Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved sales of $5.9 billion in the first quarter, exceeding guidance and reflecting a 5% increase year-over-year and sequentially [4][10] - Adjusted EPS was $0.84, near the high end of guidance [4] - Gross margin for the quarter was 10.4%, down 42 basis points year-over-year and 15 basis points sequentially [10][11] - Adjusted operating income was $151 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 2.6% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electronic components sales increased by 5% year-over-year and sequentially [10][12] - Farnell sales grew by 50% year-over-year and 3% sequentially [10][12] - The Americas region showed year-over-year sales growth for the first time since fiscal 2023, while EMEA sales were flat year-over-year [4][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in Asia grew by 10% year-over-year, now representing over half of electronic components sales [10][11] - EMEA sales were flat year-over-year and down 6% in constant currency [10] - The book-to-bill ratio improved globally, with all regions above parity [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing growth opportunities with inventory reductions and optimizing existing inventory [5][14] - There is an emphasis on strengthening supplier relationships and navigating market complexities [9] - The company aims to reduce leverage to approximately 3.0 times over the next year while maintaining a strong balance sheet [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about recovery in Asia and progress in the Americas, with stabilizing conditions in EMEA [8][9] - Geopolitical and market uncertainties remain, but the company believes its diverse customer base positions it well for recovery [8] - The company anticipates modest growth in the December quarter, particularly in Europe [31] Other Important Information - The company increased its quarterly dividend by approximately 6% to $0.35 per share [16] - The company repurchased approximately 2.6 million shares totaling $138 million during the quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Exposure to AI applications in data centers - Management indicated that exposure to hyperscalers is relatively small, around 7% of Asia's business, with opportunities in storage, connectivity, and power [19][20] Question: Inventory days and cash flow - Management acknowledged that inventory days were flattish and indicated a trend of declines in the electronic components business, with expectations to improve inventory days over time [21][24][25] Question: Demand profile in EMEA for December quarter - Management expects modest growth in Europe, indicating that bookings have been positive for a couple of quarters [31] Question: Incremental margins and geographic mix - Management noted that the return to year-over-year growth in total business should provide operating leverage and expand operating margins [32][34] Question: Potential price increases from suppliers - Management mentioned that certain technologies are seeing potential price increases, particularly in memory and interconnect products [36][37] Question: Core segment margins and future expectations - Management indicated that achieving core margins above 4% in fiscal 2026 is possible depending on mix shifts and seasonal impacts [40][42] Question: Farnell margins and revenue impacts - Management stated that Farnell margins could continue to grow, depending on product mix and market recovery [43][44] Question: Demand creation revenues and IP&E margins - Management provided that IP&E accounts for 15%-20% of total components business, with demand creation contributing 28%-33% [46]