On Thursday, Keybanc analyst Steve Barger downgraded Amkor Technology AMKR from Overweight to Sector Weight.The rerating reflects reduced visibility into demand for mobile phones, automobiles, and consumer products, which stems from fluctuating trade policy.Also Read: ASML CFO Incorporates Tariff Impact In Outlook, Reveals Strong Demand For Advanced EUV And High NA SystemsBarger noted that it could exacerbate the expected gross margin pressure in the first half of 2025 due to a temporary socket loss in its ...

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Amkor Technology (AMKR) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.Amkor Technology currently has an average brokerage rec ...

Financial Performance - Net sales decreased by $185.4 million or 2.9% to $6,317.7 million in 2024 from $6,503.1 million in 2023, primarily due to lower sales in automotive and industrial markets [239]. - Gross profit for 2024 was $933.2 million, down from $943.2 million in 2023, reflecting a gross margin of approximately 14.8% [326]. - Operating income decreased to $438.5 million in 2024 from $470.3 million in 2023, indicating a decline of 6.8% [326]. - Net income attributable to Amkor for 2024 was $354.0 million, compared to $359.8 million in 2023, representing a decrease of 1.1% [326]. - Comprehensive income attributable to Amkor for 2024 was $345.2 million, down from $359.5 million in 2023 [329]. - Income before taxes for 2024 was $431,016 thousand, a decrease of 2.0% from $443,841 thousand in 2023 [411]. - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $355,535, a decrease of 1.6% compared to $362,131 in 2023 [336]. Expenses and Margins - Gross margin increased to 14.8% in 2024 compared to 14.5% in 2023, attributed to the extension of the estimated useful life of test equipment and favorable foreign currency exchange movements [240]. - Operating income margin decreased to 6.9% in 2024 from 7.2% in 2023, primarily due to increased employee compensation costs and start-up costs at the Vietnam Facility [241]. - Research and development expenses decreased by 8.2% to $162.9 million in 2024 compared to 2023, due to the utilization mix of assets shared with manufacturing [250]. - Total operating expenses increased to $494.8 million in 2024 from $472.9 million in 2023, reflecting a rise of 4.6% [326]. Cash Flow and Investments - Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,088.9 million for 2024, down from $1,270.0 million in 2023, primarily due to changes in working capital and lower operating profits [242]. - Free cash flow for 2024 was $359,275 thousand, a decrease from $533,585 thousand in 2023 [282]. - Payments for property, plant, and equipment were $743,796 in 2024, slightly down from $749,467 in 2023 [336]. - The company reported a net cash used in investing activities of $800,324 in 2024, compared to $951,910 in 2023, indicating a decrease of 15.9% [336]. Debt and Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures totaled $743.8 million in 2024, representing 11.8% of net sales, focused on investments in advanced packaging and test equipment [242]. - As of December 31, 2024, total debt was $1,159.5 million, with $236.0 million due within 12 months [267]. - The company expects 2025 capital expenditures to be approximately $850 million, with 5% to 10% allocated for the Arizona Facility construction [277]. Taxation - Income tax expense for 2024 was $75,481 thousand, a decrease of $6,229 thousand (7.6%) from 2023, which was $81,710 thousand [254]. - The effective tax rate for 2024 was 17.5%, down from 18.4% in 2023, primarily due to lower tax rates in foreign jurisdictions [255]. - The total income tax expense for 2024 was $75,481 thousand, down from $81,710 thousand in 2023, reflecting a decrease of 7.5% [411]. Foreign Currency and Interest - Interest expense increased by 10.1% to $64.9 million in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to a decrease in capitalized interest for the Vietnam Facility [252]. - The company performed a sensitivity analysis indicating that a 10% appreciation of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar could result in an operating income decrease of approximately $148 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 [301]. - The foreign exchange rate translation resulted in a loss of $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, recognized as an adjustment to equity through other comprehensive income [303]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets increased to $6,944,328, up from $6,771,125, representing a growth of 2.55% year-over-year [332]. - Total current assets decreased to $3,073,472, down from $3,195,810, a decline of 3.82% [332]. - Total liabilities decreased slightly to $2,761,163 from $2,776,090, a decrease of 0.54% [332]. - Total stockholders' equity increased to $4,149,545, compared to $3,962,308, reflecting a growth of 4.73% [332]. Inventory and Receivables - The company reported a decrease in inventories to $310,910 from $393,128, a decline of 20.94% [332]. - The company sold accounts receivable totaling $158.6 million in 2024, down from $253.9 million in 2023 [263]. - As of December 31, 2024, total unbilled receivables amounted to $210.1 million, down from $260.8 million in 2023 [382]. Shareholder Returns - Total cash dividends paid in 2024 were $178.6 million, with future payments subject to Board discretion [275]. - Cash dividends declared increased to $0.72440 per common share, up from $0.30375, representing a growth of 138.36% [334]. Research and Development - The company has focused on developing innovative packaging and test technologies in high-growth markets, including artificial intelligence [341]. - Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred, focusing on new package designs and improving production efficiency [385]. Regulatory and Compliance - The company signed a Direct Funding Agreement for up to $407 million in government incentives under the CHIPS Act, contingent on meeting future milestones [265]. - The company recognizes that changes in tax laws or regulations could result in increased tax expenses and effective tax rates in the future [291].

