Optical Cable (US:OCC)2025-12-18 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for fiscal year 2025 increased by 9.5% to $73 million compared to $66.7 million for fiscal year 2024 [14] - Gross profit grew by 24.1% to $22.6 million in fiscal 2025 compared to $18.2 million for fiscal 2024, with gross profit margin increasing to 30.9% from 27.3% [15][16] - SG&A expenses increased to $23 million in fiscal year 2025 compared to $21.5 million in fiscal year 2024, but as a percentage of net sales, it decreased to 31.4% from 32.2% [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales increases were noted in both enterprise and specialty markets during fiscal year 2025 [14] - In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, net sales increased by 1.8% to $19.8 million compared to $19.5 million for the same period in the prior year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The sales order backlog and forward load at the end of fiscal year 2025 was $7.3 million compared to $5.7 million as of October 31, 2024, indicating growth opportunities [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company entered into a strategic collaboration with Lyttera to expand product offerings, particularly for the data center and enterprise sectors [5][9] - OCC is focusing on expanding its presence in targeted market sectors and enhancing product solutions, especially in response to the growing demand for cloud computing and AI applications [8][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about growth opportunities in fiscal year 2026, driven by the successful execution of growth strategies and strong positioning in target markets [4][12] - The company anticipates that the data center market will provide significant revenue growth opportunities in fiscal year 2026 [21][25] Other Important Information - OCC recorded a net loss of $1.5 million for fiscal year 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $4.2 million in fiscal year 2024 [18] - The company noted that gross profit margin percentages are heavily dependent on product mix and may vary based on changes in product mix [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the data center opportunity - Management believes the data center markets are strong and will continue to grow, with expectations for impact in fiscal year 2026 [21] Question: Improvements in OCC and markets - OCC continues to see strength in most targeted market sectors, with some project delays but no significant negative impact on growth [22] Question: Potential sales for 2026 and 2027 - Management does not provide forward-looking guidance but is optimistic about potential increases in sales based on expected opportunities [27] Question: Financial metrics behind operational leverage - Management stated that operating leverage results from fixed costs being spread over higher sales, but no specific formula can be provided [29] Question: Seasonality expectations for 2026 - Management confirmed that seasonality impacts are expected in the first and second quarters, although larger orders could alter this [31] Question: Focus on tier 2 data centers - OCC's products are best suited for tier 2 or multi-tenant data centers, with significant growth opportunities anticipated in this segment [32] Question: Capacity constraints - OCC believes it has the capacity to capture expected growth opportunities in fiscal year 2026 [33] Question: Recent hiring and operational expenses - Management noted ongoing hiring efforts, primarily in manufacturing, without significant increases in operating expenses expected [34] Question: Progress of the Lyttera collaboration - The collaboration is progressing well, with expectations for growing opportunities in fiscal year 2026 [36] Question: Lyttera's investment and demand for OCC - OCC cannot comment on Lyttera's specific business plans or announcements [37]