Joe Quatrochi

Joe Quatrochi questioned the 3% sequential growth guidance for the semi business, noting that some main customers are guiding for higher sequential growth (high single-digit, low double-digit) for Q1. He also asked if the 50% incremental gross margin leverage is still applicable, considering tariff dynamics, when thinking about gross margin puts and takes over the year.

Answer

John Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer, explained that MKS guides based on its best current view, but ramps can accelerate rapidly, and MKS often exceeds its guidance range. He added that MKS is ramping as fast as possible, and customers would likely take more if available. Ram Mayampurath, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, confirmed that 50% incremental gross margin leverage is still applicable. He noted that MKS mitigated tariff costs dollar-for-dollar by Q4 2025 and is now focused on mitigating the margin impact, expecting volume and the right mix to restore gross margins to 47%.

Joe Quatrochi asked about the discrepancy between MKS's 3% sequential growth guidance for the semi business and some main customers guiding for high single-digit to low double-digit sequential growth for Q1, seeking clarification on the puts and takes. He also inquired if the 50% incremental gross margin leverage is still applicable when considering ramps over the year and tariff dynamics.

Answer

President and CEO John Lee explained that MKS's guidance reflects its best view today, but acknowledged that ramps can accelerate rapidly, noting MKS exceeded its range last quarter. He implied MKS is ramping as fast as possible and customers would likely take more if MKS could ship it. EVP and CFO Ram Mayampurath confirmed that the 50% incremental gross margin leverage is still applicable. He added that MKS's 2025 gross margin would have been over 47% without tariffs, and the company is now focused on mitigating the tariff impact on gross margin itself, expecting volume and the right mix to help return to 47%.

Joe Quatrochi of Wells Fargo asked for clarification on the drivers of Q3 chemistry growth, questioning if it's above normal seasonality due to AI, and inquired if customers are optimizing inventory to avoid tariffs.

Answer

President and CEO John Lee explained that the seasonal growth is driven by consumer products, with AI demand acting as an additive that raises the overall base. He also stated that MKS has not seen customers optimizing inventory to avoid tariffs, believing they are buying to need due to the company's short lead times.

Joe Quatrochi asked about the current stage of the verification and emulation hardware cycle, as well as any considerations regarding memory availability and the impact of DRAM price increases on margins.

Answer

President and CEO Anirudh Devgan explained that Cadence's hardware business is experiencing multi-year record growth, driven by its indispensability for complex chip design. He noted that the Z3 system, with its custom chips, is performing well and gaining market share, with demand only strengthening. Devgan also highlighted overall portfolio strength, including IP, EDA, 3D IC, and agentic AI, where Cadence is gaining share and is first to market.

Joe Quatrochi asked about the current stage of the verification and emulation hardware cycle, and if there are any considerations regarding memory availability or margin impacts due to significant DRAM price increases.

Answer

President and CEO Anirudh Devgan affirmed that hardware continues its multi-year record trend, being indispensable for complex chip designs. He noted that the Z3 system, even in its second year, has ample capacity for future designs and demand remains strong, reflected in the backlog. Devgan also highlighted Cadence's market share gains across hardware, IP, and core EDA, emphasizing the overall portfolio strength.

Joe Quatrocchi asked for clarification on the OpEx dynamics, noting that Q3 was better than expected but Q4 is projected to be worse, and whether this relates to the timing of the Arm Artisan deal closing.

Answer

SVP and CFO John Wall explained that the OpEx timing is primarily related to hardware delivery shifts between Q3 and Q4. He mentioned that a small restructure benefited Q3, and healthy hardware gross margins were seen. The Q4 offset is due to new expenses from recent acquisitions.

Joe Quatrochi asked for clarification on the OpEx dynamics, specifically why Q3 was better than expected but Q4 is projected to be worse, and if this relates to the Artisan deal timing or other factors.

Answer

SVP and CFO John Wall explained that the OpEx dynamics are primarily due to the timing of some hardware delivery shifting between Q3 and Q4. He noted that a small restructure benefited Q3, and healthy hardware gross margins in Q3 are partially offset in Q4 by new expenses from recent acquisitions.

Joe Quatrochi from Wells Fargo sought to quantify the impact of China restrictions on the RPO and clarify if the raised guidance was solely due to China.

Answer

SVP & CFO John Wall clarified that the increased full-year guidance reflects broad-based strength across all geographies, not just a change in the China outlook. He reiterated that while some China orders were excluded from the Q2 backlog, the company expects to end the year with a record backlog and a book-to-bill above one, driven by global demand.