Core Viewpoint - The recommendation for Amkor Technology (NASDAQ: AMKR) is a hold rating due to uncertain near-term outlook, competitive pressures, margin headwinds, and weak management guidance for 1Q25 [1] Group 1: Competitive Landscape - Amkor Technology faces competitive pressures from ASE Technology and TSMC, which may impact its market position and profitability [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - The company is experiencing margin headwinds due to underutilization, which could affect overall financial performance [1] Group 3: Management Guidance - Management has provided weak guidance for 1Q25, indicating potential challenges ahead for the company's performance [1] Group 4: Investment Strategy - The investment approach focuses on long-term investments while also considering short-term opportunities to uncover alpha, emphasizing a bottom-up analysis of individual companies [1]

Core Viewpoint - Amkor Technology (AMKR) has experienced a significant decline in stock performance recently, with a return of -12.8% over the past month, contrasting with the S&P 500's +3.9% and the semiconductor industry's +3.8% [2] Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the current quarter, Amkor Technology is projected to report earnings of $0.10 per share, reflecting a decrease of -58.3% year-over-year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate dropping by -66.1% in the last 30 days [5] - The consensus earnings estimate for the current fiscal year stands at $1.47, indicating a slight increase of +2.8% from the previous year, but has decreased by -16.9% over the past month [5] - For the next fiscal year, the consensus estimate is $1.98, suggesting a growth of +35.1% compared to the prior year, although this estimate has also seen a decline of -8.8% recently [6] Revenue Projections - The consensus sales estimate for the current quarter is $1.28 billion, which represents a year-over-year decline of -6.6% [9] - For the current fiscal year, the revenue estimate is $6.33 billion, indicating a marginal increase of +0.2%, while the next fiscal year's estimate of $6.74 billion reflects a growth of +6.5% [9] Recent Performance and Surprise History - In the last reported quarter, Amkor Technology generated revenues of $1.63 billion, down -7% year-over-year, with an EPS of $0.43 compared to $0.48 a year ago [10] - The reported revenues were -1.3% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.65 billion, while the EPS exceeded expectations by +16.22% [11] - Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and revenue estimates three times as well [11] Valuation - Amkor Technology is currently graded A in the Zacks Value Style Score, indicating that it is trading at a discount compared to its peers [15] - The evaluation of the company's valuation multiples, such as P/E, P/S, and P/CF, is essential for determining whether the stock is overvalued, fairly valued, or undervalued [13][14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenue was $1.63 billion, with EPS of $0.43, meeting guidance [7] - Full year 2024 revenue was $6.3 billion, a 3% decline from the previous year [8] - Fourth quarter gross profit was $247 million, with a gross margin of 15.1%, an increase of 50 basis points from Q3 [23] - Full year gross profit was $933 million, with a gross margin of 14.8% [26] - Free cash flow for the full year was $359 million, with total liquidity of $2.3 billion [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced Packaging revenue increased 3% year-over-year, with Advanced SiP reaching a record of $3.1 billion [9] - Communications revenue declined 25% sequentially in Q4, leading to a 7% decline for the full year [11] - Computing revenue increased 13% sequentially and 16% year-over-year, driven by AI GPUs and ARM-based PCs [13] - Automotive and Industrial revenue declined 8% sequentially and 16% year-over-year, with seven consecutive quarters of year-on-year declines [15][16] - Consumer revenue increased 10% for the full year, driven by a new wearable program [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Communications market expected to be muted in the first half of 2025, with flat year-on-year revenue projected [12] - Computing market expected to show mild growth for the full year, despite geopolitical uncertainties [15] - Automotive market expected to see mid-teens growth in Advanced Packaging programs, with a gradual recovery anticipated [16] - Consumer market expected to see mild growth driven by the wearable program and improvements in traditional applications [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Company focused on strengthening technology leadership in Advanced Packaging and expanding global footprint [10] - Secured $407 million in CHIPS funding to support the planned Arizona facility [10] - Expanded partnerships with TSMC and Infineon to support growth in Advanced Packaging and power modules [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted prolonged weakness in Automotive and Industrial markets, impacting overall performance [8] - Confidence expressed in recovering SiP socket in next-generation iOS phones, with expectations for above-seasonal growth in the second half of 2025 [12][19] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strict financial discipline amid a dynamic macro environment [26] Other Important Information - CapEx for 2024 was $744 million, with a forecast of $850 million for 2025 [27][29] - Effective tax rate expected to increase to around 20% in 2025 due to new global tax regulations [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of lower content in iPhone on Communications business - Management confirmed significant impact from the socket gap in Q4, with expectations to regain content in the next generation [34][39] Question: Gross margin trajectory into Q2 and beyond - Management indicated a traditional incremental flow through model, with expectations for gradual improvement as the year progresses [40][42] Question: Confidence in Automotive market growth for 2025 - Management expressed optimism based on a strong project pipeline in Advanced Packaging for Automotive, despite recent declines [45][49] Question: Dynamics with marquee customer and backfilling strategies - Management discussed ongoing ramp with a second customer in 2.5% technology and expansion into RDL-based technologies [53][56] Question: CapEx allocation and priorities - Management outlined that 70% of CapEx is for capacity and capability, focusing on high-performance computing and Advanced SiP [80][84] Question: Tariff impacts on shipments and geographic shifts - Management noted that current tariff impacts are vague, with no significant short-term effects expected [90][92] Question: Full year outlook and seasonal growth expectations - Management indicated that a strong second half is necessary for achieving flat to low single-digit growth for the full year [95][98] Question: Confidence in regaining high-end smartphone socket - Management expressed high confidence in regaining the socket based on established relationships and clear production milestones [100][103] Question: Changes in tester utilization rates - Management highlighted test as an area of opportunity, with plans to expand testing capabilities beyond Taiwan [135]

