Flex(US:FLEX)2026-02-04 14:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the third quarter was $7.1 billion, an increase of 8% year-over-year, with adjusted operating margin at 6.5%, marking a record for the company [4][10] - Adjusted EPS rose 13% year-over-year to $0.87, reflecting strong execution [4][10] - Adjusted gross profit was $690 million, with adjusted gross margin improving to 9.8%, up 50 basis points year-over-year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reliability Solutions revenue reached $3.2 billion, up 10% year-over-year, with adjusted operating margin at 7.2%, up 50 basis points [11] - Agility Solutions revenue totaled $3.8 billion, up 6% year-over-year, with adjusted operating margin remaining at 6.3% [11][12] - Strong growth in data center-related markets was noted, while consumer-related markets showed softness [11][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The data center market is experiencing strong growth driven by AI workloads, with Flex positioned to support this demand through integrated solutions [5][6] - Health Solutions and core industrial markets are also seeing robust demand, particularly in medical devices and warehouse automation [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its global footprint and investing in advanced technologies to manage complexities across industries [8] - Flex aims to be a strategic enabler for brands, helping them navigate complexities and improve performance [9] - The company is shifting towards higher-value, more complex product categories to drive margin improvement [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory of data centers and the overall business, with expectations for continued strong performance [20][21] - The company anticipates further investments in compute capacity due to upcoming AI programs, while maintaining a balanced approach to power and compute investments [20][21] - Management highlighted the importance of speed, flexibility, and resilience in adapting to market changes [8] Other Important Information - The company expects full-year revenue to be between $27.2 billion and $27.5 billion, with adjusted EPS guidance of $3.21 to $3.27 per share [15] - Cash flow for the quarter was $275 million, with a commitment to maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities in Data Center Growth - Management noted strong growth in both power and compute segments, with a focus on investments in both areas [20][21] Question: Operating Margin Ceiling - Management indicated that margins are expected to continue improving, with a focus on higher-margin segments [24][25][26] Question: Differentiation Between Embedded and Critical Power - Both segments are experiencing strong growth, with embedded power benefiting from technology shifts [32][33] Question: Agility Solutions Revenue Guidance - Management clarified that growth in agility is strong, driven by data center-related infrastructure, despite softness in consumer markets [36] Question: Impact of Amazon Warrant Deal - Management stated that the Amazon warrant deal is not expected to materially impact FY 2026 results [40][41] Question: Reliability Segment Margins - Strong margins in the reliability segment are attributed to mix impacts and growth in power and core industrial businesses [42][43] Question: U.S. Manufacturing Trends - Management refuted claims of U.S. manufacturing retreat, citing ongoing investments and customer demand [55][56] Question: Automotive Market Trends - Stabilization in the automotive sector is noted, with growth driven by investments in compute platforms rather than unit volume [60][61] Question: Effects of Rising Memory Prices - Management indicated that memory price increases are not significantly affecting demand in consumer markets, as procurement is handled by customers [63][64]