HPE(HPE) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 revenue reached $9.7 billion, a 14% increase year-over-year, with non-GAAP operating profits growing 26% year-over-year [5][25] - Non-GAAP operating margin was a record high at 12.2%, with non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share of $0.62, exceeding guidance [5][29] - Full-year revenue for fiscal 2025 was $34.3 billion, also a 14% increase year-over-year, with non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share at $1.94 [9][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Networking revenue increased 51% year-over-year to $6.9 billion, significantly aided by the acquisition of Juniper Networks [9][10] - Server segment revenue grew 10% year-over-year, with strong demand for AI systems leading to $6.8 billion in new AI system orders [12][14] - Hybrid cloud revenue grew 5% year-over-year, with approximately 7,000 new customers added to GreenLake [14][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company annualized revenue run rate (ARR) reached $3.2 billion, up 62% year-over-year, reflecting strong performance in GreenLake and software solutions [14][29] - Orders for private cloud solutions increased more than 20% year-over-year, indicating strong market demand [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a new networking industry leader, capture AI infrastructure opportunities, and drive growth in high-margin software and services through GreenLake [7][21] - By fiscal year 2028, the company is committed to generating at least $3 in non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share and over $3.5 billion in free cash flow [8][21] - The integration of Juniper Networks is a top priority, with expectations of approximately $1 billion in annualized structural savings by fiscal 2028 [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand environment, noting an acceleration in orders towards the end of the quarter [6][7] - The company is monitoring commodity cost inflation and expects to pass through most component cost increases while managing demand elasticity [38][75] - For fiscal year 2026, the company raised its non-GAAP diluted net EPS outlook range to $2.25 to $2.45, reflecting strong operational execution [41][42] Other Important Information - The company plans to sell its remaining 19% stake in H3C for approximately $1.4 billion, expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2026 [8][37] - The cash conversion cycle improved to 30 days, driven by strong collections and a decrease in inventory [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: EPS and free cash flow guidance increase while revenue guidance remains unchanged - Management indicated that the increase in EPS and free cash flow is driven by a stronger networking mix and better-than-expected cash flow from Juniper collections [48][52] Question: Acceleration in orders towards the end of the quarter - Management noted that the acceleration was seen across the entire portfolio, with strong performance in networking and Alletra MP storage [56][58] Question: Traction with as-a-service models and impact of Juniper on ARR - Management confirmed that the addition of Juniper significantly contributes to software subscription services, enhancing the ARR growth [63][67] Question: Thoughts on commodity pricing and demand elasticity - Management acknowledged the need for pricing adjustments due to rising DRAM costs and emphasized the importance of demand shaping strategies [70][75] Question: Clarification on seasonality and revenue outlook for Q1 - Management clarified that while there were push-outs of AI deals from Q4 to Q1, the Q1 revenue outlook aligns with historical seasonality [80]