Core Viewpoint - Amkor Technology reported quarterly earnings of $0.43 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.37 per share, but down from $0.48 per share a year ago, indicating a 16.22% earnings surprise [1][2] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $1.63 billion for the quarter ended December 2024, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.30% and down from $1.75 billion year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Amkor Technology has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - Amkor Technology shares have declined approximately 5.3% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 2.5% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.28 on revenues of $1.52 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.77 on revenues of $6.79 billion [7] - The trend of estimate revisions for Amkor Technology is mixed, which could change following the recent earnings report [6] Industry Context - The Electronics - Semiconductors industry, to which Amkor belongs, is currently ranked in the top 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8]

Amkor Technology, Inc. February 10, 2025 © 2025 Amkor Technology, Inc. 1 Presenter Introductions Giel Rutten President and Chief Executive Officer Megan Faust Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer © 2025 Amkor Technology, Inc. 2 Jennifer Jue Vice President, Investor Relations Disclaimer Non-GAAP Measures This presentation contains certain measures that are not defined terms under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolat ...

Financial Performance - Fourth quarter net sales were $1.63 billion, a decrease of 6.6% from $1.75 billion in Q4 2023[4] - Full year net sales totaled $6.32 billion, down 2.6% from $6.50 billion in 2023[4] - Gross margin for Q4 2024 was 15.1%, compared to 15.9% in Q4 2023[4] - Operating income for Q4 2024 was $134 million, down from $159 million in Q4 2023, resulting in an operating income margin of 8.3%[4] - Net income attributable to Amkor for Q4 2024 was $106 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, compared to $118 million, or $0.48 per diluted share in Q4 2023[4] - EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $302 million, down from $326 million in Q4 2023[4] - Net income attributable to Amkor for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $354,012, slightly down from $359,813 in 2023, with diluted earnings per share at $1.43[20] Revenue and Guidance - The company provided guidance for Q1 2025, expecting net sales between $1.225 billion and $1.325 billion[9] - Full year 2025 capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $850 million[9] - Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $1,629,118, a decrease of 7% from $1,751,811 in the same period of 2023[20] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets increased to $6,944,328 as of December 31, 2024, compared to $6,771,125 in 2023, indicating growth in the company's asset base[22] - Cash and cash equivalents rose to $1,133,553 as of December 31, 2024, from $1,119,818 in 2023, reflecting improved liquidity[22] - Total liabilities decreased slightly to $2,761,163 as of December 31, 2024, from $2,776,090 in 2023, indicating effective debt management[22] Expenses and Cost Management - Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $933,212, down from $943,153 in 2023, reflecting a gross margin of approximately 14.8%[20] - Research and development expenses increased to $162,951 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $177,473 in 2023, indicating a focus on innovation despite overall cost management[20] - The company extended the estimated useful lives of test equipment, resulting in a reduction of depreciation expense by approximately $59 million for the year ended December 31, 2024[20] Market Conditions - The company achieved record revenue in the computing end market, driven by growth in ARM-based PCs and AI devices[3] - The company anticipates continued challenges in the semiconductor industry, including dependence on key customers and potential economic downturns, which may impact future performance[25]

Group 1 - Amkor Technology (AMKR) closed at $25.46, showing a +0.71% change, outperforming the S&P 500, which lost 0.21% [1] - Over the last month, Amkor's shares decreased by 1.06%, better than the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 2.15% and the S&P 500's loss of 1.56% [1] Group 2 - Amkor Technology is projected to report earnings of $0.37 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 22.92%, with quarterly revenue expected at $1.65 billion, down 5.78% from the previous year [2] - Recent changes to analyst estimates indicate a shifting business landscape, with positive revisions suggesting analyst optimism about Amkor's business and profitability [3] Group 3 - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), shows Amkor Technology currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5] - Amkor's Forward P/E ratio is 14.32, which is a discount compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 25.75 [6] Group 4 - The Electronics - Semiconductors industry, which includes Amkor Technology, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 140, placing it in the bottom 45% of over 250 industries [6][7]