Joe Quatrochi questioned why Advanced Energy's semiconductor equipment business isn't projected to grow upwards of 20% in 2026, given new products and market opportunities. He also asked for the puts and takes of the gross margin guidance, expecting it to be better due to a stronger semiconductor mix.

Answer

CEO Steve Kelley acknowledged the potential for the semiconductor business to grow over 20% but stated the company is not ready to forecast that, awaiting further market development and wafer fab clean room availability. CFO Paul Oldham explained that Q4 gross margin increased 60 basis points sequentially, overcoming tariff headwinds, and would have been over 40% excluding tariffs. He noted Q1 gross margins are expected to be flattish due to similar mix, but opportunities for improvement exist from manufacturing efficiency, reduced ramp costs (especially in dynamic data center mix), and a favorable mix of new products in semi and industrial & medical. Mr. Oldham expressed confidence in achieving over 40% gross margin in 2026 and the long-term goal of 43%.

Joe Quatrochi questioned why the semiconductor equipment business isn't projected to grow upwards of 20% in 2026, considering new products and growth opportunities. He also asked for clarification on the gross margin guide, specifically if a stronger semi mix would benefit the current quarter.

Answer

Steve Kelley (CEO) acknowledged the potential for over 20% growth in semiconductor but preferred to wait for clearer market development and timing. Paul Oldham (EVP and CFO) explained that Q4 gross margin increased despite tariff headwinds due to higher volume and favorable mix. He expects Q1 gross margins to be flattish due to similar mix and data center product transitions, but remains confident in exceeding 40% in 2026 and reaching 43% long-term.

Joe Quatrochi of Wells Fargo asked for the reasons behind the lowered 2025 semiconductor growth forecast and questioned the expected impact of tariffs on gross margins going forward.

Answer

President and CEO Steve Kelley cited several factors for the revised semiconductor outlook: tariff-related shifts in customer ordering, a slowdown in China and trailing-edge logic, and some softness in DRAM. EVP and CFO Paul Oldham added that the tariff impact is expected to persist but is being actively mitigated. He noted that excluding tariffs, gross margin would have been over 39% in Q2.

Joe Quatrochi inquired about the free cash flow targets for 2026 and the percentage of that cash flow the company plans to return to shareholders.

Answer

CFO Thad Trent reiterated the company's stated target of 25%-30% free cash flow margin and expects to be within that range for 2026. He confirmed the plan to return 100% of free cash flow to shareholders, as demonstrated by the recently announced $6 billion share repurchase program.

Joe Quatrochi asked about the significant increase in ON Semiconductor's estimated AI data center opportunity per rack, from $50,000 in 2027 to $105,000 in 2030, and the drivers behind this growth. He also inquired about free cash flow targets for 2026 and the percentage expected to be returned to shareholders.

Answer

President and CEO Hassane El-Khoury attributed the increased per-rack opportunity to new generation architectures firming up and ON Semiconductor's expanded product portfolio, including silicon carbide JFET, vertical GaN, and VCore assets, which address more content within the AI rack. CFO Thad Trent reiterated the free cash flow margin target of 25-30% for 2026 and confirmed the plan to return 100% of free cash flow to shareholders, as demonstrated by the new $6 billion share repurchase program.

Joe Quatrochi asked for clarification on how much of the increased enterprise data outlook relates to traditional server CPU demand and questioned the impact of memory price increases on storage, compute, and PC demand.

Answer

Bernie Blegen, EVP and CFO, explained that the lines between AI, GPUs, and CPUs are blurring, making it difficult to provide absolute figures, but MPS is trending well in both categories. Regarding memory and PCs, Michael Hsing, CEO and Founder, stated that MPS has no capacity constraints and delivers based on customer requests. Bernie Blegen noted that Q4 into Q1 PC demand was expected to be down from a strong first half of 2025, and it's too early to predict the market trend for the rest of the year.

Joe Quatrochi asked for clarification on the increased enterprise data outlook, specifically how much of it relates to accelerating traditional server CPU demand. He also inquired about potential demand destruction in storage, compute, and PC markets due to increasing memory prices.

Answer

Michael Hsing, CEO and Founder, stated that MPS has many new design wins, particularly over the last year and a half, and is winning the market with its power densities. Bernie Blegen, EVP and CFO, noted that the lines between AI, GPUs, and CPUs are blurring, and MPS is trending well in both categories. Regarding memory constraints and PC demand, Bernie Blegen mentioned an expected Q4 to Q1 decline after a strong first half of 2025, but it's too early to predict the market trend for the rest of the year.

