Summary of Keysight Technologies FY Conference Call (December 10, 2025) Company Overview - **Company**: Keysight Technologies (NYSE: KEYS) - **Fiscal Year**: 2025 - **Conference Date**: December 10, 2025 Key Industry Insights General Market Performance - **2025 Performance**: The company experienced a recovery with growth expectations starting at 5% and finishing at 8% for the year, with guidance for 10% growth in Q1 2026 [1][2] - **End-Market Environment**: Mixed performance across different business segments, with some areas showing growth while others remained soft [1][2] Technological Trends - **AI Impact**: AI is significantly influencing the wireline business, contributing to growth and driving new use cases across various sectors [4][5] - **Wireless Business Growth**: The wireless segment returned to growth, driven by advancements in non-terrestrial networks, early 6G research, and Open RAN [2][3] - **Semiconductor Market**: The semiconductor sector is rebounding, with increased demand for assurance of supply and AI-driven innovations [3] Defense Sector - **Aerospace and Defense**: The defense sector is seeing increased budgets from both the U.S. and European allies, with a focus on modernization and new programs like Golden Dome and GCAP [3][27][28] - **Record Orders**: Despite challenges such as government shutdowns, the aerospace defense business achieved record orders in 2025 [26][27] Financial Performance and Projections Revenue and Growth - **Recurring Revenue**: Approximately 30% of the business is recurring revenue, with expectations to reach around 40% due to recent acquisitions [14][15] - **Operating Margin**: The company aims for a 40% operating leverage, with expectations for EPS growth at or above 10% in 2026 despite potential dilution from acquisitions [33][36] Acquisitions and Integration - **Recent Acquisitions**: Three acquisitions completed in October 2025 are expected to enhance operating margins over the next 12-18 months [34][35] - **Cost Efficiency Target**: A target of $100 million in cost efficiencies primarily from synergies related to acquisitions [35] Emerging Opportunities AI and Data Centers - **AI Data Center Builder**: A new product that has received industry awards, aimed at helping hyperscalers with workload emulation and benchmarking [8][9] - **Growth in Data Center Capacity**: Projections indicate an additional 10-15 gigawatts of capacity in 2026 and 100 gigawatts over the next five years [10][12] Wireless and 6G Development - **5G and Beyond**: Continued investment in 5G standards and the emergence of 6G, with significant R&D activities expected to ramp up towards the end of the decade [22][24] - **Non-Terrestrial Networks**: Growth in direct-to-cell services and satellite constellations, with Keysight positioned to support these developments [20][21] Defense Technology Startups - **Emerging Startups**: Over 1,400 defense technology startups are entering the market, creating additional demand for Keysight's testing and emulation capabilities [30][31] Conclusion - **Positive Outlook**: Keysight Technologies is well-positioned for growth across multiple sectors, including AI, wireless communications, and defense, with a strong focus on technological advancements and strategic acquisitions [36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, revenue reached $1,419 million, a 10% increase year-over-year, or 9% on a core basis [18] - Orders grew to $1,533 million, up 14% year-over-year, or 12% on a core basis [19] - Full year revenue was $5,375 million, an 8% increase as reported, or 7% on a core basis [19] - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 was $1.91, a 16% increase year-over-year, while full year EPS was $7.16, up 14% [19] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Communication Solutions Group (CSG) generated Q4 revenue of $990 million, up 11% reported, or 9% core [20] - The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (EISG) reported revenue of $429 million, a 9% increase reported, or 8% core [20] - CSG achieved a gross margin of 66% and an operating margin of 27%, while EISG had a gross margin of 60% and an operating margin of 25% [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace, defense, and government sector saw record orders with an 8% revenue increase for the year [11] - Wireless orders and revenue grew high single digits for the full year, driven by advancements in 5G and early 6G research [10] - Wireline orders and revenue grew double digits both in Q4 and for the full year, setting a new record [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Keysight is focusing on software-centric solutions and has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities [6] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on trends in AI, 6G, and defense modernization, aligning its