TE Connectivity(US:TEL)2025-07-23 13:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third quarter sales of $4.5 billion, representing a 14% increase year-over-year and exceeding guidance [6][8] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached a record $2.27, a 19% increase compared to the previous year [6][8] - Adjusted operating margins improved to 20%, up 60 basis points from the prior year [7][8] - Free cash flow generation was $1 billion for the quarter, contributing to a year-to-date total of approximately $2.1 billion [5][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Industrial segment experienced over 20% organic growth, driven by Digital Data Networks and Energy businesses [6][8] - The Transportation segment saw a 2% organic growth in the auto business, with a notable 11% growth in Asia, offset by a 5% decline in Western regions [10][11] - The Energy business grew 70%, including contributions from the Richards acquisition, with a 20% organic growth rate [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders in the Transportation segment increased by 5% year-over-year, with a 17% growth in Asia [9] - The Industrial segment orders grew by 12% year-over-year, reflecting strong momentum in AI applications and energy sectors [9][12] - The global auto market remains uneven, with strength in Asia helping to offset declines in Europe and North America [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on strong demand for AI and energy applications, with significant investments made to broaden its business portfolio [4][5] - A strategic emphasis on localization has resulted in over 70% of production being localized, enhancing customer differentiation [5][6] - The company plans to hold an Investor Day to discuss growth opportunities and value creation [3] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong performance into the fourth quarter, expecting double-digit sales and adjusted EPS growth [6][8] - The company anticipates that the strong demand trends in AI and energy will persist, contributing to future growth [45][46] - Management noted that while there are challenges in Western markets, the overall outlook remains positive due to strong performance in Asia [9][10] Other Important Information - The company returned $1.5 billion to shareholders and deployed $2.6 billion for acquisitions in the Industrial segment [8][19] - The impact of tariffs was approximately 1.5% of sales, with minimal earnings impact, and the company continues to mitigate these through sourcing changes and pricing actions [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the AI business fully ramped and scaled? - Management confirmed that AI revenue is expected to exceed $800 million this year, with continued growth anticipated into next year [22][24] Question: What is driving the diversification and growth in the industrial segment? - Management highlighted investments in connectivity and power trends as key drivers of growth, with margins in the industrial segment now exceeding 20% [30][32] Question: Is there any meaningful impact from customers pre-buying to mitigate tariff risk? - Management indicated that there is no significant evidence of pull-ins affecting orders, with growth seen across both segments [38][40] Question: What is the outlook for margins moving forward? - Management expects to maintain margins above 20% in the industrial segment, supported by operational improvements and volume leverage [105][108] Question: How is the company positioned for future acquisitions? - Management expressed confidence in the acquisition pipeline, focusing on bolt-on opportunities to strengthen the energy business [96][98]