erent (COHR) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 fiscal 2026 was a record $1.69 billion, up 7% sequentially and 17% year-over-year, driven by growth in AI data center and communications demand [22] - On a pro forma basis, excluding revenue from the divested aerospace and defense business, Q2 revenue increased 9% sequentially and 22% year-over-year [22] - Non-GAAP gross margin was 39%, a 24 basis point improvement sequentially and a 77 basis point improvement year-over-year [22][23] - Non-GAAP EPS was $1.29, compared to $1.16 in the prior quarter and $0.95 in the year-ago quarter, reflecting an 11% sequential and 35% year-over-year growth [25] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the data center and communication segment, which accounts for over 70% of revenue, Q2 revenue grew by 11% sequentially and 34% year-over-year [9] - Data center revenue grew 14% sequentially and 36% year-over-year, driven by strong execution and demand for 800G and 1.6T transceivers [9][10] - The industrial segment saw revenue grow 4% sequentially but was flat year-over-year on a pro forma basis, with expectations for improving demand in the future [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a book-to-bill ratio exceeding 4x in the data center business, indicating strong demand and visibility for future orders [10][32] - Strong demand signals were noted for both 800G and 1.6T transceivers, with expectations for significant growth in calendar 2026 [11][45] - The communications market saw Q2 revenue grow 9% sequentially and 44% year-over-year, driven by data center interconnect and traditional telecom applications [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding production capacity, particularly in indium phosphide, with plans to double capacity by the end of the calendar year [12][34] - Strategic initiatives include portfolio optimization, with the recent sale of a product division expected to be accretive to gross margin and EPS [20][26] - The company aims to drive meaningful operating leverage and expects EPS growth to outpace revenue growth [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustained strong revenue growth due to exceptional demand from customers and rapid expansion of production capacity [5][6] - The outlook for fiscal 2027 is expected to exceed the growth rate of fiscal 2026, driven by new product ramps and ongoing demand in the industrial business [6][18] - Management highlighted the importance of long-term supply agreements and detailed forecasts from customers, enhancing visibility for future growth [32][33] Other Important Information - The company is investing in expanding production capacity in multiple locations, including Malaysia and Vietnam, to meet growing demand [14] - The ramp of six-inch indium phosphide production is expected to significantly enhance revenue growth and margin expansion [12][13] - The company is also focused on developing new technologies and products, including CPO and OCS solutions, which are anticipated to contribute to long-term growth [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand visibility and capacity ramp for Indium Phosphide - Management characterized demand visibility as extraordinary, with bookings extending into calendar 2027 and long-term forecasts from customers going out to 2028 [32] - The ramp of six-inch indium phosphide capacity is ahead of schedule, with 80% of the target capacity already achieved [34] Question: OCS backlog and revenue impact - Demand for OCS is strong, with expectations for revenue growth throughout the calendar year and contributions to revenue next year [38][39] Question: 1.6 terabit growth and competitive landscape - Both 800G and 1.6T are expected to grow, with 1.6T ramping significantly in the second half of the year [44][45] Question: Indium phosphide capacity and industry supply-demand balance - Management does not foresee supply-demand balance in the indium phosphide market this calendar year or next, indicating a sustained period of imbalance [65] Question: Pricing and gross margins - The company is experiencing higher input costs but expects internal indium phosphide production to offset these costs, leading to a positive net effect on gross margins [69][70]