solutions with customer priorities [5][6] - A new $1.5 billion share repurchase program has been authorized to support capital return to shareholders [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about growth in wireless and wireline segments, driven by stabilization in 5G and advancements in AI infrastructure [28] - The company anticipates revenue growth in FY 2026 to be at or above the high end of its long-term target of 5%-7% [22] - Management highlighted a robust sales pipeline and backlog entering FY 2026, with expectations for continued strong performance [22] Other Important Information - Keysight achieved record free cash flow of $1.3 billion in FY 2025, with significant investments in R&D and acquisitions [7] - The company is working to realize over $100 million in synergies from recent acquisitions, expected to be accretive to earnings within 12 months post-close [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company see wireless trending in FY 2026? - Management is optimistic about wireless growth, driven by stabilization in 5G and investments in advanced technologies [28] Question: Will there be additional growth or acceleration in the adoption of 1.6 Terabit wireline? - The company believes its first-to-market solutions will continue to drive momentum in wireline, particularly with advancements in AI [30] Question: What is the expected cadence of revenue contribution from recent acquisitions? - Approximately 30% of the acquisition revenue is expected in Q1, with the remainder distributed evenly across the following quarters [61] Question: What are the expectations for EPS growth despite mild dilution from acquisitions? - Management indicated that the dilution would be low single digits, with expectations for EPS growth at or above 10% [66] Question: How does the company view the growth potential in the automotive sector? - The automotive sector is stabilizing, with growth seen in software-defined vehicles and electric vehicle solutions [106]

Financial Performance and Key Metrics - Keysight reported Q4 revenue of $1,419 million, a 10% increase year-over-year, and orders grew 14% to $1,533 million [18][19] - Full year revenue reached $5,375 million, up 8% as reported, with EPS increasing 14% to $7.16 [19][20] - Gross margin for Q4 was 64%, with an operating margin of 26% [19] Business Segment Performance - The Communication Solutions Group (CSG) generated Q4 revenue of $990 million, up 11%, driven by strong wireline and wireless growth [20] - The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (EISG) reported revenue of $429 million, a 9% increase, with growth in semiconductor and general electronics [20][21] - Software and services accounted for approximately 37% of total revenue, with annual recurring revenue at 29% [20] Market Trends and Key Indicators - Strong demand in wireline driven by AI infrastructure buildouts and technology upgrades, with double-digit growth in orders and revenue [8][20] - Wireless segment saw high single-digit growth, supported by advancements in 5G and early 6G research [10][20] - Aerospace, defense, and government sectors achieved record orders, with an 8% revenue increase, reflecting strong customer engagement in defense modernization [11][20] Company Strategy and Industry Positioning - Keysight's strategy focuses on software-centric solutions and strategic acquisitions to enhance capabilities, including recent acquisitions of Spirent and Synopsys Optical Solutions Group [6][7] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on trends in AI, 6G, and semiconductor advancements, with a robust pipeline of sales opportunities [5][17] - Keysight aims to achieve over $100 million in synergies from recent acquisitions while maintaining critical investments in R&D [22][23] Management Commentary on Business Environment and Outlook - Management expressed optimism about growth in wireless and wireline segments, anticipating continued demand driven by technological advancements [28][30] - The company expects Q1 2026 revenue to be between $1,530 million and $1,550 million, representing a 19% year-over-year growth at the midpoint [21][22] - Keysight's leadership remains confident in the fundamentals of its business model and long-term shareholder value creation [17][24] Other Important Information - Keysight achieved record free cash flow of $1.3 billion in FY25, with $375 million returned to shareholders through buybacks [7][21] - The company has authorized an additional $1.5 billion share repurchase program [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Wireless segment outlook for FY2026 - Management is optimistic about wireless growth, driven by stabilization in 5G and investments in advanced technologies [26][28] Question: Growth potential from 1.6 TB per second wireline - The company is well-positioned to continue