Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q1 2026 were $203 million, with a gross margin of 48.2%, operating margin of 11.1%, and non-GAAP EPS of $0.09, reflecting a 5% sequential increase and a 22% year-over-year increase in sales [14][15][19] - Gross margin improved by 260 basis points sequentially, while operating margin increased from 9% in Q4 to 11.1% [18][19] - Cash flow from operations was $62 million, with free cash flow at $51 million, representing 25% of sales [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive sales increased by 3% sequentially, led by eMobility sales, which rose by 16% sequentially and 31% year-over-year [15] - Industrial and other sales grew by 11% sequentially and 50% year-over-year, driven by data center, robotics, and automation [15][17] - Magnetic sensor sales increased by 10% sequentially and 12% year-over-year, while power products sales declined by 2% sequentially but increased by 43% year-over-year [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales by geography were distributed as follows: 28% in China, 24% in the rest of Asia, 17% in Japan, 16% in The Americas, and 15% in Europe [17] - Distributor inventory dollars declined by 13% sequentially and 28% year-over-year, indicating a tightening supply chain [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to demonstrate relentless innovation to drive performance leadership in new and existing markets, with a focus on eMobility, data centers, robotics, and clean energy [6][7] - New product releases include innovative current sensor ICs for XEV inverters and a 48-volt motor driver IC for AI data centers, enhancing the company's competitive position [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about continued strong bookings and backlog, with expectations for Q2 sales to range between $205 million and $215 million, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase [20][21] - The automotive production forecast has been revised to a flat vehicle production landscape, indicating potential recovery signs in the automotive sector [40][41] Other Important Information - The company made a voluntary debt repayment of $35 million, reducing net debt to $181 million [19] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 9.5%, with interest expense at $5.5 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the forward demand picture and inventory refills? - Management noted strong bookings and backlog, with discussions about potential future component shortages indicating increased demand [25][26] Question: How is the industrial exposure, particularly in clean energy? - The company highlighted a broad industrial market with strong growth in data centers, robotics, and automation, despite some softness in clean energy [30][31] Question: What drove the upside in gross margin? - The gross margin exceeded expectations due to higher revenue and favorable cost dynamics, with a projected increase towards 50% in the coming quarters [35][36] Question: How do you see automotive demand recovery? - Management observed positive signs for automotive demand recovery, with increased customer discussions about expedited material delivery [41] Question: What is the outlook for distribution channel restocking? - The company expects distribution sales to be flat in Q2, with potential restocking of select parts as inventory levels normalize [57][58] Question: Can you discuss trends in China? - The company reported strong momentum in China, particularly in eMobility, while acknowledging competitive pressures and geopolitical concerns [60][61] Question: What is the strategy for capital deployment? - The focus remains on debt repayment as the most accretive action, with no immediate plans for share buybacks or dividends [96][97]