Plexus(US:PLXS)2025-04-24 14:22Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the fiscal second quarter was $980 million, meeting guidance [11] - Non-GAAP operating margin was 5.7%, at the high end of guidance [12] - Non-GAAP EPS was $1.66, exceeding guidance due to strong operating margin performance and favorable tax rate [13] - Free cash flow generated was $16.5 million, significantly better than expectations [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace and defense sector revenue increased 8% sequentially, with healthy wins of $27 million [27][28] - Healthcare life sciences sector revenue was up 10% sequentially, with wins of $118 million, including the largest-ever award for sustaining services [32][33] - Industrial sector revenue decreased 10% sequentially, with wins of $60 million [36][38] - Semi cap sector showed robust growth, with high teens growth expected for the fiscal year [111] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Incremental strengthening in healthcare customer outlooks offset modest reductions in other markets [12] - Signs of inventory corrections peaking in the broader industrial market [23] - Demand in aerospace and defense is being offset by reduced near-term demand in the aerospace subsector [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company is strategically investing in talent, technology, and facilities to navigate current market complexities [9] - Continued focus on sustainability and innovation as core values [16] - Anticipates $100 million of free cash flow for fiscal 2025, aiming for meaningful EPS growth [10][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges macroeconomic uncertainty but remains optimistic about achieving meaningful EPS growth in fiscal 2025 [22][137] - Customers are currently taking a wait-and-see approach regarding tariffs, with no immediate impact on demand noted [66] - Company is well-positioned to adjust to customer needs and market conditions [64] Other Important Information - Company recognized as Manufacturer of the Year Mega Category by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce [17] - New facility in Malaysia expected to open this summer, enhancing capacity [68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on operations - Management indicated that customers are taking a wait-and-see approach regarding tariffs, with no immediate demand degradation observed [62][66] Question: Capacity and new facilities - Current capacity is sufficient across regions, with new facility in Malaysia expected to enhance operations [68] Question: Cash cycle days target - Management aims for cash cycle days to improve to mid to low sixties, with each day of reduction freeing up $10 million in cash flow [75][76] Question: Dynamics behind outsourcing in aerospace and defense - Increased openness to outsourcing observed among customers due to changes in demand relative to capacity [80][82] Question: Details on healthcare sustainable services program - Program involves single-use capital equipment, with potential for significant ramp-up over two to three quarters [86] Question: Industrial market demand signals - Inventory corrections appear to have peaked, leading to stronger demand signals from industrial customers [98] Question: Engineering wins diversification - Engineering wins have diversified across multiple sectors, indicating strong future growth potential [118] Question: Currency hedging strategy - Company is actively hedging against currency volatility to mitigate potential impacts on P&L [124]