momentum in wireline, leveraging first-to-market solutions and technological complexity [29][30] Question: Order acceleration details - The significant acceleration in orders is attributed to broad strength across both CSG and EISG businesses, with a robust pipeline for future growth [34][36] Question: M&A revenue contribution cadence - Approximately 30% of the revenue from acquisitions is expected in Q1, with the remainder distributed evenly across the following quarters [61] Question: EPS growth despite dilution from acquisitions - Management indicated that the expected dilution from acquisitions is mild, with low single-digit percentage impacts [66][68] Question: Revenue growth expectations across different segments - AI is expected to be a significant growth driver, with wireline and wireless segments anticipated to grow in line with long-term targets [73][75]

Financial Performance and Key Metrics - Keysight reported fourth quarter revenue of $1,419 million, exceeding guidance and reflecting a 10% increase year-over-year, or 9% on a core basis [16] - Orders for the fourth quarter reached $1,533 million, up 14% on a reported basis or 12% on a core basis [17] - Full year revenue was $5,375 million, an 8% increase as reported, or 7% on a core basis, with earnings per share (EPS) of $7.16, up 14% [17][18] Business Segment Performance - The Communication Solutions Group (CSG) generated fourth quarter revenue of $990 million, up 11% on a reported basis, driven by strong wireline and wireless performance [18] - The Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (EISG) reported revenue of $429 million, a 9% increase on a reported basis, with growth in semiconductor and general electronics [18] - Software and services accounted for approximately 37% of total revenue, with annual recurring revenue at 29% [18] Market Performance - Wireline orders and revenue grew double digits in Q4 and for the full year, driven by AI infrastructure buildouts and technology upgrades [6][10] - Wireless orders and revenue grew high single digits for the full year, supported by ongoing standards evolution and early 6G research [9] - Aerospace, defense, and government sectors saw record orders, with revenue increasing by 8% for the year, reflecting strong customer engagement in defense modernization [10][11] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - Keysight's strategy focuses on software-centric solutions and recent acquisitions to enhance capabilities in AI, 6G, and semiconductor markets [4][5] - The company is well-positioned to capture growth opportunities in emerging technologies, including AI and defense, with a robust sales pipeline [4][10] - Keysight aims to realize over $100 million in synergies from recent acquisitions, which are expected to be accretive to earnings within 12 months post-close [20][21] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about wireless growth in FY2026, driven by stabilization in 5G and advancements in next-gen connectivity [24] - The company anticipates revenue growth in FY2026 to be at or above the high end of its long-term target of 5%-7%, excluding acquisitions [20][22] - Keysight's operating model is expected to generate strong free cash flow, allowing for continued investment in R&D and shareholder returns [5][19] Other Important Information - Keysight achieved record free cash flow of $1.3 billion in FY2025, with $375 million returned to shareholders through buybacks [5][19] - The company has authorized an additional $1.5 billion share repurchase program to support ongoing capital return [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company see wireless trending in FY2026? - Management is optimistic about wireless growth, driven by stabilization in 5G and investments in advanced technologies [24] Question: What is the expected growth from the adoption of 1.6 TB per second wireline? - The company believes that higher technological complexity will drive growth in wireline, with a strong focus on first-to-market solutions [25] Question: Can you elaborate on the order acceleration and its drivers? - The revenue outperformance was attributed to broad order strength across both CSG and EISG, with a robust pipeline for future growth [27][28] Question: What are the expectations for M&A revenue contributions? - Approximately 30% of the revenue from acquisitions is expected in Q1, with the remainder distributed evenly across the following quarters [39] Question: How does the company plan to achieve operating margin targets? - Management indicated that achieving the 31%-32% operating margin target is further out, with current margins at 26% [47] Question: What is the outlook for software and services revenue growth? - The company expects continued growth in software and services, particularly with the integration of recent acquisitions [56]