Microchip Technology(MCHP) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2026 were $1.14 billion, reflecting a 6% sequential growth and exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $10.4 million [12][13] - Non-GAAP gross margin increased to 56.7%, impacted by inventory reserve charges of $71.8 million and underutilization charges of $51 million [12][13][22] - Non-GAAP operating margin rose to 24.3% of sales, with operating expenses at 32.4% of sales [13][22] - Non-GAAP net income was $199.1 million, translating to earnings per diluted share of $0.35, which was $0.02 above guidance [13][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Microcontroller (MCU) business grew 9.7% sequentially, driven by strong demand for 32-bit MCUs [3][4] - Analog business saw a 1.7% sequential increase [4] - Data center products, particularly Gen 4 and Gen 5, experienced strong sales growth, although from previously depressed levels [3][4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was observed in the Americas and Asia, while Europe remained flat, which is considered acceptable for a summer quarter [3] - The data center market showed the strongest performance, with increased bookings and shipments as inventory corrections occurred [18][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on advanced technology with the introduction of the industry's first 3-nanometer-based PCIe Gen 6 switch, aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure [4][8] - A strategic shift towards high-performance data center products is underway, with plans to expand offerings in the AI and FPGA markets [70] - The company aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce inventory write-offs and underutilization charges in the upcoming quarters [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a softer overall business environment compared to previous expectations, but still anticipates better-than-seasonal growth in the upcoming quarters [25][26] - The company expects net sales for the December quarter to be approximately $1.129 billion, down 1% sequentially, with a non-GAAP gross margin guidance of 57.2% to 59.2% [22][23] - Management expressed optimism about strong bookings and a robust backlog for the March quarter, indicating potential for sequential growth [45][46] Other Important Information - Inventory levels decreased by $73.8 million sequentially, with inventory days down to 199 days [14][15] - The company is undergoing a restructuring plan, including the sale of its Fab 2 facility, which is expected to close in December 2025 [5][6] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the current environment compare to 90 days ago? - Management noted a slightly softer tone in the business environment, impacting guidance for the December quarter, but bookings were strong [25][26] Question: What is the outlook for inventory reserve and underutilization charges? - Management indicated uncertainty in predicting future charges but expects improvements in the upcoming quarters as sales grow [28][29] Question: What is the status of long-term supply agreements (LTSAs)? - Management clarified that they have been flexible with customers regarding LTSAs, allowing them to adjust their requirements without forcing purchases [34][36] Question: What drives confidence in above-seasonal growth for the next three quarters? - Management cited a strong backlog and increased bookings as indicators of potential growth, despite current low lead times [44][46] Question: What is the expected impact of underutilization and inventory write-offs on gross margins? - Management expects these charges to decrease over time, positively impacting gross margins as sales improve [60][62]