Benchmark Electronics(BHE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue was $632 million, down 4% sequentially and 6% year over year [12][14] - Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) was $0.52, above the midpoint of guidance [8][12] - Non-GAAP gross margin was 10.1%, a 30 basis point decrease quarter over quarter but a 10 basis point increase year over year [12][15] - Non-GAAP operating margin was 4.6%, down 50 basis points sequentially and 30 basis points year over year [12][15] - Free cash flow generated in the quarter was $27 million, totaling slightly more than $140 million on a trailing twelve-month basis [9][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Semi cap revenue grew 18% year over year but decreased 2% quarter over quarter [13][20] - Aerospace and Defense (A&D) revenue was up 15% year over year and 4% quarter over quarter [13][22] - Industrial revenue was down 2% quarter over quarter due to existing customer demand softness [13][22] - Medical revenue decreased 12% quarter over quarter, reflecting demand softness in medical devices [13][22] - AC and C revenue decreased 12% quarter over quarter due to timing-related weaknesses [13][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a mixed recovery in the broader industry, particularly in semi cap and A&D sectors [20][22] - Demand in the medical sector is expected to improve in the second half of 2025 as inventory levels normalize [24][66] - The company has a significant U.S. manufacturing footprint, with 36% of its capacity in the U.S. and over 55% in North America [10][68] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize supply chains for customers amid tariff-related uncertainties [6][27] - Continued investment in semi cap and A&D sectors is a focus, with a new facility in Penang, Malaysia, to support future growth [21][100] - The company is exploring M&A opportunities that align with strategic plans but remains focused on organic growth [28][109] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to revenue growth despite current headwinds [7][27] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit revenue growth in the second half of 2025 [18][44] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to customer needs and optimizing supply chains in a dynamic environment [88][90] Other Important Information - The company paid cash dividends of $6.1 million and repurchased $8 million of outstanding shares in the quarter [16][17] - The cash balance as of March 31 was $355 million, a year-over-year increase of $59 million [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are customer pauses and pull-ins creating a net headwind? - Management indicated that customer activity is balancing out, with some customers pausing shipments while others are pulling in orders [31][32] Question: What is the outlook for existing customers optimizing their supply chains? - Management noted that some bids are taking longer due to customers evaluating their supply chains amid tariff uncertainties [34][35] Question: Where is the traction seen in the industrial sector? - Management reported a balance of new and existing customers driving growth in the industrial sector, particularly in electronic controls and automation solutions [37][38] Question: Is the first half expected to decline while the second half sees growth? - Management confirmed that the first half is expected to decline mid-single digits year over year, with growth anticipated in the second half [42][43] Question: What is the expected tax rate for the second half of the year? - The expected effective tax rate for the remainder of the year is projected to be around 24% [61][62] Question: Are inventory levels in the medical sector normalized? - Management believes that OEMs have worked through much of the inventory, leading to expected growth in the second half [65][66] Question: How quickly can new programs be launched in new facilities? - Management indicated that while moving existing customers can be challenging, new programs can ramp up significantly within six months if they are competitive takeaways [86][88] Question: Is the company considering acquiring customer manufacturing facilities? - Management expressed openness to discussions about taking over facilities but emphasized a preference for leveraging existing infrastructure rather than acquiring new factories [92][94]