private placement from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, indicating strong support from existing shareholders and new institutional investors, which reflects confidence in the company's operational milestones and long-term strategy [1]. Group 1: Offering Details - The company plans to issue a total of 3,333,334 units at a price of $0.90 per unit, aiming for gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000, which includes 1,111,112 units issued in the first closing [2]. - Each unit will consist of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant, with each warrant allowing the holder to purchase one share at $1.10 for three years post-closing, with potential acceleration of expiry under certain conditions [3]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The gross proceeds from the offering will be allocated for ball mills, general operations, and corporate working capital [4]. - Specific uses may include purchasing and installing milling equipment to expand processing capacity to approximately 500 tonnes per day, adding a secondary ball mill, and procuring spare parts to support ongoing operational reliability [5]. Group 3: Company Overview - Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Frankfurt Exchange, owning a 100% mill and tailings facility near Merritt, British Columbia, and has signed profit share agreements with high-grade gold projects [8]. - The company also owns the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property covering over 10,800 hectares, and the Treasure Mountain Property, a fully-permitted high-grade silver mine spanning over 2,200 hectares [9].