Semtech(SMTC) - 2026 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 FY2026, net sales were $267 million, representing a 4% sequential increase and a 13% year-over-year increase, driven by data center and LoRa portfolio momentum [5][22] - Adjusted operating margins grew by 180 basis points sequentially and 230 basis points year-over-year [5][23] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.48, up 17% sequentially and 85% year-over-year [5][26] - Adjusted EBITDA was $62.7 million, up 11% sequentially and 23% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5% [23][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure net sales were $77.9 million, up 6% sequentially and 18% year-over-year, supported by data center business [7] - Data center net sales reached a record $56.2 million, up 8% sequentially and 30% year-over-year [8] - High-end consumer net sales for Q3 were $41.9 million, up 2% sequentially and 5% year-over-year [13] - Industrial net sales were $147.2 million, up 3% sequentially and 12% year-over-year, driven by strong LoRa performance [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The data center market is expected to see continued growth, with projections of approximately 10% sequential growth in Q4 [27] - The high-end consumer market is anticipated to decrease by about 3% sequentially, partially offset by market share gains [27] - The industrial end market is expected to remain flat, with growth in IoT systems and connectivity [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capturing growth opportunities in core assets and optimizing its portfolio, including the recent acquisition of the Force Sensing business [6][20] - The strategy includes leveraging R&D resources to expand the portfolio, particularly in LoRa and data center technologies [6][19] - The company aims to strengthen its culture and operational excellence while addressing margin disparities through divestitures of non-core assets [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong demand pipeline for data center solutions, particularly in AI CapEx and low-power solutions [8][9] - The company anticipates a meaningful contribution from LPO in Q4, with expectations of continued growth in the data center business [46] - Management highlighted the importance of power efficiency in their solutions, positioning the company to lead in ultra-power-efficient technologies [18] Other Important Information - The company completed a $402.5 million convertible note offering, significantly reducing interest expenses and improving cash flow [24][25] - The acquisition of the Force Sensing business is expected to enhance the company's sensing portfolio and create cross-selling opportunities [14][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on CopperEdge ramping with lead CSP - Management indicated that CopperEdge is designed into three programs with a ramp expected to start in mid-2026, which will serve as a catalyst for broader adoption among other CSPs [34][36] Question: Size of the ACC opportunity - Management noted that ACC is positioned between DAC and AEC, with significant potential to capture market share due to its power-saving advantages [38][39] Question: Growth expectations for LPO - Management expects LPO to contribute meaningfully in Q4, with a strong ramp anticipated throughout 2026 [46][62] Question: Force Sensing acquisition details - The force sensing technology enhances capabilities for smart wearables and computing, with integration already underway and first products shipped [66][70] Question: Gross margin outlook for ISC business - Management acknowledged that ISC gross margins are expected to be lower due to the mix of cellular modules, but semiconductor gross margins remain healthy [102][103]