Joe Quatrochi of Wells Fargo asked for insights into the Q4 guidance, specifically regarding end market seasonality, such as consumer trends, and whether the previous expectation of high single-digit sequential growth for enterprise data in the December quarter still holds. He also inquired about the first design win for a full battery management system (BMS) solution on a robotics platform, seeking details on its drivers, revenue opportunity, and potential for future wins.

Answer

Michael Hsing, CEO and Founder, stated that predicting market trends is difficult, and MPS focuses on technology development and customer engagement. Bernie Blegen, EVP and CFO, added that MPS's positioning for the second half of the year remains fundamentally unchanged. Regarding the robotics BMS design win, Michael Hsing expressed excitement about the growing robotics market and the system MPS developed. Tony Balow, VP of Finance, clarified that the revenue ramp for this specific win is expected to start in 2026 and, while not a significant needle-mover initially, it signals a wave of future full solution design wins.

Joe Quatrochi asked for insights into the Q4 2025 end market guide, particularly regarding consumer seasonality and the expected sequential growth for enterprise data. He also inquired about the first design win for a full battery management system (BMS) solution on a robotics platform, its drivers, revenue opportunity, and future potential.

Answer

Michael Hsing (CEO and Founder) and Bernie Blegen (EVP and CFO) stated that nothing has fundamentally changed in their positioning since the last discussion, emphasizing the difficulty in predicting market movements. Michael Hsing expressed excitement about the robotics BMS design win, seeing it as a sign of the robotics world taking off. Tony Balow (VP of Finance) clarified that the revenue ramp for this specific win starts in 2026 and is not a near-term needle mover, but signifies future full solution design wins.

Joe Quatroche (Travis on for Joe) asked about the performance of the automotive business during the quarter and its long-term outlook, as well as typical seasonality for the June quarter.

Answer

Ken Rizvi, CFO, explained that automotive is a small, range-bound portion of the business, with R&D and focus shifting more towards enterprise and core IoT/Edge AI. He also noted that historically, the June quarter is expected to be up from March, with the current starting backlog for Q4 being higher than Q3.

Joe Quatrochi followed up by asking for geographical color on automotive demand in Q4 2025 and what is embedded in the Q1 2026 guidance.

Answer

Rafael Sotomayor, President and CEO, reiterated that the inventory correction is largely behind NXP, with Q4 auto returning to year-on-year growth (within 1% of its 2023 peak) and Q1 guided to year-over-year growth (despite only one month of sensor business). He noted no significant regional differences, with Q1 sequentially close to normal seasonality. The thesis on SDVs and advanced ADAS driving multi-year content growth remains unchanged.

Joe Quatrochi asked about the trajectory of KLA's gross margin, specifically if March 2026 represents a low point, and inquired about KLA's ability to pass through higher component costs or reprice its backlog.

Answer

Rick Wallace (CEO) confirmed March is likely the low point for gross margin, expecting it to trend upwards throughout the year due to mix and volume. Bren Higgins (CFO) stated securing memory supply is a priority, and while the memory cost situation is transitory, KLA's pricing model is value-oriented, not commodity cost-driven, relying on new product launches and enhanced cost of ownership.

Joe Quatrochi asked for clarification on the advanced packaging process control intensity, specifically if the 'high teens' figure is accurate and how it's expected to evolve over time.

Answer

CFO Bren Higgins clarified that the intensity is not as high as 'high teens,' stating that KLA's share of the advanced packaging market is around 6% for 2025, up from 1% a few years ago, while KLA's share of the overall process control market is closer to 8%. He expects intensity to continue growing as densities shrink and processes become more complex, augmenting KLA's revenue growth.

Joe Quatrochi asked for clarification on the advanced packaging process control intensity, specifically if the 'high teens' figure is still accurate, and how KLA expects this intensity to evolve over time.

Answer

CFO Bren Higgins clarified that advanced packaging process control intensity is not as high as 'high teens.' He noted that KLA's share of the advanced packaging market is approaching 6% in 2025, up from 1% a few years ago, indicating an escalation in intensity due to changing requirements in high-performance computing. He expects this trend to continue as densities shrink and processes become more complex, augmenting KLA's revenue growth.

Joe Quatrochi of Wells Fargo asked how the increasing diversity of HPC designs impacts process control sample rates and inquired about the specific drivers for the expected record year in reticle inspection revenue.

