TE Connectivity(US:TEL)2025-10-29 13:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter sales reached $4.75 billion, growing 17% on a reported basis and 11% organically year over year [6] - Full year sales were a record $17.3 billion, growing 9% on a reported basis and 6% organically [8] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter was $2.44, increasing 25% versus the prior year [6] - Adjusted operating margins were 20%, increasing 130 basis points year over year [7] - Free cash flow for the fourth quarter was $1.2 billion, contributing to a total of over $3 billion for the full year [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the industrial segment, reported growth was 24%, with organic growth at 18%, driven by demand for AI and energy infrastructure applications [8] - Transportation orders increased 9% year over year, with auto sales growing 2% organically in the fourth quarter [10][11] - Digital Data & Devices segment grew 80% year over year, reflecting strong demand from hyperscaler platforms [12][13] - Energy business sales grew 83%, with organic growth at 24% driven by investments in grid hardening and renewable applications [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders increased to $4.7 billion, a 22% year-over-year increase [6] - Organic order growth was seen across all regions, with notable increases in automotive and energy sectors [10] - The company expects global auto production to remain stable at 87 to 88 million units in fiscal 2026 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue executing its long-term value creation model, with a focus on growth opportunities in AI and energy sectors [5][9] - A change in non-GAAP reporting will exclude amortization expense on intangible assets, starting in fiscal 2026 [3][21] - The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders while also pursuing bolt-on acquisitions to support growth [9][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong momentum and operational resilience despite an uneven macro environment [5] - The outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 includes expected sales of $4.5 billion, reflecting a 17% year-over-year increase [9] - Management noted that order levels support a positive outlook for double-digit growth in the first quarter [9] Other Important Information - The company will hold an Investor Day event on November 20, where further details on growth opportunities will be shared [4][22] - Adjusted effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 is expected to be approximately 22% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI revenue growth and future expectations - The company generated over $900 million in AI sales in 2025, tripling revenue from the previous year, with expectations for continued growth in 2026 [26][27] Question: Capital expenditures for 2026 - Capital expenditures are expected to increase slightly, supporting AI and cloud programs, with a focus on maintaining a growth rate in line with historical averages [36] Question: Trends by end market and demand changes - The company noted stability in transportation orders and consistent growth in energy, with some challenges in North America [40][43] Question: Gross margin potential and accounting changes - The company is targeting continued margin expansion, with expectations for adjusted operating margins to remain strong [52][55] Question: Market share dynamics in AI - The company aims to compete effectively in a concentrated market, focusing on technology and customer collaboration to gain market share [93]