Nokia(NOK) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, net sales increased by 3% to EUR 6.1 billion, with an operating profit of EUR 1 billion and free cash flow of EUR 0.2 billion [4][16] - For the full year 2025, net sales reached EUR 19.9 billion, with an operating profit of EUR 2 billion, slightly above guidance [4][16] - Free cash flow conversion was 72%, consistent with guidance [4][16] - Gross margin improved by 90 basis points to 48.1%, while operating margin was 17.3%, down 90 basis points due to increased investments [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Network Infrastructure saw a 7% increase in net sales in Q4, driven by a 17% growth in optical networks [5][17] - Cloud and Network Services experienced a 4% decline in Q4, attributed to revenue recognition timing, but had a 6% growth for the full year [17][18] - Mobile Networks net sales increased by 6%, with growth in the Middle East, Africa, Japan, and Indonesia [18] - Nokia Technologies faced a 17% decline in net sales in Q4, impacted by lower catch-up sales and a EUR 20 million impairment charge [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI and cloud customers accounted for 16% of total net sales and 30% of Optical Networks in Q4 [17] - North America showed strong growth in Network Infrastructure, while Cloud and Network Services and Mobile Networks declined [20] - In APAC, growth was noted in Japan and Indonesia, while declines were seen in India and Greater China [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on long-term value creation, emphasizing AI and cloud opportunities, and has simplified its operating model [4][11] - A new Mobile Infrastructure segment was formed to enhance accountability and profitability [8] - The company is investing in defense-grade solutions and has established Nokia Defense as a new incubation unit [10] - The target for operating profit in 2026 is set between EUR 2 billion and EUR 2.5 billion, with a focus on disciplined execution [12][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term potential of optical networking and AI infrastructure, despite a conservative growth forecast for 2026 [30][31] - The company anticipates a somewhat lower than normal seasonal decline in Q1 2026 due to strong Q4 performance [33] - Management highlighted the importance of clarity in regulatory frameworks like the Cybersecurity Act for future business opportunities [54][56] Other Important Information - The company closed the acquisition of Nokia Shanghai Bell, expecting EUR 200 million in cost synergies [11] - A new head of IP networking has been appointed to enhance focus on this area [47] - The company plans to invest EUR 900 million to EUR 1 billion in CapEx, primarily for optical networks [35][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth expectations for optical networks - Management acknowledged the strong growth in Q4 but guided for a more conservative 10%-12% growth in 2026 due to transitioning from a telco-centric base [30][31] Question: Seasonal trends in Q1 - Management indicated that a slower start to the year is typical following a strong Q4, particularly in mobile networks [33] Question: CapEx visibility and order book - Management emphasized long-term trends and confidence in the market, noting that CapEx investments are aimed at supporting future growth [36] Question: Impact of restructuring costs - Management confirmed ongoing restructuring costs but expects significant savings in the long term [38] Question: North America market dynamics - Management acknowledged headwinds from customer losses but noted positive trends in AI and cloud segments [66][67] Question: Supply constraints in optical networks - Management confirmed supply constraints exist but emphasized ongoing investments to support capacity and capability in the ecosystem [60][62]