Keysight (KEYS) Q3 2025 Earnings Call August 19, 2025 04:30 PM ET Company ParticipantsPaulenier Sims - Director - IRSatish Dhanasekaran - Director, President & CEONeil Dougherty - Executive VP & CFOMeta Marshall - MD & VPTim long - Managing DirectorRobert Jamieson - VP - Industrial TechnologyAdam Thalhimer - Director - ResearchConference Call ParticipantsMark Delaney - Analyst - US Autos & Industrial TechAaron Rakers - Managing Director & Technology AnalystMehdi Hosseini - Senior Equity Research AnalystDavi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Keysight reported a revenue increase of 11% year over year to $1.4 billion and earnings per share of $1.72, exceeding guidance [5][20] - Orders increased by 7%, with growth across both the Communication Solutions Group (CSG) and Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (EISG) segments [5][20] - Gross margin was reported at 64%, with operating margin at 25%, reflecting a 60 basis point increase year over year [20] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - CSG generated revenue of $940 million, up 11% year over year, with commercial communications revenue of $644 million, also up 13% [22] - EISG revenue reached $412 million, an 11% increase year over year, with growth across automotive, energy, semiconductor, and general electronics [22] - CSG delivered a gross margin of 67% and an operating margin of 26%, while EISG had a gross margin of 57% and an operating margin of 22% [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace, defense, and government sectors saw robust demand due to elevated defense spending globally, particularly in the U.S. and Europe [11][12] - The wireless business remained stable, with momentum in non-terrestrial networks and continued R&D activity in 5G Advanced [10] - Demand in the automotive sector improved sequentially, with stable year-over-year performance [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Keysight is capitalizing on the ongoing AI momentum and investing in advanced physical layer solutions and silicon photonics capabilities [6][7] - The company is focused on leading the industry into the next generation of innovation, particularly in 6G research and development [10][11] - Keysight's strategy includes enhancing collaboration with customers and leveraging a solid pipeline of opportunities [6][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the evolving trade and tariff environment while maintaining healthy margins and strong free cash flow [19] - The demand environment remains resilient despite macroeconomic uncertainties, leading to an upward revision of the full-year growth outlook [25] - Management noted that while some end markets are recovering, challenges remain in sectors like automotive [29] Other Important Information - Keysight's cash flow from operations was $322 million, with free cash flow of $291 million for the quarter [23] - The company repurchased approximately 300,000 shares at an average price of $164, totaling $50 million [23] - The pending acquisition of Spirent is expected to close in the fiscal fourth quarter, with regulatory reviews progressing [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help investors understand your view of the end markets now? - Management noted strong order growth and positive customer activity despite geopolitical challenges, indicating a better-than-expected performance [28][29] Question: What is supporting the revenue outlook into Q4? - Management highlighted the timing of large deals and expected more normal sequential seasonality in orders compared to revenue [31][32] Question: How should we think about the long-term growth rate? - Management indicated a bullish outlook for fiscal 2026, with a focus on executing Q4 and navigating tariff impacts [38] Question: What is the contribution of AI to Keysight's story? - Management emphasized that AI is driving demand across multiple end markets, particularly in wireline, with expectations for continued growth [40][41] Question: Can you outline the tariff impacts? - Management clarified that tariffs are expected to increase exposure by approximately $75 million annually, with mitigation strategies in place [48][51] Question: What is the outlook for the aerospace and defense market? - Management expressed confidence in ongoing demand due to robust backlogs and government budgets, with a steady growth trajectory expected [52][54] Question: How is the semiconductor business performing? - Management noted strong growth in the semiconductor business, driven by advanced nodes and increased customer interest in silicon photonics [90][91] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on orders? - Management stated that there has been no material pull-in of orders due to tariff changes, and demand profiles remain stable [104][105]