Answer

President & CEO Rick Wallace explained that unlike traditional nodes with a single ramp, the high mix of designs at the leading edge creates a 'compounding of ramps,' sustaining high sample rates as each new device requires its own debugging and optimization. EVP & CFO Bren Higgins detailed that record reticle revenue is driven by legacy node tool demand in China, requalification needs in high-mix fabs, an increase in single-die reticles, and benefits from print check applications on their broadband plasma platforms.

Joe Quatrochi of Wells Fargo asked how the increasing diversity of HPC designs impacts process control sample rates and inquired about the drivers behind the expected record year for reticle inspection revenue.

Answer

President & CEO Rick Wallace explained that instead of a single ramp, there is now a 'compounding of ramps' as multiple designs enter high-volume manufacturing, sustaining high sample rates. He also noted that the high cost of advanced packages is driving 100% inspection, similar to reticles. EVP & CFO Bren Higgins detailed that record reticle revenue is driven by China's mask ecosystem investment, frequent requalification in high-mix fabs, and the need to inspect single-die reticles against a reference.

Joe Quatrochi asked for insights into automotive growth expectations for the March quarter relative to the continued strength in industrial and data center. He also inquired if automotive customers were showing any propensity to build inventory given recent supply chain disruptions.

Answer

CFO Derek D'Antilio stated that industrial, led by data center, would drive growth in the March quarter, with automotive expected to be flat to marginally down due to Chinese New Year. President and CEO Mike Doogue added that Allegro feels positive about automotive, citing strong bookings, backlog, and design win activity in xEV and ADAS, including in China. Mr. Doogue also confirmed that Allegro has not observed any meaningful increases in inventory at Tier 1 automotive customers, noting that inventory levels remain lean.

Joe Quatrochi asked for insights into the expected automotive growth for the March quarter, contrasting it with the continued strength in industrial and data center segments. He also questioned if automotive customers were building inventory due to supply chain disruptions.

Answer

Derek D'Antilio, CFO, projected industrial to lead growth in the March quarter, with automotive sales expected to be flat to marginally down due to Chinese New Year. Mike Doogue, President and CEO, emphasized strong automotive bookings and design wins in xEV and ADAS, and stated that no meaningful inventory build-up has been observed at tier-one automotive customers.

Joe Quatrochi asked about the forward demand picture, the dynamic between potential tariff-related pull-ins and organic recovery, and the composition of the industrial business, particularly clean energy.

Answer

CEO Michael Doogue highlighted positive business momentum with strong bookings and backlog, noting that customer concerns about shortages stem from real demand, not just tariffs. CFO Derek D'Antilio added that any tariff pull-in impact is immaterial. Regarding industrial, Mr. Doogue explained it's a diverse segment where current strength in data center and robotics is offsetting some softness in clean energy.

Joe Quatrochi asked about the variables influencing ASML's 2026 revenue growth guidance range, distinguishing between ASML-controlled and customer-controlled factors. He also requested an update on ASML's manufacturing capacity capabilities for Low-NA EUV tools, referencing previous analyst day targets.

Answer

Roger Dassen, CFO, stated that the 2026 revenue range is largely driven by customer progress in completing fabs and their ability to take tools, combined with ASML's execution. He explained that ASML has long lead-time infrastructure in place and is gradually ramping up capacity, including hiring and training, to meet demand, with move rates increasing quarter-on-quarter through 2026 and potentially beyond.

Joe Quatrochi from Wells Fargo asked about the variables influencing ASML's 2026 revenue growth guidance range (4% to 19%), distinguishing between factors controlled by ASML and those controlled by its customers. He also sought an update on ASML's manufacturing capacity capabilities for Low NA EUV tools, referencing previous analyst day targets.

Answer

CFO Roger Dassen stated that the revenue range is largely driven by customer progress in completing fabs and their ability to take tools, combined with ASML's execution. He explained that ASML has infrastructure for a 12-month response time for long lead-time items and is gradually ramping capacity quarter-on-quarter, increasing the "move rate" with the supply chain, rather than making an instant jump in units.

Joe Quatrochi asked for clarification on ASML's updated positive commentary for 2026, specifically whether the more optimistic view is skewed towards DRAM or equally balanced with logic, and if the 'more customers benefiting from AI infrastructure build-out' comment primarily refers to DRAM. He also sought details on the puts and takes driving the Q4 gross margin guide, which is better than previously implied.

