Allegro MicroSystems(ALGM) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $203 million, with a gross margin of 48.2%, and non-GAAP EPS of $0.09, exceeding guidance [8][16] - Q1 sales increased by 5% sequentially and 22% year over year [17] - Operating margin improved to 11.1%, compared to 9% in Q4 and 6% a year ago [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive sales increased by 3% sequentially, led by e-mobility sales, which rose by 16% sequentially and 31% year over year [17] - Industrial and other sales increased by 11% sequentially and 50% year over year, driven by growth in data centers, robotics, and automation [17][18] - Sales of magnetic sensors increased by 10% sequentially and 12% year over year, while power products sales declined by 2% sequentially but increased by 43% year over year [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales by geography were distributed as follows: 28% in China, 24% in the rest of Asia, 17% in Japan, 16% in The Americas, and 15% in Europe [18] - Distributor inventory dollars declined by 13% sequentially and 28% year over year, indicating a tightening supply chain [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to demonstrate relentless innovation to drive performance leadership in new and existing markets [9] - A new ACL C current sensor was released, designed for XEV inverters, optimizing customer bill of materials [10] - The company is focusing on cost innovation to improve gross margins, with a goal of reaching 50% gross margin in the future [14][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about strong bookings, increasing backlog, and significant orders within lead times [8][16] - The automotive production forecast has been revised to a flat vehicle production landscape, indicating potential recovery [41] - The company expects Q2 sales to be in the range of $205 million to $215 million, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase [22] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with cash of $139 million and free cash flow of $51 million, representing 25% of sales [20] - A voluntary debt repayment of $35 million was made, reducing net debt to $181 million [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the forward demand picture and inventory needs? - Management noted strong bookings and backlog, with discussions about potential future component shortages indicating increased demand [26][27] Question: Can you elaborate on the industrial exposure and clean energy? - The company highlighted a broad industrial market with strong growth in data centers, robotics, and clean energy, despite some softness in clean energy [30][32] Question: What drove the upside in gross margin? - The gross margin exceeded expectations due to higher revenue and favorable pricing dynamics, with a projected drop-through of 75% moving forward [35][36] Question: How do you see automotive demand recovery? - Management observed positive signs for recovery in automotive demand, with increased discussions about expedited delivery from customers [42] Question: Is the revenue guide shipping to true end demand? - The revenue guide does not yet reflect shipping to end demand, as the company continues to under-ship the distribution channel [46] Question: What trends are seen in China? - The company reported strong momentum in e-mobility and noted the importance of the "China for China" strategy for competitive positioning [62][64] Question: When will capital deployment shift from debt repayment to capital return? - Currently, the focus remains on debt repayment as the most accretive action, with no immediate plans for share buybacks or dividends [100]