Release Date: February 06, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Q: You saw strength in large regional this quarter. Could you please expand on how many customers were material in that segment and whether they're buying connected products, passing products, or a mix of both? A: Our large regionals consist of multiple providers, about a handful. It's more project-based and lumpy business. The product lines are predominantly still on passing homes, with room to grow in creating portfolio customers. Approximately three customers are over $1 million in sales.
Q: What kind of visibility do you have going into the rest of the fiscal year regarding customer forecasts, new designs, orders, and lead times? A: We are pleased with the level of quoting activity and customer engagement for the summer build season. Customers are discussing their needs for the year, and we are seeing positive indicators for multi-year projects, providing better visibility into this year and next.
Q: When you talk about growth for the Clearfield segment, are you separating out Nestor when discussing your overall guidance range? A: Yes, we are providing more visibility by separating the US market, which is in a better position, from the European market. We anticipate Clearfield segment growth to be in line with or above industry forecasts, while Nestor is expected to have flat annual revenue.
Q: Can you provide more color on operators initiating new multi-year projects? A: It's more community broadband, with smaller emerging regionals and new municipal or utility projects. We are seeing venture funding and VC capital in this space, with more providers today than a year ago, which is exciting for community broadband.
Q: Regarding the homes passed versus homes connected dynamic, where are we in the process, and what implications does it have for the business? A: We are at a 50-50 split between homes connected and passed. We aim for a 2:1 ratio as more customers use our product lines to connect. Connected home products have a high labor count, improving overhead absorption and utilization of our US and Mexican factories.
Q: Are you seeing community broadband start to build back up, driven by E-ACAM or BEAD customers? A: It's definitely pre-BEAD, with increased quoting activity for BABA compliance and non-government-funded initiatives. The natural supply and demand from privately backed initiatives is exciting and supports long-term business viability.
Q: What are you hearing about the BEAD process and potential changes? A: The program is expected to change, focusing more on direct builds and less on administrative costs. We hope the administration will prioritize long-term infrastructure over short-term solutions, ensuring cost-effective decisions.
Q: Could you give us an idea of what to expect from a gross margin standpoint, and clarify the BABA compliance of the Mexican facility? A: Margins will be volume-dependent, with some one-time benefits not recurring. We expect margins to align with first-quarter guidance. The Mexican facility under Maquiladora doesn't change BABA compliance, as it still requires meeting specific rules.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.