Answer

CFO Roger Dassen confirmed that the positive outlook for 2026 relates to both DRAM and advanced logic, driven by reduced uncertainty, including tariffs. He explained that the Q4 gross margin improvement is due to higher volume, a mix of good low NA sales offsetting High NA dilution, and a positive contribution from upgrade business in installed base management.

Joe Quatrochi from Wells Fargo asked what specifically changed in customer conversations over the last 90 days to increase uncertainty around the 2026 outlook. He also requested details on the drivers for the expected sequential gross margin decline in the second half of the year.

Answer

President & CEO Christophe Fouquet and EVP & CFO Roger Dassen explained that while a tariff pause was in effect 90 days ago, discussions have since intensified, creating significant uncertainty for customers planning US investments and for overall GDP forecasts. For gross margin, Roger Dassen cited three drivers for the H2 decline: the dilutive effect of more High-NA system revenue recognitions, lower high-margin upgrade revenue compared to H1, and the absence of one-off cost benefits seen in H1.

Joe Quatrochi inquired if Microchip could identify specific end markets experiencing the 'push-pull' phenomenon of strong bookings but delayed delivery. He also asked about the line of sight for 3nm PCIe Gen 6 switch wafer availability for its ramp in the second half of next year.

Answer

President and CEO Steve Sanghi and CFO Eric Bjornholt indicated that the 'push-pull' phenomenon is broad-based across most segments, not specific to any particular end market. Corporate VP of Data Center Solutions Business Unit Brian McCarson stated that Microchip has a healthy long-term strategic relationship with its foundry supplier (TSMC) for 3nm wafers, providing line of sight to needed capacity.

Joe Quatroci asked if Microchip could identify specific end markets experiencing the 'push-pull' dynamic of strong bookings but delayed delivery, and then inquired about the line of sight for 3-nanometer wafer availability for the Gen 6 PCIe switch, given potential tightness at leading-edge nodes.

Answer

President and CEO Steve Sanghi indicated that the push-pull phenomenon was broad-based across most segments, not specific to any single end market. Corporate VP of Data Center Solutions Business Unit Brian McCarson stated that Microchip has a healthy long-term strategic relationship with its foundry supplier (TSMC) for 3-nanometer technology and believes they have line of sight to the necessary capacity to support customer needs.

Joe Quatrochi asked for details regarding Arm's intention to acquire DreamBig Semiconductor, its strategic rationale, and how it aligns with Arm's broader plans to expand beyond its current platform into areas like chiplets or complex SOCs.

Answer

Rene Haas, Arm's Chief Executive Officer, explained that DreamBig Semiconductor possesses valuable intellectual property, particularly in Ethernet and RDMA controllers, which are critical for high-speed networking in data centers. He stated that this acquisition would help Arm broaden its offerings to customers and enhance its capabilities in high-speed communications.

Joe Quatrochi inquired about Arm's intention to acquire Dream Big Semiconductor, its strategic rationale, and how it integrates with Arm's plans to expand beyond its current platform offerings.

Answer

CEO Rene Haas explained that Dream Big Semiconductor possesses valuable intellectual property, particularly in Ethernet and RDMA controllers, which are crucial for high-speed communications in data centers. He stated that this acquisition would broaden Arm's offering to end customers and enhance its capabilities in scale-up and scale-out networking.

Joe Quatrochi of Wells Fargo asked for context on the projection for Neoverse to reach nearly 50% market share in top hyperscalers, requesting last year's share for comparison.

Answer

CEO Rene Haas stated that share was approximately 18% last year. He attributed the rapid growth to nearly 50% to two factors: continued share gains in general-purpose cloud workloads and Arm's move from zero share to 'almost exclusive share' in NVIDIA's next-generation Grace Blackwell AI systems.

Joe Quatrochi sought clarification on broadband connectivity seasonality for the December quarter, asking how this year compares to normal seasonality given past inventory dynamics.

Answer

CEO Kishore Seendripu explained that while seasonality varies, this year is different due to core recovery and strong cable growth. He highlighted strong growth for PON with a major North American carrier but expects overall broadband moderation after 80% year-over-year growth. CFO Steve Litchfield added that CapEx spending, new PON business, and DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades (50% content increase) provide a strong outlook beyond short-term moderation.

Joe Quatrochi asked about MaxLinear's expectations for the data center optical side in 2026, specifically how visibility and the pipeline of opportunities have changed since the previous quarter, given recent AI data center announcements. He also sought clarity on broadband connectivity seasonality in the December quarter, asking how this year's trend compares to normal seasonality, considering inventory dynamics.

