Analog Devices reported first-quarter fiscal year 2026 earnings that exceeded expectations, driven by strong performance in its industrial and communications segments, particularly those benefiting from artificial intelligence applications. The company’s results, announced on , demonstrate a continued trend of growth despite some headwinds in the automotive sector.
Revenue and Profitability Surge
Total revenue for the quarter reached $3.16 billion, a 3% increase sequentially and a substantial 30% jump year-over-year. This performance landed near the higher end of the company’s guidance. Operating margin and earnings per share (EPS) also surpassed forecasts. EPS came in at $2.46, up 9% sequentially and 51% year-over-year.
Gross margin improved to 71.2%, a 140 basis point sequential increase and a 240 basis point year-over-year improvement. This was attributed to better utilization, a favorable product mix, and discrete items not previously forecasted contributing 50 basis points.
Operating expenses totaled $812 million, resulting in an operating margin of 45.5%, exceeding the high end of guidance. Nonoperating expenses were $53 million, and the tax rate for the quarter was 12.7%.
Segment Performance: Industrial and Communications Lead the Way
The industrial segment continued to be a key driver of growth, representing 47% of total sales. Revenue in this segment increased by 5% sequentially and 38% year-over-year, with all industrial sub-segments experiencing at least 25% year-over-year growth. Notably, Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and aerospace and defense achieved new record revenues.
The communications segment experienced even more dramatic growth, rising 20% sequentially and surging 63% year-over-year. This growth was primarily fueled by strong demand from data centers and double-digit wireless growth for three consecutive quarters. This segment accounted for 15% of total sales.
Automotive revenue, while still growing year-over-year by 8%, declined 8% sequentially. The company indicated that growth within the automotive segment was driven by connectivity and functionally safe power solutions for Level 2+ Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Consumer revenue, comprising 13% of sales, saw a 2% sequential increase and a 27% year-over-year rise, boosted by share gains in the wearables and premium handset markets.
Financial Position and Outlook
Analog Devices ended the quarter with $4 billion in cash and short-term investments. The company’s net leverage ratio decreased to 0.8. The strong financial position allows for continued investment in growth areas and potential strategic acquisitions.
The earnings call highlighted the company’s ability to deliver broad-based revenue growth across multiple segments, exceeding initial guidance. The strong performance in the industrial and communications segments, particularly the contributions from AI-driven ATE, data center demand, and wireless technologies, were key factors in the positive results. While the automotive segment experienced a sequential decline, the company remains optimistic about long-term growth opportunities in this area, driven by the increasing sophistication of automotive systems and the demand for advanced connectivity and safety features.
The company’s focus on operational efficiency and a favorable product mix contributed to significant improvements in gross and operating margins. These margin gains, coupled with strong revenue growth, resulted in substantial increases in EPS. The reduction in the net leverage ratio further strengthens the company’s financial flexibility.
The results suggest Analog Devices is well-positioned to capitalize on key technology trends, including the growth of artificial intelligence, the expansion of 5G networks, and the increasing demand for advanced industrial automation solutions. The company’s diversified portfolio and strong financial performance provide a solid foundation for continued growth in the coming quarters.
