Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, net sales increased by 3% to EUR 6.1 billion, with an operating profit of EUR 1 billion and free cash flow of EUR 0.2 billion [4][16] - For the full year 2025, net sales reached EUR 19.9 billion, with an operating profit of EUR 2 billion, slightly above guidance [4][16] - Free cash flow conversion was 72%, consistent with guidance [4][16] - Gross margin improved by 90 basis points to 48.1%, while operating margin was 17.3%, down 90 basis points due to increased investments [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Network Infrastructure saw a 7% increase in net sales in Q4, driven by a 17% growth in optical networks [5][17] - Cloud and Network Services experienced a 4% decline in Q4, attributed to revenue recognition timing, but had a 6% growth for the full year [17][18] - Mobile Networks net sales increased by 6%, with growth in the Middle East, Africa, Japan, and Indonesia [18] - Nokia Technologies faced a 17% decline in net sales in Q4, impacted by lower catch-up sales and a EUR 20 million impairment charge [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI and cloud customers accounted for 16% of total net sales and 30% of Optical Networks in Q4 [17] - North America showed strong growth in Network Infrastructure, while Cloud and Network Services and Mobile Networks declined [20] - In APAC, growth was noted in Japan and Indonesia, while declines were seen in India and Greater China [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on long-term value creation, emphasizing AI and cloud opportunities, and has simplified its operating model [4][11] - A new Mobile Infrastructure segment was formed to enhance accountability and profitability [8] - The company is investing in defense-grade solutions and has established Nokia Defense as a new incubation unit [10] - The target for operating profit in 2026 is set between EUR 2 billion and EUR 2.5 billion, with a focus on disciplined execution [12][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term potential of optical networking and AI infrastructure, despite a conservative growth forecast for 2026 [30][31] - The company anticipates a somewhat lower than normal seasonal decline in Q1 2026 due to strong Q4 performance [33] - Management highlighted the importance of clarity in regulatory frameworks like the Cybersecurity Act for future business opportunities [54][56] Other Important Information - The company closed the acquisition of Nokia Shanghai Bell, expecting EUR 200 million in cost synergies [11] - A new head of IP networking has been appointed to enhance focus on this area [47] - The company plans to invest EUR 900 million to EUR 1 billion in CapEx, primarily for optical networks [35][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth expectations for optical networks - Management acknowledged the strong growth in Q4 but guided for a more conservative 10%-12% growth in 2026 due to transitioning from a telco-centric base [30][31] Question: Seasonal trends in Q1 - Management indicated that a slower start to the year is typical following a strong Q4, particularly in mobile networks [33] Question: CapEx visibility and order book - Management emphasized long-term trends and confidence in the market, noting that CapEx investments are aimed at supporting future growth [36] Question: Impact of restructuring costs - Management confirmed ongoing restructuring costs but expects significant savings in the long term [38] Question: North America market dynamics - Management acknowledged headwinds from customer losses but noted positive trends in AI and cloud segments [66][67] Question: Supply constraints in optical networks - Management confirmed supply constraints exist but emphasized ongoing investments to support capacity and capability in the ecosystem [60][62]

Nokia (NYSE:NOK) Q4 2025 Earnings call January 29, 2026 04:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlexander Duval - Head of Europe Technology Hardware and Semiconductors Equity ResearchDavid Mulholland - Head of Investor RelationsJustin Hotard - President and CEOMarco Wirén - CFOSami Sarkamies - Head of TMTSimon Leopold - Managing DirectorSébastien Sztabowicz - Head of IT Hardware and Semis Sector ResearchTerence Tsui - VPConference Call ParticipantsArtem Beletski - Equity AnalystDaniel Djurberg - Senior Equity Analy ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, net sales increased by 3% to EUR 6.1 billion, with an operating profit of EUR 1 billion and free cash flow of EUR 0.2 billion [3][14] - For the full year, net sales reached EUR 19.9 billion, with an operating profit of EUR 2 billion, slightly above the midpoint of guidance [3][14] - Free cash flow conversion was 72%, consistent with guidance [3][14] - Gross margin improved by 90 basis points to 48.1%, while operating margin was 17.3%, down 90 basis points due to increased investments [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Network Infrastructure saw a 7% increase in net sales in Q4, driven by a 17% growth in optical networks [4][15] - AI and cloud customers accounted for 16% of net sales and 30% of Optical Networks in Q4 [15] - Cloud and Network Services experienced a 4% decline in Q4, but delivered 6% growth for the full year [15][16] - Mobile Networks net sales increased by 6%, driven by growth in the Middle East, Africa, Japan, and Indonesia [16] - Nokia Technologies faced a 17% decline in net sales in Q4, impacted by lower catch-up sales [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America showed strong growth in Network Infrastructure, while Cloud and Network Services and Mobile Networks declined [18] - In APAC, Japan and Indonesia grew, but there were declines in India and Greater China [18] - Europe grew by 4%, with strength in network infrastructure, while the Middle East and Africa saw growth in both mobile networks and network infrastructure [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined execution to capture growth in AI and cloud, with a simplified operating model and clearer priorities [10][11] - The acquisition of Infinera is part of the strategy to strengthen the portfolio and focus on areas with opportunities for differentiation and sustainable market leadership [3][10] - The creation of Nokia Defense aims to deliver defense-grade solutions based on Nokia's mobile and network infrastructure technologies [9] - The company is investing in optical and IP networks as primary growth engines, with a target of 6%-8% compound annual growth in network infrastructure from 2025 to 2028 [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term opportunities in optical networking and AI infrastructure, despite a conservative guidance for growth [28][29] - The company anticipates a somewhat subseasonal trend in Q1 2026 due to normalization after a strong Q4 [31] - Management highlighted the importance of clarity on replacement schedules and support for network operators in light of new regulations [50][51] Other Important Information - The company closed the transaction to take full ownership of Nokia Shanghai Bell, expecting approximately EUR 200 million in run rate cost synergies [10] - The company is targeting an operating profit of EUR 2 billion to EUR 2.5 billion for 2026, with a focus on new product launches and investments in AI and cloud [11][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: On optical growth guidance - The company acknowledged the strong growth in optical networking but provided conservative guidance for 2026 due to transitioning from a telco-centric base and the need for disciplined execution [28][29] Question: CapEx visibility and order book - Management indicated that CapEx investments are aligned with long-term market trends and near-term demand, emphasizing the importance of these investments for future growth [34][35] Question: Supply-related constraints - The company recognized supply constraints in the broader ecosystem but remains focused on securing supply and managing commitments [57] Question: North America market dynamics - Management noted headwinds from customer losses in North America but highlighted positive trends in AI and cloud segments [63][64] Question: Operating guidance for 2026 - The company provided insights into the EUR 2 billion to EUR 2.5 billion guidance, emphasizing the impact of new product launches and investments in AI and cloud [72][74]