Answer

CEO Kishore Seendripu explained that passing the threshold with major data centers on interops has generated momentum, leading to increased design win activity and a positive outlook for optical and wireless infrastructure growth next year. Regarding broadband, Dr. Seendripu noted that while seasonality can vary, this year is different due to core and cable recovery. He expects strong growth from PON due to a major telecom provider but anticipates overall broadband moderation after an 80% year-over-year growth. CFO Steve Litchfield added that while there's short-term moderation due to seasonality, the outlook for the next couple of years remains strong, driven by CapEx spending, new PON business, and meaningful content improvements from DOCSIS upgrades starting in late 2026.

Joe Quatrochi followed up on the IP business model, asking if Synopsys is considering royalty-based models similar to competitors and how time-to-market and competition factor into the shift towards subsystems. He also asked Shelagh Glaser about the appropriate go-forward cash balance for debt paydown.

Answer

Sassine Ghazi, President, CEO & Director, Synopsys, confirmed that discussions with customers for subsystem-type deliveries are in early phases and do include some form of royalty, indicating a need for a different business model beyond NRE plus use fees to capture value from customization. Shelagh Glaser, CFO, stated that Synopsys maintains a minimum cash balance well above operational needs. She expects interest payments on debt this year and principal payments on term loans (due 2027/2028) to begin next year. Glaser also mentioned an upcoming cash inflow from the divestitures of the Optical Solutions Group and PowerArtist businesses once regulatory approval is finalized.

Joe Quatrochi inquired about Synopsys's consideration of different IP business models, such as royalties, to address time-to-market pressures and competition. He also asked about the optimal cash balance for debt paydown strategies.

Answer

President and CEO Sassine Ghazi confirmed ongoing discussions with customers about business models that include royalties for subsystem-type IP delivery, driven by increased customization. CFO Shelagh Glaser stated that Synopsys maintains a minimum cash balance, is currently well above it, and expects to begin principal payments on term loans next year, supplemented by cash from pending divestitures.

Joe Quatrochi from Wells Fargo asked about Synopsys's consideration of different IP business models, such as royalties, to address the demand for customized subsystems and the competitive landscape regarding time-to-market. He also inquired about the appropriate cash balance for managing debt paydown.

Answer

President and CEO Sassine Ghazi confirmed that Synopsys is exploring business models that include royalty components for subsystem-type deliveries, given the increasing customization demands and the need to capture appropriate value. CFO Shelagh Glaser stated that Synopsys maintains a cash balance well above its minimum operational needs, with plans to make interest payments this year and begin principal payments on term loans in fiscal year 2026, also noting future cash inflow from divestitures.

Joe Quatrochi asked about the ICAPS business outside of China, questioning if that segment has started to stabilize or if both China and non-China ICAPS should be viewed as a continued headwind.

Answer

CFO Brice Hill responded that while overall ICAPS utilization remains low, there are 'green shoots' of recovery. He noted a pickup in the industrial side and increased investments in rest-of-world ICAPS during the quarter, suggesting it is a 'space to watch' for stabilization and future growth.

Joe Quatrochi of Wells Fargo and Company inquired about the drivers behind the more positive commentary on the EMEA region and the expected inventory trends for the upcoming quarter.

Answer

CEO Phil Gallagher explained that while they are not celebrating, there is more optimism for EMEA due to modestly returning bookings and a year-over-year and sequential increase in backlog. CFO Ken Jacobson added that inventory is expected to see a modest decline in the next quarter, driven by the EC business, even with sales guided slightly up. Phil Gallagher also noted that Avnet is balancing inventory reduction in certain commodities with strategic investments in other areas to service customers, aiming for inventory days in the mid-80s.

Joe Quatrochi of Wells Fargo inquired about the interplay between Arrow's inventory levels and demand dynamics, particularly regarding readiness for a market recovery. He also asked for clarification on the implied margin guidance for the third quarter, considering the company's ongoing cost-saving initiatives.

Answer

CEO Sean Kerins stated that inventory is down over $1 billion from its peak and the company is at an inflection point where it will invest in working capital to support growth. CFO Raj Agrawal clarified that overall margins are expected to be relatively stable, with mix shifts pressuring gross margins but being offset by productivity savings. Mr. Kerins added that as the mass market recovers, which typically lags larger OEMs, gross margins and operating leverage will improve.